Europe is probably on every traveler’s bucket list. It has an endless list of places that satisfy every kind of traveler. Winter season equals fewer crowds, inexpensive accommodations and warm experiences like having a cup of hot chocolate in a cozy café. So, here are my top 5 cheap Europe winter destinations that will warm your heart.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a dream winter destination for many people because of it’s breathtaking natural landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Many of the country’s beautiful spots are easily accessible from the capital, Reykjavik. Check out the waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, rock formations, and, of course, the famous Blue Lagoon – what could be better than relaxing in warm water when the temperatures outside are below zero? Another thing to do in winter here is taking a whale watching tour. Reykjavik has great museums, such as the Viking Maritime Museum and the Art Museum. There are also really cool festivals that take place in winter, including the Winter Lights Festival.
2. Paris, France
Paris is a great choice no matter what time of year it is, but during the winter is when the city really becomes magical. It is the season when Paris lives up to its nickname ‘the City of Lights’, with the amazing cityscape transformed by the colorful bulbs and twinkling fairy lights.
Must visit the Galeries Lafayette with the giant, glowing Christmas tree and over-the-top decorations. The Christmas markets are also spectacular, especially if you head to the smaller ones of Montmartre and Notre Dame. Enjoy your holiday trip in the most romantic place in the world.
3. Bruges, Belgium
It is one of the prettiest cities in the world, never mind just in Europe. The best-preserved medieval city on the whole continent, Bruges captivates everyone who visits with it’s chocolate box houses, canals, and cobbled streets, but it is definitely even more charming when all the buildings, shop fronts, and trees are lit up with Christmas lights. Take a carriage ride around town, eat some chocolate or drink a hot chocolate at a small cute cafe.
4. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
A fairy tale town, most people visit Cesky Krumlov in the summer, but it is winter when the city is utterly charming, especially when it is covered in snow. You must visit their cute Christmas markets that takes place. As well as the cultural events take place throughout the old town, including carol singing and a ‘Living Bethlehem’, a nativity story narrated by local residents through music and dancing. Small town with big holiday cheer.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, along with every other city in Europe celebrates the festive season, but not as many hold specific festivities for the Winter Solstice. The city hosts the City of Dublin Winter Solstice Celebration Festival with ceili dancing, Celtic drumming, traditional storytelling, along with a fire ceremony, which is an amazing spectacle to behold. Check out local pubs, parks covered with snow, and don’t forget to indulge in some Irish stew or Dublin coddle perfect for a cold night out.
