Europe is a great destination year-round. The most popular tourist season there is definitely summer. But… I can now say after visiting Europe in winter several times, it’s totally worth it! Here are the reasons you should consider visiting Europe in the winter, despite it being cold.
There’s a special charm to winter in Europe. It’s a beautiful area of the world with plenty of activities and cozy spots made perfect for colder weather. You’ll love visiting Europe in winter.
1. Shorter lines, fewer tourists
At Laduree, we walked right in and got a table. A friend of mine posted on my Instagram photo of us at Laduree, they commented were jealous because when they were there last summer, they couldn’t get in—the line was 2 blocks long!
2. Enjoy places being more empty
We went into Sainte Chappelle and no one was there! We went to the concierge, and no one was there! We went to Musee Quai Branley and were basically alone. It was fabulous and we felt like VIPs. The only place it didn’t feel even semi-empty was at Versailles—I can only imagine how packed it must be in summer!
3. Receive hotel discounts and tour discounts
Prices in Europe are lower during winter. Flights are hotels are two places it will be easy to save! If we think about supply and demand, in winter, there’s less demand to visit Europe so prices generally are lower. I love finding a great deal!
We got an amazing deal. Our hotel was listed at $100 a night on hotels.com, starting in spring. We got our flight and hotel for $500 in Paris through TravelZoo in the winter. Great discount!
Last winter, I found a flight to Copenhagen from DC for just $260. There’s lots of deals to be found! Check out my guide to finding cheap flights and consider looking for deals on Black Friday. There’s lots to be found for winter travel!
4. Experience the cozy settings of cafes.
Every corner café has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate that you can enjoy. Service is quick, and you can pop in/out quickly from the gorgeous city streets of the city. It’s a perfect way to warm up after walking around all day and just brings a great feeling to any trip!
5. There are gorgeous sunsets and sunrises.
Need I say more? In winter, the colors are gorgeous and there are lots of awesome spots to watch the sunset. I have read before that winter sunsets are the best. I would have to agree after the amazing sunsets I saw on my last trip.
Scientifically, the sun is lower in the sky during winter, so its rays have to travel a longer distance through the atmosphere. This filters out more blue light and allows more red and orange light to pass through, resulting in more vibrant sunsets.
6. Winter fashion is fun in Europe
You can style with cute boots and layer some of your favorite pieces. People are really into their fashion, especially in cities like Paris and Copenhagen! We researched a bit and found some good fashion tips before going. Check out my full packing list for Europe in winter here!
- Tights and boots — fleece lined tights are perfect
- Long trench coats
- Scarves, hats, and gloves
- Black is always a classic, but tan colors have made a big comeback lately
- Casual tennis shoes
Of course, fashion depends specifically on which country you are visiting, but dressing for winter is fun no matter where you’re visiting!
7. Winter Festivals and Markets
Europe hosts numerous winter festivals and Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt in Munich, the Weihnachtsmarkt in Vienna, or the Winter Wonderland in London. These markets are perfect for enjoying seasonal treats, festive crafts, and holiday decorations.
Most of these festivities will begin in November and continue through beginning of January so even a visit after Christmas means the opportunity for some holiday magic!
Winter is also a prime time for cultural events such as opera, ballet, and theater performances. Cities like Vienna and St. Petersburg offer renowned winter cultural experiences.
8. You can enjoy winter sports and scenery
If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, Europe offers world-class winter sports destinations. The Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain ranges provide excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts.
There’s something really special about the mountains in winter! When I visited Neuschwanstein this past winter, the snow capped Alps were pretty magical.
9. Plan unique experiences
Some destinations offer unique winter activities, such as dog sledding in Scandinavia, northern lights viewing in Iceland or Norway, and thermal baths in Hungary.
You could plan a whole trip around some of these special activities and they really can be so special!
10. Take advantage of winter sales
January and February often bring significant sales across Europe, making it a good time for shopping. You can find discounts on fashion, electronics, and more.
As mentioned, fashion in Europe is a ton of fun and why not take advantage of the great fashion at a discount. Copenhagen has been my favorite place for shopping in Europe (I’ve been to 12 countries there) because of all the amazing thrift stores and aesthetic there.
There you have it! There are many reasons to visit Europe in winter – don’t be afraid to visit in the offseason. Still gorgeous and fun! Other reasons to visit Europe in the winter? Comment below!
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