Best European Cities to Visit in Winter

It's winter, and some of you are ready to leave the cold behind. The thought of packing up your bags and heading somewhere warm is too tempting to resist. Or, maybe you’re ready for the holiday cheer, the smell of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air, and twinkling lights of European Christmas markets.

Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons with new holiday traditions, world-class museum galleries to wander, or just ready to relax with a warm winter cocktail in hand, Europe has a wealth of cities that offer something for everyone. The following places are perfect destinations for winter travelers looking to escape the winter blues and experience new destinations.

If you're traveling with family, winter is a great time to visit Europe with children. They'll love marveling at the life-size nativity in Vatican City, sampling chocolates and Christmas sweets in Paris, and the merriment of Holiday markets in Vienna.

If you're looking for culture, there are plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration during the colder months, whether it be visiting museums such as Madrid’s Museo del Prado or the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam; seeing an opera at La Scala Theatre in Milan; attending twinkling Christmas markets in Vienna; exploring Roman ruins at Pompeii or Ostia Antica in Rome; or sampling traditional Neapolitan food traditions during Christmas like taralli, casatiello, sfogliatelle, and babà al limoncello.

Best European Cities to Visit in January

January is the perfect time to visit Europe. You can enjoy some of the most beautiful cities in the world without the crowds that come in high season. Christmas markets are in full swing, so you can enjoy a steamy mug of mulled wine and Christmas cookies. If you're looking for museums or galleries to visit, now's your chance. Top venues around the world like the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Louvre in Paris often come with the summer surge of tourists. You can meander museums in peace during the calm winter months, the best thing about visiting Europe in winter.

Experience Europe’s Best Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the ideal city for travelers looking to experience a relaxed European Christmas. While other major cities, like Berlin, may be more well-known for their Christmas markets and festive decorations, Vienna can offer everything you would expect from a traditional German Christmas market without being overrun by people.

The city is home to numerous Christmas markets with quaint wooden chalets that sell local crafts and warming food and drink. For those who want to experience a classic Austrian Christmas, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and taking in some holiday entertainment. The city offers several different types of Advent calendars that contain special treats like chocolate or wine every time you open a door on December 1st through 24th!

If you're looking for something more traditional, don't miss out on the chance to walk through Stadtpark's huge local market where over 25 different stalls sell traditional Austrian food and drink items such as sausages or strudel pastries–all while listening to live music played by musicians dressed in traditional costumes.

The best way to enjoy Vienna’s beautiful Christmas markets is by treating yourself to some mulled wine, or glühwein in German, sipping on it as you wander around. A hot drink will keep you warm while people watching or taking in the merriment and joy of Vienna during the festive, light-filled season. Dive deeper into the holiday spirit on our Christmas Markets of Vienna Food Tour where you’ll get the chance to sample decadent festive treats while learning about the city’s most cherished holiday traditions.

What else to love about Vienna in the winter? Shopping! We’re in the thick of the season of giving and Vienna has the perfect street to buy presents for your loved ones, enjoy a hot beverage, or treat yourself to a gift from the many stores on Kärntner Straße, one of the oldest streets in Vienna. Ancient Romans first named the street Strata Carinthianorum and it has grown to become a main artery for the city’s economy ever since.

Go Greek for the Winter –  Discover Athens, Greece

Island hopping in the Mediterranean sounds like a summer pleasure, but it can be just as much fun during the winter, when you can beat the crowds and score lower rates on hotels. Athens with Context offers you the chance to explore the Acropolis Museum with an acclaimed archaeologist. Or learn all about the best foods in Athens during a Context Food Tour.

Athens is a great place to visit in winter because it doesn't get as cold as other European cities, though the weather can get rainy. Still, Athens is during the winter becomes a haven for adventurous spirits wanting to discover the city without the hassle of crowds.

Want to know the best warm place to visit in Europe in winter?

If you’re searching for adventures even farther off the beaten path, we suggest Crete. It’s one of the best warm places to visit during the winter months. Context Travel offers full-day guided walking tours of the island’s must-see destinations, including Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Chania Old Town, Agia Triada Monastery, Commonwealth Cemetery, and the Venizelos Tombs.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside, there are plenty more European cities to visit this winter that are sure to warm your spirits and bring plenty of adventures to choose from. Read on to learn more about the best winter destinations in Europe.

French Riviera, France

The French Riviera is a scenic region along the Mediterranean coast of southern France. It includes the popular cities of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, among several others. The area has a mild climate year-round and is popular with tourists for its beautiful beaches and grand palaces.

In terms of weather, winter in this region is mostly mild with temperatures averaging between 40°F (4°C) to 50°F (10°C). Rainfall is low and usually occurs in short bursts. Temperatures may dip below freezing on occasion but rarely for more than one day at a time; snowfall only comes for short periods during the winter months too. For travelers who like to be outdoors exploring new places, this makes it ideal for both walking tours through town or on hikes along paths outside city limits.

The best time to visit would be around Christmas or New Year's Eve since the city is more likely to be populated by locals enjoying their holidays away from home rather than your average summer tourist.

Toledo, Spain

In the beautifully historic Spanish city of Toledo, Context travelers can explore medieval architecture and admire some of the best preserved monuments from the Middle Ages. The city itself is located on a hilltop overlooking a bend in the Tagus River, making it an ideal spot for exploring on foot. If you're looking for things to do during your trip, consider visiting one of Toledo's many museums or churches with a Context expert before enjoying some delicious tapas with friends at one of its many restaurants.

Toledo's winter weather isn't too cold so it's still a good time to visit the city if you want something different than what's offered during summertime travel season.

Porto, Portugal

The northern city of Porto is a popular tourist destination and is known for its wine, which is exported around the world. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, as well as a thriving literary and musical culture. It’s position off the coast makes it a popular beach destination in summer, but it’s just as picturesque a destination during the winter month of January.

If you're looking for adventure and culture during your stay, head over to Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) where you'll find plenty of museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art and Archaeology or The Art Center. For an incredible view of the city, visit Miradouro da Boavista—the best place for a panoramic site of Porto.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, with its impressive canal system, bikes whizzing by, and beautiful architecture, is a great city to visit any time of year, but it's particularly magical in winter. The sparkling canals and vibrant life are even more enchanting in the snowcapped wonderland.

The museums are open and the markets are buzzing with activity. You can explore all the major sights of Amsterdam on foot with Context. And let’s not forget that their extensive canal system is also perfect for ice skating. And if you're looking for some festive cheer during Christmas time then don't miss out on the Amsterdam Christmas Market.

Winter is One of the Best Times to Visit Europe

Planning ahead is the key to saving money during your winter travels in Europe. Many cities offer lower prices for non-peak periods, so it pays to plan your trip for off-peak times. All in all, winter is a great time to visit Europe, especially if you want to beat the crowds, explore on your own terms, and, in some cases, escape the winter cold. If you're the type traveler that likes the quiet of off-peak season crowds, consider traveling in May or September. Context Travel offers year-round opportunities to connect with local experts.