I’ll be in Europe for a week at the start of January and looking for city suggestions. I’m aiming to enjoy cozy cafes and coffee shops during the day, great restaurants, and quiet cocktail bars at night. I’d love to walk around the city as much as possible despite the short days and cold weather. Extra points for cities that stay lively at night with lots of lights, even in the winter chill. Any recommendations would be awesome!
I work in the travel industry and would recommend these places:
Vienna, Austria - The city’s stunning architecture looks even better in the cold, and downtown has tons of twinkling lights.
Copenhagen, Denmark - It’s perfect for those looking for a ‘hygge’ vibe. There are cozy cafes in areas like Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and the city is beautifully lit up at night, especially around Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens.
Amsterdam - Check out the Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs through January. The city’s bar scene is also amazing.
Edinburgh, Scotland - The Old Town is magical in winter, and the city has cozy pubs like The Milkman. It’s compact, so it’s great for winter walking.
Budapest, Hungary - The city is lively with beautiful lighting along the Danube, and places like the Jewish Quarter are always bustling. Even in the cold, it’s very walkable, and the thermal baths are a perfect way to warm up.
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll definitely plan to visit Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen on separate trips.
I had the best weather in Amsterdam during January 2019. The skies were clear, and the days were sunny. Also, I got lucky because National Tulip Day was happening, which was a fun surprise!
Came here to say the same! Amsterdam is a very walkable city, though the weather can be a bit unpredictable. There are plenty of unique cafes, and the Amsterdam Light Festival runs until Jan 19, 2025. You can walk around the festival or even hire a traditional saloon boat with food and drinks for a unique experience.
We spent a weekend in Madrid last winter and had a blast! It’s a very walkable city, small enough to manage in a short trip. The food and cocktail scene is amazing, and there are plenty of luxury hotel options. Plus, there are great day trips nearby!
Thanks for the tip! Would you recommend Madrid over Barcelona or Seville? And which nearby trips would you suggest?
I probably wouldn’t spend an entire week in Madrid unless you’re really into the museums. We went to Toledo and considered Segovia for day trips. Barcelona and Seville/Granada would be great for a week, though! You’ll spend some time traveling in the south, but Barcelona is definitely worth a visit, even though I haven’t been in winter.
Lisbon or Berlin could be great for this trip and also offer good value!
Thanks! I’ve been to Berlin in winter, and it was a lot of fun. Lisbon might be a bit out of the way for this trip, but I’ll try to visit someday!