20 Greatest European Cities to Go to within the Winter, In accordance with Journey Consultants

Nuremberg, Germany

Boehnstedt recommends heading to Nuremberg for the “wonderful Christmas markets, musical festivals, and total festive spirit and ambiance within the attraction of Bavaria.” It is going to be chilly, so vacationers ought to bundle as much as discover the charming metropolis — a glass of mulled wine whereas looking the famed Christkindlesmarkt, one in all Germany’s oldest festivals, helps, too.  

From December 1 to Christmas Eve, benefit from one of many guided excursions of the market and particular vacation tasting excursions, or try one of many Christmas live shows at church buildings within the Outdated City like St. Lorenz and St. Martha. Whilst you’re purchasing, maintain an eye fixed out for particular treats and presents you possibly can solely get right here — these shall be marked with the market’s official brand. Specialty cookie cutters and punch blends from the Wurzelsepp tea store are Nuremberg exclusives.

Edinburgh, Scotland

“In the event you like moody skies and comfortable corners in espresso outlets, Edinburgh is the place to go to through the winter months,” says Zeigler. Regardless of the chilly climate and shorter days — the solar units earlier than 4 p.m. in December — there’s nonetheless lots to get pleasure from within the Scottish capital. “Hold heat with a wee dram, cozied up subsequent to a roaring hearth in any of Edinburgh’s iconic luxurious lodges,” says Zeigler. 

On prime of vacation actions just like the annual Christmas market, a visit to Edinburgh is an opportunity to take part in Hogmanay an enormous pageant with torchlight processions and fireworks that takes place earlier than New 12 months’s. Afterward, you may as well take part within the legendary Hogmanay hangover remedy: a chilly dip within the River Forth referred to as the Loony Dook. Costumes aren’t crucial, however they will undoubtedly make it extra enjoyable!

Valletta, Malta

Snow-capped mountains and excursions requiring a number of layers aren’t for everybody. Fortunately, Europe has different choices — one in all which is Valletta, Malta. “Malta boasts a light Mediterranean local weather, even in winter. You possibly can discover [Valletta’s] wealthy historical past, structure, and vibrant tradition with out the scorching summer time warmth,” says Totengco.

Within the winter, the island’s temperatures hover between 50 and 60 levels Fahrenheit, which suggests snow may be very unlikely however it’s not heat sufficient to swim both. Nonetheless, this tends to be the island’s greenest season and it is a good time to benefit from the mountain climbing trails. Plan a visit in December should you’d additionally prefer to expertise Valletta’s Christmas markets or in February to see the town throughout Carnival.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Winter is the perfect time to go to the “official hometown of Santa Claus.”

“Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is understood for its Santa Claus Village, the place one can meet Santa Claus himself. Right here, you may as well get pleasure from actions like reindeer safaris, canine sledding, and witnessing the Northern Lights out of your distinctive igloo lodging,” says Totengco.

One of many foremost winter actions is the SnowGlow Winter Exercise Park which opens in late November and retains the festivities going till early March. Along with tons of warming drinks and meals on sale, the park’s sights embrace mesmerizing mild shows, sledding hills, inflatable “zorbs” you can climb inside, and even a snowman-building station! There are even mini snowmobiles for youths ages 4 to 13.

Lucerne, Switzerland

As temperatures fall beneath freezing, the cities and cities within the Swiss Alps — like Lucerne — beckon to winter sports activities lovers, in addition to those that need an additional giant serving to of alpine attraction. “Snow sports activities within the mountains could probably be very doable. Plan a day tour on one of many Swiss scenic trains throughout the winter wonderland,” says Boehnstedt. Lucerne can be an amazing choice for worldwide vacationers, because it’s only a fast 40-minute practice experience from Zurich. 

In the event you’re visiting Lucerne in December, you possibly can expertise conventional Christmas markets or time your journey to coincide with the Lilu Mild Competition in January. This annual occasion illuminates the town with artistic mild installations and dynamic exhibits all around the previous city.

Istanbul, Turkey

“Istanbul’s distinctive mix of historical past, tradition, and beautiful structure is enchanting year-round. In winter, you possibly can discover iconic landmarks just like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with fewer crowds,” says Tesa Totengco, founding father of Travels with Tesa. 

The climate tends to be gloomier within the winter, however it hardly ever will get beneath freezing. In the event you do really feel a bit chilly, you may at all times get your steam on at a luxurious hammam in one in all Istanbul’s greatest lodges. In December, you possibly can even see Christmas decorations lighting up the Nişantaşi neighborhood and the 4 Seasons Lodge Istanbul is understood for its annual Christmas market and vacation dinners. Essential throughout winter in Istanbul is salep, a scorching milk drink made with cinnamon and orchid tubers, which give the beverage its signature thickness.

London, England

“As Christmas approaches, London transforms right into a winter wonderland, adorned with fascinating metropolis lights, superbly embellished outlets, and lots of glorious eating selections,” says Forte. Take pleasure in a day strolling by means of the brightly lit Kew Gardens, or tuck right into a Sunday roast at one of many close by pubs after a protracted stroll by means of Hampstead Heath. “The climate, whereas chilly, often is snow-free, so it makes it simpler to get about,” provides Boehnstedt.  

Do not miss one of many greatest Christmas markets in Europe at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the place you will get a scorching cocoa and adrenaline repair in a single night time with tons of stalls for purchasing and coasters for using. For one of the best overview of London through the holidays, be part of a themed vacation lights tour or attempt to catch the Christmas choir efficiency at Kings Faculty London. Later within the season, you’ll have an opportunity to catch distinctive winter occasions like January’s Worldwide Mime Competition and Burns Night time in February, when eating places all around the metropolis put out Scottish-inspired menus in honor of the well-known poet Robert Burns.

Tub, England

A winter’s day in Tub is greatest spent looking its varied quaint bookstores, indulging in afternoon tea, soaking within the famed waters of the Thermae Tub Spa, and popping into one of many metropolis’s oldest pubs, Saracens Head or The Star Inn. For a extra festive contact, add ice skating at Royal Victoria Park and selecting up presents on the Tub Christmas Market to your day’s actions. Many lodges provide particular experiences for the season, comparable to The Fowl Lodge, which units up festive igloos the place you possibly can e-book a festive meal with an amazing view of the town. You can too get a little bit of vacation historical past in when visiting the Roman Baths with particular actions surrounding the traditional vacation of Saturnalia, from which many Christmas traditions take their roots. The baths additionally host a New 12 months’s Eve bash with a candlelit meal and dancing within the elegant ballroom.

Paris, France

It’s true what they are saying: There’s by no means a nasty time to go to Paris. As fall transitions into the colder months, the Metropolis of Mild turns into additional cozy and much more romantic. “Paris’ well-known road cafés are nonetheless functioning in winter… with warmth lamps and heat furry blankets — good for folks watching and sipping a glass of wine (or a scorching chocolate),” says Zeigler. “And, after all, the decrease resort costs can’t be beat this time of yr.”

Christmas in Paris provides a large number of issues to do from the charming Christmas markets to the pleasant window and light-weight shows on the luxurious shops on the Champs-Élysées. If you’d like one of the best purchasing offers although, higher to stay round after Christmas for the Winter Gross sales (les soldes) when outlets throughout their cities slash costs all through January and February.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Given its standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Metropolis, it’s no shock that Dubrovnik is common with vacationers, particularly in the summertime. Within the winter, although, you received’t need to struggle for one of the best views of the long-lasting sights — the Metropolis Partitions, the Cable Automotive, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral. Your journey can also fall through the Dubrovnik Winter Competition, that includes live shows, festive lights, and markets. The winter can be the season the place you possibly can expertise one of many metropolis’s most vital non secular occasions, the Festivity of St. Blaise on February 3. Dubrovnik fills up with folks as worshippers arrive from throughout for this UNESCO-recognized occasion the place many Croatian people traditions are celebrated.

Málaga, Spain

“Situated on the Costa del Sol, Málaga provides a pleasing local weather the place you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from out of doors actions, discover historic websites just like the Alcazaba […], and luxuriate in scrumptious Spanish delicacies in a relaxed ambiance,” says Totengco. Temperatures sometimes vary from the mid-50s to low 70s, and there the solar supplies a much-needed dose of vitamin D.

Winter in Malaga can be a good time to attempt gazpacho’s heat counterpart gazpachuelo, a hearty soup made with fish and potatoes. In the event you go to in December, you may get to see the town dressed up in twinkling vacation lights and the Christmas market stalls within the Paseo del Parque.

Reykjavík, Iceland

You’ll solely have a number of hours of daylight in Reykjavík this time of yr, however winter can be your greatest likelihood to see the northern lights in Iceland. Contemplate taking a whale-watching tour out of Reykjavík Outdated Harbor, or use the town as your base camp earlier than heading off on an extended tour. There are even cruises on New 12 months’s Eve that offer you an amazing vantage level of the fireworks over the town. To shake the chilly, take a dip within the close by Sky Lagoon, the place the waters are sometimes round 100 to 104 levels Fahrenheit. 

In February, Reykjjavíkingers maintain their spirits up with the Winter Lights Competition, a free pageant that fills the town with ornamental lights in the course of the darkish winter. The occasion additionally features a devoted Museum Night time, throughout which all the metropolis’s collaborating museums will open their doorways to the general public within the night.

Rome, Italy

Rome’s peak season involves a detailed in November, so vacationers have December by means of March to benefit from the capital metropolis’s quieter aspect. Earlier than or after a day of purchasing and sightseeing, Forte recommends grabbing pizza from Emma or getting a desk at Roscioli for lunch. We predict pasta and pizza sound like the right method to heat up from a cold stroll.

In December, the vacation season fills the town with Christmas markets just like the Festa della Befana in Plaza Navona and Giftland, an indoor market in Piazza Ragusa. Stick round for the Carnevale celebrations in late February to see Rome at one of the vital colourful occasions of the yr. Parades full with horse-drawn carriages and costumed revelers take over the primary streets and plazas for every week of enjoyable earlier than Ash Wednesday.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s sunshine is a part of its enchantment, even within the winter. Relying on the day, it’s possible you’ll solely want a lightweight or medium-weight jacket as you stroll up and down the numerous hills, by means of the cobbled streets, and by the tiled buildings of the Alfama district. In comparison with summer time, this time of yr is considerably extra nice for on-foot exploration — however don’t neglect to hop on a yellow tram at the very least a couple of times. 

December is a stunning time to be in Lisbon for the Christmas markets, the most important of which is Wonderland Lisboa, which additionally has sights like ice skating and a Ferris wheel. Within the first week of January, Lisbon celebrates Three King’s Day so should you’re there on this present day, you possibly can attempt the Portuguese model of King’s Cake.

Barcelona, Spain

Winter is the off-season for vacationers, so that you would possibly even really feel like you may have extra elbow room at a few of Barcelona’s prime sights. In accordance with Zeigler, in Barcelona, “one in all Europe’s largest and busiest cruise port cities,”  winter means getting a break from the crowds created by cruises. “Strolling and exploring are extra nice; eating places are much less crowded,” she says. Outside swimming could also be a no-go, however vacationers can nonetheless bask within the rays alongside the oceanfront promenade.

After the Christmas festivities and Three Kings Day Parade of Barcelona’s vacation season, winter vacationers visiting from late January on can sit up for making an attempt a uncommon winter deal with. Calçots are giant inexperienced onions solely eaten when in season and for the Catalan folks, in addition they sign the return of wintertime barbecues. Barcelona eating places shall be promoting this distinctive expertise and you’ll study the correct (and really messy) method to take part.

Venice, Italy

“On a sunny winter day, Venice is pure magic! With the town’s new floodgates virtually absolutely working now, hardly any excessive water (Aqua Alta) impacts Venice anymore,” says Zeigler. And, as with most European cities within the low season, it will likely be simpler to navigate your manner by means of the compact metropolis with out the staggering variety of summer time vacationers.

“Winter is the right time to go to the massive websites, as you will get tickets and don’t need to do the ridiculous queues,” says Forte. Verify off all of the classics, together with the Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and Forte’s private favourite, the Peggy Guggenheim Assortment.

Within the winter, gondoliers will present blankets to maintain you heat should you nonetheless wish to take an iconic experience or take part in an much more wintry exercise on the ice skating rink in Campo San Polo. Winter can be a good time for purchasing in Venice with Christmas markets in December and lots of outlets promoting elaborate masks within the weeks main as much as the town’s world-famous Carnival celebrations.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam won’t be the primary European vacation spot you consider when planning winter journey, however it has its personal model of magic this time of yr.  “When it stays chilly sufficient, lengthy sufficient, the numerous canals of Amsterdam turn out to be a large out of doors skating rink,” says Zeigler. This occasion is uncommon — and changing into more and more so — however there are different sides of Amsterdam to discover as properly. Convey a e-book or pal to one of many metropolis’s many espresso outlets and pubs, full with “winter lights and comfortable nooks,” she provides. 

This time of yr you may as well attempt the seasonal doughnut olibollen, which you should purchase scorching proper on the road. Amsterdam is a good place to be for Christmas lights due to the Amsterdam Mild Competition, which ups the ante with high-tech artist-designed shows.

Good, France

You received’t be frequenting Good’s seashore golf equipment this time of yr, however there’s nonetheless magnificence to be discovered within the waterfront metropolis; you simply need to know the place to look. Get your steps in by strolling up Fort Hill, a feat rewarded with an unbelievable view, or spend a day meandering by means of the slender streets of Outdated City. Schedule allowing, take a day journey to Monaco, or discover one of many many small cities within the French Riviera. 

In December, you may discover the Christmas market on Place Masséna — simply search for the massive Ferris wheel — and the palm timber that line the Promenade des Anglais shall be all aglow. In the event you’re on the town for New 12 months’s, head to the seashore for fireworks over the bay.

Florence, Italy

These visiting Florence within the winter won’t see any snow, however they’ll have the present of decrease resort costs, fewer fellow vacationers, and the choice to go truffle looking. “This time of yr is when truffles are in season,” says Forte, who shares that friends of Lodge Savoy — named one of many greatest lodges in Florence by T+L readers — can e-book a truffle tour through a classic automobile. “The expertise is very extraordinary as friends can get pleasure from beautiful views of the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and San Miniato alongside their drive earlier than heading into the Tuscan hills on their seek for truffles,” she explains. 

Through the holidays, you may discover Christmas festivities just like the market on Piazza Sant Croce. Head towards the Florence Eye Ferris wheel and additionally, you will discover one of many largest ice skating rinks in Tuscany on the Florence Ice Village.

Vienna, Austria

Get out your dancing sneakers and black-tie apparel as a result of Vienna hosts lavish balls all winter lengthy. Following the vacation season’s Christmas markets just like the Viennese Dream in entrance of the Metropolis Corridor and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, Vienna retains the events going with its well-known balls. Viennese balls are open to the general public, so vacationers simply have to seek out one which aligns with their journey and purchase tickets — and don’t fear, there are fairly a number of to select from. Unsure the place to start out? Bookmark the town’s official Ball Calendar.

Winter temperatures in Vienna common sometimes fall between 28 and 45 levels Fahrenheit, however fortunately most of the metropolis’s greatest sights occur indoors. Guide tickets prematurely for a efficiency on the Spanish Using Faculty or maybe catch an opera on the iconic Staatsoper.