5 European Cities To Visit During The Winter

Almost every European city will be full of visitors during the summer months. But those crowds are avoidable if you're ready to tolerate colder temperatures. Not only are you going to run into fewer travelers during this period, but you're also likely to score travel deals, particularly on cruises.

There are some fantastic European cities to visit during the winter. If you've just got a weekend or a whole week, there's an endless number of places to visit. To lead you through the continent's winter choices, we've compiled a list of the top five cities to visit in the winter.

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna has been one of the popular winter destinations for decades, and its popularity is certainly not falling. Visit Vienna's Christmas Market with more than ten different Christmas markets in different city locations and the largest one on Rathausplatz (the square in front of the City Hall). If you want to try local food or buy handcrafted souvenirs, the Naschmarkt in Vienna is the place that has it all.

2. Abisko, Sweden

If you're a fan of winter and cold temperatures don't bother you, Abisko is a perfect place to go to. Situated only as far north as you can in Europe, this Swedish town is renowned for its spectacular views of the Northern Lights. But this area is not for the faint-hearted, as the sun has not risen for weeks in its coldest time. 

3. Venice, Italy

Venice is a destination that can't be a bad choice at any time of year. If it's summer or winter, Venice is a beautiful place to visit. When all the Christmas madness is over, the Carnival madness starts – the whole city is under masks of all sorts (leather, porcelain, or glass), and they are often glamorous.

One of the fascinating parts of the Venice Carnival is undoubtedly the "Festa Veneziana on the Water," where hundreds of gondolas sail along the Grand Canal and sell traditional Venetian delicacies. Also, make sure you've got an interesting and imaginative costume and mask because you could just get an award for it!

4. Region of Transylvania, Romania

Although tour groups line up every summer to visit Dracula's famous home, it just doesn't feel right to visit the place on a hot, sunny day. So, take a trip to Transylvania when it's cold and snowy instead. Besides Dracula, the area of Transylvania is home to so many medieval towns full of castles, cathedrals, and rich histories that we could not have chosen only one.

After you've come to your heart's content through winding villages and scenic views, don't forget to visit one of the many ski resorts and national parks in the region for some real winter activities.

5. Rovaniemi, Finland

Is there a better place to spend your winter holiday than the hometown of Santa Claus? Located near the Arctic Pole, Lapland's capital in Finland is one of Europe's most attractive winter destinations. Just 8 kilometers from Rovaniemi's center is Santa Claus Village, where Santa meets people, and you can even send a postcard to your family and friends from the Santa Claus Post Office.

If you're shredding the slopes or strolling along the quaint cobblestone streets, Europe has plenty to offer in the winter. Don't get bogged down by cold weather or cab fever – just pop on some cold-weather travel gear and do something you couldn't do in your own place.

Ready to travel to Europe? Get your ETIAS visa waiver for Europe as all visa-exempt countries will need to have an approved ETIAS to travel to the Schengen area. If you are still confused, read the ETIAS guide to help better understand how it works.