Off-season = magic.
Unless you ’re dead - pose on skiing in theBavarian alpsof swallow up yourself in thefrozen wonders of Iceland , chances arethe European vacation of your dreamshas some serious summer vibes . CruisingAmsterdamorSwedenby bike . kvetch back with a spritz on theFrench Rivieraor ouzo on aGreek island . gearing hoppingbetween medieval villages and eye - dropping vista . overpay for hotels and meals . Waiting in line to see iconic painting at a museum as crowd as Disneyland . You know … the quintessentialEuropean Summerkind of experience .
It does n’t have to be that style . If you ’re willing to sacrifice some beach time and your sun - gazump outing , many of Europe ’s cool finish are every bit captivating during the wintertime . To feel Europe in the winter month is to fully embrace its cozy coffeehouse , homey tavern , peaceful museum , merry vacation market , and , crucially , affordable hotel rates . And thanks to the wonders of efficient train travel , many of Europe ’s urban wonderland are just a few hours fromadorable mountain villagesand some ofthe cosmos ’s best skiing .
catch your chicest affectionate coat and a comfortable brace of walking boots — here are the best destinations for a wintertime safety valve in Europe .
It’s hard to get more winter-magical than Venice.|Matteo Colombo/DigitalVision/Getty Images
London, England
lawful , the weather in London in the wintertime is n’t exactly great . But here ’s the matter : It ’s not great in the summertime , either . And while a showery summer day might ruin your plan of a breeze in Hyde Park or a bicycle ride through Hackney , a showery winter day just supply a large self-justification to cozy up and love London ’s greatest plus : its pub — er , museums , we mean .
Work up an appetite by stroll through some of the city ’s most famous ethnical institutions like theNatural chronicle Museumor theBritish Museum , or pick out a more niche experience , like discovering contemporary art atTate Modernor finding your way through the maze of art- and sculpture - stuffed rooms atSir John Soane ’s Museum . Afterwards , you’re able to honor yourself with a dry pint at a renowned fleck like theChurchill Armsor at a tight-laced - earned run average pothouse like the Princess Louise in Holborn .
Do n’t neglect out on gamy tea , a decadent good afternoon bite of finger sandwich , petit fours , and scones , washed down with champagne ( or teatime , if you must ) at the lately relaunchedDorchester , one of the grandest hotels in London . Spend the dark next room access at the swank and intimate45 Park Lane , or skip over toChiltern Firehouseto sleep at one of the hippest hotels in town .
London’s bustling streets somehow feel warmer come winter.|Richard Baker/In Pictures/Getty Images
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Basel, Switzerland
Basel is most famed for its one-year summertime art average , when crowds of elect collectors , gallerists , and advisors descend on the city . But while the eternal sleep of the yr remain relatively quiet , the Swiss city is still a must - chaffer finish for art lovers . embark on your art dangerous undertaking at theKunstmuseum , where you could see oeuvre by Old Masters like Rembrandt along with modern art by Cy Twombly and Andy Warhol .
contemporaneous artistry lover will need to venture out to see theprivate collectionof the Beyeler class atFondation Beyeler . And if the art there is n’t unsettling enough for you , there ’s always thetoy museum , where the eyes of ancient puppet seem to follow you around the room .
In winter , the quaint old township feels like a movie solidifying , with cobblestoned street lined with bakeries , heading , and chocolate shop . The most famous hotel in town , Les Trois Rois , has more affordable rates in winter — plus , you ’ll probably even be able to score a arriere pensee at the hotel ’s three - Michelin - star restaurant , Cheval Blanc .
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Athens, Greece
Of all the urban center on this list , Athens is where you ’re most potential to see some wintertime sun . With temperature make the crushed 60s , it ’s actually everlasting weather for explore the wide web of ancient ruin strewn throughout the city . utterly jam - pack with tourist and beastly raging in the summertime , theAcropolisis the most renowned attraction inpretty much all of Greece , perched on the top of a hill in the heart of the city . wax to the top to explore the Parthenon with 360 - degree views of the city uninterrupted by fellow tourists , and do n’t miss out onthe enlightening museum , along with other ancient sites like the Temple of Hephaestus , Hadrian ’s Library , and the Ancient Agora , all located right in center of the action .
But while Athens is most famous for its ancient ikon , it ’s also a pelvic girdle and modern city with an combat-ready night life scene , home to bars likeThe Clumsies(ranked amongthe human beings ’s 50 best bars ) ands.i.x . Dogs , which dish up expertly craft cocktails in an hole-and-corner rock pit . you’re able to eat at a classic taverna likeYiasemi , hidden aside on the step leading up to the picturesque Anafiotika neighborhood , or opt for modern Greek - Japanese spinal fusion at the Michelin - recommendedNolan .
Winter is also a great time to visit Athens for affordable hotel rates , so expend the Nox at the swankLighthouse Athens , where you may book a suite with a ginmill , a writing desk , and a tub in the middle of the room for under $ 300 per night .
The Swiss are masters of winter.|Juergen Sack/iStock/Getty Images Plus
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Prague, Czechia
There ’s truly nothing quite like take care Prague Castle covered in Baron Snow of Leicester . While the Czech capital is one of the most beautiful cities on this tilt , it ’s also one of the coldest . But beautiful architecture , fascinating account , and a rich cultural inheritance make up for the short days and blue temps .
Spend your time bulge into cafes and shops in Old Town foursquare ( do n’t pretermit the astronomical clock ) or touring the many rooms and museum ofPrague Castlebefore a concert dance or opera performance at the National Theater . If you come for the vacation , the metropolis ’s legendary Christmas Market run into January and metamorphose the iconic Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square into a full - mishandle holly - jolly fantasia .
After dark , experience Prague ’s legendary nightlife scene , kicking things off with craft cocktail atthe Alchemist , a bar that plays homage to Prague ’s past as ahotspot for alchemy . For hotels , you may go advanced with the aim - yHotel Boho , or keep it classical with a stay at theGrand Mark .
Venice, Italy
Venice can sometimes feel like a ghost town in winter — but compared to themayhem of summer , we can promise you that ’s a good thing . vagabond the canal , browse the sensational art at thePeggy Guggenhiem Collectionor thePrada Foundation , and get a drink at legendaryHarry ’s Bar , the birthplace of the Bellini .
The incredibly stylishPalazzo Experimentalis the hottest hotel in town with a restaurant and legal profession that are worth visiting even if you ’re not staying there . If you time your trip right on , you might even get to enjoy some carnival theatrics ; in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras , revelers don elaborated masks and capes in festival and events throughout the city .
Vienna, Austria
Visiting Vienna sense like something out of a fairytale , where twinkling lights lend a gay glow to the city ’s unbelievable architecture , even in the dead of winter ( specially during the Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market ) . Keep the fairy story melodic theme going with a visit toHofburg Palace(once home to the Hapsburg dynasty ) and the dazzlingOpera House , before discovering picture by Klimt , Schiele , Van Gogh , and others at the extensiveBelvederecollection . expend a cosy afternoon at one of the urban center ’s illustrious cafes likeCafe Landtmann , where you’re able to people - find out over coffee and sachertorte .
Winter is also orchis season in Vienna , and even holidaymaker can score ticket to dark - tie events put on by various lodge throughout the city , from the Confectioner ’s Guild to the Philharmonic Orchestra , which takes shoes in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein . Once you ’ve waltzed the night away , Quran a night at the newRosewood Vienna , where the impeccably designed room drop the spires of old town .
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Lisbon, Portugal
You ’ll be grateful for the coolheaded weather when you ’re hoofing it up Lisbon ’s famously steep hills . Plus , the metropolis ’s coffeehouse and vino bars along the winding sett streets do n’t get any less rosehip during the wintertime — there just are n’t as many tourists scrambling for table . And without throngs of visitors , you may well research the stunningNational Tile Museumor the massiveLX factory , full of shops , restaurants , and more .
Save at least one twenty-four hour period to visit nearbySintra , where a collection of jaw - dropping palaces , parks , and castles will ravish and storm you ( and definitely do n’t drop theInitiation Wellat Quinta da Regaleira ) . And if you ’re a surfer , you may regain waves just 30 minutes from the city at Praia do Guincho .
With so many streets and alley to explore , it ’s alluring to stick to the metropolis center , but embark a piece further out — either by railroad car or tuk tuk — can be even more rewarding . Go for imaginative — but not gimmicky — culinary art at Michelin - starredRon Gastrobaror interesting natural wines atGlou Glou . lowly winter charge per unit might intend a stay at the glamorousPalacio Santa Catarinais in the cards . If that ’s out of your budget , prefer forThe Vintage , complete with spacious rooms and an cloak-and-dagger health club with a heated pool .
Snowfall in Athens is rare, but it can happen.|SHansche/iStock/Getty Images Plus
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
The bridges and canals of Amsterdam are peculiarly romantic in wintertime , peculiarly if you ’re snuggled up insidean antique boatsipping a hot hot toddy . As the sunshine sets in the early afternoon , the whole city turns into a flick lot .
The city’scafes and burnt umber shopsare extra cozy in wintertime . Try the noted apple tart atWinkel 43 , snap up a pint at Cafe de Druif , or get weird at the quirkyCafe Pollux . you may easy spend the daytime cafe - hopping , but winter is a swell meter to visit the popularRijksmuseum , where you may have the home to yourself .
With so many streets and alleyway to search , it ’s tempting to stick to the city center , but venturing a bit further out can be even more rewarding . Go for imaginative — but not gimmicky — culinary art at Michelin - starredRon Gastrobaror interesting innate wine atGlou Glou . For the ultimate winter getaway , book a way at thePulitzer , a five - whizz hotel occupying a dustup of townhouses in the smart Jordaan region .
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This fence city on the Adriatic is , unfortunately , as renowned for overtourism as it is forGame of Thronesfilming locations . But outside of the summertime - sail - ship month , it ’s a quiet and lovely long - weekend escape , where you’re able to palpate like you have the city to yourself .
Get miss in the curve cobblestone streets , grab a intimate drink at ahidden vino bar , confabulate one of theworld ’s quondam drugstore , or stroll along the onetime city wall . While some restaurants and bar close in the wintertime , the city is still full of incredible place to eat , likeBota Sare Oyster and Sushi Bar . And , if you ’re up for a pleasant-tasting daylight misstep , you’re able to chit-chat theoyster farm in Mali Stonwhere the briney shellfish are raised . Plus , visiting in winter means that rooms at the best adjustment in town — theHotel Excelsior — cost a fraction of what they might in the mellow time of year .
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavian winters are often characterized by their infinitely dark dark skies and invariant threat of pelting and ice . That ’s why most the great unwashed jaw Copenhagen during the unceasingly bright summer months . But those who brave out Copenhagen during the winter calendar month will find the metropolis still very much alive — and much brighter than they thought .
The urban center is a true treasure during December , when the Disney - inspiringTivoli Gardensin the city eye transforms into one of Europe’smost iconic Christmas markets . The canal - side neighborhood of Nyhavn is lined with vender hand out warmgløgg , while various squares around town are lit up with flak pit and string light and jam with vendors roasting gist over open fires and serving beers from local breweries like the iconic Mikkeller .
Things are a flake more chaotic in December , but come January , those willing to swan the dice on the weather condition are rewarded handsomely with lower hotel charge per unit and a full submerging into Danish hygge culture . From the famous saunas to intimate bakeries likeHart BageriorJuno the Bakeryand the metropolis ’s famously divey “ brownish bars , ” there ’s no deficit of places to cozy up . You ’ll find it easier to hit a reservation at humanity - class amercement - dining goal likeAlchemist , too , but do n’t sleep on the city ’s many food halls for a chance to dine on crispy pork and impeccable seafood to warm your soul .
Step into a fairytale in Prague.|Kirill Rudenko/Moment/Getty Images
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Barcelona, Spain
The Catalonian sunlight does n’t compact nearly as much heat in the wintertime , but Barcelona remains a vivid , shining star of the European experience during the wintertime , when the hotel prices citywide take a serious plunge . Take those rescue as an excuse to fling while walking around one of Europe ’s funkiest , most queer cities , taking frequent interruption for Iberico ham and cold Estrellas at every opportunity .
You might be sacrificing beach time , but it ’s more than worth it to know this hilly , sprawling city without dripping in sweat , jar with backpacker in the Gothic Quarter , or being quite as leery of pickpocket in disorderly Las Ramblas ( still mayhap be alittlewary ) . Start by taking in the greatest striking of Antoni Gaudí , whose psychedelicPark Güell ’s steep mosaic landscape painting is less tax in temperate winter weather , and whoseSagrada Famíliacathedral — still in progress 140 years by and by — remains one of the most puzzlingly stunning part of architectural art ever created .
Immerse yourself in even more prowess viaMuseu Picasso , then machinate to consume your weight in tappa ( here ’s ahandy guideto the less - touristy spot ) , paella , sangaree , vermouth , and cava . You are , after all , in a world - course of study culinary capital . Do n’t concern — you’re not headed to the beach , so go ahead and grab some extra pulpo and hit that bakehouse on your way of life back to the hotel … or wherever else the nighttime take you .
As romantic as they are in the summer, Venice’s canals truly sparkle when the temperature drops.|Matteo Colombo/Moment/Getty Images
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Brussels, Belgium
Brussels somehow continues to fly under the radio detection and ranging for many Americans , but it draws gang in the summertime thanks to its wealth of museums , eye - popping mixing of gothic cathedral and Art Nouveaux wonders , and show - stopping comforter foods . But amount winter — especially after the light dim on the one-year vacation market at the Grand - Place — you’ll receive a quieter , more calm side of Brussels .
In thissurprisingly thug - rockarts hub , you ’ll compact up and saunter the artistry - lined street and dip in and out of the manor hall of theMusé Modern Museum , theOld Masters Museum , and theRoyal Museums of Fine Arts . If you ’re looking for a divine culinary experience , this is the time to score a res at Michelin - loved spots likeComme Chez SoiorLe Chalet de la Forêt , although the city ’s riches of regional solace foods — moules frites , waffles , shrimp croquettes , and chocolate primary among them — make bounce between coffee bar a must . And of course , this is perhaps the most famed beer metropolis in the reality : Delirium Cafeis one - stop consonant shopping for all your paunch - warming Cistercian and abbey need , but this is a metropolis that all but demands a brewery hops that double as a history lesson .
emphatically make time for a straightaway trip through the Flemish countryside to Bruges . Yes , the cultishly dear pic that apportion its name has made it a magnet for tourists . But post - Christmas the world ’s well - preserved medieval city remains a wonder of labyrinthian bowling alley , stunning channel , basement public house , and undischarged coffee shop … and the perspective from atop the iconic Belfry Tower is even more phantasmagoric when the fairytale streets below are about empty on a brisk wintertime Nox .
See all the beautiful buildings lit up in Vienna.|Peter Zelei Images/Moment/Getty Images
Lisbon looks somewhat unchanged in winter, but it’s definitely easier to manage without the sweltering heat.|Pollyana Ventura/E+/Getty Images
Sip warm drinks on a boat in Amsterdam.|George Pachantouris/Moment/Getty Images
Keep things Mediterranean-mild in Dubrovnik.|Nadtochiy/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Copenhagen’s lakes are even more breathtaking beneath a blanket of snow.|Muriel de Seze/The Image Bank/Getty Images
Barcelona’s colorful art comes to life in the winter.|martin-dm/E+/Getty Images
Old town Brussels truly vibes on a winter night.|AlbertPego/iStock/Getty Images Plus
