Top European places to visit in January

This time, we’re embracing the colder weather and making the most of the chillier months in Europe. So, we have gathered our list of Top European places to visit in January.

But why in January?

A freezing winter day in Europe can be blissful and undoubtedly stunning. Firstly, some cities are refreshingly crowd-free and inexpensive during the colder months beyond the Christmas market rush. Furthermore, they offer comfortable experiences that are well worth traveling. How good does real hot chocolate in a riverside Belgian café sound right now?

Now is the time to check our list. Are you ready?

Madeira in January, ©istock.com/Juergen Sack

Madeira

We have traveled all over Europe but failed to see a place more captivating than Madeira. It is the first on our list of Top European sites in January. Most importantly, Madeira has a perfect climate, never too hot or cold. Madeira is also an ideal destination for leisure, sports, rest, or rejuvenation in hotels immersed in nature or luxury hotels; everything you dream of is in Madeira.

Welcome to Paradise! Come trekking, watch the dolphins, or rest on the beaches of Porto Santo. Ultimately, Madeira is the perfect destination to discover with family, lovers, and friends all year.

St. Petersburg, ©istock.com/romanevgenev

St. Petersburg

Unlike St. Petersburg in the winter, few travel pictures are superimposed on our imaginations. The colorful and impulsive towers of the Church of the Savior on Blood look especially striking against fresh-fallen snow. But like most of Russia, winter in the city is freezing. That’s why rivers and canals freeze; the days are short, and temperatures average between –4 and –28 degrees between January and February. Ultimately, embrace the cold and celebrate: Orthodox Christmas, Russian New Year, and a sporting event called the Big Neva Cup, which involves a swimming pool carved into the ice, are a few occasions to do so.

Rathaus in Vienna, ©istock.com/pressdigital

Vienna

Vienna has been voted the best city in Europe for many years by the Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s a title that holds no matter the season. But we’re particularly fond of the Austrian capital in the winter. Why? That’s when you can genuinely enjoy hot chocolate and Sacher-Torte (a local chocolate cake), listen to classical holiday concerts, and snap photos of Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral covered in snow.

Fjellstua Viewpoint – Alesund at dusk, © oleg_mj/Fotolia

Alesund

Perched at the top of Norway’s Western Fjord country, picture-perfect Alesund is spread over several islands stretching into the Atlantic, with the stunning Sunnmøre Mountains as a backdrop. If its natural beauty doesn’t grab you, its architecture surely will: After an early 20th-century fire destroyed much of the town, Alesund locals rebuilt the city in charming Art Nouveau style.

Note: You can find out more in our related article.

Canal Grande in Venice, ©istock.com/RudyBalasko

Venice

Due to a significantly smaller tourist crowd, the most romantic city becomes one of Europe’s cheapest places to visit in January. You can experience luxurious accommodations at lower prices. Furthermore, it is an excellent time for travelers to enjoy its chilly atmosphere and hot chocolates for extreme pleasure. In addition, the location is also perfect during this time for taking winter photos and taking a casual walk through the streets.

Barcelona – Sagrada Familia in the background, ©istock.com/martin-dm

Barcelona

It is one of the finest places to visit in January. It has neither a warm climate nor too freezy, making tourists enjoy Europe in January very comfortably. While the daylight temperatures range between 10 to 13 degrees, it can drop to a maximum of 5 to 7 degrees at night, not below that, saving you from the freezing weather.

The tourist rush is also less during this time, reducing flight fares and hotel prices. Barcelona can also be one of Europe’s cheapest places to travel in January.

You can take casual daylight walks through the Ramblas and Barri Gotic, explore the Barcelona Aquarium, and visit Museo Picasso and many entertaining locations.

Note: Take a look at our Barcelona Guide.

Ljubljana in winter, ©istock.com/kasto80

Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital city is a real-life fairytale setting among the Alps, with all that sunshine or snow flurries adding to its charm. That’s why visit it during December or January to see the Baroque architecture surrounded by Christmas lights, stroll the pedestrian-only Old Town, and sip coffee by the riverside cafés. In addition, you can also add Lake Bled and the Julian Alps to your itinerary, as Ljubljana makes the perfect base for Slovenian day trips.

Colmar, ©istock.com/Sami Sert

Colmar

Even in winter with a temperature of – 4 C, Colmar is a magical city in which to wander, explore new lanes, enjoy cafes, and soak in the culture and centuries of history. Previously we have visited Colmar in December, but even January is excellent.

Note: If you want to know more about Colmar, read our related article.

Brasov, ©istock.com/orincolac

Brasov

In January, Brașov is transformed into a winter wonderland with layers of fresh snow dotting the rooftops of pastel-colored buildings around the square. However, Brasov’s landscape is particularly charming with its preserved medieval splendor sprinkled in snow. In addition, the depths of winter offer just the right atmosphere for visiting the land of Dracula.

That’s why you can live out your best dark fantasies at the famous Bran Castle, just a short drive away. When it’s time to cross back to the light side, Poiana Brasov awaits. The renowned ski resort stretches along the Postavaru Massif of the Romanian Carpathians and has beginner to advanced slopes, a skating rink, cable cars, and a thriving apres-ski scene.

Zermatt , ©Istock.com/anshar73

Zermatt

During most of the year, Zermatt is a sleepy village. Come winter, though, and you will see a different story.
Additionally, there’s a reason you’ve probably heard of Zermatt and why it is on our list of Top European places to visit in January. Namely, the Swiss destination is known for its iconic location at the base of Matterhorn Peak. Still, the ski area is just as impressive, with well over 300 km of skiable terrain and guaranteed snow.

Note: You can read more about similar places in our related article.

Lapland, Finland, ©istock.com/Delpixart

Lapland

Have you ever heard that Father Christmas or Santa Claus has headquarters in Northern Europe? Well, you’re lucky to know they are in Lapland in Finland.

Located in the north of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia, Lapland is a unique region in the Arctic Circle, with its great glittering stretch of snow, wildlife, and breathtaking displays with its 200-day-long winter. Such a great experience and winter destination are hard to miss.

The conclusion of Top European places to visit in January

Yes, we know. We have forgotten Prague, Paris, Amsterdam, etc. But they are already on the most lists. Anyhow, please share with us what are your favorite destinations to visit in winter.