While summer might be everyone’s favourite time to get away from it all, there’s something quite unique about a winter holiday and with the weather in Europe generally pretty chilly between October and March, European city breaks tend to be where holiday-hungry Brits set their sights. While there are plenty of incredible UK cities, you see, there’s something magical about a mainland European city in winter.
The snow-kissed streets, festive markets, and cosy cafes offer a charming escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re driving or hopping on a train with an anytime ticket and flying from Gatwick the continent’s winter allure has never been more obvious in the wake of the pandemic.
Planning a Winter Getaway
Of course, Christmas is pretty much the ideal time to plan a winter getaway. The festive season brings a unique vibrancy to cities, with thousands of twinkling lights and cosy Christmas markets creating a fairytale atmosphere that can really help you overcome the chills.
A winter trip can boost your mood, offering a much-needed break and a chance to experience Europe’s rich culture and history in a new light at a time when the streets won’t be packed with tourists. Whether you’re looking for winter sports, cultural festivals, or just a few days away from the worries of your daily life, Europe’s cities offer it all.
European Cities that Come Alive in Winter
Each European city has its own distinct winter charms to unpack and explore. Here are some of our top picks for a perfect European winter wonderland experience:
Budapest, Hungary – With its famous thermal baths, Budapest in winter is a warm oasis amidst the cold and we all know there are few joys in life as profound as getting nice and warm when it’s cold outside.
Krakow, Poland – Krakow’s medieval architecture looks even more majestic in the winter. The city’s Main Market Square becomes a winter wonderland, complete with (of course) a beautiful Christmas market and seasonal festivities.
Innsbruck, Austria – Now for something completely different. Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck is a winter sports paradise. Its old town, with the snowy mountains as a backdrop, offers a postcard-perfect winter scene that you’ll want to come back to year after year if you’re a fan of the slopes.
Prague, Czech Republic – The Gothic and Baroque architecture of Prague provides a dramatic setting for its winter markets. The city’s beauty is amplified by the festive decorations and snow and the famous astronomical clock is one of the true wonders of Europe!
Helsinki, Finland – Helsinki in winter is a wonderland of snow and ice, with its seaside location offering unique winter activities. The city’s design shops and cafes offer a warm respite from the chilly weather.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhagen in winter is all about cosiness and “hygge”. The city’s streets are adorned with lights and decorations and the Christmas markets are beyond impressive. It is a notoriously expensive city, however, so start saving now!
