Although it's tempting for most people to imagine enjoying their free time only in warm weather, there are many reasons why it's a good idea to embrace the icy weather as well. Most European cities are overcrowded with tourists during the summer months.
If you want to escape these crowds, you'll need to prepare for cooler temperatures, at least in many destinations. During this time, not only will you encounter fewer tourists, but you'll also find great travel deals, especially if you're taking a cruise.
Check out our list of the best places to visit in Europe that thrive in winter despite the cold.
Rome, Italy
Even if it's cold outside, you'll find plenty of ways to warm up while visiting Rome's famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. In the off-season, you can visit Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and sample the best pizza and wine in town.
Accommodations are often much cheaper than in the summer and Italian products are often discounted.
Nuremberg, Germany
For the best of the best Christmas markets, head to Nuremberg. The fact that Nuremberg has become one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany is undoubtedly due to the fact that this Bavarian city transforms into a dreamland during the Christmas season.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has been a tradition for centuries and is now one of the biggest celebrations of good cheer in the world.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is a dreamy Nordic city with colorful wooden houses, a picturesque harbor and stunning views of the surrounding fjords. The city looks beautiful in the summer, but in the winter you can see the northern lights at their peak.
If you are going to freeze up in Scandinavia, you might as well check that off your bucket list as well.
Paris, France
You can enjoy the charm of Paris in winter when there are fewer tourists. Stroll down the Champs-Elysées at Christmastime, watch the lit trees, drink coffee in romantic cafes, and visit heated museums like the Musée du Louver, Musée Rodin, and Musée d'Orsay to escape the crowds.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
There will be significant discounts on the hotel and flight rates for those who are willing to endure the cold during the winter months when the weather in Amsterdam gets very cold.
Amsterdam is a lovely place to visit all year round, but during the winter months there are many great activities to enjoy in the city, such as ice skating and Christmas parties.
There's also the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place every year from November to mid-January and features a lively exhibition of international art.
Budapest, Hungary
If you're thinking about visiting Budapest, there's no better time to do it than winter. Even the strictest beach bum would embrace the cold when they see the Hungarian Parliament surrounded by ice drifts on the Danube.
It's safe to say that after exploring the city for a few chilly hours, you'll find the city's grand cafes, museums, and thermal baths infinitely more cozy and inviting.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you decide to visit Tallinn in the winter, you're in for a treat, as the city has a magical vibe that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Besides the Christmas market in the Old Town, which is decorated with a magnificent tree and heartwarming lights, you can also go ice skating if you're willing to brave the cold.
It's understandable that locals enjoy a good sauna and spa, as Tallinn gets pretty cold in the middle of winter. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can also watch the snow fall from the comfort of a bar or cafe.
Venice, Italy
Even though the winter months still attract some tourists to Venice, you can expect airfare and hotel prices to be much cheaper than during the summer months.
When the fog settles over the island, the crowds in St. Mark's Square will thicken and there will be stunning photo opportunities for those willing to endure the high temperatures. In February or March, you can also experience the exciting Carnevale festivities.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Why wait for Santa Claus when you can go to him when Christmas is just around the corner? I'm not talking about the North Pole, but the small town of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. Santa's official home is just outside the city of Rovaniemi.
If you visit the village, you can meet Santa, get a passport stamp, and meet reindeer. It's located almost right on the Arctic Circle. In this fairytale place, it's impossible not to get carried away.
Prague, The Czech Republic
There's no better place than Prague's castles or underground restaurants to escape the cold winter weather and enjoy a Czech beer. It's also less crowded at Prague's museums, which are open year-round.
For those who want to brave the cold, Prague offers a variety of festive activities such as Christmas markets and outdoor ice skating rinks.
London, The United Kingdom
It's easy to see why Christmas in London is so magical—thanks to the beautifully decorated Georgian townhouses, lively pubs, and Dickensian elements. But even in the winter months, there are plenty of charms to round out the holidays.
If you want to skate at the Natural History Museum or Somerset House, you can warm up with museum visits and afternoon teas afterward. If you're visiting cities nearby, head to Cambridge or Bath, where you'll find incredibly charming snowy streets and cozy pubs.
Salzburg, Austria
If you're enthralled by the beautiful castles, cathedrals, and other snow-covered baroque buildings, you may already be drawn to Salzburg in Austria are reasons enough to convince you to spend your winter vacations in this charming place.
You'll be sold on vacationing in this wonderful city during winter with its Christmas bazaars in town square and easy access to some of the best ski areas in the Alps.
Limassol, Cyprus
As the second largest city in Cyprus after Nicosia, Limassol offers a rich history, beautiful monuments, hot sand, idyllic landscapes, diving and sunny beaches like Pissouri, Santa Barbara or Vrysoudia, where you can explore the island's history, monuments and beaches. Besides sailing, water sports, walking, and shopping, the island is also ideal for water sports.
Abisko, Sweden
Watching the northern lights dance across the sky is one of the most captivating activities available in winter. Abisko in Swedish Lapland, a small village north of the Arctic Circle, will be extremely cold in winter but it's worth a visit as it's a prime spot to watch this incredible phenomenon.
Copenhagen, Denmark
There are many reasons to visit Copenhagen, but the Christmas season is probably the best time to do it. The Danish capital of Copenhagen provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy all the different elements that make it so special at this special time of year.
In Scandinavia, "hygge" is a popular term, and the onset of short, cold days is just the right time to embrace that feeling of coziness and comfort.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and that's true at any time of the year.
In winter, however, the Austrian capital is especially appealing to many, because that's when you can indulge in hot chocolate and Sacher cake, listen to classical holiday concerts, watch free outdoor opera simulcasts (which are well-attended even in sub-zero temperatures), and take photos of the snow-covered Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Winter is equally picturesque in the German-speaking city of Lucerne, which sits on Lake Lucerne in the shadow of the Swiss Alps. Around the medieval city of Lucerne are several ski resorts and trails that allow visitors to enjoy sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
If you want to dine in the clouds, you can reach the top of Mount Pilatus for an unforgettable meal.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
It's no secret that Slovenia is a land of endless beauty, but it's also known for its picturesque Lake Bled, considered the most beautiful Alpine lake in the world. In the cold season, this alpine lake turns into a fairytale fantasy.
The crystal clear water, the surrounding forests, the castle on the cliff and the island church make Lake Bled a picture book destination. With its breathtaking location and the view of the Julian Alps, it's one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The Canary Islands
A winter destination doesn't have to be one that's cold in nature. For a break from shivering in the cold, it's just as nice to escape the weather and go somewhere warmer. For all that, there's probably no better place than the Canary Islands.
Located off the coast of West Africa, these Spanish islands enjoy pleasant, sunny weather while Europe freezes. While other island destinations tend to be closed in the winter, you can be sure that the Canary Islands stay open year-round.
There's so much to see and do in the Canary Islands that you can choose, including relaxing on the beach, diving and surfing in the water, or hiking through the islands' unforgettable landscapes.
On the volcanic islands, with their massive craters, sand dunes and ash fields, you'll have no trouble finding outdoor activities to take advantage of.
Bruges, Belgium
People from all over the world visit the charming city of Bruges when they travel to Belgium, as there are many good reasons to do so. This historic city in the Flanders region of Belgium has many endearing things to offer: gorgeous architecture, picturesque canals, and plenty of beer and chocolate to enjoy.
In addition, it's great to know that you can visit Bruges in the winter without being overrun by the crowds, and it's just as charming. One downside is that you can't take a canal cruise in winter, but a carriage ride over the cobblestones is a nice alternative.
Belgian cities like Bruges know how to decorate for Christmas, creating a wonderful atmosphere that's been there all year. It's hard to imagine the city's main square, the market, looking even more charming than it already does, but the Christmas lights will make it possible.
You can sip beer and gluhwein and eat frites and waffles at the Christmas markets or in a cozy beer pub.
Zermatt, Switzerland
When it comes to visiting Switzerland during ski season, it's a no-brainer—especially if you choose Zermatt as your base. This incredibly beautiful resort sits at the base of the famous Matterhorn and is home to many skiers, fresh powder snow, and breathtaking views.
Plus, the après-ski scene is excellent (which, frankly, is just as important as the slopes). Whether you want to enjoy a lemondrop martini at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof's Stars Bar, dine at Brasserie Lusi, or rejuvenate with a spa treatment at Hotel Firefly, there are plenty of options.
Dublin, Ireland
Many love visiting the capital of Ireland in the winter, and not just because of all the cozy pubs. The Smashing Times City of Dublin Winter Solstice Celebration is a magical festival honoring the solstice (Dec. 21) with céilí dancing, traditional stories, and a fire ceremony.
Dublin lights up even more around New Year's Eve with events like Luminosity, the world's largest Celtic drumming session, and the world's largest festival of lights. The city's snow-covered graveyards also play an important role in James Joyce's short story "The Dead".
Edinburgh, Scotland
In Edinburgh, the Hogmanay Festivals celebrate the New Year for three days with outdoor concerts, fireworks, and Scottish dancing. Panda and Sons, a speakeasy-style bar, is a great place to spend a few relaxing hours with a scarf and whiskey.
Other ways to work up a sweat include skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park or walking among winter-blooming plants at the Royal Botanic Garden.
Transylvania, Romania
Although you can visit Transylvania's Gothic castles and dense forests on a bright summer day, it's much more fitting when the mountains are covered in snow and the sky is shrouded in wintry mist.
Although Transylvania is an entire region, there are so many towns and cities that shine in winter that it's hard to choose one to visit: Sibiu has a Christmas market with 100 vendors, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel you can ride.
A visit to Bran Castle and Peleş Castle (both less than an hour away) is a great way to explore some of Romania's most famous castles from Brasov. Sighişoara isn't only a UNESCO-protected historic center, but also a colorful medieval town with colorful houses that stand out against the fresh new snow.
Madeira, Portugal
The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira has a warm climate all year round. In Funchal at the end of November, it's still T-shirt weather. In general, the island is one of the warmest places in Europe, but it's important to have a light sweater or fleece at night and at altitude.
Due to Madeira's island weather, clouds often come and go, and the sun is rarely guaranteed. And when it does, it's quite hot due to the low latitude.
Malta, Malta
In Malta, you can experience the perfect combination of idleness, gastronomy, and cultural tourism. Alternately, explore the island of Malta and relax by the hotel pool. The typical winter temperature is 16°C and never drops below 14°C.
Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and spring clothes for your dream vacation to Malta. Leave the sledges, hats, and gloves at home.
A vintage bus ride or a private tour organized by a local operator will give you great value for money and perfect accommodation at the Grand Hotel Excelsior and the superbly located Hotel Ursulino Valletta.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon doesn't have many harsh winters, so it's perfect for travelers who want to escape the harsh winters in Western Europe. January is the coldest month in Lisbon, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. The temperature doesn't drop below freezing, and there's no snow in Lisbon. Fortunately, Lisbon in winter is just as likely to be sunny and clear as it's to rain, and the rain usually falls all at once rather than as a drizzle.
November and December are the wettest months, with an average of 110 mm of rain falling. As for the weather, January and February are the best months to visit Lisbon because they average 90 mm of rain per month and there are fewer rainy days. So if you take warm clothes and an umbrella, you can still explore Lisbon.
Mijas, Spain
A sunny climate throughout the year makes this beautiful and charming little town in Spain one of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe. It's very rare for Mijas to receive snow in the winter—it happens every ten years and the last time was 2012. We assure you that you can recharge your batteries by the warm air of the sea.
Are you thinking of traveling in Europe this winter to enjoy the cold season to the fullest? If so, check out the accommodations available on Flatio in hundreds of destinations across Europe to make your trip even more memorable!
