Just because summer is especially popular for European travel doesn’t mean it’s the best time to go. In fact, between fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and affordable accommodations, a winter trip to Europe isn’t such a bad idea. It can actually be even more peaceful and beautiful this time of year.
Wondering which European cities should be on your bucket list this season? Here are 10 winter wonderland destinations to consider!
Paris, France
Paris shines even brighter in winter. In addition to enjoying all of its usual charms like the Musée du Louvre, Musée Rodin, and Musée d’Orsay, you can do so in a less crowded and more leisurely environment.
Charming cafes reach new levels of romance with the snow swirling around outside, and there’s nothing like strolling down the shimmering Champs-Elysées at Christmastime.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Paris may be the City of Light, but it’s got nothing on a winter night in Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands lays claim to the Amsterdam Light Festival, which beckons artists from across the globe to create light displays that illuminate the city through December and January.
You’ll also find festive holiday events and ice skating along with significantly discounted hotel rooms and flights.
Budapest, Hungary
There’s no denying that Budapest can be an especially chilly destination in winter, but that will make warming up with a dip in one of its famed thermal baths even more magical.
The majority of attractions are open throughout the winter, while the city’s sparkling Christmas markets are the perfect place to find unique treasures to put under your tree.
Prague, Czechoslovakia
Prague’s Christmas markets have been hailed as Europe’s best place for celebrating Christmas. Craft booths, live entertainment, and traditional Czech foods will welcome visitors as they traverse the snow-covered streets. What better place to purchase all your holiday gifts than from authentic Czech vendors, craftsmen, and artists.
If you’re looking for a real-life fairytale adventure, you’ll find it during wintertime in Prague.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna knows how to do winter. Public ice skating rinks, opulent parties, and festive advent markets are just a few of the delights you’ll discover with a wintertime trip to Vienna. And while the Austrian capital is breathtakingly beautiful during any time of year, it reaches new levels of luxuriousness when blanketed in a pristine coating of fresh snow.
If you’re a real adventure-seeker, be sure to bring your skis! Boasting a rich history of skiing, Vienna offers world-class downhill and cross-country skiing with absolutely breathtaking views.
Lucerne, Switzerland
There isn’t a more picturesque destination than Lucerne in the winter. Nestled beneath the Swiss Alps and alongside Lake Lucerne, this Swiss city is a true winter wonderland.
A few must-do things to experience while you’re in Lucerne this winter are skiing, shopping, sightseeing through the illuminated city, and trying their famous fondue.
Rome, Italy
Rome’s allures are not dulled in the winter. In addition to visiting all of its iconic attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Sistine Chapel, we can think of no better way to warm up than with Rome’s world-famous pizza and wine in a cozy local restaurant.
There’s a palpable absence of people in Rome in the winter, meaning manageable lines and easy access to all of its enamoring beauty and culture. Enjoy all of Rome’s history, charms, and gorgeous architecture in peace during the wintertime.
Bergen, Norway
For an experience unlike any other, consider the spectacular city of Bergen. Colorful architecture, a charming harbor, and majestic views of its surrounding fjords make Bergen a sight to behold – especially during the winter.
But there’s one extra-special reason to venture to Bergen in the winter: it’s the peak season for viewing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights!
Bruges, Belgium
Celebrated as the continent’s best-preserved medieval city, Bruges is ablaze with beauty during the holiday season.
Wander the cobblestone streets while basking in the glow of twinkle-lit trees and storefronts before stopping into a local cafe to warm up with a piping hot mug of the ultimate indulgence, Belgian hot chocolate.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming European destination this winter, you can’t go wrong with Copenhagen, the birthplace of hygge.
Despite that the sun sets around 3 o’clock in the afternoon in winter, this just means more time to take in the splendors of the light-lined streets and glittering Christmas markets. If you’re “doing it for the ‘gram” you will find no shortage of picture-perfect locations for your holiday cards.
Business Class Can Take You There!
One of the most exciting things about this list of European destinations is that you can get there for less thanks to off-season airfare and the travel experts at Business Class. To find the best deals on travel to Paris, Austria, Rome Copenhagen, or any of these dazzling wintertime destinations, visit Business Class today.
