16 Best European Winter Destinations for 2024 (It’s time to Travel again!)

16 Best European Winter Destinations and Festivals on Budget

Do you know when the cheapest time to travel on budget in Europe is? Winter is a great time to explore Europe on a shoestring budget. Sure, during summer the gardens are open, the parks are green, and the beaches are crowded.

But during a European winter you have the unique chance to see a more โ€žlocalโ€œ Europe as less tourists are on their way. The prices are down and the hostels are cheaper than ever before. Even many of the 5 Star Hostels!

Combining this time of year with the 15 tips for booking hostels in Europe, and cheap flights searchers, you will save a fortune!

Take YOUR chance.

Traveling in summer?

Find the 21 best places to visit in Europe in summer. This list includes water sport, diving, van life and amazing beaches.

Colder weather, ok, BUTโ€ฆ.

Sure, the weather is cold, it can be snowy, maybe even rainy. And still, there are many events happening during European winter you can enjoy.

  • Christmas Markets
  • New years Eve (obviouslyโ€ฆ)
  • carnival
  • music festivals
  • Nightlife

We have created a list of 16 beautiful and cheap winter destinations we think you should check out. Plus you will find a list of activities and festivals during European Winter.

Where to stay? Have a look at the 21 best hostels in Europe you simply cannot miss.

Also, there are plenty of great hostel chains in Europe worth taking a look at. First, letโ€™s check that you packed everything you need with the smartest travel packing list.

Update for Winter 2024: Identifying Cheap Flights and Bus connections

Please check travel restrictions for each country due to the Coiv-19 situation. We try to keep this article up to date, but things change to rapidly, it is almost impossible to do so. Please check with your embassy as well before booking any trip.

There is 4 websites you should keep an eye on:

One of the best ways to find public transport in Europe is Omio.com. It shows all buses, trains and such to get around. Hereโ€™s a full review of Omio.

Looking for cheap flights to, well, anywhere in the world? Have a close look at Skyscanner.com.

Find Flight Deals with Skyscanner.com

Guide to Flights in Europe

About taking a bus in Europe, we recommend Flixbus. Flixbus connects almost any destination in Europe. We wrote a full flixbus review on how to use the page here.

Update 2024: In the meantime, I discovered more epic places for your winter stay in Europe. Therefore, I added a few more incredibly destinations to this article as well as a map.

Let us talk about the destinations we recommendโ€ฆ

1. Interlaken, Switzerland (Winter sports)

We LOVE Interlaken! It is the European sports capital. We enjoyed it 100%, and so will you. Whether you come here during Winter or Summer, you can join endless adrenaline-filled activities.

Things to do in Interlaken:

Action packed and beautiful nature to soak in.

We enjoyed hiking, paragliding, kayaking on the lake. Thatโ€™s more something for the warmer months. We even went up the famous Schilthorn, known from a James Bond movie.

Here is a list on top things to do:

  • Snowboarding
  • Skiing
  • Balancer slope glider
  • Bungee Jumping (even in winter!)
  • kayaking
  • Schilthorn
  • Jungfraujoch

Find a full list of things to do in Interlaken here.

How to get to Interlaken:

Book a flight to Zรผrich, Geneva, Bern or Milan.

Check the famous Skyscanner. If you are here for the sports activities, you may not need a car. Many of the tour providers offer pick-up service. Many tourists take the Flixbus around Europe. It is a network of buses across Europe. Make sure you read our flixbus review. We share the pros, cons and prices.

Flixbus.com in Review - Exploring Europe and USA by Bus - Is it actually cheaper?

Accommodation in Interlaken:

There is plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from.

Read: our guide to the best hostels in Switzerland.

In Interlaken, we highlight Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, one of the best hostels in Interlaken.

Schilthorn in interlaken

2. Prague (romantic + nightlife)

Prague in summer, or Prague in winter?

Well, here is the thing: both

The city of Prague is obviously different depending on the time of year.

We had the chance to enjoy both seasonal times and in winter it was freezing cold, very romantic and less crowded. We visited the Prague Castle and only saw 8 more tourists around. It looked even more stunning.

Not into Castles? There is a lot more to it.

Things to do:

  • Castle Tour
  • Ghost Tours with Pub Crawl
  • Dinner Cruise on the river
  • Visit the Jewish Quarter
  • Get lost in the old town
  • wander the Charles Bridge
  • Take a selfie with the John Lennon wall

When heading to Prague, make sure you check out first the 5 Things in Prague to avoid!

Another advantage of Prague in winter are the bars. When it is really, really cold, you can always jump into a bar or cafรฉ, of which there are many cool ones to choose from!

For secrets to Prague, download our 5 Secret Tips to Prague for free (we included a few bars and cafรฉs).

Last but not least: We have a fantastic winter activity in Prague for you! Czech out the Escape Room Nuclear Bunker in Prague. A storytelling real-life game to solve puzzles and riddles.

Big plus: It is indoor, so it will be warm!

How to get here:

Prague has its own airport. Many airlines offer this destination. It is also well connected by train. Hence, it is easy to get here! I would not come with a car to Prague, itโ€™s not easy to park downtown and you donโ€™t need a car here.

Have a look on the cheapest rates by comparing airlines at Omio.comand Skyscanner. You can select a date-range. Letโ€™s say the full month of February. It will show you all best options.

Obviously, there is also many buses and train going to Prague.

Where to stay:

The prices for hostels and hotels in Prague are also lower than usual during the winter period.

  • Solo-Traveler:

As there are less tourists we recommend to stay at a place offering cool social events such as the The Roadhouse Prague.

After a long day exploring the cold air of Prague, you will come back to the hostel for nightly dinners, catching up at a local bar, and more exciting social events.

Read: our guide to 3 best hostels in Prague here.

The Roadhouse Prague is one of the best hostels in Prague, Czech Republic for solo travellers

  • Couples:

Have a romantic city break. Airbnb is great to get a full, stylish apartment. Hereโ€™s our guide on how to use Airbnb.

  • Family + Friends:

An apartment is your best bet. We love Airbnb for this. Remember to get the airbnb discount above.

You can also book with Booking.com This is recommend since you can cancel for free. Here is a booking.com review โ€“ and how to use them.

  • Luxury Option

The #1 luxury option is Alchymist Prague Castle Suites. It lets you travel back in time, just look at the photos!

โ€œIt is cozy and very affordable, making Prague a top European winter destination.โ€

Looks cold, right?! This winter photo of Prague was taken by us back in 2011.

Prage in Winter - how much are the Hostels?

3. Budapest (Romantic City Break)

Party and Fiesta! But also perfect for a romantic city break.

Budapest is known for its great nightlife, beautiful architecture, and the numerous spaโ€™s across the city. The first time we visited Budapest was in February and we had the best time!

Things to do

We even went to Szechenyi Spa, the biggest outdoor spa in Budapest. Although there was snow everywhere, we had great fun jumping from one hot tub to another. You can get a skip-the-line ticket for the spa.

We visited the Museum of Terror, had a drink at rural bars and got lost in the famous nightlife.

Make sure you join a pub crawl as well! Itโ€™s only 15โ‚ฌ.

How to get to Budapest

The airport is very well-connected. You can come here fast and easy from all major cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris.

Find cheapest rates by comparing airlines at Skyscanner.

The train connection is also very popular. The train takes you around the country. Especially a train ride from Vienna is quite scenic.

Where to stay

The prices are even lower than in Summer, and as the city remains popular throughout the year, you will easily meet people in hostels as well as in the bars.

  • Solo-Traveler

Check out the Maverick City Lodge and Maverick Hostel. The prices plus design will knock off your socks!

Here are our handwritten guide for the best hostels in Budapest โ€“ all compared + map!

And yes, Budapest is also a great city for the nightlife. Check here all crazy party hostels in Budapest.

6 COOLEST Party Hostels? Hereโ€™s your shortcut:

  1. Onefam Budapest by Hostel One
  2. The Hive Party Hostel
  3. Vitae Hostel Budapest
  4. Carpe Noctem Hostel
The best hostel in Budapest: Maverick City Lodge in Luxury
The best hostel in Budapest: Maverick City Lodge in Luxury
  • Couples

Budapest is great for couples. Relax in a spa, dine in fine restaurants and have a good time in one of the many bars out there.

As for accommodation, here you can find the top hotels to choose from.

  • Family + Friends

An apartment is a great option for families and friends. There are plenty to choose from. Get one located around the parliament. This is the main area, and you can easily get around.

  • Luxury Option

Get wow-ed at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, the 5 Star Hotel in the city center.

Budapest is always beautiful - winter and summer!
Budapest is always beautiful โ€“ winter and summer!

4. Porto in Portugal

Porto is more preferred as a summer destination, but still in winter you can come here and have a blast.

In general Porto is not an expensive destination, and you can have a great night out for a mere couple of dollars or Euros.

What about a Fado concert in a wine cellar? Or maybe you just wanna enjoy to the food.

We wrote up a big guide to the fun things to do in Porto.

Update: You wonโ€™t believe this hostel: The Passenger Hostel is one of the worlds most amazing hostels!

Full review of The Passenger Hostel Porto

Read our fresh and complete guide to best hostels in Porto.

European Winter Destinations? Porto is a really good choice for traveler on a budget!

5. Berlin (Christmas and Snow)

We love to think about Berlin in winter. It is a great winter destination, especially in December.

Sure, most of the people prefer the summer sitting in a beer garden surrounded by green parks, but a white Berlin is beautiful as well.

Snow and winter is without doubt a significant part of the German culture. And hey, have you ever heard about German Christmas Markets?

The Christmas Markets in Berlin are beautiful, so donโ€™t miss out!

The Christmas Markets in Berlin are beautiful, so donโ€™t miss out! โ€“ Anna

Things to do

In our travel guide to Berlin we show you the fun things to do in Berlin.

Also, there are many activities and tours around the city, like history walking tours, food tours and museums.

Also, there are free things you can do in Berlin.

Did you know that visiting the City Hall is free of charge? It only requires you to register in the Bundestag website.

How to get to Berlin

Find flights to Berlin with Omio.com and Skyscanner.(Bear in mind, Berlin has several airports.) As mentioned before, you can get here from Prague and Hamburg easily via train and flixbus.

Where to stay

There are some amazing hostels in Berlin. Cheap, fun, clean, social! Read our handwritten guide to the best hostels in Berlin โ€“ for all types of traveller.

Berlin hostels in Winter are even more affordable!

We took this photo in a park in Berlin back in 2011.

Make sure you pack your winter clothing when traveling to Berlin during winter!

Winter Destinations in Europe

6. Venice (Romantic City Break)

Itโ€™s really unbelievable. I never thought Iโ€™d fall in love with such a touristy city. But Venice, well, Venice is different.Of course it is crowded all year long, donโ€™t get me wrong.

โ€œI never thought Iโ€™d fall in love with such a touristy city.โ€

โ€“ Matt

At the same time, Venice is gorgeous all year long.

Things to do in Venice

I would recommend to stay at least 2 nights here and if you can better 3. This way you have really the time to get lost, taste Venice, take photos and โ€œget boredโ€. Get bored, meaning to just wander around, get lost, intent to find the way, get lost again and so on.

This is part of the charm of Venice! Get our guide to hidden Venice here.

Update: Our brand new article to where to eat in Venice? 22 restaurants recommended by actual locals

Where to stay:

You would enjoy a romantic hotel? Then go with the Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel. There is many great hotels around Venice. But make sure you check the location! Here is a great guide on best boutique hotels in Venice, Italy.

Venice Hotel

Staying on a budget?

There is some AMAZING hostels in Venice, you wonโ€™t believe this.

Read: complete guide to best hostels in Venice.

I visited COMBO Hostel in Venice, the best hostel in the city. This 5 Star Hostel is a former monastery and the rooms even come with a canal view.

Here you can read our full review of COMBO Hostel in Venice.

Seriously, this hostel blows your mind!

How about I show you the hostelโ€ฆ

Best Hostels in Venice: We Crociferi is for sure the ONLY 5 Star Hostel

Room at We Crociferi Venice

Piazza San Marco during night

7. Amsterdam (nightlife)

Amsterdam is a classic destination. It is awesome, all year around.

If you are coming the first time over, make sure you add this one to the list.

Fun Things to do in Amsterdam

Things to do

Rent a bike and visit museums. This is the absolute must do. Other than that, here is my detailed article on 29 fun things to do in Amsterdam.

Here we cover ALL the fun stuff this city has to offer. From Day trips to quirky events.

For instance, the epic Amsterdam Look Out platform and many fun escape room games.

Smart tip: You have to book your ticket to Amsterdam Lookout beforehand either with Tiqets.com.

BEST Things to do in Amsterdam
The BEST Things to do in Amsterdam โ€“ including Canal views!

Where to stay in Amsterdam

The two best hostels in town are Ecomama and Cocomama. Those are the 5 Star Hostels here in Amsterdam.

Both are recommended for solo-travelers and couples. Check our guide to best hostels in Amsterdam for more details.

Do you prefer a cosy yet luxury hotel? hen you will love this guide on luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

For a round.up guide, check out where to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

Cocomama Amsterdam
Cocomama Amsterdam โ€“ this is recommended for small groups and couples!
Swing it at Ecomama Amsterdam - the perfect hostel in Amsterdam for SOLO-Travelers
Swing it at Ecomama Amsterdam โ€“ the perfect hostel in Amsterdam for SOLO-Travelers

How to get to Amsterdam

As a main tourist spot, it is very well connected with the world and rest of Europe.

Just check out Skyscanner to find your best flights. Here is our full review of Skyscanner as a flight booking engine.

I do not recommend coming to Amsterdam with a car. Parking can be difficult and is in fact very expensive. If you are planning to come with a car, I recommend parking outside the center, and take a bus or tram to the center. Your wallet will be thankful.

Besides, there is no need for a car in Amsterdam. The locals do not use cars, they walk, take the metro and cycle. And yes, they take the bike for everything. Watch out, the Bikes in Amsterdam are dangerous.

8. Andorra (for winter sport and hiking)

This one is quite obvious? Okay, for Europeans maybe.

Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, and the location is unique.

Hiding on top of the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, this makes it THE top location in winter to go snowboarding and skiing.

How to get to Andorra

The easiest way might be to fly to Gerona or Barcelona City. From there I would recommend renting a car.

Find flights to Girona or Barcelona with Omio.com and Skyscanner.

Many tourists actually visit Barcelona and then decide to take a train or rent a car to Andorra for a few days. Thatโ€™s a great option! Andorra is only 3 hours away from Barcelona.

Where to stay

The Mountain Hostel Tarter is located right there.

However, it may be surprising to hear that Andorra is as well a great summer destination. The surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities to go for a hike and mountain biking.

Find all hostels in Andorra here.

Andorra is one of the best European Winter Destinations out there!

Here is our video from Mountain Hostel Tarter:

9.ย Bologna (Foodie-paradise and hidden gem)

We loooooove this city, and we cannot express this enough. Itโ€™s a serious hidden gem, and culinary capital of Italy.

The good thing: As Bologna is half-way to Venice and Florence, nobody really stops here.

We create a guide with secrets to Bologna.

What do you get?

  • A gorgeous 5 Star Hostel, an oasis to slow down, calledย COMBO Bologna Hostel โ€“ check out the 3 best hostels in Bologna
  • Food, endless food for a locals price
  • Lots of history, and monuments/ sights to visit
  • An alternative students city with great nightlife
  • Foodโ€ฆand again: Food!

Besides Bologna, we also admire Strasbourg, another gorgeous city without the tourist crowds. Our friend Dan wrote up his favorite hidden gems in Europe as well, give it a read to get truly inspired.

Find flights to Bologna with Omio.com and Skyscanner.

Bologna is a hub for the cheap flights from Ryanair. We scored flights here for less than 10โ‚ฌ!

This tip is especially great since you can travel to Florence, Venice and Verona for a day trip.

BTW: We paid 12โ‚ฌ for a train from Bologna to Venice.

Find all hostels in Bologna here.

5 Bologna Travel Tips by friends (yummy, cool & unique!)

10. Bergen in Norway (landscape and culture)

Same goes for Bergen! Bergen is known for its precious natural surroundings which can be enjoyed in particular during a long winter hike.

Good, reliable winter clothing is a must of course.

We wrote a big guide for cool and fun things to do in Bergen, Norway.

Visitors love to enjoy the nature of Norway as well, so make sure you check out their website and recommendations before heading to Bergen. Here is our guide to top hostels in Bergen.

And yes, also the Norwegian captial Oslo and the Swedish capital Stockholm is an absolute highlight for visiting in colder times. We also like laid-back Gothenburg.

Read: best hostels in Stockholm, Sweden, and Best hostels in Gothenburg, Sweden.

European Winter Destination: Bergen in Norway and its beautiful panoramic view during winter!

11. Zagreb in Croatia (landscape and cheap!)

Are you surprised to read Zagreb here? As Zagreb is located in the inner part of Croatia it is the perfect city break during winter.

The bars, cafรฉs, and restaurants are still open, the city is less crowded from the tourist point of view, but the student life is still vibrant and the Christmas Markets in Zagreb is super popular and gorgeous to visit.

You can experience a more local Zagreb than you would during summer. These Local Tips for Zagreb will be helpful for you.

Find flights to Zagreb with Omio.com and Skyscanner. It is actually (usually) the cheapest airport to get your Croatia trip started.

For summer, I highly recommend visiting Hvar and Korcula Island. JUST LOVE THEM!

Where to stay?

No doubt, the Swanky Mint Hostel Zagreb is the best hostel in Zagreb, and also during Winter a cosy place to mingle with locals and traveler, having a drink at the in-house bar.

Read: full guide to best hostels in Zagreb with map

We wrote more specific guides on where to stay in Croatia:

Zagreb during Winter

The famous Swanky Mint Monkey Bar

12. Munich (Taverns and Castles)

Same goes for Munich! Sure, those beer gardens have their charm, but winter is part of the culture.

The prices for accommodation are lower than in summer and there is still a lot to see and to do during the winter period.

The prices for accommodation are lower than in summer and there is still a lot to see and to do during the winter period.

Beer tours and royal castles are some of the cool tours in Munich.

Also near Munich, you can visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle (Disneyโ€™s Castle inspiration).

Where to stay?

Staying on a budget? Munich has some cool budget places to stay. Find the 3 best hostels in Munich in our guide.

Our hand-picked hostels include:

  1. Wombatโ€™s CITY Hostel Munich
  2. Euro Youth Hostel

We put all hostels on a map with all major sights to visit.

3 Best Hostels in Munich, Germany - complete guide for backpackers

13. Barcelona (warm during the day, Romantic)

Have you been to Barcelona during July or August?

If not: It is super crowded!

The old town is chock with tourists, the prices are high and the sun is scorching hot. Even our favorite super local hidden-gem winery is now packed with tourists.

If you have a chance to stop by during the colder months, do it. It also allows you to check out theย 8 Local Tips for Barcelona even quieter!

The prices for Hostels are no comparison to the high season in Barcelona. You can save a lot of money, and it is surprisingly sunny for the time of year. You can even join one of the cool bike tours in Barcelona โ€“ but bring a jacket.

To give you an idea:

  • Summer: A bed in a regular hostel is about 25โ‚ฌ
  • Winter: A bed in a good hostel is about 10โ‚ฌ

Sure, during the night you will have to wear your jacket, but the welcome winter sun keeps you warm during the day.

Find flights to Barcelona with Omio.com and Skyscanner. You can consider as well low-budget airport in Gerona, Costa Brava. This is where many Ryanair flights fly to. It is 100km north of Barcelona, but easy to get to Barcelona by bus service.

Here you have a list of +77 Things To Do in Barcelona and 23 Fun Things to do in Barcelona.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

We collected the 3 best hostels in Barcelona here.

  1. The Central House Barcelona Gracia
  2. Casa Gracia
  3. YEAH Barcelona

Here is a useful guide to One Week In Barcelona. It covers where to stay in Barcelona.

Pro Tip: The hostel prices drop in winter! You can stay at hostels in Barcelona for less than 10โ‚ฌ!

As for hotels, read this detailed guide on great design hotels in Barcelona.

Rodamon Hostels Barcelona

This photo shows Anna on a cold winter morning in Barcelona.

Barcelona Hostels in Winter? Perfect for a Budget Traveler

14. Ghent, Belgium (Hipster Capital)

The new hipster paradise Ghent is a travel destination for the smart traveler. Winter can be tough in Ghent, and it is part of the culture in Belgium. It is the perfect excuse to visit Ghent and Belgium, and to warm up with delicious Belgium beers at the different bars within the city and across the country.

For some Secret Tips Ghent, check out our travel guides!

Ghent also has many design Cafรฉs on offer that you should not miss.

Where to stay?

Find all hostels in Ghent here.

Ghent is a great Winter Destination

15. Rhodes, Greece (avoid 2 million tourists!)

Comparing to summer, where 2 million tourist arrive in Rhodes, the winter is a much more relaxed time of the year.

Rhodes is not a very known winter destination even though the weather is much better than in other destination known for winter tourism like Mallorca, Menorca, or the Canary islands.

With an average of 300 sunny days, even in winter it is sunny most of the time.

Temperatures vary between 10ยฐC and 20ยฐC.

The water is warm until middle of December. December is actually more of a swimming season than May, because the water is much warmer in December.

Besides the wonderful climate and the awesome STAY Hostel Rhodes, the 5 Star Hostel in Rhodes, you really get a chance to see Rhodian Life.

Find all hostels in Rhodes here.

Locals go out to traditional taverns and small live-music events in cafes and restaurants are spontaneously organized. Due to the fact that Rhodes has a big university nightlife is happening every evening summers as winters.

Read our huge guide to things to do in Rhodes.

21 BEST things to do in Rhodes

Same goes for Santorini. IT IS AWESOME โ€“ all year long!

Here are our 27 fun things to do in Santorini.

The old town, the ancient stadium and the acropolis of Lindos are examples of spectacular sites that can be enjoyed likewise summer and winter.

Going for a run by the sea, bicycling, climbing and hiking and any other outdoor activity is great in the winter time, as summers can get quite hot.

And here it gets really juicy: Getting to Rhodes is easy and cheap in the wintertime.

There are daily Ryanair flights from Athens to Rhodes and Aegean-Airlines flights from Athens.

Rhodes Winter Destinations

16. Marrakesh and Taghazout โ€“ is that Europe?!

Fair enough: Morocco is located in Africaโ€ฆ

but it is close to Spain and very easy and cheap to get to.

During the European winter, Marrakesh is still warm. The city is cheap and a paradise for the budget traveler.

Read: best hostels in Marrakech โ€“ with Boutique Hostels and Map

If you cannot stay in Marrakesh for longer than 1-2 days, well, there is always Taghazout and Essaouira. Essaouira is located right next to the beach. It is a tiny town, surrounded by thick walls. It is really beautiful to visit, very safe and great to wander and unwind. Other than Marrakesh which can be stressful.

How to get here?

Fly here! Compare all flights with Ryanair and Vueling and other airlines. They usually have the best rates.

How about surfing?

Talking about Taghazout, how about surfing in Winter?ย  Find all hostels in Taghazout here.

Morocco is a great choice for staying close to Europe, whilst still escaping the European winter.

And hey, here you can 5 Secret Things to do Marrakesh outside the tourist box!

Marrakesh is a great winter destination!

3 Best Hostels (and Riads) in Marrakech, Morocco - Make this trip Extra Special with Pure Luxury

17. Edinburgh (Nessy and Game of Thrones)

Winter is coming!

Edinburgh is still a popular tourist destination during the colder season.

The taverns will keep you warm, and when the sun comes out during winter you can take really stunning photos: Edinburgh under white snow is just beautiful!

Things to do

The stories about ghosts and castles seem to become real in winter time. Ghost tour anyone?

Or maybe you would prefer a day tour to Loch Ness to chase Nessy?

Where to stay:

You can still enjoy our 5 Secret Tips to Edinburgh and stay at a real castle, the Castle Rock Hostel.

And sorry, but we have to say it: With the castle covered in snow, it may remind you of Game of Thrones. Also, there is the yearly festival of Hogmanay taking place!

Read: guide to 3 best hostels in Edinburgh โ€“ all compared

Edinburgh as a winter destination? Certainly!

18. Rotterdam in The Netherlands (hidden gem)

Architecture, Art, and cosy local vibes. Rotterdam is still a beautiful, less-known city to check out.

With the biggest port across Europe, Rotterdam has a lot to offer, especially in Architecture.

The backpacker hostel Ani&Haakien runs its very own Architecture Tour in Rotterdam.

Find all hostels in Rotterdam here.

Two Russian Spies in Rotterdam? A Hostel story

19. Lyon in France (Food and hidden gem)

The โ€žnew Parisโ€œ is a great spot to enjoy during winter and summer equally. The stylish cafรฉs, restaurants and bars are still open, and the city maintains its vibrant lifestyle.

Here you can find 5 best things to doย in Lyon as well as the best hostels in Lyon.

Sure, Paris is always a good destination as well. We collected +28 fun things to do in Paris. We had a look at rollerblading, picnic with pizza delivery, dancing on the seine, and ice skating.

How to get here?

Lyon has now as well a cheap airport, so thatโ€™s a good option. Other than that, a road trip around Lyon, South France and up to Paris is a wonderful experience.

Things to do in Lyon - the french way to enjoy the city!

20. London

Another great city we enjoy in the colder month is London. Since there is SO many things to do in-house, it is perfect to travel in winter.

You can enjoy the endless museums, visit the theatre, go up the skyscrappers, you name it. We summed up the 27 best things to do in London.

Did you know many of the museums here are actually free? The British Museum for instance. This is so great!!! We wrote up a piece about 62 free things to do in London for families and couples.

Read: itinerary for spending great 4 days in London

Where to stay in London?

Find our guide to the 3 best hostels in London here. We also cover many hostels in London with private rooms and neighborhoods.

Good to know: We also include family-friendly hostels in London! Here you can find great family-friendly hotels in London.

Check out this complete guide on where to stay in London with handpicked hotels for families, business and party traveler.

Best Hostels in London the complete guide and overview for backpackers

21. Copenhagen (cheaper +ย  fun)

The last stop for our European winter destinations in Scandinavia is the Danish capital. Copenhagen is known for its high prices, and for sure not a cheap destination to visit.

This is why winter here is a top choice. The prices are in general down, and you can get great deals from the Hostels.

Update: Read now our guide to the 3 BEST Hostels in Copenhagen.

  1. Steel House
  2. Woodah Hostel
  3. Urban House

Things to do in Copenhagen:

You can do a canal cruise, visit the Tivoli gardens, walk around the cityโ€ฆ

Psstโ€ฆ We have some really cool fun things to do in Copenhagen, you should not miss!

How to get to Copenhagen?

Find flights to Copenhagen with Skyscanner. This is by far the easiest option.

Trains can be tricky I found, and a car is not really recommended due to the lack of parking space in the city.

5 Secret Tips Copenhagen - Cocktails and Danish Vibe

22. Hamburg (totally underrated!)

Everybody in the world knows this city by name. But itโ€™s yet in the shadow of big, famous Berlin.

Let me tell, Hamburg is a true hidden gem!

We have been several times to Hamburg now.

The best time we have been there was during New Years Eve.

It was cold, snowing, and people were celebrating all night long! The colder months do not scare people to stay indoors, and you can still enjoy all the cool things to do in Hamburg.

Instead, they go out to the bars, cafรฉs and donโ€™t let the cold weather put them off. Plus during Christmas you can enjoy the festive markets as well.

Things to do

Hamburg is one of the coolest cities in Germany and is super popular amongst Germans. Here is what you can do:

  • Visit the Christmas market
  • Visit the Elbphilharmonie (majestic concert hall)
  • Take a river cruise
  • Take photos in beautiful Speicherstadt neighborhood
  • Mingle in the nightlife of world-famous Sankt Pauli
  • admire the Beatles monument
  • have a fish-sandwich at the The Landungsbrรผcken Piers

How to get here

Easy. Hamburg has a big airport, it is Germanyโ€™s door to the world. You can also come via train from Amsterdam or Berlin. Itโ€™s only a short ride away from Berlin, and the connections are frequent.

You can also rent a car and go on a trip from Amsterdam to Hamburg and Berlin. Later in this article I introduce you to renting a car in Europe the right way.

You can also find cheap flights to Hamburg with Ryanair.com. I know, I have mentioned this already, but before booking flights, always check Skyscanner.

Where to stay?

A great option for hostels in Hamburg is the Backpackers St Pauli. The most popular hostel in Hamburg is the Pyjama Park Schanzenviertel.

Read: 3 best hostels in Hamburg compared (with map and a few nightlife tips)

If you are looking for more backpacker lifestyle and budget accommodation, find all hostels in Hamburg here.

Hamburg during Winter? Still a top travel destination!

23. Cyprus Island

Last but not least, maybe the warmest place in Europe in Winter: Cyprus!

Geographically located in the Middle East, Cyprus is still part of the European Union. It is not part of Schengen, so different visa rules apply here for non Europeans.

During winter times from December to march, you can expect 20 degrees during the day and 15 degrees at night. Since the island is obviously surrounded by the Mediterranean, you can go for a swim even in winter. The water itself is not so much colder than in summer. It only feels this way since the outside temperature is much colder than in August, as an example.

Cyprus is a quiet island to go for hikes, diving, enjoy restaurants, sunsets and bars. The cities of Limassol and Larnaca are the most active in terms of Nightlife. Aya Napa is the hotspot in the summer months with lots of clubs and parties.

For nature lovers, I recommend the Paphos area with Blue Lagoon, Akamas Area and lots of virgin beaches.

How to get here?

The two main airports are Larnaca in the East and Paphos in the West. They are only 130km apart from each other, so on that aspect I would not worry too much.

I would rather check our airport and what is the best and cheapest way to get either to Larnaca or to Paphos. Then you can adjust your itinerary accordingly.

With Omio.com you can find flights. I also recommend renting a car in Cyprus. It is so much better to get around on your own since public transport is slow and limited.

Where to stay?

You can find a few hostels in Cyprus. We wrote a big guide with a map to the coolest backpacker hostels in Cyprus. Here you can find a one week in Cyprus Itinerary with more details.

Cyprus is the warmest Winter Destination in Europe
We took this photo in January in Paphos area, Cyprus. At night you need a jacket though!

Map with all Places for Winter in European

Yes, we love maps. And since we know Europe so well and want to make this your absolute best and most useful article to plan your trip, here is the map!

I incldued all destinations I recommend to enjoy a winter on the Old Continent.

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Parties and Festivals in Europe during Winter 2024:

You can find many European Festivals during Winter here.

Also, there are many other public festivals across Europe such as the Light Festival in Amsterdam, the snow and ice sculpture festival in Bruges and more cool European Festivals you can find here.

Do you know more? Awesome!

Please let us know, we would be keen to add more cool winter events in Europe.

Update: find 25 more European Winter Destinations, including map, packing list and budget estimation.

Booking Sights in Europe

Of course you want to enter the famous sights like Colosseum in Rome and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

There is two website use use for this:

Both websites are our favorite go-to places. Reliable, good prices, easy to use!

I wrote a big review on Tiqets.com here โ€“ and how to use it.

Here you find a step-by-step guide and review of Get Your Guide.

Taking Trains in Europe

Trains are a great way to get around. For me, it is the best way since I donโ€™t like long bus rides.

Every country in Europe has its own train company. It is worth it to check out the train websites of each country. Now, there is a more simple solution: Omio.com!

Omio.com connects all train websites and puts all trains and bus in one.

For instance, in Germany you can get big discounts when you book at least two weeks in advance.

Check Trains in Europe here

Taking a Bus around Europe (cheap option!)

Besides the train, which can be quite pricey, there is the bus.

Flixbus offers many routes across Europe like from Paris to Amsterdam, Madrid to Barcelona, Berlin to Prague. And even longer journey from Zagreb to Paris.

It is a really easy way to get around Europe for a cheap price.

The only downside is, it takes much longer. I would recommend this type of transport only when you bring enough time. Other than that, it is a great way to stay within a budget.

Check bus prices with Flixbus

Taking a Bus around Europe (cheap option!)

How to rent a car in Europe

Renting a car in Europe ca be tricky. My favorite website is Discover Car Hire.

There is a few things you have to take into account and a few questions you have to ask yourself before renting.

  1. Will you be crossing borders?
  2. Do you have the correct license to drive a vehicle in Europe?
  3. Do you have insurance cover?

There is many many different types of comparison websites for renting a car.

We used a few of them over the time. The truth is, those websites come and go faster than roadrunner escaping Coyote โ€“ if you know what I mean.

We have used several and there was always an issue. There was always an extra to pay, the price doubled easily, the car was not in good condition etc. Renting a car for us is still always a pain.

So, what can we recommend?

We want to be really upfront: Unfortunately, we are not an expert here. We have used many different sites; and always we disliked something. The most reliable car rental for us is Discover Car Hire.

Check out Rental Cars here

Best Car Hire in Europe

They are super easy to use and it is easy to compare different companies. They also offer full insurance when booking with them.

My best tip ever for renting a car: ALWAYS get full insurance!

Why?

If there is just the tiniest issue and someone hit your door for instance, you avoid big extra costs, known as penalties. If you get full insurance, you donโ€™t have to care a thing about any scratch by third parties.

Personally, I think it is worth it the extra euros when renting.

Route Planning: this one is super helpful! Planning your trip and route throughout Europe is super easy with ViaMichelin.com

Just type in your route from A to B. The websites gives you 3 options how to get there. On top, it gives you the average prices and tolls.

This is especially useful since many countries in Europe charge tolls for their highways, like France, Spain, Italy.

Rent your Car here

Route Planning

Hostel and Accommodation Prices during winter:

As said before the prices for hostels during are usually lower.

Especially on Booking.com you can get lucky and score incredible deals.

  • Hostelworld is a popular website for booking hostels.
  • Hostelz.com is a hostel price comparison, super useful to save money.

Please keep in mind that this depends on the day and destination after all. In winter destinations like Andorra the prices can be higher than in summer, and during New Years Eve it goes without saying the prices in every hostel probably around the globe will be higher!

Questions?

Any questions? Please leave a comment below. We are thrilled to help!

Here you can find 15 bookings tips for hotels and hostels โ€“ super useful as well, especially during low season.

Our friends from A Pair of Passports also agree with us. They share romantic reasons why to travel off-season.

You can also consider AirBnb.

Cheap Flights during winter:

Make sure you subscribe as well to the newsletter of cheap airlines such as RyanAir, Vueling and EasyJet.

Usually every year around October and November you can score some really cheap flights across Europe. The easiest way to get special promotions are the mentioned newsletters.

A great way we found to compare flights is Skyscanner.

Skyscanner Review

More Winter Destinations

Find 25 more European winter destinations here.

European Cities in Winter

Whatโ€™s next:

Do you have more recommendations for European Winter Destinations?

Weโ€™d love to hear from you!

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Our Favorite Travel Resources 2024

๐Ÿ‘ Booking Hostels: Always find better deals for Hostels on Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com.

โœˆ๏ธ Cheap Flights: The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.

๐Ÿค’ Travel Insurance Simplified: We always go either with Safetywing and Hey Mondo.

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