December: the beginning of winter, a month dedicated to Christmas that somehow always increases our urge to travel. Christmas markets, snowy streets, colorful pairs of gloves, endless strolls around the alleys of some of the oldest European cities in the chilly night air. That paints a picture of what most of us are dreaming of living during a wintertime trip.
Or is it sea and sun what you're looking for?
There are two kinds of winter travelers: those living and breathing for the first snow to fall and those in desperate need of summer during wintertime. Or else, those who search of the best ski resorts across Europe at January and those seeking to soak up in some sun at February. This post is all about the first category. Some of our favorite European cities and short weekend getaways which are both economical and easy to plan. A post about summer destinations will follow shortly after this!
November is the perfect month to plan a winter getaway, so sit back and relax while I'm showing you around some of the most beautiful European cities.
GET INSPIRED!
1. REYKJAVIK - ISLAND
The Blue Lagoon - Iceland
Photo via guidetoiceland.is
There is not a chance that you won't find Iceland listed as a top winter destination at the best travel magazines or that it won't make it in the bucket lists of travelers all around the world (like mine for 2016). If you decide to visit Iceland during winter, you will have the chance to watch the most spectacular natural phenomenon - a phenomenon I myself, have only seen from above. Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, white nights and a breathtaking scenery consist 3 of the thousands reasons why you should visit Iceland. There are countless options for winter sports such as the popular mountain jeep tours, horse riding, snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling on ice. During Christmas time and New Year's Eve, Reykjavik is magically transformed into a dream land with the firework show above the snowy mountains being the highlight of the period.
The worldwide-known Food Festival takes place in February - prepare for loads of tasty delicacies and lots of cold too! However, don't forget to pack your swimsuit (!) and visit one of the most amazing spas in the country - Europe - the world: Blue Lagoon. Definitely a must-see.
2. COPENHAGEN - DENMARK
Copenhagen is one of the coldest cities - to say the least - and at the same time, one of the dreamiest places in Europe. I could write pages on the things I loved about Copenhagen both during winter and summer time but since I can't, I hope a paragraph will convince you to visit it too. The city is indeed almost frozen from December until February as all Scandinavian countries are. However, there are several activities and Top Tips to follow that will heat things up and make you completely forget about the temperature.
First of all, the Wondercool Festival (what a fantastic name!) that takes place in Copenhagen aiming to entertain both the locals and the visitors with indoor activities like concerts, special food activities and many other events. My tip: enjoy a stroll around the Tivoli Gardens, fully equiped with gloves and a beanie to breath in the fresh and clean Scandinavian air, feeling like a Hans Christian Andersen character - do not let the cold take you down.Walk towards the romantic canals of the city to admire the state-of-the-art architecture of the medieval buildings and head to Stroget for a memorable shopping spree at the largest pedestrian walkway of Europe. During the winter, you will easier find a table to enjoy a gourmet dinner at Noma - the Mekka of foodies all around the world. Ice Skating at Toftegård Plads is a favorite activity of the Danish - and yours too, if you give it a try. And don't forget to say Hej! to the Little Mermaid statue while there!
3. TALLINN - ESTHONIA
The old town of Tallinn
Photo via cntraveler.com
The Old Town of Tallinn is without a doubt one of the most mesmerizing sceneries you will ever see. Especially during the winter with its Christmas Market - one of Europe's most well-known and best markets. Tallinn is a rather neglected city as it rarely makes it to the list of must-see destinations of travelers. It's about time that changes. Apart from the city centre and the historical centre (Old Town) of Tallinn, you have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Estonian Sauna just outside the city - a tradition that has been listed in UNESCO's Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Plan your stay outside the city to experience a relaxing Sauna holiday - both Estonian and Finnish. Or, if you're more of a city lover,organise a food tour around the city with your friends to taste some of the country's traditional dishes served in many restaurants around town.
**I was in Tallinn a couple of years ago, in January. The freezing cold - comparable to that in Moscow - couldn't stop me from enjoying a walk (or 10) around the Old Town. I ended up warming up over a plate of hot soup in a traditional restaurant. A rather predictable - but amazing - considering the circumstances and temperature.
4. BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
Budapest is the city of all seasons. It is ideal for a weekend getaway and as my experience showed, perfect to explore in 3 days time and have a wonderful time. The view of the city from Buda's Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion will certainly reward your choice while a cruise down the Danube will offer you magical moments (nevermind the cold). Budapest is a city full of life that offers various activities both day and night. Visit the New York Cafe, one of Europe's most historical cafes, enjoy a latte and reminisce happily that moment when you finally decided to visit Budapest.
You will find more reasons to visit Budapest, here. It is a perfect destination for weekends , holidays, trips on a budget, ideal for couples or large groups of friends - everything.
5. KRAKOW - POLAND
I saved Krakow last, hoping that you'll consider it to be your next destination.
Thoroughly check out the city, read about it, learn all of its secrets and I promise you will love it before even visiting it. A few years ago, I've visited Warsaw and I was ecstatic by its beauty, so I did not believe I would find a city equally beautiful in Poland. But I was wrong - Krakow was even more beautiful. Imagine this: a goulash soup served in a bread bowl by the fireplace, traditional music playing at a restaurant just by a snowy little alley at the heart of the city - one of the most magical experiences you'll ever have. Then again, on Saturday morning put on a pair of gloves and head to the Jewish District to stroll around the Antiques Market. There, you'll find cute little antique shops to explore. Make sure you taste the delicious Kabanos spicy mustard sausage and of course, book a tour to Auschwitz. Do not let the freezing cold stop you - it will be an once in a lifetime experience.
Find out all 17 amazing things you can do it Krakow by clicking here.
If you're into Christmas Markets and shopping, here are my favorite. And for those of you in search of the sun at the heart of winter, I will be back with a second post: Top Summer Destinations in the Winter. Featuring swimsuits, sun lotions, the smell of coconut filling the air and lots of tropical destinations!είναι σα να το βιώνεις υπό πραγματικές συνθήκες (και αναφέρομαι μόνο στη θερμοκρασία φυσικά).
**Cover photo via EsthonianExperience.com
Which are your favorite winter destinations?
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