Visiting Europe in winter brings many advantages! First of all, fewer tourists mean shorter lines at famous places like castles and museums. Plus, hotels and flights might be cheaper, saving you some money.
The snowy landscapes make everything look extra magical, especially the charming Christmas markets. You can try winter sports like skiing or ice skating, and the cities glow with festive lights and cozy vibes. So, visiting Europe in winter means fewer crowds, cost savings, stunning snowy scenes, and lots of festive fun!
Here is a list of the best European cities to visit in winter:
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna turns into a snowy wonderland during winter, attracting people from all over the world. The grand palaces like Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace are decorated with sparkling lights, making the city feel magical.
A special thing about visiting Vienna in winter is its lovely Christmas markets. These markets, such as Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt and Spittelberg Christmas Market, have handmade gifts, warm mulled wine, and tasty Austrian snacks like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. The stalls are all decorated festively, putting visitors in a holiday mood.
Music lovers will really enjoy Vienna. It’s famous for its music history and famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Concerts with classical music happen in big places like the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, giving visitors a chance to enjoy beautiful music.
Besides the culture, Vienna is great for cozy café experiences. Places like Café Central and Demel smell amazing with fresh coffee and yummy pastries. Drinking a hot cup of coffee in Vienna’s elegant setting is a lovely Viennese tradition that’s a must-try.
2. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam’s lovely canals, surrounded by old buildings, look peaceful when covered in snow. Places like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum show off Amsterdam’s history and art in a calm setting.
Winter in Amsterdam is full of happy events and markets. There are joyful Christmas markets at Museumplein and Leidseplein with stalls selling handmade things, yummy snacks, and special gifts. People enjoy Dutch hot chocolate and sweet treats like oliebollen and stroopwafels.
In the city’s famous squares like Dam Square and Rembrandtplein, bright lights and decorations make a magical scene, perfect for walks or carriage rides.
Amsterdam keeps its cultural excitement in winter with theaters and art galleries. You can listen to classical music at the Concertgebouw or see modern art at the Stedelijk Museum. There are indeed many interesting things for which Amsterdam is famous.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
When it snows, Prague turns into a magical place, especially during winter. Famous spots like Prague Castle, the clock at Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge look extra pretty covered in snow. The old buildings with their special styles shine in the soft winter light, making Prague look like it’s from a fairy tale.
One of the best things about Prague in winter is its Christmas markets. At places like Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, there are stalls selling handmade things, yummy Czech foods like sweet pastries and warm mulled wine, and cool local crafts. People can listen to singers and see pretty trees and lights everywhere.
If you want a quieter experience, you can walk through Lesser Town’s snowy streets or the calm streets near Prague Castle. It feels really nice and peaceful, away from the busy parts of the city. And the historic buildings make it feel like a special place.
For people who like culture, Prague has theaters and concert halls with different shows. You can listen to classical music, watch ballet, or see plays. The Estates Theatre, where Mozart first showed his opera Don Giovanni, is a famous place to enjoy Prague’s history of arts.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh in winter becomes a magical place that people love to visit. One of the coolest things about Edinburgh in winter is its famous Hogmanay celebrations. People have big parties and fun concerts to say bye to the old year and welcome the new one. There are parades with lights and fireworks that make the city feel electric and exciting.
At Christmas, Edinburgh has markets with lots of holiday stuff. You can buy handmade things, yummy food, and hot drinks while listening to music. It feels really festive and special, especially with the castle and the Scott Monument in the background.
Edinburgh also has lots of things to do inside during winter. There are theaters with different shows, from old Scottish plays to new musicals. It’s also the best time to visit more than ten museums for free, without the long queues of the high season.
For people who want to stay warm and cozy, Edinburgh’s pubs are perfect. They have warm fires and serve tasty Scottish food like haggis and potatoes. Visitors can also try Scottish whisky while enjoying the city’s yummy food.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a really special place in winter. When it gets cold and snowy, Budapest’s famous places like Buda Castle and the Parliament Building by the Danube River look even more amazing. The pretty bridges, especially the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge with their sparkling lights, are super nice for walks along the river at night.
In winter, Budapest is famous for its Christmas markets. Vörösmarty Square has one of Europe’s best markets. There are handmade things to buy, yummy Hungarian food like chimney cake and warm mulled wine, and happy folk music that makes everyone feel cheerful.
People in Budapest love going to the thermal baths in winter. The old baths like Széchenyi and Gellért Thermal Baths are warm and cozy when it’s cold outside. Sitting in the hot pools with steam coming up is a really Budapest thing to do in winter.
The city has lots of cool things to do, like listening to classical music in old places like the Hungarian State Opera House or seeing art in museums like the Hungarian National Museum.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a nice place to visit in winter because it’s not too cold. Even though it’s cooler, it’s still pretty comfortable to explore without lots of people like in summer.
You can check out amazing buildings made by Antoni Gaudí like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. The lines to get in are shorter, so you can take your time and enjoy these awesome places.
Walking around the old streets of the Gothic Quarter feels special in winter. The small streets and old buildings look timeless, and famous places like Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Reial look beautiful against the winter sky.
Barcelona’s food is great all year round. In winter, you can try tasty Catalan dishes like a meat and veggie stew called escudella i carn d’olla or a yummy dessert called crema catalana. Cafes and bars are cozy places to have hot chocolate or try local wines while feeling the city’s relaxed vibe.
7. Paris, France
Paris in winter is really charming. When it gets colder, the city changes but keeps its magic. The famous places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum look amazing with a sprinkle of snow.
One of the cool things about Paris in winter is the fewer crowds. You can enjoy the beautiful sights without lots of tourists. The lines to get into places are usually shorter, so it’s easier to explore.
Parisian cafes are cozy places to warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy pastries like croissants and macarons. And the restaurants serve delicious comfort food like hearty soups and stews that warm you up on chilly days.
The museums in Paris are great to visit in winter too. Places like the Louvre Museum have amazing art to see and learn about. It’s a nice way to spend time indoors and explore French history and culture.
8. Florence, Italy
One of the best things about Florence in winter is that there are fewer tourists. This means you can explore and enjoy the sights without big crowds. Also, the lines to get into famous places are usually shorter.
The museums in Florence, like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, are great to visit in winter. You can see amazing art and learn about Italy’s history and culture while staying warm indoors.
Florence’s cafes are cozy places to warm up with hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate and have tasty pastries. The restaurants serve delicious Italian food like pasta and pizza that make you feel cozy and satisfied.
Even though it’s cold, Florence keeps its charm and beauty in winter. Whether you’re admiring famous places, enjoying the Christmas spirit, or savoring Italian food, Florence is a wonderful place to experience during this time of the year.
9. Lucerne, Switzerland
During winter, Lucerne, a pretty town surrounded by the amazing Swiss Alps and next to Lake Lucerne, becomes a really peaceful and charming place that people love to visit.
The old part of town, with its old buildings and stone streets, feels like it’s from a fairy tale when it’s covered in snow. Lucerne in winter is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
The snowy landscapes and big mountains make Lucerne look like a perfect picture on a postcard. Mountains like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi have amazing views that you can reach by train or cable car. People can do lots of fun winter things there, like skiing, snowboarding, or walking in the snowy mountains.
If you want to stay inside, Lucerne has lots of interesting things to do. Places like the Swiss Transport Museum and the Richard Wagner Museum teach you about Swiss history and culture. Also, there are concerts and shows at the KKL Luzern (Culture and Convention Centre) that are really fun.
10. Berlin, Germany
The capital of Germany looks really cool with landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and bits of the Berlin Wall covered in snow. Famous places like the Reichstag Building and the Berlin Cathedral look extra nice against the winter sky, making it perfect for exploring.
Winter in Berlin is full of cool markets all around the city. At Christmas markets, like Gendarmenmarkt or Alexanderplatz, there are lots of stalls selling handmade stuff, warm mulled wine, tasty snacks, and people singing carols.
Berlin keeps its culture alive even in winter. Museums and galleries like the Pergamon Museum and the East Side Gallery show Berlin’s history, art, and culture. They’re also good places to stay warm.
Berlin’s food scene is awesome in winter with cozy places offering yummy German food. You can try tasty potato soup or classic dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst in restaurants or old-fashioned beer halls. Also, Berlin’s nightlife is lively with cool bars, trendy clubs, and cozy pubs where you can have fun and meet new people.
11. Ljubljana, Slovenia
In winter, Ljubljana turns into a serene and magical place. The iconic Ljubljana Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, offers beautiful panoramic views of the snow-covered rooftops and the Ljubljanica River below.
Preseren Square becomes a bustling hub of activity during winter. Visitors and locals alike gather here, sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate at the Christmas market and indulging in traditional Slovenian delicacies.
The famous Tivoli Park invites visitors for leisurely walks amidst snow-covered trees and peaceful landscapes. Nearby, there are cozy cafes. Restaurants offer hearty Slovenian dishes like potica (traditional nut roll), delicious stews, or warming soups to savor the local flavors and stay warm.
Nature enthusiasts can venture outside the city for amazing experiences in winter in Slovenia. Kranjska Gora and Triglav National Park, just one hour north of Ljubljana, offer wonderful opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
12. Tallinn, Estonia
The Old Town of Tallinn, which is really special and protected by UNESCO, looks like it’s from a storybook when covered in snow. The old streets, ancient walls, and old buildings like Town Hall Square and Toompea Castle create a magical feeling, taking you back in time.
Tallinn’s Christmas market, especially the one at Town Hall Square, is full of stalls selling handmade stuff, Estonian crafts, warm mulled wine, and tasty treats like gingerbread and roasted nuts. The lights and live music make it a happy place for everyone, locals, and tourists alike.
The city has amazing views from Toompea Hill and Kohtuotsa viewing platform, especially in winter when everything’s covered in snow. You can see the city and the Baltic Sea and feel the peacefulness of snowy Tallinn.
Tallinn’s cafes and restaurants are warm and cozy, serving yummy Estonian food like soups, smoked fish, and special dishes like pork and sauerkraut stew. There are cozy places with fires where you can enjoy Estonian food and feel relaxed.
13. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm in winter feels really peaceful and magical. The city’s group of islands covered in snow looks like a painting in winter. The Old Town, called Gamla Stan, feels like it’s from a fairy tale with its colorful buildings, small stone streets, and old-timey buildings when it snows.
One of the best things about Stockholm in winter is its fun Christmas markets. Places like Skansen Christmas Market and Old Town Christmas Market have handmade stuff, Swedish snacks like gingerbread and warm mulled wine, and pretty decorations. You can feel the holiday vibe in these historic squares.
Stockholm is rich in culture even when it’s cold outside. There are cool museums like the Vasa Museum, where you can see an old ship, and the ABBA Museum to learn about Sweden’s history and music.
There are lots of fun things to do outside during winter as well. Skating or taking walks in Djurgården, a large island park covered in snow, are excellent activities. For visitors who enjoy ice skating, there are great ski areas near Stockholm. Additionally, famous places in Stockholm such as the Royal Palace and the City Hall are less crowded, making it easier to explore and enjoy them.
14. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a beautiful place, especially in winter. The water in the canals can freeze, making the city even more charming. In the main square, there’s a lively Christmas market with colorful lights and festive decorations.
In this season, fewer people visit, so it’s a great time to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Visitors can admire the Gothic architecture of the Church of Our Lady or marvel at the intricate details of the Basilica of the Holy Blood without the usual crowds.
Bruges’ many museums and art galleries offer shelter from the cold, showcasing works by Flemish masters such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, providing a deeper insight into the city’s rich artistic heritage.
For those seeking a bit of winter magic, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or a peaceful walk along the frozen canals, with the city’s iconic swans gliding on the water, creates an unforgettable experience.
15. Istanbul
In winter, Istanbul changes a lot; although it doesn’t snow very often, when it does, the city looks magical The big buildings like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia look even more beautiful with a layer of snow.
People wear warm clothes like cozy coats and scarves to stay comfortable outside. The busy Grand Bazaar becomes quieter, but it’s still a cool place to find special things like pretty rugs, tasty spices, and yummy Turkish sweets.
Sometimes, the Bosphorus river has ice on it, which makes it look amazing. This natural spectacle draws admirers, capturing picturesque scenes of the city’s fusion between East and West.
In small cafes hidden in the city’s streets, families and friends gather to stay warm. Here, the rich aroma of hot Turkish tea and freshly brewed coffee fills the air, accompanied by the delightful taste of warm pastries and sweet treats.
16. Dubrovnik, Croatia
In winter, Dubrovnik becomes quieter but stays just as lovely. Snow is rare but winters are cold and rainy. As the busy summer season ends, the old walls and streets feel peaceful, letting visitors enjoy its history and beauty.
The sea, usually full of boats, becomes calm. You can take relaxing walks along the shore and see the city’s pretty orange rooftops against the blue sea and mountains.
In winter, it’s a great time to explore the Old Town. There might be fewer shops open, but it’s nice because there are fewer people. You can see cool places like the Rector’s Palace and Onofrio’s Fountain without big crowds.
Dubrovnik has cozy cafes and restaurants that serve tasty local food like soups and fresh fish. Sitting in a café with a warm drink and looking at the amazing views from the city walls is a fantastic experience.
