There’s nothing quite like exploring a city with the sun shining on your face, the scent of sun cream in the air and the prospect of picnics in a park. Summer trips are ideal for a lot of people, but there are a few reasons why the risk of winter rain completely outweighs the glorious sunshine, and makes Europe a better place to visit in the colder months.
Here’s a slight disclaimer: I am most definitely a summer person. I love the warmth, the sunshine and being able to walk around in sandals. But even I have been convinced that there really is something special about European winter city breaks, and so these are just 9 of the reasons that convince me to travel to Europe in the winter, and why it’s the best time for European travels with minimal crowds!
Reasons to Visit Europe in Winter
Crisp Blue Winter Skies
Sure, the weather in winter is a bit more hit and miss than in the summer. But there’s just something about those crisp blue winter skies that makes me so happy. And if you’ve not got the blue skies, those insta filters work wonders on cloudy backdrops!
Lower Travel Costs
As the days get shorter and the chill starts to set in, most people want to spend the days inside tucked up by a warm fireplace, a hot chocolate in hand topped with marshmallows. So the holiday companies and airlines need to give some incentive to get people to use their flights, hotels, services etc. And thankfully for us, this usually comes in the way of cheap deals. If this doesn’t make it the best time for Europe city breaks I don’t know what does! I always try to travel when the weather is starting to turn, purely so I don’t have to pay the premium prices that summer carries.
Other Tourists…or Lack of!
Did someone say queue? I may be British, but if there’s one thing I hate more than people who don’t queue properly, it’s the actual queue itself. Who wants to spend half their time on a city break queuing up to see something? Less other tourists means less queues, way less crowding in museums and attractions, and clearer shots for me to snap a photo or two. I’ve heard people complain about queueing for ages to visit the Belfry Tower in Bruges – I only saw a few other people the whole time I was in there.
Good Light for Photos
If you are blessed with sunshine on your winter city break, the light is somehow softer than in summer and gives photos a lovely effect. Plus, you don’t have to stay out so late to catch the photographer’s dream – golden hour!
Keep Your Sanity
One holiday a year. Two glorious weeks in the summer to relax and lounge by the pool. As much as I love this, I just cannot spend the other 50 weeks of the year waiting for my next holiday. And I know I’m not alone with this! Younger generations are putting more emphasis on life in the work life balance, and a big part of that is heading out to travel more. If finances allow it, people are far more likely to take more breaks away these days.
While I wouldn’t recommend winter as the best time for Europe beach holidays, it’s so nice to still have a break away from the everyday to look forward to. And thankfully Europe has so many amazing winter destinations that you’re spoilt for choice of where to explore, both beach destinations and cosy winter city breaks.
Comfortable Flights
Granted, a plane seat in the summer is not all that different to a seat in the winter. There’s just one noticeable difference – the other passengers. Because less people travel in winter, there are less people on the planes, and therefore more available seats. While this might not make much difference to some – you do only need one seat on the plane after all – it makes a difference to me.
I have frequently had a whole row to myself when travelling in winter, which meant I could sit next to the window without worrying I’d have to clamber over some poor soul in a bid to get to the loo, and I could spread out a bit. Being able to put stuff on the spare seat is such a god send too, because I hate having to rummage in my bag to find things.
There’s also the perk that a lot of things in Europe are within a quick plane or train ride of each other so you can fit a lot in even if you have to travel between cities.
Local Food
While the local food is usually available all year round, there’s nothing quite like tucking into a hearty goulash near a roaring fireplace in the middle of winter. Some food just begs to be eaten on a cold winters day! And I wouldn’t want to eat the carbalicious grub in the summer, because I wouldn’t have my lovely winter coat to hide behind when I’ve eaten a touch too much. And let’s be honest, half of a trip abroad is trying the food, right?
Winter Accessories
Scarf, hat, gloves – the essentials! While I do hate being cold, I love being able to wear my hat and scarf and being all cosy. And how much cuter does everyone look when they’ve got their winter accessories on?
Who even needs to feel their toes anyway…
Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets were what first drew me to visit Europe in the winter, and they are the main reason I try to return each year. There’s enough festive cheer to get even the biggest grinch into the Christmas spirit. Teamed up with delicious and cheap food, drinks and ice skating, there’s not much more you could want.
And there really is something special about standing in the snow, with a warm glühwein in your hands, watching people whizz past on the ice skating rink. Or, you know, slowing shuffling as they hold on to the side.
As the Christmas markets are only on in the winter, it definitely is the best time for Europe city breaks if you want to visit a market or two. Or three, four, five…
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