15 Best Winter Destinations In Europe (That You Should Visit This Year)

Are you looking for the best winter destinations in Europe? Search no further, as I’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Europe this winter, whether you’re traveling by plane, car, train, or bus. From Prague to Rovaniemi – not to mention Budapest and Amsterdam – get ready to discover amazing and jaw-dropping destinations!

Europe is a continent with an unparalleled historical, artistic, and cultural past. And these most beautiful winter destinations in Europe are perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and cultural travelers. From iconic European capitals to major cosmopolitan centers, discover where to go in Europe in winter!

So, do you want to know more about the 15 Best Winter Destinations In Europe (That You Should Visit This Year)? Keep reading!

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Best Winter Destinations in Europe
Best Winter Destinations in Europe

Best Winter Destinations in Europe

1. Prague (Czechia)

Prague (in Czech, Praha) is one of the best places to visit in Czechia (in Czech, Česko), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, one of the best fall destinations in Europe, one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

On top of that, Prague is the capital of Czechia and the Capital of Prague region (in Czech, Hlavní město Praha).

Located in the center of the country, the city of Prague is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, beer enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Prague include:

  • Karlův Most
  • Katedrála Svatého Víta
  • Kostel Panny Marie před Týnem
  • Lennonova Zeď
  • Muzeum Města Prahy
  • Národní Galerie
  • Národní Muzeum
  • Orloj
  • Prašná Brána
  • Pražský Hrad
  • Španělská Synagoga
  • Staroměstské Náměstí
  • Tančící Dům
  • Václavské Náměstí
  • Židovské Muzeum

2. Rovaniemi (Finland)

Rovaniemi is one of the best places to visit in Finland (in Finnish, Suomi), one of the best places to visit in Europe in January and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Besides, Rovaniemi is the capital of the Lapland region (in Finnish, Lappi).

Situated in the north of the country, the city of Rovaniemi is a perfect destination for nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and cultural travelers!

The best things to do in Rovaniemi include:

  • Angry Birds Leikkipuisto
  • Arktikum
  • Jätkänkynttilä
  • Kotisaari
  • Kulttuuritalo Korundi
  • Lapin Maakuntamuseo
  • Lapin Metsämuseo
  • Lordin Aukio
  • Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus
  • Rovaniemen Kaupunginkirjasto
  • Rovaniemen Kirkko
  • Rovaniemen Kotiseutumuseo
  • SantaPark
  • Syväsenvaara Fell
  • Tiedekeskus Pilke

3. Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest is one of the best places to visit in Hungary (in Hungarian, Magyarország), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, one of the best fall destinations in Europe, one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

On top of that, Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the Central Hungary region (in Hungarian, Közép-Magyarország).

Located in the center of the country, the city of Budapest is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Budapest include:

  • Budavári Palota
  • Dohány Utcai Zsinagóga
  • Halászbástya
  • Magyar Nemzeti Galéria
  • Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum
  • Nagyvásárcsarnok
  • Országház
  • Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő
  • Széchenyi Lánchíd
  • Szent István-Bazilika

4. Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands (in Dutch, Nederland), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, one of the best fall destinations in Europe, one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

Besides, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and the largest city in the province of North Holland (in Dutch, Noord-Holland).

Situated in the west of the country, the city of Amsterdam is a perfect destination for art lovers, beer enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Amsterdam include:

  • Anne Frank Huis
  • ARTIS – Natura Artis Magistra
  • Bloemenmarkt
  • Dam
  • Damrak
  • De Wallen (De Walletjes)
  • Heineken Experience
  • Jordaan
  • Museum Het Rembrandthuis
  • Reguliersgracht
  • Rembrandtplein
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Vondelpark

Read my complete guide to Amsterdam, one of the best winter destinations in Europe!

5. Tenerife (Spain)

Tenerife is one of the best places to visit in Spain (in Spanish, España), one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary archipelago (in Spanish, Canarias), an autonomous community of Spain.

Located in the southwest of the country, the island of Tenerife is a perfect destination for beach lovers, cultural travelers, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Tenerife include:

  • Auditorio de Tenerife
  • Barranco del Infierno
  • Cueva del Viento
  • El Drago Milenario
  • Jardín Botánico
  • Jungle Park
  • Lago Martiánez
  • Loro Parque
  • Monkey Park
  • Palmetum
  • Parque Nacional del Teide
  • Playa de las Américas
  • Siam Park
  • Teleférico del Teide
  • Volcano Teide

6. Venice (Italy)

Venice (in Italian, Venezia) is one of the best places to visit in Italy (in Italian, Italia), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Besides, Venice is the capital of the Veneto region.

Situated in the northeast of the country, the city of Venice is a perfect destination for art lovers, cultural travelers, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Venice include:

  • Arsenale di Venezia
  • Basilica di San Marco
  • Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
  • Campanile di San Marco
  • Canal Grande di Venezia
  • Ca’ Rezzonico
  • Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
  • Gallerie dell’Accademia
  • Giardini della Biennale
  • Isola di San Pietro di Castello
  • Isola di Sant’Elena
  • Palazzo Ducale di Venezia
  • Piazza San Marco
  • Ponte degli Scalzi
  • Ponte dell’Academia
  • Ponte della Costituzione
  • Ponte di Rialto
  • Torre dell’Orologio

Read my complete guide to Venice, one of the best winter destinations in Europe!

7. Vienna (Austria)

Vienna (in German, Wien) is one of the best places to visit in Austria (in German, Österreich), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Vienna is the federal capital of Austria and the federal state of Vienna.

Located in the northeast of the country, the city of Vienna is a perfect destination for art lovers, cultural travelers, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Vienna include:

  • Albertina
  • Hofburg
  • Hundertwasserhaus
  • Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
  • MuseumsQuartier (MQ)
  • Naschmarkt
  • Naturhistorisches Museum Wien
  • Prater
  • Schloss Belvedere
  • Schloss Schönbrunn
  • Stephansdom
  • Tiergarten Schönbrunn
  • Wiener Karlskirche
  • Wiener Rathaus
  • Wiener Staatsoper

8. Abisko (Sweden)

Abisko is one of the best places to visit in Sweden (in Swedish, Sverige) and one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

Situated in the north of the country, the village of Abisko is a perfect destination for nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Abisko include:

  • Abisko Gränsförsvarsmuseum
  • Abisko Nationalpark
  • Aurora Sky Station
  • Björkliden
  • Dag Hammarskjöldsleden
  • Kungsleden
  • Minnessten Över Beredskapsförbanden i Abisko
  • Nuolja
  • Silverfallet
  • Torneträsk

9. Copenhagen (Denmark)

Copenhagen (in Danish, København) is one of the best places to visit in Denmark (in Danish, Danmark), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and the Capital Region (in Danish, Region Hovedstaden).

Located in the northeast of the country, the city of Copenhagen is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, and cultural travelers!

The best things to do in Copenhagen include:

  • Amalienborg
  • Botanisk Have
  • Christiansborg
  • Den Lille Havfrue
  • København Zoo
  • Marmorkirken
  • Nationalmuseet
  • Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
  • Operaen på Holmen
  • Rosenborg Slot
  • Rundetårn
  • Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)
  • Tivoli
  • TorvehallerneKBH
  • Vor Frelsers Kirke

10. Hallstatt (Austria)

Hallstatt is one of the best places to visit in Austria (in German, Österreich) and one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

Situated in the north of the country, the village of Hallstatt is a perfect destination for nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Hallstatt include:

  • 5 Fingers
  • Dachstein Krippenstein
  • Evangelische Kirche Hallstatt
  • Hallstätter Marktplatz
  • Hallstätter See
  • Katholische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt
  • Museum & Kuriositäten Kabinett Hallstatt
  • Salzwelten Hallstatt
  • “Skywalk“ Hallstatt
  • Welterbemuseum Hallstatt

11. Limassol (Cyprus)

Limassol (in Greek, Λεμεσός) is one of the best places to visit in Cyprus (in Greek, Κύπρος) and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and the capital of the Limassol district.

Located in the south of the country, the city of Limassol is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, and cultural travelers!

The best things to do in Limassol include:

  • Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Επαρχίας Λεμεσού
  • Ζωολογικός Κήπος Λεμεσού
  • Ιερό του Απόλλωνα Υλάτη
  • Καθεδρικός Ναός Αγίας Νάπας
  • Κάστρο Κολοσσίου
  • Κάστρο της Λεμεσού
  • Μαρίνα Λεμεσού
  • MYMALL
  • Πέτρα του Ρωμιού
  • Υδροπάρκο Φασουρίου Watermania

12. Málaga (Spain)

Malaga is one of the best places to visit in Spain (in Spanish, España) and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Besides, Málaga is the second-largest city in the autonomous community of Andalusia (in Spanish, Andalucía) and the capital of the Málaga province.

Situated in the south of the country, the city of Málaga is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, and cultural travelers!

The best things to do in Málaga include:

  • Alcazaba de Málaga
  • Castillo de Gibralfaro
  • Catedral de Málaga
  • Centre Pompidou Málaga
  • Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga (CAC Málaga)
  • Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga (Baños Árabes de Málaga)
  • La Concepción Jardín Botánico-Historico de Málaga
  • Mercado Central de Atarazanas
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
  • Museo de Málaga
  • Museo Picasso Málaga
  • Parque de Málaga (Parque de la Alameda)
  • Playa de La Malagueta
  • Plaza de la Merced
  • Teatro Romano de Málaga

13. Strasbourg (France)

Strasbourg is one of the best places to visit in France and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est administrative region.

Located in the northeast of the country, the city of Strasbourg is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, wine enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Strasbourg include:

  • Barrage Vauban
  • Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
  • Église Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Catholique de Strasbourg
  • Église Saint-Thomas de Strasbourg
  • Grande Île de Strasbourg
  • Jardin des Deux Rives
  • La Petite France
  • Le Vaisseau
  • Maison Kammerzell
  • Musée Alsacien
  • Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg
  • Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
  • Musée Historique de Strasbourg
  • Neustadt
  • Palais Rohan
  • Parc de l’Orangerie
  • Parlement Européen
  • Place Gutenberg
  • Place Kléber
  • Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg

14. Tallinn (Estonia)

Tallinn is one of the best places to visit in Estonia (in Estonian, Eesti), one of the best cities to visit in Europe, and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Besides, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and the Harjumaa region.

Situated in the north of the country, the city of Tallinn is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, cultural travelers, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Tallinn include:

  • Aleksander Nevski Katedraal
  • Eesti Ajaloomuuseum
  • Eesti Meremuuseum
  • Kadrioru Loss
  • Kadrioru Park
  • Kiek in de Kök
  • Kumu Kunstimuuseum
  • Lennusadam
  • Niguliste Kirik
  • Oleviste Kirik
  • Tallinna Raekoda
  • Tallinna Teletorn
  • Tallinna Toomkirik
  • Toompea Loss
  • Viru Väravad

15. Valletta (Malta)

Valletta (in Maltese, Il-Belt Valletta) is one of the best places to visit in Malta and one of the best winter destinations in Europe. On top of that, Valletta is the capital of Malta.

Located in the east of the country, the city of Valletta is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, and collectors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The best things to do in Valletta include:

  • Casa Rocca Piccola
  • Forti Manoel
  • Forti Sant’Anġlu
  • Forti Sant’Iermu
  • Il-Barrakka ta’ Fuq
  • Il-Barrakka t’Isfel
  • Il-Berġa ta’ Kastilja
  • Il-Port il-Kbir
  • Il-Pro-Katridral ta’ San Pawl
  • Is-Suq tal-Belt
  • Kon-Katidral ta’ San Ġwann
  • Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Arkeoloġija
  • Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Arti (MUŻA)
  • Palazz tal-Gran Mastru
  • Pjazza San Ġorġ

Map of the Best Winter Destinations in Europe

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