Vienna

Vienna was voted the best city in Europe in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards—a title that holds true no matter the season.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: colorful wooden buildings, a scenic harbor, and sweeping views of the surrounding fjords.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is magical during the holidays but we recommend visiting the Dutch capital during the later winter months as well.

Tallinn, Estonia

The views of the city center from Toompea Castle are beautiful no matter the season, but they pop even more under a layer of snow—in fact, they make those cold, Baltic winters downright bearable.

Hallstatt, Austria

It’s a village, but perhaps none other fits the phrase “storybook setting” better than Hallstätt, which sits pretty on the shores of Austria’s Hallstätter See.

Bruges, Belgium

Europe’s best-preserved medieval city is also one of its most charming, especially during the winter.

Paris, France

Paris is always a good idea. During the winter, it’s an even better idea—especially when you see how Parisians enjoy a snow day.

Budapest, Hungary

Winter is hands down, the best time to visit Budapest.  Seeing the Hungarian Parliament surrounded by ice drifts on the Danube could make even the strictest of beach bums embrace the cold.

Prague

When a dusting of snow coats St. Charles Bridge and Old Town’s church spires, the whole of Prague transforms.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival—a three-day bacchanal celebration with outdoor concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots—is reason enough to book a trip to the city.

Copenhagen

When you visit the birthplace of hygge (basically the Danish concept of “coziness”), you better believe your winter vacation is going to be inviting.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Visiting Switzerland during ski season is a no-brainer, but most snow bunnies won’t venture outside their respective resort towns.

Venice

Venice has become notoriously overrun during peak season—just see its recent attempts to limit tourist numbers for proof.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Few travel images are superimposed on our imaginations the way St. Petersburg in the winter is. The colorful and whimsical towers of the Church of the Savior on Blood look especially striking against crisp, fresh-fallen snow.

Strasbourg, France

A blend of French and German cultures (it’s located right near the border with Germany), it’s only natural that Strasbourg stuns in the winter months.