Many people choose to travel to spend their free time. So people tend to look for the best places to spend their leisure time while traveling. There is something to be said for embracing frigid weather, even though many people may believe that warm weather holidays are the only sensible way to enjoy their time off. Christmas magic, the exhilaration of skiing down steep slopes, and the romanticism of sleigh rides beneath icy cold sky all come with winter.
While not all European cities are winter-friendly, some do well when the temperature drops. In this article we bring you best places to visit in Europe in winter. See our list of the best places to visit in Europe in winter, along with descriptions of what makes each one special.
1. Paris, France
Winter is a mild time to visit the City of Light on a city break or vacation to France. The weather may be a little chilly and gray, but the streets are quiet and the popular tourist destinations are a fraction of the spring and summer crowds. Of course, we plan to visit on Valentine’s Day in February to share this most romantic city with lovers from all over the world.
Visit trendy boutiques and Christmas markets in early winter for sparkling Christmas decorations and festive shopping. Warm yourself up with a pint or two of wine or a cup of hot chocolate in one of Paris’ charming cafés during your sightseeing. Or shelter from the elements by visiting the Louvre, the Pompidou Center, the Musée d’Orsay, or Paris’ world-class museums. For another secret adventure, go underground and visit the famous Paris catacombs – home to over 6 million bones!
So considering these reasons Paris is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter.
2. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is one of the best places to visit Europe in winter. Although early December is relatively mild compared to mid-winter temperatures when the thermometer is near freezing, a visit to Bruges in winter is always a multi-sensory delight. Held in late November and December, the Christmas market fills the streets of the old town with the aroma of freshly baked waffles, hot chocolate, mulled wine and mayo-covered fries. Covered in decorations, Bruges is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland full of festive spirit.
There are various activities besides Yuletide. The Belfort of Belfort dominates the enchanting main square of the Markt and is worth climbing its 366 steps for a view of sparkling Flanders. A visit to the Church of Our Lady with a view of the famous Michelangelo statue “Madonna and Child” and the Church of the Holy Blood is a must. Antique hunters head to the Place du Grand Sablon, but the Old Chocolate House is a worthwhile detour to attract shoppers with hot chocolate and hot waffles. A must for beer lovers too – exploring De Halve Maan’s brewery and cellar is a must for a memorable tasting experience.
3. Cologne, Germany
The enchanting city of Cologne should also be added to the list of the best places to visit Europe in winter. Christmas markets fill the streets until December 25. There is no better destination to get into the Christmas spirit. On the river cruise, you’ll have the chance to buy gifts, tree decorations and souvenirs from traditional wooden stalls decorated with twinkling fairy lights. It’s a magical way to get into the festive mood.
It’s easy to forget the cool temperatures by visiting Cologne at the start of the New Year and exploring the city’s many museums. The Farina Perfume Museum is the birthplace of the original cologne, and the Ludwig Museum displays works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. But what is guaranteed to give you a warm glow is the Cologne Chocolate Museum. Enjoy!
More on Animesonnet.com: The 10 Biggest Lakes in Canada, Here
4. Venice, Italy
Venice is a magnificent Italian city, so it’s no surprise that it attracts thousands of tourists during its popular summer months. But you don’t want gondolas competing for canal space or long lines to see popular attractions, so why not visit Venice in winter? It’s around 8°C, but inside the city’s stunning St. Mark’s Church, it’s warm and dry. You can also spend hours exploring the Doge’s Palace or one of the city’s many art galleries.
If you plan to coincide your European winter tour with the Venice Carnival (February 8-25, 2020), you can attend concerts and watch colorful parades. During the carnival, people choose elaborate costumes and masks. To learn more about the traditional art of mask making, head to Ca’Macana, a wonderful shop.
Explore Venice all year round with our guide to things to do in Venice. So considering these reasons Venice is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
No matter when you visit Prague, you’re sure to fall in love with the charming Czech capital, also known as the City of a Hundred Flowers and one of the most walkable cities in Europe. With many churches and impressive buildings of various architectural styles, fascinating history and a maze of cobbled streets, it is an attractive destination for guided tours. But when you come for a winter holiday in Prague in December, January or February, it’s snowing and the city can really become the setting for a fairy tale. With its legendary UNESCO-listed castles towering over it, Prague may be chilly at 3°C in January, but it’s undeniably beautiful.
Prague is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter. Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine, including hearty soups and hearty meatball stews. .
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to go on a winter city break, relax, sit in a cafe and drink hot chocolate, Copenhagen is the best place to go. Danes are so familiar with the concept of hygge (coziness and contentment) that no one blinks an afternoon reading a book by a warm fire or laughing with a loved one. In fact, locals actively encourage the long lazy days of winter.
But that doesn’t mean there’s little to see in Copenhagen in the winter, as there’s plenty to do. The writer Hans Christian Andersen lived at number 20.
Walk 20 minutes north to the iconic The Little Mermaid. Then brave the cold and experience Copen Hot. The outdoor hot tub offers great views of the harbor skyline. All city visitors, young and old, must pay a visit to Tivoli Gardens. First opened in the 19th century, this amusement park features whimsical architectural designs, thrill rides, and musical concerts. Thousands of twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere at night.
7. Krakow, Poland
Poland in winter may conjure up images of bitter cold and abandoned architecture. But the reality is often very different, especially in Krakow, located in southern Poland, just north of the border with Slovakia. Krakow may be cold, its streets often covered in a blanket of snow, but its vibrant culture, sights, and delicious local food and drink are all heartwarming magic.
Once the capital of Poland, Krakow is a medieval city steeped in history. Winter is a great time to visit as the crowds are less, as you can escape the cold at must-sees such as Wawel Castle, a royal residence built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Visit in winter for a glimpse into a delightful fairy-tale world with spectacular views of the Vistula River. Visit the Christmas market in Rynek Gówny (Main Square). Mulled wine is sold their directly from wooden barrels. Or go a little further to Plac Nowy (New Square) and go to one of the many pubs for a warm raspberry or ginger beer.
For adventure and winter sports fans, Galleria Krakowska and the ice skating rinks in Brunia Park is a 15-minute walk from New Square. It costs a few euros to rent skates, but the ice skating rinks are especially attractive at night.
8. Sevilla, Spain
However, an off-season European city escape isn’t just about visiting winter wonderlands. And if you want to escape the cold and damp for dear old you, but don’t want to travel too far, a short flight to southern Spain could do the trick. In enchanting Seville, January temperatures average 16°C, the mercury soars. About 21 degrees Celsius until March. The weather is pleasant for visiting many of the city’s attractions, and it’s also a way to escape the hustle and bustle of summer.
A tour of the city’s cathedral, the third largest in Europe and said to be the resting place of explorer Christopher Columbus, is on every traveler’s itinerary. Don’t miss Metropol’s exotic Paracel, one of the city’s newest creations. This structure is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world and has mushroom-like columns with a height of 30 meters and a wavy honeycomb roof.
9. Budapest, Hungary
Yes, you may need to pack some thermals to keep warm while exploring Budapest. The daytime temperature in January and February never exceeds 6°C. If you accept this, you will have a party. The impressive buildings of the Hungarian capital look even more beautiful when dusted with snow. If you feel cold, take a dip in one of the famous hot springs of the city. One of Europe’s largest thermal spas, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths has outdoor pools, including one with a chess board. You can also go indoors and take a bath. The water temperature here reaches 40 degrees Celsius.
Or see a performance at the Hungarian State Opera. Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are both part of the December programme, with many opera favorites including Aida being performed during the winter season.
10. Funchal, Madeira
Located 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, Madeira is a subtropical paradise on the European side, proving that Britain can still enjoy chilly winter sun and warm weather. Daytime temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius, warm enough for a dip in the pool, but mild enough to meander through Funchal’s narrow streets with ease. Strolling through the Portuguese-inspired architecture, beautiful harbor, and delightful public squares is the perfect way to spend your winter vacation.
Wine lovers will love a trip to Funchal, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Madeira’s famous wines. A unique heating and cooling process creates a unique and enhanced flavor. Without going to the exquisite Palheiro Gardens, no trip to Funchal is complete. This semi-tropical paradise, which is located on a hill overlooking the city, attracts your attention with thousands of species of plants and flowers.