6. Stockton, New Jersey. The town looks pretty in the . This place is a 250 acre estate hotel and is the perfect getaway from romantics, naturalists, humanists, and poets. There may not be much daylight in the winter, but the streets are covered in white snow and lined with Christmas lights. Vilnius. This city of old world grandeur, architecture and culture may even look more atmospheric with a light dusting of snow than under blue skies. At the breathtaking Sagrada Famlia, construction is still reaching skywards over a century after Gaud designed it. Lech is exactly what you could want out of an Austrian ski holiday. We stayed at the KempinskiBudapest Hotel, which has a Christmas market on one side of the hotel and the Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel on the other side. They relocate the town eastward like thats no big deal at all. There are warm-weather devotees among us too quick to skip a visit to Europe in winter, instead holding out for the sun-kissed beaches of summer. If you love hitting the slopes, then youll be spoilt for choice as there are over 120kms of runs. Despite areas of the island, Kefalonia (Kefallinia or Cephallonia) is an idyllic Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Braov is a great home base for exploring some of Romanias most famous castles, including Bran Castle and Pele Castle (both less than an hour away). Basically, you wont have any problem finding outdoor activities to take advantage of. Its brimming with class, tourist sights, and character, and I assure you there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. This article may contain affiliate links. Barcelona. Its well known in mountaineering and ski communities, and youll quickly understand why once you arrive. Aside from the breathtaking sight of white rooftops and iconic monuments dusted with snow, there are also many benefits of visiting Paris during winter. Looking for weekend gateways in USA to spend quality time with your partner? Plus, coming in winter means youll avoid the high tourist numbers that have led to Barcelonas overtourism problems. Whether Lake Bled is at its best during winter is debatable, but its hard to argue that its not magical when the lake is draped in the winter colours of blue and white. This makes it the . There are few tourist destinations in the world more popular than the floating city of Venice. When a dusting of snow coats St. Charles Bridge and Old Towns church spires, the whole of Prague transforms. Bainbridge Island trip from Seattle. The town turns into something seen in Christmas movies during the holiday season, with a beautiful tree and Italian cheer all around. Every year millions of vacationers flock to the continent after the best winter destinations in Europe. Forget the Dutch capital's reputation for stoner tourism and stag do's. For solo travellers in search of a city break in Europe, Amsterdam ticks all the boxes, as a genteel, safe, progressive and friendly city. We were lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, catch one of the seasons first snowfalls, and even take part in Luxembourgs fabulous Christmas markets. Some palaces recommended to visit are Catherine Palace, Yusupov Palace, Mikhailovskiy Palace, and Winter Palace. Of course, visiting Barcelona in winter has its other perks too. Were not the only people who love to spend winter in Europe. Plus, no matter your skill level, you'll find something your speed. The town's 12th-century churches, candlelit restaurants, and market square only become more stunning during the winter months, especially when the already-scenic Dachstein Mountains are capped with snow. Bruges, Belgium. 30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways, The Travel Basics Our Readers Keep Buying From Amazon, You Can Still Book Cheap Flights to These Popular Spring Break Destinations. Once the sun sets in Graz, the whole city will be put into an almost cold but still warm-ish orange. Accommodation at this top luxury resort in New York ranges from lodge rooms and suites to two-bedroom condos, some with kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies or terraces with lake views. Make sure to have brunch at the Chocolate House for a delicious and unique hot chocolate when you feel chilly outside. Even one look at the magnificent parliament building illuminated at night will convince you of that. But were particularly fond of the Austrian capital in the winter, when you can double down on hot chocolate and sachertorte, watch free outdoor simulcasts of the opera (loads of people attend, even when its freezing), listen to classical holiday concerts, and snap photos of Schnbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church (pictured) covered in snow. After all, when the Alps are on your doorstep, you want to make the most of them, right? Spain. Shopkeepers and servers have all the time in the world for pleasantries in the winter, and locals are happy to reach out with offers to share a meal or recommend an experience. 10. Held in early February, this free annual event is designed to coax people outdoors with imaginative and striking light displays. If you happen to visit the city in January or February, even better thats when the sales are on! The city doesnt just endure the winter, but locals embrace and celebrate it with the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets and discover first-rate museums . The alpine Austrian cities are just magical during wintertime especially when covered by snow. Stay at winter resorts 'near me' today. Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland like no other, perhaps best exemplified in the regions capital city of Rovaniemi. Here's to checking them all of your bucket list. Its tough to argue with the appeal of Edinburgh as its one of the moststunning cities in all of Europe, but its one of the best winter destinations in Europe. It brings a pleasant expatriate vibe to vibe to the town and adds to its character. Theres ice skating, dog sledding, skiing, and ice climbing for the active visitor. Some other popular Christmas markets are Advent Magic in Hellbrunn and the Christmas Market on Mirabell Square. Walking along the canals, across the famous bridges and . Best weekend getaways Europe. Temperatures might drop to 3C/37F at nighttime, but with a warm winter coat, a beanie, and mittens, you're set for the perfect Paris itinerary. No place is this more evident than in Finlands capital. Gluhwein, Gluhbeer, and Jagertea are the drinks of choice here. Good fun in the middle of summer, but come winter, theyre a god send as you stay warm below the waters surface. Most . Dublin also gets lights up even more around New Years Eve, with events like the light festival Luminosity, and the worlds largest Celtic drum session set around town. Price: staring at $150/night. 10 best city break deals from Ireland to Europe 1. Way more appropriate. Vienna opera house is known for being one of the best in the world, and dont forget to try the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake). We love the Hotel Acacia, located next to the main square, with its resident parrot, Coco, who greets guests upon arrival at the hotel! Its the perfect location for exploring the city. Estonia is probably not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about cheap winter getaways in Europe in December. We spent two full days in Liechtenstein and thought it was the ultimate place for families. Here are 13 of our favourite weekend getaways in Europe. Afterward, visit one of the countless restaurants in the town and enjoy some local cuisine. Berlin, Germany. Irelands capital is one of our favorite places to visit in winterand not just because of all those cozy little pubs. Well yes, they do. Another fantastic place to spend winter in Europe is this Polish City. Chamonix is a resort mountain town in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc. Its here you can enjoy the best things to do in Europe in the winter snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and fondue dipping! Nightlife still spills out onto the streets in winter, except on rainy evenings, although there are plenty of warm, cozy drinking and eating spots if its too chilly for you. Whatever it is you choose, Saint Petersburg will not disappoint. Whether youre into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone. Most notable is the Habsburgs Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and awe-inspiring gardens. Below, the 15 best weekend getaways from NYC. Dont feel like you have to stay indoors to enjoy the season, though. Enjoying the different local beers across the citys many bars is enjoyable no matter the season. Krakow, Poland. 12. Winter Getaways in NJ. If youd prefer something a little less festive and a little more pensive, book a few nights at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. This Bavarian city is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, elevating a splendid medieval old town into a dreamland. High speed trains will take you there in 3 hours. But, you can snag inexpensive hotel stays and plan your trip around indoor activities . We even went for a winter walk in the woods with llamas! The sun doesnt even rise for 21 days in December. Resting off the coast of West Africa, these Spanish islands typically enjoy pleasant sunny weather while Europe freezes. Lets take a look at the best winter destinations in Europe and what makes each so special. As you wander around the city checking out all thethings to do in Budapest,youll continue to stumble upon Christmas markets. Besides spending time with Father Christmas, Rovaniemi has other activities too. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, narrow cobbled streets weave through its center linking the canals, hidden squares, and colorful houses of this beautiful old town. hard to be bored in a place like Barcelona, 15 Best Hiking Snacks to Pack on Your Next Hike. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. In many ways, its everything we love about Austria, all packed into a modern city and historic city. The inn offers basic rooms, each with a kitchenette and a private bathroom. You can stay close by to the beach at a resort or campground like the Oakwood Resort. When your fingers start going numb, warm up with mugs of Belgian hot chocolate in the historic Craenenburg Cafe. Parts of Andaluca are further south than the African coast so expect mild temperatures in winter. Marseille, France. The Telegraph compared visiting Saint Petersburg in winter to stepping into a Russian novel. Now, who wouldnt want to experience that? Best Travel Bucket List ideas! Mystic, a small coastal Connecticut town once known for its shipyard and seaport is now a quaint New England getaway full of destination-worthy dining. Whether you're looking for the best price on international airfare , luxury car rentals in Europe , or even a long-term rental for an extended vacation, Auto Europe has you covered with . The city features an extraordinary amount of green space as its spread out across a series of islands in the Baltic Sea. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and thats a fact no matter the season. 2. A tradition dating back centuries, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has become a monumental festival of good cheer. Winter Weekend Getaways from Vancouver. Another fantastic place to spend winter in Europe is this Polish City. Some places in Europe look their most natural during winter, like the pretty little alpine town of Hallstatt. In our opinion, Venice is best visited in the winter, when the streets are quiet and the air is fresh. Youll sit on it, youll drink from it, and youll sleep on it. Of course, when the canals freeze over youre better off strapping on some skates. Abisko ticks both of those boxes. It is surreal; even after several visits, we still love Venice. With a fjord cruise, it wont be hard to see why places like Bergen were used as inspiration for the movie Frozen. While the short summer brings with it better weather for outdoor sightseeing, it cant compare with the way winter brings out the best in Tallinns adorable cityscape. This is bolstered by the presence of the Old Town Christmas Market with heart-warming lights and a great big Christmas tree. This time of year is one of the busiest for the city, with celebrations and festivals left and right. The aroma and smoke of roasting chestnuts permeate the streets, and in the weeks surrounding Christmas, innovative decorations dominate Lisbons squares and major thoroughfares. From flower gardens bursting with spring color and tranquil mountain retreats to several of America's top golf courses, beach resorts, and vibrant cities, these spring trip ideas offer several options for fun, including wonderful Easter celebrations, Memorial Day weekend getaways, annual spring festivals, and more. Even still, its hard to be bored in a place like Barcelona. While we are well aware that Transylvania is an entire region, there are so many cities that shine in the winter that its impossible to choose just one: Sibiu has a glittery Christmas market with 100 merchants, an ice rink, and a Ferris wheel. Weve visited Edinburghs epic Hogmanay Festival for New Year. Europes best-preserved medieval city is also one of its most bewitching, especially during the holiday season. Love or hate Venice; there is no denying its popularity. Ghent, Belgium. Saint Petersburg is located on the Neva River, which is notorious for wind chills. If we were to pick one of our favorite ski resort towns in Europe, it would be Lech Zurs Arlberg in Vorarlberg. For those excited about the coming of Christmas, why wait for Santa Claus to come to you when you can go to him instead?! There is a magical fairytale-like quality as lights are displayed along the streets in a wonderfully festive scene. Its a much more enjoyable experience when youre able to relax a little and take in the sights of Paris without crowds or the pickpockets big cities can have. When the mountains are covered in snow, it is one of the best places to visit Europe in the winter. The Christmas markets here are almost identical to those in German and Austrian cities and are well worth a visit! This Canary Island enjoys permanent sunshine throughout the year. So, its hardly surprising how crazy busy the Czech capital gets during its warmer months. Cortina dAmpezzo is a small town in the region of Veneto, Italy. If you plan to see the Northern lights in Northern Norway, Id advise you to rent a car to guarantee your chances. We tried our best to enjoy a bit of it all, but well have to return someday with more time. If you ever wanted a stay never to forget, this is it. Bergen has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: colorful wooden buildings, a scenic harbor, and sweeping views of the surrounding fjords. Helena Bradbury September 4, 2020. Have you ever wondered what it would be like barely having to line up to enter the Muse du Louvre or not having to brave a snaking queue to ascend the Eiffel Tower? Our favorite thing to do in Amsterdam is to simply sit canal-side in a quiet neighborhood, like Jordaan, and enjoy a cold Amstel. If youre going to be freezing up in Scandinavia, you might as well get to cross an astronomical wonder off of your bucket list. Greenlands western town of Ilulissat draws tourists for several reasons: the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, dog sledding, relative accessibility (you can fly there from Iceland or Denmark), and its proximity to iceberg-filled Disko Bay. Its all distinctly Austrian, with restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs run by local families. Then there are the more unusual Austrian traditions associated with Christmas, like the pagan institutions of Krampus and Perchten which feature scary, demonic-looking beasts. (For the best restaurants, hotels, and more in the city itself, check out our New York City travel . Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You can get there by car and ferry in just over 3 hours. Think snow-capped mountains, ski slopes, and thermal baths. Alternatively, winter brings with it some important dates and celebrations, like Christmas and New Years Eve. Its almost impossible for any visitor to have the same experience in Edinburgh. Joining the nearby skiing area of Sedrun, it has become the largest ski area in central Switzerland. Shop for some cashmere, then curl up with your new scarf and some whisky at the speakeasy-style Panda and Sons. #4 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe. We love to travel during the winter months and have spent a lot chasing the snow worldwide. Best Mid-Range Hotel: Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena. The city contains many contrasts and offers everything fromworld-class art festivals in the winterto fine dining, rowdy pubs,designer shops, comedy clubs, luxury hotels, and hip coffee shops. Probably not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about best weekend getaways europe winter getaways... 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