The Christmas markets, the festive atmosphere and the snow-capped mountains make for a beautiful backdrop to your vacation. Travelling to Europe during the winter season is an amazing experience you'll never forget. Whether you are passionate about winter sports, Christmas markets or incredible landscapes, Europe has it all.
Here are the 10 best spots in Europe to visit during winter -from the charming streets of Paris to the glitz and glamour of Vienna!
1. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most charming places to visit in winter. The Christmas markets are set up throughout the city, and the streets are adorned with festive lights and decorations. You can enjoy a mug of hot chocolate while browsing through the stalls, or take a walk along the Seine River. There's also a great selection of museums and cultural attractions to explore, and you can always find a cosy cafe or restaurant to warm up in.
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for a winter vacation. The city is decked out in Christmas decorations, and the Christmas markets are a great place to find unique gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere. You can also enjoy a concert at the world-famous Vienna Opera House, or take a walk in the beautiful Schonbrunn Palace Park. And of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without sampling some of the city's famous pastries and coffee.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another great city to visit in winter. The Christmas markets are smaller than in some of the other destinations on this list, but they're still worth a visit for the festive atmosphere and unique gifts. You can also enjoy a walk or a bike ride through the beautiful Copenhagen parks, take a cruise around the harbour, or visit one of the city's famous museums. And of course, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisines.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best things to do in Amsterdam during the winter season include visiting the Christmas markets, going ice skating on the canals, and taking a boat tour of the city. Other popular activities include browsing the shops in the city centre, eating at restaurants and cafes, and visiting museums and other attractions. Amsterdam is a beautiful city to explore during the winter season, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep visitors busy.
5. Berlin, Germany
As the cold winter months descend upon Europe, the city of Berlin comes alive with holiday cheer. Here are some of the best spots to visit in Berlin during the winter season:
The Christmas markets are a must-see, with festive decorations, tasty food, and charming Christmas gifts. Some of the best markets include the Charlottenburg Palace Christkindlmarkt, the Spandau Christmas Market, and the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market.
Another great way to enjoy the winter season in Berlin is by taking a stroll through one of the city's many beautiful parks. The Tiergarten, for example, offers lovely paths for a peaceful walk and stunning views of the cityscape.
If you're looking for some fun seasonal activities, be sure to check out one of Berlin's skating rinks. There are several rinks located throughout the city, including at Potsdamer Platz, Gendarmenmarkt, and Winterfeldplatz.
Finally, no trip to Berlin in winter would be complete without a visit to one of its famous museums. The Pergamon Museum and the DDR Museum are both excellent choices for a cold day indoors.
6. Istanbul, Turkey
Source: Wikimedia Commons ; Author: Maurice Flesier ; License: License details
Istanbul is a city located in Turkey that is known for its historical landmarks and stunning architecture. The city is also a popular tourist destination, especially during the winter season. Some of the best spots to visit in Istanbul during the winter include the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Source: Wikimedia Commons ; Author: Estec Co.Ltd, Prague Hotel Operator ; License: License details
Prague is a beautiful city in the wintertime. The Christmas markets are a must-see, and there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy as well. One of the best things about Prague is that it's not too crowded during the winter months, so you can enjoy the city without having to fight crowds of people.
8. Bruges, Belgium
Source: Wikimedia Commons ; Author: Arthurious ; License: License details
Bruges is a beautiful city located in Belgium. The city is known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The city is also a popular tourist destination and is especially beautiful during the wintertime. Some of the things to do in Bruges during the winter time include visiting the Christmas markets, taking a carriage ride through the city, visiting the belfry, and going ice skating.
9. Salzburg, Austria
Source: Wikimedia Commons ; Author: Fabio Becchelli ; License: License details
Salzburg is a city located in the state of Salzburg in Austria. It's known for its baroque architecture, music and scenic setting amongst the Alpine mountains. Salzburg is a popular tourist destination all year round, but winter is a particularly magical time to visit when the city is covered in a layer of snow. Here are some of the best spots to visit in Salzburg during winter:
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Salzburg. It's perched high up on a hill overlooking the city and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. The fortress is well-preserved and features several exhibits detailing its history. It's also possible to hike up to the fortress from the city centre if you're feeling energetic.
Another must-see attraction in Salzburg is the Dom Cathedral. This impressive cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of the largest churches in Austria. It's home to beautiful stained glass windows and a grand organ that often features in concerts.
If you're looking for a bit of wintery charm, head to the Christmas markets in Salzburg. There are several markets located throughout the city, each with its unique atmosphere. You can buy traditional handicrafts, festive food and drinks, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the snow-covered streets.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Source: Wikimedia Commons ; Author: Ally Crockford ; License: License details
Edinburgh is a city located in Scotland that is known for its Christmas markets. The markets are open from late November until Christmas Eve, and they offer a variety of festive activities, such as Christmas carols, food stalls, and gift shops. Some of the best things to do in Edinburgh during the wintertime include visiting the Christmas markets, going on a horse-drawn carriage ride, touring the city's historical sites, and watching the fireworks show on New Year's Eve.
Winter is often seen as a bleak and dreary time of year, but that’s not always the case. In Europe, winter can be a beautiful time to visit, with Christmas markets and festive cheer in full swing. If you’re looking for a European travel bucket list item, consider adding winter to your list – you won’t regret it!
