There are warm-weather enthusiasts among us who are quick to forgo a visit to Europe's cities in winter, waiting instead for the sunny summer months. But we are in favour of embracing colder weather and making the most of the colder months.
Some cities, beyond the Christmas market rush, are refreshingly uncrowded and inexpensive during the colder months, and they offer cosy experiences worth travelling for. (Seriously, how good does real hot chocolate in a Belgian riverside café sound in winter?)
Check out 25 European cities - and a few villages, if we're being technical - that we think are the best when the temperature drops.
Top 25 most attractive European cities in winter
Vienna, Austria
Vienna was voted Europe's best city in the Readers' Choice Awards for 2021 - a title that holds true whatever the season. But we especially love the Austrian capital in winter, when you can indulge in hot chocolate and sachertorte, a local chocolate cake, attend free open-air opera performances (lots of people attend, even when it's freezing), listen to holiday classical concerts and take photos of snow-covered Schönbrunn Palace and St Charles Church.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is magical during the festive season, but we recommend visiting the Dutch capital during the last months of winter too. Although the city is no stranger to over-tourism, those infamous crowds thin out significantly as the temperatures drop, meaning you can enjoy views of snow-covered canals and cosy restaurants in peace and quiet.
And we swear, the Dutch food, hearty with lots of bread and potatoes, is even more satisfying on cold days.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is practically bursting with charm, thanks to its turreted castles and privileged location on the Baltic Sea. The city has one of the best-preserved historic centres in Europe, with many of its medieval churches and merchants' houses under UNESCO protection. The views of the city centre from Toompea Castle are magnificent whatever the season, but they are even more beautiful under a blanket of snow - in fact, they make the cold Baltic winters quite bearable.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Some places just seem made to be visited in winter, like the seaside resort of Interlaken in Switzerland. Despite being located in a valley, the town is close to many of the high peaks of the Alps and is a popular destination for outdoor activities.
After all, when the Alps are on your doorstep, you want to make the most of them, don't you? Interlaken offers the chance to enjoy mountain activities in the comfort of a town with the infrastructure to cater to your every whim.
On the gentler end of the scale, you have the chance to head into the mountains and visit peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau. Then there's all the fun you can have on the slopes, with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Finally, see the Alps from the sky with extreme sports like paragliding and parachuting.
Whichever you choose, when you return you can warm up and indulge in Swiss delicacies like cheese fondue.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: colourful wooden buildings, a picturesque harbour and breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords. The city is beautiful in summer, of course, but it's in winter that you can admire the Northern Lights during their peak season. If you're going to freeze in Scandinavia, you might as well cross an astronomical wonder off your bucket list.
Bruges, Belgium
Europe's best-preserved medieval city is also one of the most charming, especially during the festive season. Let's start with its illuminations, where every tree and shop window seems ablaze with twinkling lights (just look up as you stroll along the cobbled streets). When your fingers start to go numb, warm up with cups of Belgian hot chocolate in the historic Craenenburg Cafe.
Hallstätt, Austria
Yes, technically it's a village, but no other fits the phrase 'fairytale setting' better than Hallstätt, which lies on the banks of Hallstätter See in Austria (about an hour's drive east of Salzburg). The town's 12th-century churches, candlelit restaurants and market square are all the more charming during the winter months, especially when the already picturesque Dachstein mountains are covered in snow.
As with most Austrian towns, Hallstätt is an ideal place for winter activities: go skiing, snowshoe trekking or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Budapest, Hungary
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit Budapest. Seeing the Hungarian Parliament surrounded by banks of ice on the Danube could make even the strictest beachgoer cringe. And you're sure to find all those great cafés, museums and thermal baths infinitely more inviting after spending a few chilly hours exploring the city.
Paris, France
Paris is always a good idea. In winter, it's an even better idea, especially when you see how Parisians make the most of a snowy day. The City of Light becomes particularly dazzling with its twinkling lights on the Champs-Elysées and its over-the-top Christmas decorations at Galeries Lafayette. Most magical of all? The famous queues to get into the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are reduced to a fraction of their usual length. Just wear your smartest winter coat - it's cold!
Prague, Czech Republic
When a layer of snow covers the St Charles Bridge and the spires of the churches in the Old Town, the whole of Prague is transformed. But the city also boasts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe (outside Germany, at least) - where even the most jaded traveller will succumb to the trdelník (fried dough) in the festive stalls.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia's capital is a fairytale setting, whether it's sunny or snowy. Visit in December to admire the baroque architecture surrounded by Christmas lights; or avoid the crowds and book a stay after the holidays, when you'll have plenty of time to stroll through the pedestrian-only Old Town and sip a coffee in the riverside cafés. You can also add Lake Bled and the Julian Alps to your itinerary, as Ljubljana is the ideal starting point for day trips to Slovenia.
Copenhagen, Denmark
When you visit the home of Hygge (the Danish concept of 'cosiness'), you can be sure that your winter holiday will be a pleasant one. This feeling can be found throughout Copenhagen, from pastry shops to cosy hotels. Don't feel you have to stay indoors to enjoy the season, though. Michelin-starred restaurants, Tivoli Gardens and canal views are certainly worth bundling up for. And is it just us, or do the buildings of Nyhavn look even more colourful against a backdrop of snow?
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is a country of endless beauty, but tourists flock to Lake Bled in particular, which offers a picture-perfect backdrop. Truly magnificent all year round, this alpine lake is transformed into a winter fairytale once winter arrives.
With views of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is characterised by its crystal-clear waters, surrounding forest, cliff-top castle and island church. It really is one postcard moment after another that gives rise to this epic destination.
Staying in the small town of Bled - where you must indulge in a Bled Creamcake - you're right on the lake. Stroll or drive along the lake to Bled Castle or Mala Osojnica for spectacular views. To visit the island of the Church of the Assumption of Mary, take a pletna boat or walk bravely if the lake is completely frozen; it happens! It's debatable whether Lake Bled is at its best in winter, but it's hard to argue that it's not magical when the lake is draped in the winter colours of blue and white.
Berlin, Germany
Germany is world-famous for its Christmas markets - its capital alone boasts more than 60, including the incredibly picturesque WeihnachtsZauber, which is surrounded by monuments such as the Französischer Dom and the Konzerthaus. But don't think Berlin's winter appeal begins and ends with the holidays. Travellers can enjoy the city's Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy museums until the end of the year, without the summer crowds.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland's capital is one of our favourite places to visit in winter.
For the past nine years, the city has hosted the magical Smashing Times City of Dublin parade, a festival honouring the winter solstice (21 December) with ceilí dancing, traditional storytelling and a fire ceremony. Dublin gets even brighter with events such as the Luminosity festival of lights and the world's largest Celtic drumming session held throughout the city. Of course, there's also the beauty of the season itself: James Joyce's short story 'The Dead' even pays homage to the city's snowy graveyards.
Salzburg, Austria
The festive season is very dear to the hearts of Austrians, so visiting a major destination like Salzburg is a real highlight. This time of year is one of the city's busiest, with celebrations and festivals galore. All this is in addition to classic sightseeing, such as the Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Old Town district, where classical music floats in the air.
For starters, there are Salzburg's Christmas markets, where you can feast on traditional gingerbread and spicy glühwein.
For Silvester, the traditional New Year's Eve celebration, bring in the New Year by waltzing through the streets under a shower of fireworks. Salzburg also hosts the annual Winterfest circus carnival at this time of year, adding another dimension to this cultural experience.
Barcelona, Spain
Looking for somewhere special to make the most of your winter holiday? How about the cool city of Barcelona! A true city of culture, you can not only visit this fantastic city, but also experience New Year's Eve the Spanish way.
Of course, visiting Barcelona in winter has other advantages too. Firstly, the city is a little warmer than elsewhere in Europe, so spending time outdoors won't be so difficult. What's more, by coming in winter you'll avoid the high numbers of tourists that have led to Barcelona's over-tourism problems. And in fact, the only thing you really miss with a winter trip are the beaches. And yet, it's hard to get bored in a place like Barcelona. So whether you want to stroll through the Gothic Quarter or sample some tapas, a winter break in Barcelona is a great idea.
Venice, Italy
Venice is notoriously overrun during the high season, as evidenced by the city's recent attempts to limit the number of tourists. But in winter, the city lives up to its nickname of 'La Serenissima'. The canals are calm and shrouded in mist, hotels offer reduced rates and you can visit St Mark's Basilica without a stranger poking you in the eye with a selfie stick.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Visiting Switzerland during the ski season is a no-brainer, but most snow bunnies don't venture outside their respective resorts. This year, make your Swiss holiday more interesting and book a trip to Lucerne. This beautiful city offers activities you won't find on the slopes, such as museum visits and ferry rides on Lake Lucerne, as well as easy access (by train and bus) to dozens of winter sports resorts.
St Petersburg, Russia
Few travel images capture our imagination quite like St Petersburg in winter. The colourful, fanciful towers of the Church of the Saviour on the Blood are particularly striking against the freshly fallen snow. But as in much of Russia, winter in the city is frigid; rivers and canals freeze, days are short and temperatures average between -4 degrees and -28 degrees between January and February. Embrace the cold and celebrate, especially by attending a sporting event called the Big Neva Cup, which involves a swimming pool carved out of the ice
Rovaniemi, Finland
Just outside Rovaniemi, you'll find Santa's village, the official residence of good old Saint Nicholas. Almost on the Arctic Circle, when you visit the village you can meet Santa, get a special stamp in your passport and spend time with real reindeer. It's hard not to get carried away by this fairytale place.
Rovaniemi also offers other activities. To find out more about the region and the Arctic, head to the Arktikum Science Museum for an up-close look at culture, history and nature. For something more adventurous, why not go sledging with some adorable and energetic husky dogs? The town is another good place to venture out and hope to see the mesmerising Northern Lights. In a way, Rovaniemi is the place to be for all things Arctic, and therefore one of the best winter destinations in Europe.
Stockholm, Sweden
The Northern Lights, yes. Christmas markets in the heart of the old town, yes. Cosy cafés with coffee and pastry breaks called fika? Triple check. Stockholm may attract more travellers in summer, but we think the city is made to be experienced in winter. Christmas time is the best time to visit, when local restaurants offer traditional Christmas buffets called julbord, smorgasbords of salted fish, liver pâté, cabbage and so on. If you want to photograph the city in the snow, plan your trip for January or February.
Bath, England
Named after its most famous feature, Bath is known for its hot springs and Roman bath complexes.
Fun tip: Jane Austen lived here and any reader of her novels or letters will be delighted to see the Georgian architecture she used as a backdrop, sprinkled with snow (an unusual but not impossible weather condition for this location). For the ultimate winter afternoon, warm up in a thermal spa, then head to the Fashion Museum.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital - it doesn't get more wintry than that. An essential souvenir, and the ultimate reward for a must-see shopping experience, is a traditional Icelandic woollen jumper (head to the Kolaportid flea market to pick one up). Other cold-weather activities include whale watching, swimming in geothermal pools (or a trip to the Instagrammable Blue Lagoon, a 40-minute drive away), and strolling past colourful houses and Viking sculptures, such as Leif Erikson's notorious likeness.
Strasbourg, France
A blend of French and German cultures (the city sits right next to the German border), it's only natural that Strasbourg is beautiful in winter. The neighbouring town of Colmar, whose charming canal district is known as La Petite Venise, makes a perfect day trip in winter, and is particularly picturesque when covered in a blanket of snow. In Alsace, grey skies are more common than snowfall, but we think the region is charming whatever the weather. Strasbourg's Christmas markets are renowned (they were first held in the 16th century) and smell of bredele biscuits in the streets. The brilliant hanging lights that illuminate the city centre, Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral, are also a sight to behold.