Learn about places to visit in the chilling season in Europe.
Winter is a frosty season. Many people like to tuck into their beds and warm up under blankets. However, others embrace the cold and glide through the mountains and ice. Keep reading to learn about top 3 European cities to visit in winter.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Head north to the capital of Iceland. “Ice”land isn’t as icy as you might think. The temperatures go down to 37.4°F (3°C). That’s not very cold if you compare it to cities like Norilsk, Russia where it plummets to -67 °F (-55°C)! However, you shouldn’t expect sunbathing on the sandy beaches. You can do other things though.
- Don’t miss the northern lights
Get on a bus tour to reach one of the spots that have a spectacular view. The northern lights, or aurora, are a natural light display in the sky. Auroras appear as colorful curtains, rays or spirals. This phenomenon happens when the wind hits the earth’s ionosphere. It’s usually very clear in the winter. So, make sure to enjoy this Earthly show.
- Enjoy an unusual swim in the Blue lagoon
You won’t be able to surf on waves in Reykjavik but you can enjoy a fabulous swim in the Blue Lagoon. The blue lagoon is a geothermal spa in front of Þorbjörn volcanic mountain. This man-made attraction is full of minerals that can heal the skin. Don’t worry, the water’s temperature there is around 37C – 40C.
- Walk through Raufarhólshellir lava Tunnel
Around 5200 years ago, lava from the Leitahraun eruption flooded the lands of Iceland. Years passed by and the hot lava cooled and hardened to form a unique tunnel. It’s the lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir. The awe-inspiring tunnel stretches for around 1360 m (4500 ft). Through your walk in the tunnel, you would see lava formations that stood for thousands of years.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities on the continent. Winter can be a great opportunity to visit the lovely capital with fewer crowds in tourist places. Here are our top picks of things to do in Prague in winter.
- Don’t miss the Christmas Markets
If you want to live an unforgettable holiday season, you should definitely pay a visit to the Christmas market. From handicrafts to wooden toys, the stalls there sell everything related to Christmas. Don’t forget to treat your mouth with some smoked dumplings and pernicky (spicy gingerbread). Yummy!
The Christmas markets often run from November 28th to January 6th.
- Enjoy Masopust
After the Christmas buzz, there’s another festive celebration that looks a lot like Mardis Gras. This festival is full of parades, songs, music, food and dances. The marchers wear all kinds of colorful and eccentric costumes. Masopust usually takes place in late February or early March. So if you aren’t looking for a warmer experience in Prague, you can simply go there and attend Masopust.
- Tour Prague Castle
Prague castle is arguably the most famous landmark in Prague but that fame comes with tons of visitors. In the winter, there are way fewer waiting lines, so you may have the whole majestic place for yourself……well and a few others.
3. Barcelona, Spain
If you want to go to a warmer destination in Europe, pay a visit to Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain. The city offers its visitors unforgettable experiences in both the winter and the summer. Here are some activities you can do in Barcelona in the winter.
- The Three Kings parade
In winter, it’s a must to attend the three kings’ parade on the 5th of January. This famous Christmas parade is even more popular than Santa Claus! The event lasts for more than 4 hours and it’s marked by songs, costumes and delicious foods! On this day, children leave their shoes outside hoping to get presents from the kings.
- Pay a visit to the La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous sites in Barcelona. This astonishing church has been under construction for more than 100 years! Workers started building the church in 1882 and it is set to be completed in 2026! The site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 due to its unique architecture. When it’s completed, La Sagrada Familia will become the highest religious building in the world. The site is usually crowded with tourists in the summer. So it’s advisable to visit it in the winter for a better experience.
- Cheer at the Camp Nou
If you are a soccer fan, you should definitely visit Barcelona’s Camp Nou. The huge stadium is the biggest in Europe with a maximum capacity of 99,354 seats. You can book a ticket to watch a match there if Barcelona FC. is playing or you can take a tour to see the changing rooms, press rooms, bench of the players and of course to kick a ball on the legendary lawn that was blessed by the likes of Ronaldinho and Messi.
Those were our top 3 European cities to visit in the winter. What about you? Tell us about a city you visited or would like to visit in Europe in the winter.
