Or you could do even better with a boat cruise. As the locals say, the days may be short, and the nights may be long, but it looks a lot like daytime with a bright full moon. Dont forget an umbrella, it may be winter, but the temperature varies in Budapest. Dublin to Madrid, from 36 return*. Estonia is probably not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about cheap winter getaways in Europe in December. Best hikes in Europe. On our grand tour of the Alps, we visited Austria and Switzerland, so it only allowed us to stop by the country sandwiched right in between the two. As you can see winter comes in many guises in Europe and I am sure one of these winter destinations has your name written all over it. Whether you're looking for the best price on international airfare , luxury car rentals in Europe , or even a long-term rental for an extended vacation, Auto Europe has you covered with . Distance from NYC: 4 hours. The city becomes like a fairytale town with a Santa Clause, Christmas markets, ice sculptures and lots of lights and decorations. January is a warm and cozy month in Bruges, Belgium. Now theyve discovered more iron underneath the city. Its also only a two-hour ferry ride away from Helsinki! #4 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe. All Rights Reserved. If you're looking for somewhere oozing in romance and poetic beauty - then . At the milder end of the scale is the chance to head up into the mountains, visiting peaks like Eiger and Jungfrau. Its a much more enjoyable experience when youre able to relax a little and take in the sights of Paris without crowds or the pickpockets big cities can have. If youre feeling energetic, consider hiking your way up to the Hallstatt Skywalk high above town for even greater sweeping views. Best weekend getaways Europe. Anaway Place is hands-down the best cabin resort in Wisconsin. Thats honestly an attitude we should all aspire to have. Bruges is easily one of the best cities in Europe to visit in the winter. There are few tourist destinations in the world more popular than the floating city of Venice. Milan has the reputation of being an expensive city, but as a matter of fact, there are plenty ofplaces to visit in Milan for free. Surely, they know the best way to survive through winter and come out on the other side. The Telegraph compared visiting Saint Petersburg in winter to stepping into a Russian novel. Now, who wouldnt want to experience that? The mountain and town are big enough to have some fun in, but also small enough to let your children run wild and free! Its really just one postcard moment after another that results in this epic destination. 4. This Swedish city north of the arctic circle doesnt hibernate in winter; it thrives. Its hard to imagine the citys main square, the Markt, looking even more delightful, but Christmas lights will do it. The tiny mountain village of Grindelwald provides perfect access to two ski areas andnumerous hiking trails. Imagine an enchanting medieval town sprinkled with snow and theres a good chance youre picturing Strasbourg. Winter Weekend Getaways in Canada. Besides spending time with Father Christmas, Rovaniemi has other activities too. #13 in Best Weekend Getaways for 2023. Lanzarote has a favourable microclimate and more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year, a record in Europe. Not every destination is suited to winter, but for those that are, theres unlikely to be a better time to visit. Its coined the title Capital of Alps, and its easy to understand why once you set foot in the city. Great big capitals can be great to visit in winter, but their smaller, cuter siblings can be too. Even one look at the magnificent parliament building illuminated at night will convince you of that. Of course, there is also beauty in the season itself: James Joyces short story The Dead even pays tribute to the citys snow-covered graveyards. Christmas also brings a cycle of concerts to the city, some in the squares, others in theatres and churches. 10. Sitting at the foot of the countrys iconic Matterhorn mountain, this impossibly gorgeous resort town has an abundance of serious skiers, fresh powder, and epic views from the lifts. Whatever you choose, when you get back you can warm up again and indulge in Swiss treats like cheese fondue. No, its how close you are to the poles and the long nights that provide the best conditions for making out this magical light display. 2023 Road Affair, LLC. This, combined with the fact that thecity is naturally beautiful with medieval towers, ancient walls, a stunning old town, and cobbled streets, make it extremely photogenic and one of the best winter destinations. And whether its out at the Christmas markets or inside a warm beer cafe, theres beer and gluhwein to drink and frites and waffles to devour. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. My favorite place to stay in Reykjavik is theCenterHotel Midgardur. You can also work up a sweat skiing in Pentland Hills Regional Park or walking among the winter-flowering plants at the Royal Botanic Garden. Bergen, Norway. Afterward, return to your very own log cabin, bookable through Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi. The Danes love their hygge, and the onset of short and cold days pairs perfectly with that mood of cosy comfort. Minimal tourists also mean minimal pickpockets, which are notorious for targeting visitors at popular Parisian attractions. 30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways, The Travel Basics Our Readers Keep Buying From Amazon, You Can Still Book Cheap Flights to These Popular Spring Break Destinations. Up above the city, you can take advantage of the ample snowfall with both downhill and cross-country skiing. Europe is especially well known for its Christmas markets, and if Germany is considered to have the best, then the best of the best is found in the city of Nuremberg. Sitting isolated by a lake, this small Austrian town is dwarfed by the nearby Alps that look like their truest self when gleaming with white snow. Europes best-preserved medieval city is also one of its most bewitching, especially during the holiday season. In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites which is not surprising. While Florida is home to a variety of affordable winter destinations, Key West is popular with partiers as well as those who love beautiful beaches and sunsets, art galleries, and water sports.. Where to Stay: Lime Tree Bay Resort is known as one of the best . Best Places to Visit in Europe in January- Bruges, Belgium. Helena Bradbury September 4, 2020. PanEvo restaurant makes the best one in town! Another fantastic place to spend winter in Europe is this Polish City. The 11th edition of the festival will launch on December 1, with the theme Imagine Beyond promising more creative pieces of art than ever. It is also dark and gloomy during the winter months, but I promise it will be worth it once you see the frozen canals and royal palaces covered in snow. And while other island destinations tend to close down during winter, you can be sure the Canaries will truly be open for business. Annecy is a cheese-lovers dream, and local cheese-based specialtiestartifletteandraclettewill feature on many menus. 1. Best Travel Bucket List ideas! Positioned among Austrias Alps in Tyrol, this city is made to be a winter destination. Even though Austria and Innsbruck are quite popular during the winter months, the sheer number of winter resorts in and around Innsbruck means you shouldnt have trouble finding somewhere to stay for your winter getaway. After all, it seems fitting to visit somewhere nicknamed La Serenissima at its most serene. (Seriously, how good does a warm mug of real hot chocolate in a riverside Belgian caf sound?). Have you ever wondered what it would be like barely having to line up to enter the Muse du Louvre or not having to brave a snaking queue to ascend the Eiffel Tower? The picturesque Lake Bled, a refreshing Alpine lake, is located in the north of the country - between glittering mountain peaks. Fewer tourists lead me to the next benefit of visiting Paris during winter. This is the jewel of the ski scene in the Trentino region and is a must-visit place while spending winter in Europe. This charm is what continues to draw regulars from around the world year after year. The city doesnt just endure the winter, but locals embrace and celebrate it with the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival. You could have snow one day and the next day rain. Aside from being perhaps the best place to spend Christmas (the town claims to be the official hometown of Santa Claus, after all), Rovaniemi is packed with reindeer farms, husky sledding, ice skating rinks, and Northern Lights safaris that make it a must-visit for adventurous families. In the square, youll find the impressive Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Marys Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Small group tour to Mt. It is tucked away on a quiet side street, only a five-minute walk to Dlouh Street. The Christmas markets are always something special. Alternatively, winter brings with it some important dates and celebrations, like Christmas and New Years Eve. Fill up on homemade sausages and brandy, then schedule a day trip to nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park to see the 16 terraced lakes and waterfalls completely frozen overan imagination-defying landscape that simply must be seen in person. 6. Stollen is a traditional fruit cake coated with a mixture of powdered sugar and butter. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. There are warm-weather devotees among us too quick to skip a visit to Europe in winter, instead holding out for the sun-kissed beaches of summer. Here are the must-see places in Europe in winter. If you dont plan to visit around Christmastime, dont worry, there are plenty of other things to do, like walk around the old town, stroll into the Salzburg cathedral, and see Mozarts Birthplace! Read on for 21 European citiesand a few villages, if were getting technicalthat we think are best when the temperature drops. If you fall into that camp, there's no shortage of places to seek out in December for a warm-weather getaway. Once youve adjusted to life north of the Arctic Circle, head to the untouched wilderness of Luosto to snowshoe and watch the Auroras light up the sky. Few cities in Europe feel as forward-thinking as Helsinki. Start by wandering the elaborate canal network, lined with narrow, pleasingly wonky townhouses with gabled facades, a legacy of Amsterdam's . On the other hand, if you're looking for weekend getaways in Iowa for couples, Dubuque has plenty of destinations for you as well. If I were to pick the best time to visit Iceland, it would certainly be in the winter. Shopping is also a pleasure, whether you prefer element-proof shiny malls, traditional independent shops, indoor markets, unique boutiques, treasure trove antique shops, or quirky shopping centers with concept and design stores, such as Embaixada. For those excited about the coming of Christmas, why wait for Santa Claus to come to you when you can go to him instead?! Its as posh as posh gets in Italy, and youll quickly notice it when you walk around the town center and pass the Louis Vuitton and other high-end shops. Funny thing is, Prague is just as compelling during winter and has a fraction of the tourists. If snowshoeing isnt for you, the area also has downhill and cross-country skiing. Weve visited Edinburghs epic Hogmanay Festival for New Year. Youtube. Then engineers and artists build the entire structure from scratch. This was my experience and a sign of what you can expect in the winter months, especially after New Years and before Easter. Beautiful in every season, Bruges is extra special during the winter when it is home to one of thebest Christmas markets in Europe,and the Old Town transforms into a festive wonderland complete with a Christmas village in the town square. There is a magical fairytale-like quality as lights are displayed along the streets in a wonderfully festive scene. Walking through town doesnt take all that long, but youre sure to find yourself stopping every few steps to admire the view in front of you. Who doesnt love the winter season? Saint Petersburg is located on the Neva River, which is notorious for wind chills. Another fantastic place to spend winter in Europe is this Polish City. Whatever it is you choose, Saint Petersburg will not disappoint. But were here to make the case for embracing snowy weather and making the most of the coldest season. Apart from the usual sightings - the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc De Triomphe, you find few of the . Areas like Brera, Porta Ticinese, and Isola are great places for a spot of pre-Christmas shopping. Snow is not unheard of and the mountainous regions in Central and Northern Greece often see a light dusting of snow. Some places just seem made for visiting in winter, like the resort town of Interlaken in Switzerland. Dont feel like you have to stay indoors to enjoy the season, though. So, whether its wandering the Gothic Quarter or sampling tapas, a winter city break here is a great idea. The largest market on Altmarkt square is also the oldest in Germany. The sinking city is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges. We stayed here after our campervan trip around the Ring Road, and it was nice to be in a comfortable bed and with a hot shower after ten days of sleeping in a van. It hosts 14 Austrian Christmas markets and adds the snow, a special atmosphere to the rather old, traditional, and sleepy city. Temperatures might drop to 3C/37F at nighttime, but with a warm winter coat, a beanie, and mittens, you're set for the perfect Paris itinerary. Woolverton Inn. The Christmas markets here are almost identical to those in German and Austrian cities and are well worth a visit! Average rate: $70 a night - Book here. Here you can soak in the outdoors, letting the toasty mineral waters work their magic. Best weekend getaways Europe winter. There is also a bus-ferry combination that goes from Copenhagen Ingerslevsgade Bus . Our favorite street, Novy Svet, is a vintage wonderland of embellished doorways specifically crafted to distinguish its residences from one another. Mackinac Island Is A Perfect Romantic Getaway. Yes, it's technically a village, but nowhere fits the phrase storybook setting better than Hallstatt, which sits pretty on the shores of Austrias Hallsttter See (about an hours drive east of Salzburg). Love or hate Venice; there is no denying its popularity. If you love hitting the slopes, then youll be spoilt for choice as there are over 120kms of runs. Northern Norway is mainly coastal and comprised of a mix of mountains and islands. Figuring out where to go for a girls' trip, though, can be tricky, especially if you have to manage different vacation styles, personalities, and scheduleswhich is exactly why we compiled a list of the . You may not have heard of Malbun as a place to spend winter in Europe, heck, you probably havent heard of Malbun at all, but I guarantee you its a beautiful secret waiting to be explored. Here you can sip glogg by the fire, eat cloudberry ice cream and smoked salmon, and take in views of the snow-blanketed forests from your warm bed. Although European summer is great, there's nothing quite as magical as exploring the cosy European old towns and cute cobbled streets with a warm cup of coffee or glogi and perhaps even a dusting of snow. And if the geothermal pools dont do the trick, the local Icelandic schnapps ought to warm your bones. Just 2 hours from Boston, Lincoln is an enjoyable place for those who like to spend time outdoors, especially in winter. Youll sit on it, youll drink from it, and youll sleep on it. But the city also has some of Europes best Christmas marketsoutside of Germany, at leastwhere even the most jaded traveler will succumb to the trdelnk (fried dough) and mulled wine sold in festive stalls. Meanwhile, Thessaloniki averages fall between 1 and 8 C. Whether youre into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone. Just because its the coldest time of year doesnt mean its not a good time to travel Europe. A true city of culture, not only do you get to see this fantastic city, but you get to experience New Years Eve the Spanish way. Unlike other seasons, winter can completely transform a place and create a visiting experience that you just cant get at other times of the year. Follow my blog at Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest. Plus, no matter your skill level, you'll find something your speed. 2. Fewer tourists competing for limited space means you can spend less time wasting your day lining up and more time exploring the museums and other popular attractions that make Paris such a desirable winter destination. Irelands capital is one of our favorite places to visit in winterand not just because of all those cozy little pubs. We love the fact that you can be in a beautiful medieval old town and then within minutes places you in the heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air. It may not be the most popular European city break in winter (or any season), but you won't regret spending one or two days in Cologne. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, narrow cobbled streets weave through its center linking the canals, hidden squares, and colorful houses of this beautiful old town. But what makes Hallstatt so special is its combination of majestic landscape and delightfully quaint alpine houses. The trees are transformed into natures best interpretive ice sculptures while the hues of the northern lights dance overhead. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Stay at winter resorts 'near me' today. If you were to ask us, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, especially in the winter. Combining snowshoeing with hiking, a seven-day guided winter walking tour from Purely Pyrenees will take you deep into the park, returning each night to a traditional hotel in the mountain village . Charming wooden homes line the streets at the foot of the Dolomites. Beautifully handcrafted decorations from the nearby Erzgebirge mountains can be taken home as souvenirs. Best winter city breaks in Europe. The views of the lake from Annecy town, set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Alps in winter, are particularly magnificent. The town is easily walkable and has numerous companies offering trips to explore the forests and trails all around, whether by snowmobile, dog sled, or reindeer sleigh. A tiny village in Swedish Lapland, Abisko sits north of the Arctic Circle, so you can bet its going to be frightfully cold if you visit in winter. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Lisbon, Portugals capital city, is a very warm place in Europe in December. Generally speaking, the further south you go, the warmer it gets. It's an incredible place worth visiting at least once in your life if you can. Helsinki is a beautiful city to explore, full of things to do and delicious food to eat. Its a beautiful city full of historic buildings and palaces. We love the Hotel Acacia, located next to the main square, with its resident parrot, Coco, who greets guests upon arrival at the hotel! There are many great options for a weekend getaway in Europe during the winter. Maybe the only downside is that you wont be able to experience a canal cruise during winter, but a trip along the cobblestones in a horse carriage is a nice alternative. There are a handful of Iceland festivals in the wintertime, like the Dark Music Days in January and Rainbow Reykjavik in February. Travelers can enjoy the citys Michelin-starred restaurants, buzzing nightclubs, and edgy museums well into the new year, sans the summer crowds. The rest of your visit can focus on sightseeing, with typical Alsatian scenery found in the small quarter of Petit France, the citys most photogenic area. Tallinn practically overflows with charm, thanks to its turreted castles and a lovely location on the Baltic Sea. The 10 Best Safari Boots For Bush Walks & Adventure, 25 BEST Things To Do In Zakynthos, Greece (2023), 20 BEST Things To Do In Kefalonia, Greece, What to Wear in Italy The Ultimate Italy Packing List. Go prepared with practical footwear warm boots perfect for tromping around in cold and damp conditions. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. It's only over an hours drive and the ferry is 75 minutes. We tried our best to enjoy a bit of it all, but well have to return someday with more time. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. Whats great is that when visiting in winter, Bruges is just as enchanting but without the massive crowds. While many travellers overlook this fabled city for nearby Bruges, Ghent is one of the best weekend getaways in Europe. Next on my list of winter weekend getaways from NYC is Troutbeck in Amenia. A trip up to the Klein Matterhorn or a journey on the train to the Gornergrat is a must for non-skiers. Luxembourg Cityis a mix of the old and new, with highrises rising all over the city and a pleasant old town located in the citys heart. At the bottom of the steps leading to Thunovsk street, you can duck into a low barrel-ceilinged medieval townhouse repurposed into a cozy coffee bar. Shopkeepers and servers have all the time in the world for pleasantries in the winter, and locals are happy to reach out with offers to share a meal or recommend an experience. Parts of Andaluca are further south than the African coast so expect mild temperatures in winter. Winter Weekend Getaways in Colorado. Plus, no matter your skill level, youll find something your speed. But come wintertime, the city actually lives up to its La Serenissima (The Serene) nickname. Madonna Di Campiglio is a well-known resort that is famous for hosting many Italians looking for solid skiing, dining, and relaxation in a very posh environment. Every year millions of vacationers flock to the continent after the best winter destinations in Europe. This city loves a roofdeck, and the Loutrel's terrace will have killer views of downtown's steeples and harbor. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Tour operators will provide you with proper Arctic boots and snowsuits, but youll need the proper layers underneath to keep warm. Lake Bled, Slovenia. Of course, when the canals freeze over youre better off strapping on some skates. As with most Austrian towns, Hallstatt does winter activities well, with skiing, snowshoe hiking, and horse-drawn carriage rides all up for grabs. During summer, Paris can feel even more magical. Plus, Belgian cities like Bruges know how to do Christmas lights and decorations, building on the already marvellous atmosphere that it enjoys during the rest of the year. Despite being one of the closest European hubs to the U.S. (the flight clocks in at just five hours and 45 minutes), the Azores still flies off the tourist radarbut not for long. 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