Europe in the winter has more than a handful of cozy places for cool weather fanatics. There’s something peaceful about strolling uncrowded city streets in the crisp air. Whether you’re looking for a ski chalet or just love a sunny day by the ocean, here’s 7 of the best European cities to check out this winter:
Budapest, Hungary
Picture this. Snow swirling softly around you as steam rises from a giant blue bath that dates back to the 16th century. Sitting on a fault line, the more than a dozen natural spas in the area. All channeled water by over 120 hot springs. Some locations offer massages and beauty treatments. Indoor and outdoor options, family friendly and adults only, you are sure to find a spa that suits your needs.
Christmas markets, pubs, architecture, museums, marketplace and the famed Danube River. You can’t go wrong spending a winter’s night or two here.
Try a Hungarian dinner on the Danube.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re looking for hygge vibes look no further than this nordic city. The bike capital of the world offers vintage shopping, Christmas markets, and ice skating outside of the famous Frederiksburg Gardens.
Want a truly unique experience? Try cruising the canals in a spa boat. Or sip champagne and watch the city sunset in a barrel spa at the harbor.
Check another country off your list. Take a tour into Malmö, Sweden Finish off the day with a glass of the traditional, seasonal drink, glögg.
Prague, Czech Republic
In the warm glow of lamplights strewn across scenic bridges and cozy city streets, you’ll quickly see why Prague is the 5th most visited city in Europe. Surrounded by centuries of stunning architecture you can wander to one of the over 280 museums the city has to offer. Extensive, modern (and safe!) system of public transportation you can stay warm while doing so.
With theaters, galleries, unique food and drink there is a surplus of cosmopolitan culture to be had here. But pack your beanies and warm jackets. This is for true winter lovers as average temperatures reach 35-38 degrees F (1-3 degrees C) in December through February.
Create a personalized tour of the city.
Florence, Italy
A sparkling city by night Florence acts as a great central location for a multitude of day trips. Only an hour and a half outside of Florence are the beautiful mountains of Abetone. Great for beginners and experts alike, you can get your ski fix in a short day trip. Follow up the next day with a dip in a hot spring. Or relax in the laid-back city center with a hot chocolate at a local cafe.
Book a day trip to one of the local hot springs or rent a car and take an adventure there.
Wine tours, Cinque Terre, and the leaning tower. You can’t go wrong making this a stopping point in your winter adventure.
If you prefer to stay in the city, plan to check out the famous Florence Cathedral (pictured above). Or Boboli Gardens, and the Uffizi Palace.
Zurich, Switzerland
I’m telling you, you need classic views of the Swiss Alps once in your life. There’s no better place to find that than Zurich. Arguably Switzerland’s prettiest city, and the largest, you’ll have no problem finding a myriad of activities here. Nearby lakes, mountains, endless old world architecture, food and shopping.
For all the skiers and snowboarders, you have your pick of over 10 resorts within 90 minutes of the city.
The area is also close enough to visit not 1 but 4 neighboring countries in one day. See the scenic countryside and explore the Old Town of Chur with a private train trip.
You can also check out Rhine Falls, the Matterhorn, and Grindelwald–all stunning and memorable locations.
Hvar, Croatia
With over 300 days of sunshine and mild temperatures Croatia offers something for those of us that love a clear bright day without the heat. A large island off the coast Hvar is known as the “sunniest place in Europe”.
A picturesque people-pleaser with rolling hills, olive trees, secluded beaches and fields of lavender, Hvar is no small island. In the city center expect a fun nightlife and plenty of restaurant options (with cheaper prices in the winter months, woohoo!). There are excursions to neighboring islands, ancient towns, pine forests, and exotic cliffs to explore. Make no mistake, though you could traipse the island for a day or two you could easily spend weeks here and still have fun things to cover.
Learn Dalmatian cuisine with a local.
Madrid, Spain
A drier climate and averaging 43 degrees F in winter means seeing the sights is still pretty easy and comfortable to do in the colder months. Still just cold enough to be cozy, you can find a cafe offering real hot chocolate and churros before heading out to catch a flamenco dance.
Take a walk along Gran Via and get a feel for this cultural center buzzing with cinemas, shopping and restaurants. On a sunny weekend enjoy the palaces and royal parks, plazas, and flea markets. Take a cooking class and make some travel friends.
Have you ever been to Europe in the winter? What’s your favorite city to visit and when? Let us know in the comments below!
