If you’re like me, you’ll probably be daydreaming of cozy lodges with snow-covered mountains in the distance. Deciding where to spend winter in Europe is a matter of whether it’s a city or town or perhaps the outdoors. Either way, there are plenty of places to explore, get adventurous, and enjoy that European charm.
Take a peak at where to spend winter in Europe this year.
Where to Spend Winter in Europe
Top City Winter Destinations in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
It may be quite cold but the atmosphere in Copenhagen during winter is nothing less than magical. Of course the word “hygge” comes from here and nothing represents it more then a hot cup of tea in a cafe. I’d book in a few nights here to enjoy the city.
Paris, France
It might be the most obvious place to escape to, but Paris is truly a gem in the winter. It’s a bit quieter than it’s summer season yet it’s full of life. You can even time it with the Christmas markets. There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from and a ton to see in the city.
Stockholm, Sweden
Another rather cold yet magical city in winter is Stockholm. The water freezes over with chunks of ice floating and the trees are covered in snow. Good thing is there’s plenty of places to duck into here — endless museums and restaurants will do the trick.
Budapest, Hungary
I’m a sucker for Budapest and this rather cheap city to visit is an awesome option for those on a budget. There’s plenty to see here and everything is generally in walking distance.
Bruges, Belgium
If you’re looking for a fairytale place to explore, look no further. Easily accessible by train from Brussels or Antwerp, pop into the magical town of Bruges for a long weekend.
Prague, Czech Republic
As the colors change here, I love the atmosphere of Prague at the end of fall and early winter. Warm chestnuts and good beer keep you warm as you explore its incredibly picturesque streets.
Top Ski Destinations in Europe
(this list is based upon extensive research)
Chamonix, France
Head to where Italy, France, and Switzerland intersects for some epic slopes. Of course the charming village is just as easy on the eyes.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Just here in the fall, this ski village in Italy is built for the avid skier. Surrounded completely by slopes, it’s built for the winter sojourner.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Typically at the top of every bucket list for European ski destinations, St. Moritz doesn’t skimp on snow or amenities. A high end ski village, this luxury alpine ski village has it all.
Val Thorens, France
Known for endless snow, this ski village in Troies Vallees region is one of the best. It’s trail link up to Méribel and Courchevel valleys as well for more terrain to explore.
St. Anton, Austria
One of the more popular regions of Austria to duck into for a long weekend of skiing.
Zermatt, Switzerland
If you’re looking for the tallest peaks around, head straight here. It may be one of the most expensive regions to ski in, but the endless slopes and mountain to ski is worth it.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
