In the event you’re extra prone to be hibernating than planning a metropolis break in the midst of winter, assume once more – as a result of there are some locations that are at their finest within the coldest months, particularly if you wish to swap gray clouds and slush for the perfect snowy metropolis breaks in Europe.
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Whether or not you’ve obtained your sights set on someplace with a incredible Christmas market or a winter metropolis break that’s straight from a fairytale, there are many locations to tempt you – simply convey your scarf, gloves and fur-lined boots too.
For my daughter, who sees snow comparatively hardly ever in London (although not less than we get ice skating, Christmas markets and festive illuminations), even a sprinkling of the white stuff is sufficient to make her really feel like she’s stepped into Narnia – and even when the climate doesn’t all the time play ball, right here’s my choose of the perfect winter metropolis breaks in Europe to cheer up the coldest months.
Tallinn, Estonia
We visited the Estonian capital in Might when the solar was shining and the Previous City of Tallinn was one of many prettiest previous cities I’ve ever wandered round.
In winter it may be bitterly chilly, however with snow all however assured throughout the winter, the picturesque structure might be the fairytale setting for the Snow Queen.
As a result of the roads within the centre are pedestrianised, it’s made for wandering slowly round, marvelling on the medieval buildings, sliding alongside the stays of the previous partitions.
And for those who go to in the direction of the beginning of winter, there’s a Christmas market which often runs from mid November to early January.
For extra inspiration, try this incredible publish about Tallinn within the snow from the weblog On The Luce in addition to my prime issues to do in Tallinn with children
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Certainly one of Europe’s most neglected metropolis breaks, Ljubljana is considered one of my very own private favourites – one other metropolis with a pedestrianised previous city, some extremely ornamental bridges and dragons popping up in every single place, it’s nice to wander round.
From October the cafes which line the river financial institution escape the overhead heaters and blankets to go together with the mulled wine (purple and white!) so you’ll be able to benefit from the views of the boats with out freezing.
The primary sq. has markets all year long, together with some nice meals to be purchased however at Christmas you’ll discover markets going down at a number of places across the metropolis.
There’s often snow sooner or later throughout winter too, though if you wish to be certain, you’ll have to head to the Julian Alps a few hours away.
For extra concepts of issues to do within the metropolis, try my information to Ljubljana
Prague, Czech Republic
In contrast to some cities with one eye-catchingly pretty previous quarter, Prague has a number of, to not point out the fantastic Charles Bridge connecting them – narrowly beating off Brno for my Czech choose consequently.
Wandering from the bustle of the Previous City sq. the place the 600-year-old astronomical clock nonetheless attracts the crowds to the citadel quarter, the place the citadel itself looms from the highest of the hill subsequent to St Vitus cathedral is as spectacular beneath the blue skies of winter because the cloudless ones of summer season (though in all probability not a lot much less crowded).
Don’t miss strolling across the historic Jewish quarter too, house to the oldest energetic synagogue in Europe, in addition to a string of different lovely synagogues making up the Jewish museum.
In the event you go to in December, the Christmas market involves the Previous City sq. as properly for an added festive contact – this 12 months, it’s set to run from November 30 till January 6, 2025.
Throw in conventional meals that’s good for retaining out the chilly, and maybe a day journey to Cesky Krumlov and it’s an ideal winter escape.
Sibiu, Romania
Someplace that’s nonetheless by myself private metropolis break record, Sibiu is considered one of Romania’s prettiest cities and someplace which appears made for a winter metropolis break.
With cobbled streets winding beneath medieval towers, Christmas sees considered one of Romania’s most vibrant markets come to Sibiu, with mild galore and a powerful Viennese affect – resulting from happen from November 15 to December 26, 2024.
As a result of the town is about between three teams of mountains in Transylvania, white Christmases are frequent too, so it’s excellent for a snowy metropolis break.
In the event you’re pondering of Dracula searching, Vlad the Impaler’s son, Prince Mihnea the Dangerous is buried within the Cathedral of St Mary’s, plus you’ll be able to take a day journey to Brasov.
There’s loads extra past the legendary determine to find as you discover Sibiu and its historic streets too.
It’s straightforward to mix with Timisoara and Brasov too, or for those who’re comfortable to journey a bit additional, to the Romanian capital – for those who’re questioning is Bucharest value visiting, this publish will assist you determine
Krakow, Poland
One other image postcard fairly metropolis, Krakov’s medieval coronary heart is often dusted with snow from December to March so it’s an ideal choice for those who’re on the lookout for snowy metropolis breaks (though that is one metropolis that’s tempting year-round, so maintain it in thoughts as one of many finest autumn locations in Europe too).
The Christmas market takes place within the large principal sq. which was specified by the twelfth century.
Everytime you go to, head to the Fabric Corridor for some memento buying together with sheepskin lined gloves: the Renaissance constructing is without doubt one of the world’s earlier buying malls.
Hold heat with a stroll to the citadel, previous college and across the historic Jewish quarter as properly – you may also be part of a strolling tour of Krakow to see the highlights.
Budapest, Hungary
Winter might be surprisingly chilly within the Hungarian capital – however with all the things from thermal baths to a number of completely different Christmas markets, there’s one thing to cheer up even the chilliest day.
Get your bearings with a strolling tour of Budapest to find the dual cities – Buda and Pest – which make up the capital.
Don’t miss a conventional chimney cake as you wander round – you’ll want the power to find all of Budapest’s Christmas markets (there’s even a particular Christmas market strolling tour to be sure to don’t miss any)
The perfect-known market is on Vörösmarty Sq., however for loads of conventional festive meals, head to Erzsébet Sq..
Try the leisure on the truthful in entrance of St Stephen’s Basilica too (together with an ice rink that’s free for youths) together with the sunshine present or uncover Hungarian tradition at Városháza Park.
Then heat up on the thermal baths: there are a number of within the metropolis however the Szechenyi Baths are open at Christmas itself, with two open air thermal swimming pools and 15 indoor ones. Or you would skate within the shadow of the citadel as a substitute.
Copenhagen, Denmark
In case your coronary heart’s set on snow, there’s lower than you may anticipate on this a part of Scandinavia – however the individuals who invented hygge know tips on how to do winter correctly.
The Tivoli Gardens reopens for the Christmas season with the pumpkins and ghoulish touches of Halloween changed by glowing lights, wood homes adorned with pine branches and round 60 stalls making up the Christmas market.
Try my full information to Denmark with children right here
The gardens are adorned with over 70,000 Christmas baubles and greater than 1,000 Christmas timber lined in lights too, in addition to a projection present on the live performance corridor facade.
Plus Santa Claus and his reindeer may also be there for those who can’t make all of it the best way to Lapland – get skip the road tickets to Tivoli Gardens right here
For extra festive spirit, there’s additionally a Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv.
For extra tips about issues to do in Copenhagen with children, try my prime picks or for those who’re on the lookout for an alternative choice to Copenhagen, Ribe is Denmark’s oldest city, with splendidly preserved buildings courting again round 500 years – and sometimes snow too…
Ghent, Belgium
It was a troublesome selection between together with Bruges or Ghent – not least as a result of, if I’m trustworthy, neither of those will get an enormous quantity of snow (though it will get chilly sufficient for the canals to freeze if you’d like a frosty festive expertise).
However they’re significantly fantastic at Christmas – and whereas Bruges has the chocolate, it additionally will get extra of the crowds.
Medieval Ghent, which is so properly preserved that it’s doubled for the fifteenth century in numerous TV reveals, all however transforms as Christmas approaches.
Uncover extra issues to do in Ghent with children from our go to to the town
With greater than 150 wood market stalls unfold out within the previous metropolis centre, you’re feeling you’ve walked again in time and right into a Christmas story.
For extra snowy journey inspiration, try my posts on visiting Lapland with children – together with suggestions, a packing information and what to do in Finnish Lapland with children
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST SNOWY CITY BREAKS IN EUROPE
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