Cloudy skies, snow, and low temperatures are not every traveller’s cup of tea. But as wintertime approaches, many would love to travel in Europe and take advantage of the weather in any way possible. It may not be possible to have a good time at the beach, enjoy a cup of coffee outside or attend many concerts but travelling in winter can still be fun and exciting. Simply think about the museums and art galleries, the cosy cafes and restaurants, the quiet streets in contrast with the noisy pubs and clubs. Maybe you are planning your next Christmas trip or you just want to escape your everyday life for some time. Either way, these are the five European capitals to consider for your next winter trip.
1. Bucharest, Romania – a perfect European capital to consider for your next winter trip.
The capital of Romania is located in the southeast of the country, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. During the winter months, the weather in Bucharest is cold and dry, with the temperature not being more than 7-8 degrees Celsius. It snows quite often and the city seems like it came out of a Christmas fairytale. This kind of weather suits the city and its beautiful buildings, the big streets and the unique architecture. We recommend walking around even if it’s cold, as you should miss the opportunity to see everything covered in snow.
If on the other hand, you would like to have some more options, there are many museums and churches you could find shelter. The Palace of Parliament is a must-see attraction. It is the world’s heaviest building as well as the most expensive administration building ever built. If you wander around Bucharest you will notice that there are many historic neighborhoods. All of them are very different but interesting in their own way. They are called mahallas and four of them are very distinctive: the Butcher’s, Potter’s, Armenian and Jewish. Each of them is fascinating to walk through, especially during winter. We recommend looking out for hidden gems, like museums, art galleries, and churches in every corner.
2. London, United Kingdom – another perfect European capital to consider for your next winter trip.
The capital of the UK is one of these cities that are full of life all year long. There are usually more festivals, parks to chill at and pubs with gardens in the warmer months. Nevertheless the city is still very charming in the darker and colder months. Winter lasts in London from the start of December to the end of February. January and February are typically the colder months. The temperature varies from 5 to 10 °C while it is not as snowy or rainy as you may think. Even though the weather is pretty similar these three months, the prices are definitely not. December tends to be the overall priciest month of the three in terms of flight tickets and accommodation.
If you find yourself there in winter, you will have the chance to wander around a beautifully decorated city, full of lights and Christmas decorations. Don’t miss the annual Christmas market. There you will feel the festive spirit all around. It is also the best place to do Christmas shopping, drink mulled wine and eat all the sweet treats that you could think of. After shopping, why not visit some of the best museums in the world, which are located all around London? The best thing is that most of them are also free. If you crave a bit more adventure, look out for an ice ring. They are popping up in every corner and there you can show off your ice skating skills. For a warmer option, explore the city’s pubs. Why not enjoy a drink in a cozy environment while you warm yourself near the fire?
3. Rome, Italy
While Italy is mostly considered a summer destination, winter there is also extremely beautiful. Rome especially, with its great architecture and its numerous attractions is a great place to visit. The weather is quite cold and the temperature can be low. If you pack the right clothing and get ready for some snow, your experience is guaranteed to be amazing. Due to this weather, the crowds walking around the streets are smaller and you can walk around way easier. This way you can get the best of the city’s attractions without being stuck in line for long.
Even though there are not as many tourists around, Rome is a city that never sleeps. Everything is open during the winter months, from cafes and restaurants to museums and galleries. If you visit in winter, the Christmas decorations will grab your attention in every corner as you do your shopping. Take this chance to do your holiday shopping in the empty streets, or go inside for a drink. There are many places you can do wine tasting and warm up after wandering around the streets all day. If shopping isn’t your thing, take advantage of the absence of traffic and visit the ancient city of Pompeii which is very close by.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a great destination for your next winter trip. The country is full of amazing destinations. Nature is extremely beautiful in the spring as the parks are full of newly blossomed flowers and trees. That doesn’t mean though that a winter trip is not worth it. Everything is covered in snow and the city lights mesmerize you every step of the way. Its capital, Prague is best known for its unique buildings, big bridges, and beautiful castles. Don’t miss your chance to visit as much as you can even if the weather is not very warm. The view from the upper part of the city is unforgettable and the broad city streets are full of life.
The capital, but the whole country as well, is also best known for its great traditional food and local beers. In every corner of the city, you can find a nice restaurant, a local pub or a place for dessert. You have the chance to select among the best beers that are usually locally produced and very cheap. In its multiple pubs and restaurants, you can enjoy plenty of local dishes, from meat plates to soups. You cannot visit Prague without tasting the local pastry called Trdelnik which you can find pretty much everywhere.
5. Athens, Greece
A trip to Greece is usually synonymous with summer vacation. But this shouldn’t always be the case. Traveling to Greece during the winter can be more budget-friendly, and there are lots of things to do. Especially in Athens, the country’s capital, life goes o, as usual, l no matter the season. The winter is not usually as cold as in the rest of Europe, which makes exploring the city more pleasant. Walking around the streets, going shopping or sightseeing is easy as there are fewer tourists around. If you want to go further than the city center, just hop on the metro and discover the different neighborhoods.
As Athens is best known for its attractions and museums, don’t miss your chance to visit as many as you can. The museum of Acropolis is consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. The museum itself was recently constructed and it showcases artifacts and statues found in and around the Acropolis. It is definitely worth a visit along with the Acropolis hill as well. Except from the historical monuments, explore the city on foot to discover lots of cafes and bars that will make your stay even better. Enjoy the local cuisine, drink in one of the numerous bars or go shopping in Ermou street in the city center.
