12 European Cities for Winter That Are Straight Out of a Fairytale

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Are you looking for the best European cities for winter? Whether you’re looking for a unique city break, winter wonderland, or cultural getaway, there are plenty of options. In winter, temperatures across Europe drop, and the snowy skies roll in, allowing travelers to see this fascinating continent from a new perspective.

Picture it now: snow-covered medieval cobblestone streets, breathtaking winter landscapes, festive Christmas markets, and world-famous historical landmarks. However, with so many beautiful places, deciding where to visit this winter isn’t easy, but we’re here to help. Here are 12 European cities that are perfect for a winter city break. You can expect a wide range of exciting things to see and do.

Vienna, Austria

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the best places to visit in Europe year-round, but we’re particularly fond of the city in winter when festive attractions appear across the city, and it’s acceptable to explore with a mulled wine in our hands. If you’re lucky, it might even snow, adding to the allure of an already stunning destination.

Vienna offers something for everybody. History buffs can visit the Historic Centre of Vienna. Shopaholics can shop until they drop along Mariahilfer Strasse, the city’s largest shopping street. Food enthusiasts can fill their bellies at the Naschmarkt, and festive travelers can embrace the Christmas spirit at Vienna’s best Christmas markets. What’s not to like?

Paris, France

Paris, nicknamed the City of Light, shines all-year, but, like Vienna, has a special appeal in winter, making it one of Europe’s best cities for a winter break. In winter, Paris’ historic streets come to life with festive decorations and Christmas markets, while the city’s most famous attractions are still there for all to see.

When you’re not visiting iconic attractions like the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe, enjoy crisp morning walks along the River Seine, sit in a cozy cafe with a hot chocolate, and ride the Ferris Wheel at one of the Christmas markets. Couples and families looking for something romantic or fun should go ice skating at one of the winter ice rinks.

London, England, United Kingdom

Stunning World Capitals with Rich Cultural Heritage London, England — © Jacki / Adobe Stock

You might call me biased because I’m from the United Kingdom, but I firmly believe London is Europe’s ultimate destination for a winter city break. England’s bustling capital city has something for every kind of traveler, whether you love historic landmarks, family-friendly attractions, picturesque river walks, or delicious cuisine.

However, in winter, the city’s main draw is its Christmas markets, which pop up everywhere. You’ll find impressive light and Christmas decoration displays at these markets, child-friendly winter wonderlands, international cuisine, traditional wooden stalls selling handmade arts and crafts, and more. Of course, you’ll also want to visit the most famous landmarks. Don’t miss Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the best European city for winter for travelers who dream of exploring some of the continent’s most impressive natural winter landscapes. While the city has much to offer, most travelers are drawn in by the island’s stunning natural scenery, including attractions like Thingvellir National Park and Jökulsárlón.

Winter is also the best time to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland because the nights are darker and longer. When you’re not exploring Iceland’s mind-blowing landscapes, get to know the capital. Try traditional cuisine in an Icelandic restaurant, visit Hallgrimskirkja, learn more about the natural history at Perlan, and enjoy the buzz and vibrant nightlife on Laugavegur Street.

Tromsø, Norway

European Cities with Stunning Winter Landscapes Tromso, Norway — © Emily / Adobe Stock

Sticking to the theme of the Northern Lights, Tromsø, a Norwegian city located over 200 miles (322 kilometers) above the Arctic Circle, is an incredible home base for spotting the Aurora Borealis in Europe in winter. From Tromsø, you can head out on Northern Lights chasing tours that aim to give you the best chance to capture the impressive display of color.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

And, if you don’t spot the Northern Lights, at least you get to spend your city break exploring one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. Seems like a fair trade-off to us, right? In Tromsø, you’ll find a stunning waterfront lined with vibrant architecture, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, and fascinating attractions like the glass-fronted Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum.

Innsbruck, Austria

Winter sports enthusiasts searching for their next thrill must visit Innsbruck this winter. Snow-capped mountains, perfect for winter skiing, surround this Austrian city. In fact, there are at least ten ski resorts or slopes in or around the city, including a ski area you can easily reach from near the city center using lifts.

Besides skiing, Innsbruck is an exciting city to explore, especially in winter when the streets are adorned with festive decorations and the Christmas markets take center stage. You’ll likely spend most of your time in Innsbruck exploring the Old Town, riding the Nordkettenbahnen, having fun at the Christmas markets, and visiting historical landmarks like the Golden Roof and Schloss Ambras Innsbruck.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s cozy cafes, quaint pastry shops, inviting hotels, vibrant architecture, and frosty temperatures help make Denmark’s capital one of the best European cities for winter. You’ll never be short of things to see and do in Copenhagen, whether that be perusing a festive market, visiting famous landmarks, having fun with your family, or enjoying a stroll along the waterfront.

However, there are some things you can’t afford to miss, such as Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, and the Church of Our Saviour. Meanwhile, if you’re searching for the Christmas spirit, you’ll want to visit Tivoli Gardens, where you’ll find twinkling illuminations, firework displays, an ice skating rink, traditional stalls, and Christmas-themed theater performances.

Rome, Italy

Winter is an excellent time to visit Rome, the capital of Italy, for many reasons. First, it’s much quieter, so you can explore the city’s most incredible landmarks without fighting through the large crowds that descend in summer. Second, you’ll find many winter-themed things to do in Rome, including Christmas markets, concerts, and musicals.

Most people who visit Rome spend their time learning more about the city’s rich history through one of the many impressive landmarks. Significant points of interest you don’t want to miss include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Of course, another highlight is the food and drink. Trust me, you’ll never tire of eating pizza and pasta and drinking Aperol Spritz.

Venice, Italy

If you’re looking for a romantic European winter city break, look no further than Venice, an Italian city that has always been synonymous with romance. Winter is when Italy’s ‘Floating City’ is at its most serene, as the summer crowds have long gone, the streets are peaceful, and the canals are shrouded in mist.

You can cross Rialto Bridge without tussling with the crowds, enjoy a romantic meal on the canal side without the loud noise, and explore the most famous attractions without queuing. Sounds perfect, right? In winter, Venice also hosts a vibrant Christmas market where you can buy Christmas gifts, eat your body weight in food, and enjoy the festive cheer. Must-visit attractions include Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Tallinn, Estonia

Easily one of the top European cities for a winter break, there’s nothing like Tallinn in winter when the city’s stunning Old Town is blanketed in snow and Christmas decorations light up the streets. Head to Toompea Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city, for a better view of the snow-covered streets.

During your visit to Tallinn, visit the most famous attractions, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn Town Hall, and Kadriorg Park. Then, spend your evenings at Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, where you’ll find the annual Christmas market between November and January. This is the perfect place to try Estonian cuisine, pick up last-minute Christmas gifts, and admire the beautifully decorated streets.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is already an easy city to fall in love with, but you’ll fall in love with the city even faster in winter when a dusting of snow delicately coats the Old Town’s medieval roofs and St. Charles Bridge. Prague is one of the best European cities for several reasons. First, it’s one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

At every turn, you’ll discover architectural masterpieces. Prague is also one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe, with an average daily travel cost of only $115. In winter, the Czech Republic’s capital also hosts some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, one of which can be found in the breathtaking Old Town Square. Noteworthy attractions in Prague include Prague Castle, the Prague Astronomical Clock, and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is perfectly equipped for a European winter city break. It offers travelers a winter wonderland with snow-sprinkled streets, frosty morning walks, cozy cafes, and many winter-themed activities. Needless to say, the imposing architecture and scenic Danube River are also alluring propositions in winter. Better yet, Budapest has an epic Christmas market.

As if things couldn’t be any better, Budapest has various unique attractions for visitors to visit in winter, including the City Park Ice Rink, which opens in November. For context, this is one of Europe’s oldest and largest ice skating rinks. Other must-see attractions in Budapest include Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.