The very best snowy metropolis breaks in Europe

In the event you’re extra more likely to be hibernating than planning a metropolis break in the midst of winter, suppose once more – as a result of there are some locations that are at their finest within the coldest months, particularly if you wish to swap gray clouds and slush for the most effective snowy metropolis breaks in Europe. 

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Whether or not you’ve bought your sights set on someplace with a unbelievable Christmas market or a winter metropolis break that’s straight from a fairytale, there are many locations to tempt you – simply carry your scarf, gloves and fur-lined boots too.

For my daughter, who sees snow comparatively hardly ever in London (although no less than we get ice skating, Christmas markets and festive illuminations), even a sprinkling of the white stuff is sufficient to make her really feel like she’s stepped into Narnia – and even when the climate doesn’t at all times play ball, right here’s my choose of the most effective winter metropolis breaks in Europe to cheer up the coldest months.

Tallinn, Estonia

We visited the Estonian capital in Might when the solar was shining and the Previous City of Tallinn was one of many prettiest outdated cities I’ve ever wandered round.

In winter it may be bitterly chilly, however with snow all however assured through the winter, the picturesque structure may very well be the fairytale setting for the Snow Queen. 

As a result of the roads within the centre are pedestrianised, it’s made for wandering slowly round, marvelling on the medieval buildings, sliding alongside the stays of the outdated partitions.

And in case you go to in direction of the beginning of winter, there’s a Christmas market which often runs from mid November to early January.

For extra inspiration, take a look at this unbelievable submit about Tallinn within the snow from the weblog On The Luce in addition to my high issues to do in Tallinn with youngsters

Ljubljana, Slovenia

One in every of Europe’s most ignored metropolis breaks, Ljubljana is considered one of my very own private favourites – one other metropolis with a pedestrianised outdated city, some extremely ornamental bridges and dragons popping up in all places, it’s nice to wander round.

From October the cafes which line the river financial institution get away the overhead heaters and blankets to go along with the mulled wine (pink and white!) so you may benefit from the views of the boats with out freezing.

The primary sq. has markets all year long, together with some nice meals to be purchased however at Christmas you’ll discover markets going down at a number of areas across the metropolis.

There’s often snow sooner or later throughout winter too, though if you wish to ensure, you’ll want to move to the Julian Alps a few hours away.

For extra concepts of issues to do within the metropolis, take a look at my information to Ljubljana

Prague, Czech Republic

Not like some cities with one eye-catchingly beautiful outdated quarter, Prague has a number of, to not point out the great Charles Bridge connecting them – narrowly beating off Brno for my Czech choose consequently.

Wandering from the bustle of the Previous City sq. the place the 600-year-old astronomical clock nonetheless attracts the crowds to the fort quarter, the place the fort itself looms from the highest of the hill subsequent to St Vitus cathedral is as spectacular underneath the blue skies of winter because the cloudless ones of summer time (though most likely not a lot much less crowded).

Don’t miss strolling across the historic Jewish quarter too, residence to the oldest lively synagogue in Europe, in addition to a string of different lovely synagogues making up the Jewish museum.

In the event you go to in December, the Christmas market involves the Previous City sq. as properly for an added festive contact – this yr, it’s set to run from November 30 till January 6, 2025.

Throw in conventional meals that’s excellent for retaining out the chilly, and maybe a day journey to Cesky Krumlov and it’s an ideal winter escape.

Sibiu, Romania

Someplace that’s nonetheless alone private metropolis break checklist, Sibiu is considered one of Romania’s prettiest cities and someplace which appears made for a winter metropolis break.

With cobbled streets winding underneath medieval towers, Christmas sees considered one of Romania’s most vibrant markets come to Sibiu, with mild galore and a powerful Viennese affect – as a consequence of happen from November 15 to December 26, 2024.

As a result of town is ready between three teams of mountains in Transylvania, white Christmases are frequent too, so it’s best for a snowy metropolis break.

In the event you’re pondering of Dracula looking, Vlad the Impaler’s son, Prince Mihnea the Unhealthy is buried within the Cathedral of St Mary’s, plus you may take a day journey to Brasov.

There’s loads extra past the legendary determine to find as you discover Sibiu and its historic streets too.

It’s straightforward to mix with Timisoara and Brasov too, or in case you’re completely satisfied to journey a bit additional, to the Romanian capital – in case you’re questioning is Bucharest price visiting, this submit will provide help to resolve

Krakow, Poland

One other image postcard fairly metropolis, Krakov’s medieval coronary heart is often dusted with snow from December to March so it’s an ideal choice in case you’re in search of snowy metropolis breaks (though that is one metropolis that’s tempting year-round, so hold it in thoughts as top-of-the-line autumn locations in Europe too).

The Christmas market takes place within the big principal sq. which was specified by the twelfth century.

Everytime you go to, head to the Material Corridor for some memento procuring together with sheepskin lined gloves: the Renaissance constructing is without doubt one of the world’s earlier procuring malls.

Maintain heat with a stroll to the fort, outdated college and across the historic Jewish quarter as properly – it’s also possible to be a part of a strolling tour of Krakow to see the highlights.

Budapest, Hungary

Winter might be surprisingly chilly within the Hungarian capital – however with every thing from thermal baths to a number of totally different Christmas markets, there’s one thing to cheer up even the chilliest day.

Get your bearings with a strolling tour of Budapest to find the dual cities – Buda and Pest – which make up the capital.

Don’t miss a conventional chimney cake as you wander round – you’ll want the power to find all of Budapest’s Christmas markets (there’s even a particular Christmas market strolling tour to be sure you don’t miss any)

The very best-known market is on Vörösmarty Sq., however for loads of conventional festive meals, head to Erzsébet Sq..

Take a look at the leisure on the truthful in entrance of St Stephen’s Basilica too (together with an ice rink that’s free for teenagers) together with the sunshine present or uncover Hungarian tradition at Városháza Park.

Then heat up on the thermal baths: there are a number of within the metropolis however the Szechenyi Baths are open at Christmas itself, with two open air thermal swimming pools and 15 indoor ones. Or you might skate within the shadow of the fort as a substitute.

Copenhagen, Denmark

In case your coronary heart’s set on snow, there’s lower than you would possibly anticipate on this a part of Scandinavia – however the individuals who invented hygge know do winter correctly.

The Tivoli Gardens reopens for the Christmas season with the pumpkins and ghoulish touches of Halloween changed by glowing lights, wood homes adorned with pine branches and round 60 stalls making up the Christmas market.

Take a look at my full information to Denmark with youngsters right here

The gardens are adorned with over 70,000 Christmas baubles and greater than 1,000 Christmas timber coated in lights too, in addition to a projection present on the live performance corridor facade.

Plus Santa Claus and his reindeer will even be there in case you can’t make all of it the best way to Lapland – get skip the road tickets to Tivoli Gardens right here

For extra festive spirit, there’s additionally a Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv.

For extra recommendations on issues to do in Copenhagen with youngsters, take a look at my high picks or in case you’re in search of a substitute for Copenhagen, Ribe is Denmark’s oldest city, with splendidly preserved buildings relationship again round 500 years – and sometimes snow too…

Ghent, Belgium

It was a tricky alternative between together with Bruges or Ghent – not least as a result of, if I’m trustworthy, neither of those will get an enormous quantity of snow (though it will get chilly sufficient for the canals to freeze in order for you a frosty festive expertise).

However they’re notably great at Christmas – and whereas Bruges has the chocolate, it additionally will get extra of the crowds.

Medieval Ghent, which is so properly preserved that it’s doubled for the fifteenth century in numerous TV exhibits, all however transforms as Christmas approaches.

Uncover extra issues to do in Ghent with youngsters from our go to to town

With greater than 150 wood market stalls unfold out within the outdated metropolis centre, you’re feeling you’ve walked again in time and right into a Christmas story.

For extra snowy journey inspiration, take a look at my posts on visiting Lapland with youngsters – together with ideas, a packing information and what to do in Finnish Lapland with youngsters

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST SNOWY CITY BREAKS IN EUROPE

Dragon picture copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos

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