If you enjoy getting cozy, seeing the Northern Lights, and participating in winter activities like skiing, Europe has your winter activity options. However, if you like to avoid the cold, you can escape it. Southern Spain is a great spot during winter as you can enjoy winter sun there. Perfect for those who like to have the best of both worlds.
The Caribbean for Less Than You Think
Up to 65% off + a resort credit + a free night at select Sandals resorts. 8 islands. 17 resorts. All-inclusive everything. See the deals →
You won’t have to wait in long lines to see the attractions and the weather will be cooler for you!
When you travel in winter, being off-peak often means you will pay less for accommodations, flights, and attractions. You will be able to get the most for your money. Europe becomes wonderfully alive during winter with Christmas markets and festive decorations. Notable cities like Prague, Strasbourg, and Vienna are famous for their Christmas markets which are completely unique to this time of year.
Best European Cities To Visit in Winter
The top winter destinations in Europe may vary based on individual interests and preferences. Europe can be easily accessed via air, rail, or even cruise ship. Additionally, there are options such as hidden parts of canals or river cruises in Europe. river cruise in Europe
Do you want to see snow and have snowball fights, or do you want to see sunshine and have fiestas? We have put together our six favorite winter city breaks within Europe based on the winter cultural and charm attractions the cities offer, whether you’re chasing the snow or the sun!
From European cities where you can escape to the winter sunshine of the Algarve, to destinations where you can enjoy fairytale snowy landscapes and visit Santa Claus, we have lots of inspiration for winter getaways.
Vienna Austria
Vienna is a breathtaking city for a winter break. The fairy tale charm takes over the beautiful palaces and spectacular Christmas markets. Take in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and other classical music concerts.
When in Vienna in winter, prepare yourself for some cold weather. Layered clothing is better, since December tends to be warmer, averaging just over 32 degrees Fahrenheit. January and February are way colder, so make sure to dress really warm.
Explore the Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Vienna is a historical city, and many of its historical sites show off its history. Start your journey at the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburgs, and now home to a few museums, including the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. The Spanish Riding School is around the corner, and you can see the classical dressage of the famous Lipizzaner horses.
The historic center of Vienna is a UNESCO World heritage site full of culture and amazing architecture. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, an incredible example of Gothic architecture, and climb the towers for a great view of the city. Be sure to check out the Belvedere Palace which is a work of art in Baroque architecture and has a great collection of artworks by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and many others.
Indulge in Classical Music and the Arts
Vienna is called the City of Music because of its rich history with music. Visit the House of Music to learn about music and its history or attend a concert at the famous Vienna State Opera. Mozarthaus Vienna gives insight into the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as it was once his residence. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture adds to its artistic ambiance. Visit a classic Viennese coffeehouse such as Cafe Central or Cafe Sacher where great thinkers, musicians, and artists have congregated for hundreds of years.
Visit Parks and Find Culinary Delights
Vienna is known for its many green spaces. The Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens is a large site that has a palace and elaborate gardens along with the world’s oldest zoo, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn. The former summer home of the Habsburgs also has a zoo. Another famous place is Prater Park where the Giant Ferris Wheel and an amusement park are located. If you want a quieter place, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) is good for hiking and walking in nature. The food is also great in Vienna.
Sample international and local cuisines at the Naschmarkt food market. You can also visit historic restaurants to try Viennese dishes such as Sachertorte and Wiener Schnitzel.
Munich, Germany
You can enjoy the rich history and beautiful architecture of Munich, the capital of Bavaria. While doing this, you can also visit Germany’s famous Christmas Markets for amazing holiday decorations, mulled wine, and gingerbread cookies. Munich also has beautiful winter parks and museums.
Explore Cultural and Historical Landmarks
As one of the oldest towns in Germany, Munich is famous for its historical culture like the Glockenspiel located in the Marienplatz. While in the square, you can hear the New Town Hall chimes and visit the many museums in the area. The Residenz is a former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs and is filled with numerous lavish rooms as well as the Bavarian Crown Jewels.
One of the most famous art museums in the world is the Munich Pinakotheken, which has art from different periods. Another must-see museum is the Deutsches Museum, which focuses on science and technology. The Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism focuses on the history of the city during the war. For more history, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is an important but tragic piece of Holocaust history. You should also see the Frauenkirche, a Gothic cathedral, which is a landmark in the city. Additionally, the city of Munich has many other sites.
Experience Culinary Delights and Beer Culture
Munich is a place where food lovers can have a field day! From pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel, to sauerkraut, try the traditional Bavarian dishes from the charming beer gardens and local restaurants. If you’re in for a white sausage, a typical Bavarian dish, try the Weißwurst but remember to have some sweet mustard with it! There’s plenty of places to experience the beer culture in Munich, like beer halls or during Oktoberfest (the largest beer festival in the world!), but don’t forget to stop by Hofbräuhaus. It’s a must-try to have a wheat beer and call it Hefeweizen, a classic in Munich!
Find Parks, Green Spaces, and Outdoor Activities
Munich offers a plethora of outdoor activities and green spaces. The Englischer (English Garden) is one of the largest city parks globally, with serene landscapes, walking paths, and the Eisbach River, known for its standing wave, popular among surfers. The Nymphenburg Palace Gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Visit the serene Lake Starnberg just outside Munich for swimming, sailing, and relaxation. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Bavarian Alps, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the Capital of Hungary and is known for its stunning architecture as well as its thermal baths. The city has one of Europe’s most highly-rated Christmas markets, which just adds to the winter charm.
Find History and Architecture
Budapest is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. Take a visit to Buda Castle, perched on Castle Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the castle complex, including the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. Nearby, you’ll find Matthias Church, an iconic Gothic church with colorful roof tiles. You can also stroll along the Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace with fairytale-like turrets and beautiful views.
Cross the iconic Chain Bridge to Pest and visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, an impressive Neo-Gothic structure along the Danube River.
Along here, you will find the Shoes on the Danube, which are a memorial and a monument to the Hungarian Jews who, in the winter of 1944-1945, were shot on the banks of the Danube River by the members of the Arrow Cross Party. Take a walk along Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with grand 19th-century buildings leading to Heroes’ Square. Explore the Jewish Quarter, home to Europe’s largest synagogue and the poignant Holocaust Memorial.
Experience the Cultural and Arts Scene
Budapest has a vibrant cultural and arts scene. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a world-class opera or ballet performance. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian National Museum house remarkable art and history collections.
The House of Terror Museum offers a poignant look at the city’s 20th-century history. Enjoy a classical music concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica or one of the many charming chamber music venues. Budapest’s pubs built from ruins, like Szimpla Kert, are unique nightlife experiences set in abandoned buildings filled with eclectic decor and live music.
Explore Culinary Delights and Outdoor Activities
Sample traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), and Hungarian wine in a local restaurant or market. Try a traditional Hungarian pastry, rétes (strudel), with coffee in one of the city’s charming coffeehouses or street stalls. Take a leisurely cruise on the Danube River in the evening to enjoy breathtaking views of illuminated landmarks. For outdoor enthusiasts, Margaret Island is a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a bike ride or a relaxing picnic. Explore City Park, which houses Vajdahunyad Castle, the Budapest Zoo, and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the city’s famous bathhouses, and Gellért Baths is known for its Art Nouveau design.
You might want to think about these other European cities during winter:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Salzburg, Austria
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Bruges, Belgium
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Amsterdam
- Venice, Italy
- Paris, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Best European Cities To Visit in Winter for Summer Sun
Save your winter months from the dreary cold and escape to Europe to soak up summer sun! Check out our list of the best summer destinations in Europe.
Malaga, Spain
The Costa del Sol has the beautiful city of Malaga which has a great Mediterranean climate. Malaga is southern Spain’s Andalusia region. Skiing at the Nerja mountains can be done and after relaxing at the beach. Malaga has a lot of history and culture so it is a great winter break. Its destination has great temperatures even in winter.
Hike up to the Alcazaba
In the center of the city, you will find the magnificent Moorish fortress Alcazaba, that shows the historical importance of Malaga. This construction has preserved walls, beautiful gardens, and details about the history of the city. Close to this monument, Gibralfaro Castle, which is also a castle, allows you to see views of the beautiful Spanish Port of Malaga. You can go there hiking, or you can take a bus.
Catch the Sun in Malaga’s Old Town and Museums
Exploring the historic center of Malaga is an experience like no other. The Plaza de la Constitución and the winding roads and charming squares and the buildings up to you in the city’s historic charm.
Art lovers must visit the Picasso Museum because it is in Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, and it has a large collection of his work that highlights the stages of his artistic development. Another treasure of architecture in the old town is the Malaga Cathedral, also known as ‘La Manquita.’ It is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, with a rich history and detailed artistry.
Find Shopping and Dinner in Malaga
Calle Larios is a great option for those wanting to shop. It is really lively and good for people watching. Another great place to eat in Malaga is Atarazanas Market. You can find fresh local fruits and vegetables, seafood, and classic Spanish Tapas.
For some relaxation, swimming and sunbathing, and dining beachside, try the restaurants at Malagueta Beach. You may also visit the Paseo del Parque, a calm botanical garden located in the city center, and enjoy a moment of leisure away from the city hustle and bustle.
Alicante, Spain
The Mediterranean Community of Valencia has Alicante on the Costa Blanca, which has a Mediterranean climate with a warm microclimate. This means that in the winter it is a perfect place to go if you want to have a lot of sunshine. You can visit the beaches and also the historic castle.
Head to the Beach
Alicante has beautiful beaches like Playa del Postiguet. From the beautiful streets you can walk down to the golden sands and clear waters. Also check out San Juan Beach a little north for more water sport activities. There are smaller beaches close by like Cala del Morro Blanc and Cala del Cantalar.
A walk in along the palm trees that line the waterfront the Explanada de España is a relaxing way to spend part of your day.
Visit the Historical and Cultural Sites
Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the higher buildings in Alicante above Mount Benacantil and is visited by many tourists. Visitors can experience an elevator that is actually built into the mountain, which gives them the ability to see panoramic views of the entire city and the ocean.
The Explanada de España is a location where you can find many of the top ranked restaurants and cafes in the city as well as a few of the many religious buildings in the city such as the Santa Maria Basilica and the Santa Iglesia Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari de Alicante.
Indulge in Gastronomy and Nightlife
Alicante has one of the best nightlife scenes in the region, and has a strong focus on seafood and rice dishes in their gastronomy. Aside from locally caught fish, paella and arroz a banda (rice with seafood) should also be tried. For a more authentic experience, eat at a chiringuito (a beach bar restaurant) that is located at the beach.
The nightlife in the city is very active as there are a lot of venues for live music, bars, and clubs. El Barrio, which is part of the old town, has a lot of nightlife options in addition to some tapas bars and cocktail bars. Since Alicante is one of the oldest regions to produce wine in the world, the local wines should be sampled.
Pathos, Cyprus
Throughout the whole year, Cyprus has mostly clear skies, pleasant weather, and warm temperatures, sometimes exceeding 25\u00b0C in late November and early February. There is plenty of opportunity for sunbathing and light winter walks by the beautifully located beaches, while also visiting some of the numerous historic monuments or strolling along the waterfront promenade.
Paphos is located in the southwestern part of Cyprus and is one of the oldest cities on the island.
Marvel at the Archaeological Sites
The archaeological heritage of Paphos is world famous, and so, as they say, no one can say they have been there if they haven\u2019t been to the Paphos Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, from the ancient Roman ruins, one can see the wonderfully conserved mosaics of the House of Dionysus. Engraved in a rock necropolis, the Tombs of the Kings provide an insight into the ancient burial traditions of the city.
Moreover, the Paphos Castle located on the harbour is a major historical site and also hosts a number of cultural events and exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum of Paphos contains a number of artifacts and also provides a glimpse into the daily life of the city in ancient times.
Find Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Paphos offers stunning views from every angle. Nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the short drive to Akamas Peninsula. You can explore this protected area through and enjoy hiking, a rugged coastline, and plenty of wildlife. While in Akamas, you can visit Lara Bay. This area is especially known for being a sea turtle nesting area. Boat tours and snorkeling are available to view the sea turtles. Water sports and sunbathing are popular at Coral Bay and Paphos Beach. Off-road adventures and Jeep safaris can be enjoyed in the Akamas region.
Explore Vibrant Dining and Entertainment
There are lots of restaurants in Paphos, and they serve both international and local Cypriot cuisines. Local tavernas often serve meze and have live music. Meze is a traditional meal made up of several small plates. You can walk along Paphos harbor and choose from many restaurants and cafes. You can view the sea from the terraces of the cafes.
There’s plenty to do after hours in Paphos. With clubs and live music venues, there’s something for everyone. You can find fun and entertainment for a high energy night out, or a more mellow option to relax and wind down.
European cities worth a visit in the winter for some summer sun include:
- Nice, France
- Valletta, Malta
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Palermo, Italy
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Limassol, Cyprus
- Rhodes, Greece
Ultimately, the best European city to visit in winter depends on what you enjoy. Do you want to explore historic sites? Participate in some winter sports? Or do the holiday markets entice you? If you want to escape the cold winter weather and would rather feel the summer sun, you can travel to the Mediterranean, where the weather is warmer.
You should think about taking a trip to Europe in the winter as there are plenty of benefits. It is essential to prepare for colder temperatures a nd shorter days. This means in your activities and travel information.
This article was first published at Wealth of Geeks.
