We don’t blame you if you prefer to travel in winter, or the off-season months of the year. Temperatures are more bearable, the crowds begin to thin out, and hidden gems are still to be found far and wide! Of course, there are so many places to choose from, but we think the following cities are pretty charming in winter. Here are five places to tick off your winter travels bucket list, the Europe edition.
Bern, Switzerland
Ländliches Fest, 1917. Kunstmuseum Bern
Photo by @visitor.art on Instagram
Even though it’s the capital of Switzerland, Bern is often underrated and missed out while travelling through the country. It’s a compact city that makes it perfect for exploring all its charm on foot. After a day of sightseeing, make sure you tuck into soul-warming winter foods like crispy potato rosti or a cheesy fondue. We would recommend visiting Kunstmuseum, Switzerland’s oldest art museum, exploring the Rose Garden for a panoramic view across the city, and checking out Bear Park.
Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, you best believe that Stratford-upon-Avon is an inspiring town to visit. Found alongside the Avon River, the small town is a gem to visit in the cooler months. Travel back in time and visit the historic sites with ties to Shakespeare without the crowds, rug up for a serene canal boat ride, or settle in for a cosy Sunday roast at the local pub.
Krakow, Poland
With a light dusting of snow, Krakow turns into a fairy tale city that is sure to delight. It always has a vibrant atmosphere thanks to a large student population, plus a fantastic food scene and medieval architecture. Winter sees the setup of its Christmas market in the main square, touted as one of the best in Eastern Europe with its array of trinkets, treats and entertainment. Feeling a bit chilly while out and about? Mulled wine and hot chocolates are sold from streetside stalls, perfect to wrap your hands around. Other places of interest to explore are the Kazimierz District (its Jewish district), St Mary’s Basilica and Wawel Castle.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech can be a hot, dusty city in the height of summer, so winter is a much-needed relief with temperatures ranging from 8-17°Celcius. Not only do the temperatures drop, but so do the prices and crowds. It’s a wonderful way to see the city for what it truly is, with mainly locals out and about living their daily lives. Picture yourself shopping through Marrackech’s souks without fighting the crowds – bliss! Visiting the Saadian tombs and going for a meal at the central square, Jemaa El-Fna – perfection!
Sorrento, Italy
As you can imagine, Sorrento is a popular destination for tourists during the warmer months with its vantage point right by the sea. However, the small town will still charm your socks off in the cooler part of the year! Visiting local museums and taking a day trip to Capri are still readily available, along with all the Italian food you’ve been dreaming of. Evening strolls through the main streets are popular with locals, and more pleasant without the crowds. The start of winter can be a bit wet and cold but this changes come February, with sunnier days and spring on the horizon.
Check out our full range of Escapes by Globus tours, showing you the very best of Europe during winter.
