Planning a trip to Europe? You could be forgiven for assuming Europe is only worth visiting in the Summer or Spring, but there are plenty of great destinations that are perfect for visiting during the winter. Here are some of my favorite winter destinations in Europe:
London
London is magical if you’re lucky enough to visit around Christmas time. Hyde Park becomes a winter wonderland, with marks, food, shows, and games for locals and visitors. Of course, a visit to Harrods is a must, with its incredible decorations and lights. You’ll also find deep discounts if you feel like doing some shopping in the winter sales in London. If you love ice skating, there are temporary rinks all around the city. Feel like a different type of Christmas cheer? Check out some of the elite escorts in London and celebrate the holiday in a whole new way.
Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland is known to be the home of Santa Claus. If you have kids, or you just simply love the holidays, be sure to check out the Arctic Circle grotto where you can hang out with the bearded man (although photos aren’t cheap). You’ll enjoy a truly festive spirit with reindeer and snow, and you can also check out the Arktikum museum while you’re there.
Brussels
If you consider yourself to be somewhat of a gourmet traveler, Brussels for you. With some of the best chocolate in the world, along with extraordinary designers, this is an incredibly appealing city in the winter. Some say the food is better than France (although the French would disagree) but you can enjoy delicious, hearty Belgian dishes like waterzooi, moules frites, and of course, plenty of beer.
Prague
Prague is a surprisingly romantic city, with the Gothic spires of some of Europe’s most incredible buildings shining through the wintery moonlight. Prague is jam-packed with fun things to do, and the excellent public transport will get you around the city in a flash. The Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe, and less crowded than those in Germany in Austria, so be sure to grab some mulled wine, stock up on gingerbread, and wander through the market early on before everyone else has the same idea.
Budapest
Hungarians love Christmas, and you’ll find ice skating, decorations, Christmas trees, and good, old-fashioned Christmas cheer wherever you go here. Wrap up and explore the city- check out the Danube, grab a cup of coffee at the famous New York Cafe, and grab the hop-on-hop-off bus tour (you can always sit downstairs) to get a good overview of the city.
As you can see, there are plenty of great places to see in Europe in the winter. Ready to book your ticket?