Did you know that there are places in Europe that are even better in winter? Just imagine: snow-capped mountains, Christmas markets, less crowds. Places like Budapest, Hallstatt, and Venice come to life during the winter season.
Now we’re not saying that the tropical beaches aren’t wonderful in their own sense. But imagine drawing snow-dusted villages, rustic cobblestone, and a glass of mulled wine at a cafe that isn’t busy. Some places thrive during the holiday season, and the time surrounding it. So check out these winter destinations in Europe!
20 Best Places in Europe That are Even Better in Winter
1. Budapest, Hungary
During winter, Vaci Utca is alight! This main shopping street is worth visiting alone during winter. With window displays and fairy lights, it is breathtaking. Budapest promises fair-tale-levels-of joy. The city sparkles! So many lights, so many trees. Markets are exquisite, and who doesn’t love pop-up ice skating? Budapest is fun, affordable, and has stunning scenery. This is one of the cities in Europe that is a winter wonderland.
Best Things to do in Budapest
Special Magical Christmas Tour in Budapest
Budapest: Organ Concert in St. Stephan’s Basilica
Budapest: Hungarian Chimney Cake Workshop
Budapest: Cinema Mystica Entry Ticket
2. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is the postcard-picture town. Just imagine: pastel-colored houses overlooking lakes, and the town being surrounded by mountains, This town is compared to Arendelle from Frozen! With twinkling lights and icicles galore, this is one of the places in Europe that is even better in the winter. Plus, the mountains and lakes offer thrilling winter sports. Stroll scenic streets, check out the skywalk, explore the Christmas market, go sledding, and more. Hallstatt is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in winter.
Best Things to do in Hallstatt
Hallstatt & Ice Cave & 5 Fingers Private Tour From Salzburg
Special Christmas Tour Around Hallstatt
Hallstatt: Sunrise Hike with a Photographer
3. Venice, Italy
Venice is popular, so if you want to avoid those overrun peak season crowds, come during winter! The city is known as “La Serenissima.” This translates to “The Serene.” Although that isn’t true during summer, the winter shows you why this city has this nickname! The canals are quiet. Fog and mist travel down the river and in between alleyways. You can visit St. Marks Basilica with ease, and more!
Best Things to Do in Venice
Venice: Four Seasons Concert Ticket at Vivaldi Church
From Venice: dolomites Day Trip
From Venice: Murano Glass Factor Tour W/ Boat, Demo & Gift
Christmas Tales of Venice Walking Tour
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland offers stunning views and is perfect for nature lovers during winter. This is hands down, one of the best European destinations in winter. I mean, can you imagine seeing the Northern Lights on close to Christmas?! You can also dive into geothermal spas. And if you want more of a commercial winter, the suburbs put on ice rinks, lights, concerts, and more!
Best Things to do in Reykjavik
The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
From Reykjavik: Christmas Day Northern Lights Tour
Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
From Reykjavik: Northern Lights and Geothermal Baths Tour
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is world-famous for it’s Christmas market in their town square. It was named the best Christmas Market in Europe. So of course this makes Tallinn one of the best cities in Europe to visit in Winter. Estonia already has a fairytale aesthetic, but the city itself is truly magical vibe. I mean, who else doesn’t want to exchange poems with Santa for presents?!
Best Things to do in Tallinn
Enchanted Tallinn: A Festive Christmas Walk
Tallinn: Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game
Tales of Tallinn 2-Hour Car Tour
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Of all the winter destinations in Europe, check out Zermatt! This town is breathtaking. Their mountains come alive in the snow, and the cobblestone streets feature fairly lights and laughter. Plus, you are guaranteed a white Christmas every winter. Zermatt also features the highest ski resort in Europe. Paired with a cute mountain village, the rustic roofs and cozy chalets are everywhere and worth exploring. Mulled wine is a constant scent, and there are charming views, and churches to explore.
Best Things to do in Zermatt
Zermatt: Alpine Village Tour 2 Hours
Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket
Majestic Matterhorn: A Christmas Journey in Zermatt
Zermatt Village: Professional Photoshoot at the Best Spots
7. Paris, France
Both locals and tourists love exploring Paris during the winter season! The City of Lights seems to dazzle even more near the holidays. Not only is the Eiffel Tower bright at night, but the streets and stores are also decked with lights. Plus, there are always festivities around: markets, Chapelle concerts, ice-skating rinks, and more. Factor in cooler weather and smaller crowds and you’re all set. This article also mentions all markets you must see when enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in Europe to visit in the winter.
Best Things to do in Paris
Paris: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour
Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket With Champagne
Paris: Croissant Baking Class with a Chef
Paris: Christmas Market Walking Tour
8. Chamonix, France
All you need to know about Chamonix is that it is a paradise for winter sports and activities. Because the city is in a stunning valley, you can participate in all types of sports. Try your hand at snowboarding, snowshoeing, paragliding, or even ice climbing. There aren’t just ski resorts in this city, though: guests also love the resorts with indoor pools, spas, the local museums and galleries. The French cuisine is also to die for, and the wine is amazing. There’s so much to see and do, and so little time!
Best Things to do in Chamonix
Chamonix: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Mot-Blanc Views
From Geneva: Chamonix, Mont Blanc & Ice Cave Guided Day Tour
Discover Glacier Walking on the Mer de Grace, Chamonix
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Someone come with me to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival, please!! This is a 3-day festival that celebrates the new year, so it is perfect to visit for winter. It features concerts, fireworks, and live dancing. The city also stays open later and features speak-easys, and toured hikes. Pentland Hills Regional Park, and more. My best friend loves to look at the winter plants in the Royal Botanic Garden! Plus, when you visit winter in Scotland you get to buy Cashmere and actually wear it!
Best Things to do in Edinburgh
From Edinburgh: 2-day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
Edinburgh: Christmas Walking Tour with Gingerbread Treat
From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria
10. Vienna, Austria
One of the places in Europe that are even better in Europe is Vienna! Austria is no doubt beautiful, but during the holiday season, there are endless markets worth exploring. Christkindlmarkt, anyone? During the winter, every store and main shopping street put on lights, and museums stay open with special activities. Advent concerts are popular! And then traditional celebrations and food and drink are to die for. You have to try their stollen!
Best Things to do in Vienna
Vienna: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert in Karlskirche
Vienna: Panoramic Night Tour by Bus
Vienna: Christmas Markets Tour
From Vienna: Hallstatt, Salzburg and Austria’s Wonders Tour
11. Rome, Italy
Winter is honestly my favorite time of year. The cooler weather is SO nice, and when traveling, I love that there are less crowds. This is true even when visiting big cities like Rome! The capital is calmer during winter, which makes seeing popular places like the Colosseum and the Vatican become easier. Either way, the romantic city comes alive during Christmas! Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican is an experience. And the Christmas Concerts and Lights are things you don’t want to miss. There are Nativity scenes are markets everywhere too!
Best Things to do in Rome
Christmas Even Mass at the Vatican with Pope Francis
Christmas & New Year’s Opera Concert with Drink
Rome: Christmas Nativities and Angels Tour
Rome: 3-Hour Semi-Private Christmas Walking Tour
12. London, United Kingdom
We all know and love London. But during the winter season, there is a different appeal to the city. Townhomes decorated, the vibe in local pubs, and maybe even just getting to read a Christmas Carol in the city it was written in bring in a more festive spirit. The winter months bring in exciting things like ice skating, museum visits with special shows, afternoon teas, and more. And you can always take day trips and explore beyond the city itself for a snowy experience!
Best Things to do in London
London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top
Festive London New Year’s Eve 3-course Dinner Cruise
London: Christmas Eve City Tour with Dinner & Midnight Mass
From London: Full Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour
13. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled shimmers beyond the Julian Alps during the winter season. The snow-capped mountains make this a winter wonderland, but don’t forget about the lake as well. Mist rises off the water and the surrounding paths are filled with snow. Talk about gorgeous! The Bled Winter Fairytale, which is a winter market in a charming town, is also magical. Picture twinkling lights and vast rage of food, drinks and gifts! Winter sports are also easily accessible for those who like more adventure in the winter! Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sleeping, ice climbing– oh my.
Best Things to do in Lake Bled
Visit to Santa’s Village and Snowmobiling to Reindeer Farm
Christmas Walking Tour: History, Culture and Arts
From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour
14. Stockholm, Sweden
We all know that seeing the Northern Lights is a dream. So when you can see then vividly during winter, you know this is a good place to spend the season in! Factor in markets, cozy cafes and more. Stockholm even has local restaurants that offer local buffets during the winter season. Julbord features traditional foods like cured fish and cabbage which is worth trying for our foodies. Stockholm is also less busy during winter, and the city is frosted in snow through February.
Best Things to do in Stockholm
Stockholm: Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika, and Hot Sauna
Stockholm: Christmas Traditions & Tastings Small Group Tour
Stockholm: Ice Skating in the Moonlight with Hot Chocolate
Stockholm: Winter Snowshoe Full-Day Hike
15. Prague, Czech Republic
One of the best European destinations in winter is Prague! The chilly weather often falls below freezing at night, but the quiet winter season is welcoming. Pop-up farmers markets add some flare, and famous places like Wenceslas Square are worth checking out. Add in the mulled wine, bright city roofs, hanging mistletoe, and more. Mass at midnight is fun and the huge fir tree in the middle of Old Town Square destination friendly. Better yet? Prague is one of the cheapest winter destinations in Europe!
Best Things to do in Prague
Christmas Concert at Prague Castle
Prague: 2-3H Magical Christmas Markets Tour with Inclusions
Prague: The Nutcracker Ballet Tickets
From Prague: Dresden Christmas Market and Bastei Bridge Tour
16. Nuremberg, Germany
Germany is obviously famous for its markets during the Christmas season. Nuremberg is home to the centuries-old-famous Chirstkindlesmarkt! This is home to gingerbread, homemade gifts, and even carriage rides. Talk about setting a winter town with a horse-drawn carriage! And even if you visit before or after Christmas, winter is still super enjoyable here. Nuremberg is, after all, well known for its grand hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants!
Best things to do in Nuremberg
Nuremberg: Christmas City Culinary Tour
Nuremberg: Private Christmas Market Tour
Nuremberg: City Tour with the Bimmelbahn Train
Nuremberg: Medieval Dungeons Guided Tour
17. Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is a stunning city year round, but it transforms into a cozy destination during winter! Some notable places to see are: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and The Tumiski Bridge, which is fully decorated. Also, check out the market square of Rynek! Or maybe even tour Swidnick Street for unique shops, cafes, or even a show at the opera house? Magnolia Park offers great shopping too. Either way, Poland is one of those winter vacations in Europe you don’t want to miss.
Best things to do in Wroclaw
Wroclaw: 2-Hour Private Guided Tour by Electric Car
Wroclaw: Lower Silesia, Ksiaz Castle & Church of Peace Tour
Wroclaw: Private Old Town Guided Tour
18. Rovaniemi, Finland
Winter Wonderland anyone? Rovaniemi is one of the best places to spend winter in Europe! It does, after all, claim to be the hometown of Santa Claus. But aside from this, you can see things around the winter season like: reindeer farms, husky sledding, ice skating rinks, and Northern Lights safaris. Sip some hot cocoa by the fires at hotels and Airbnb, enjoy some local smoked salmon, and relish in wintertime.
Best Things to do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Tour with Guaranteed Sightings
Rovaniemi: Husky Safari on a Snowy Trail
Rovaniemi: Winterpark Entry Ticket
Rovaniemi: Husky & Reindeer Farm Visit with Snowmobile Ride
From Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon and Frozen Waterfalls Tour
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
We love the Amsterdam Light Festival! From November through January, this festival brings so much brightness to the city. Light installations are brought in from all over the world, and they are beyond creative. We will note that Amsterdam is one of the busiest cities during winter, but the tourist numbers still drop with the cooler weather. This means later winter months are prime for visiting! Enjoy canal views and cozy cafes. The bread and potatoes are so nice during those chilly evenings.
Best Things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Icebar Entry Ticket with 3 Drinks
Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise with Unlimited Drinks
Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum Guided Tour and Ticket
20. Ilulissat, Greenland
Most people don’t realize that Greenland is actually a great destination for tourists, especially during winter! First, it is SO easy to get to. Second, there are tons of things to do. Explore the iceberg-filled Disko Bay. Or watch live-dog sledding. Most people visit during the midnight sun season, so crowds are limited. The thick snowy terrain is an experience!
And there you have it, folks! 20 places in Europe that are even better in winter. Now, this list is not in any order. Nor are we saying that these places aren’t as magnificent in other seasons. But know that if you visit between November and February, you’ll be experiencing a different kind of magic.
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