The 15 Best Winter Destinations in Europe

In most parts of Europe, summer is peak tourism season. But I definitely prefer traveling Europe during winter.

One of the best parts of winter is the holiday season. And no one does Christmas better than Europeans. The Christmas markets alone make it worth traveling during the colder months.

For the adventurous travelers, a huge bucket list item is generally skiing in the Alps. Other winter sports are also available, like snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Of course, crowds aren’t as bad as they are during summer, and because it’s off-peak season, most cities are cheaper during winter. Even flights and accommodation are generally more affordable.

So, to help you choose where to go, I’ve compiled an in-depth guide to the 15 best destinations in Europe in winter.

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of my favourite places to visit during December, if only for its Christmas markets. If you’re looking for a city that has a lively atmosphere during the holidays, Vienna is the place for you. The Christmas vibe is simply unmatched.

The Austrian capital has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. I love going from one market to another, trying different traditional foods and drinking Glühwein in excess.

On top of that, Vienna always has events, which are at their best in the festive season. You can attend operas and watch a performance of the Nutcracker by the Vienna State Ballet.

Best Things to Do in Vienna

• Visit as many Christmas Markets as you can.
• See the Vienna State Opera
• Watch the Lippizaner horses at the Spanish Riding School
• See the iconic palace of Schönbrunn
• Have coffee at a Viennese Coffee House

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of my favourite cities that I’ve been to. The city is extra magical during the winter months, when the snow adds its special holiday atmosphere.

Covered in snow, the already stunning buildings and bridges are even more breathtaking.

The thermal baths are one of the best parts of visiting Budapest during the cold winter months. You can warm up in one of the nine traditional thermal baths around the city for a unique winter experience.

I also love visiting Hungary during the colder months, because the country’s traditional meals tend to be hearty and comforting – perfect if for winter.

The Best Things to Do in Budapest

• Cozy up in a thermal bath
• Visit the New York Café – the most beautiful café in the world
• See the Parliament Building from the Danube River
• Visit Margaret Island
• Go ice skating

Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Budapest.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

The colourful city of Copenhagen is even more magical during winter. The city turns into a cozy fantasyland with lots of charming cafés and hearty food.

Like most European cities, Copenhagen is much less crowded during winter months than at any other time of year. So, it’s a great way to see some of the most famous sights of the city without a bunch of other tourists around.

In Copenhagen, you’ll also be able to experience the magic of the holidays by visiting one of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. During December, the Tivoli Gardens turn into a winter wonderland where you can go on rides, shop for handcrafted gifts, and eat and drink to your heart’s content.

The Copenhagen Light Festival takes place in February. During the festival, you can watch beautiful light installations light up the dark winter sky.

Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

• Go ice skating in the Frederiksberg Garden or at Kongens Nytorv
• Try winter swimming (if you feel adventurous)
• Visit the Christmas Markets at Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, and Kronborg Castle
• Watch a performance at the Copenhagen Opera House

4. Tromsø, Norway

If you’re looking for the wintriest winter experience in Europe, Tromsø is a perfect destination for you. It is an adventurous city, where you can find super fun activities both indoors and outdoors.

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this is a great place to do that. Some other great experiences include husky and reindeer sledding.

Another activity Tromsø is famous for is whale watching. The peak season for watching orcas and humpback whales is November to January, so make sure to add it to your trip if you can.

In early February, Sami Week is celebrated in Tromsø, which is a fantastic place to learn about the culture of the indigenous people. The festivities include reindeer races, craft markets, and traditional Sami food.

Best Things to do in Tromsø

• See the Northern Lights
• Experience the celebrations of Sami Week
• Watch the whales in the fjords around the city
• Try Reindeer and Husky Sledding

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is one of the most unique cities in Europe that has a phenomenal winter culture. When snow starts falling, the medieval architecture becomes more fairytale-like and charming.

Like many other cities in Europe, Bruges has no shortage of beautiful Christmas markets to visit during December. Make sure to have a Belgian waffle and some Glühwein.

Bruges also often hosts big events during winter, including concerts, performances, and festivals.

The city is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, with its many canals and romantic atmosphere.

Best Things to do in Bruges

• Get in the holiday spirits at the Christmas markets in Market Square and Simon Stevinplein
• Take a horse-drawn carriage through the city
• Take a boat tour along the canals

6. Alsace, France

The French region Alsace is a great place to visit during winter in Europe. It is full of picturesque villages with a festive atmosphere.

The Christmas markets here are really famous and considered to be the best in France. Colmar and Strasbourg are particularly well-known for their Christmas-y vibe and holiday decor. Strasbourg is often called the ‘Capital of Christmas’ because of its massive market that dates back to 1570.

If you’re looking for less busy, more traditional Christmas markets, visit some of the smaller villages in the region. Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim are perfect destinations.

The Alsation Cuisine is generally warm and hearty, which makes it perfect to try during colder months. Try dishes like choucroute garnie (sausage or meat with sauerkraut) and bäckeoffe (casserole of meat, potato, and wine).

Alsace is also known for its wines, especially its white wines. Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris from this region are usually very enjoyable when they come from here.

Best Things to Do in Alsace

• Visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg or Colmar
• Go skiing
• Go wine tasting
• Enjoy local foods in a ‘Winstub’

7. Abisko, Sweden

Abisko is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights during winter in Europe. Located in the Arctic Circle and in the heart of Swedish Lapland, the area is a great place to go if this is on your bucket list. Because there is little light pollution from the city, there is a high chance of seeing the lights on nights with clear skies.

It is also home to the Aurora Sky Station, which offers 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding area. From here, you can go on excursions to watch the Northern Lights from a warm and comfortable place.

There are many winter activities you can only experience in a place like this. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing make it a perfect destination for the adventurous traveler.

Best Things to Do in Abisko

• Visit Abisko National Park
• Stay at the famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi
• See the Northern Lights
• Go dog or reindeer sledding
• Visit a Sami village and try traditional Sami food

8. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is already such a historic and beautiful city. But once the snow starts falling, it truly transforms into something out of a fairytale.

The Old Town and medieval parts of Prague are particularly magical and absolutely worth the visit during winter.

On top of that, Prague has one of the most exquisite Christmas Markets I’ve ever been to. It is right on the Old Town Square, so you can sip your Glühwein while watching the Old Astronomical Clock.

Best Things to Do in Prague

• Walk across the Charles Bridge
• See the Astronomical Clock
• Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Market
• Enjoy a night out on the town

9. Andalusia, Spain

If you’re looking for a more temperate place to go during winter in Europe, Andalusia is a great destination for you. Unlike the freezing, snowy climate in the other places on this list, the Spanish region usually has temperatures from 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Even during these months, sunshine is common, so it’s perfect for sightseeing without the crazy heat of summer. You can even visit the beaches during winter!

In late winter, Andalusia hosts Carnival – which is especially great in Cádiz. The celebrations include parades, music, and street parties.

Andalusia is also the birthplace of flamenco. So, if you’re visiting the area, make sure to attend a flamenco performance, whether at a local festival or in a traditional tablao.

Best Things to Do in Andalusia

• Attend Carnival
• Watch a flamenco performance
• Go sherry or wine tasting in the countryside
• Visit Granada and Seville

10. Rovaniemi, Finland

Finland, specifically Lapland, is one of the best places to visit in Europe during winter. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than by going to the official hometown of Santa Claus?

Santa Claus Village is situated just outside Rovaniemi and is technically open and active all year round. But of course, the snow will create that magical Christmas atmosphere you want when you visit Santa Claus Village.

The village has many different activities available for every age group. The variety of shops makes it a great place to find souvenirs for loved ones. You can also go on a reindeer ride, or meet Santa or his many pets – alpacas, goats, donkeys, ponies, and birds.

Because the city is located on the Arctic Circle, it’s also a great place to see the Northern Lights.

The Finnish are also famous for their sauna culture, which is at its most enjoyable during winter. In fact, most hotels and even Airbnbs have saunas that are free to use for guests!

Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi

• Go husky sledding
• Enjoy a reindeer ride
• Spend a night in a glass igloo
• See the Northern Lights
• Meet Santa and his elves

11. Algarve, Portugal

Algarve is another great destination for anyone looking for a milder climate during winter in Europe. Temperatures are usually in the range of 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). So, it’s perfect for outdoor activities.

The area is great for hiking. The trails are some of the most beautiful in Europe, with some lying along the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

It is also a hotspot for birdwatching. In the Ria Formosa Natural Park, you can find many migratory species, like flamingos and herons, during this season.

Some towns, like Albufeira and Faro, also host Christmas markets. So, it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a festive atmosphere without the freezing cold.

Best Things to Do in Algarve

• Visit the Natural Park and go hiking
• Attend Carnival celebrations
• Go to a Christmas market
• Go surfing
• Visit the natural thermal springs in Monchique

12. London, England

London is one of the big cities in Europe that I think is at its most beautiful during winter. During the holidays, many of the streets are adorned with lights and Christmas decor.

In Trafalgar Square, you can see the iconic giant Christmas tree and the city also hosts many Christmas markets. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and Christmas by the River at London Bridge are among the most famous. Try mince pies and roasted chestnuts at the markets, while sipping a hot cup of mulled wine.

London is also famous for its ice skating rinks during the holiday season. You can skate in front of the Tower of London, Somerset House, and the Natural History Museum.

My personal favourite thing to do in London is seeing a show on the West End. There are so many musicals, plays, and performances to choose from.

If you’re here on New Year’s Eve, watch the world-famous fireworks display over the River Thames. Make sure to book as early as you can if you want to take a boat tour or book a specific spot, because it is a bucket list item for a lot of people.

Best Things to Do in London

• Go ice skating
• Watch a West End show
• Have Afternoon Tea
• Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast
• See the fireworks in front of the London Eye and Big Ben

13. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg has one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The Christkindlmarkt on the city’s main square is one of the must-visit European Christmas markets.

At the stalls, you can enjoy festive foods and drinks like Glühwein. Nuremberg is particularly famous for its ginger bread (Lebkuchen). It is also known for its sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwurst), which are usually served with sauerkraut or potato salad.

A highlight of the market is its opening ceremony, which involves a local representing the spirit of Christmas delivers a prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.

The Old Town is a great place to just stroll around, exploring the narrow cobblestone streets, squares, and landmarks of the city.

Best Things to Do in Nuremberg:

• Visit the iconic Christmas markets
• Attend a Christmas concert in a church
• Explore Nuremberg Castle

14. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is another city that LOVES Christmas. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights and markets, which transform it into a winter wonderland.

The Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens is the main market in Edinburgh. Here, you can buy handmade gifts, souvenirs, and foods.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Edinburgh are world-famous. The New Year is celebrated over the course of three days, starting with street parties and live music, and ending with a torchlight procession and a spectacular fireworks display.

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

• Have a pint of ale in a Scottish pub
• Try traditional Scottish food like haggis, neeps, and tatties
• Go on a spooky ghost tour through the Edinburgh Castle dungeons
• Visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre to hear about folklore, myths, and legends

15. Zermatt, Switzerland

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, Zermatt is absolutely perfect. It is one of the best places in the world to ski.

Here, you will also be able to get stunning views of the Matterhorn – the peak on Toblerone chocolate packaging.

The area also offers some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the world – perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Best Things to do in Zermatt

• See the Matterhorn
• Go skiing
• Experience après-ski – visit the bars and lounges with live music
• Go Tobogganing