12 Best European Cities to Visit in January

With the end of the hectic and beautiful Christmas season, the holiday crowds are gone. Most people have returned to their working routine, but do you still have vacation leave? Well, you should take a trip to Europe!

Ski season is still in full swing, and many major cities are finally inexpensive. From spending time having fun in snow-covered landscapes to visiting world-renowned museums, there is something for every Traveler in Europe in January.

So, get ready to beat the January blues with a vacation in one of these European cities!

Budapest, Hungary

Another great European city to visit in January is Budapest.

Hungary’s capital boasts an imposing architecture and the scenic Danube River. Taking a cruise along it is one of the top things to do in town! Even better, have your cruise at night to see Budapest’s attractions, like the Hungarian Parliament Building, lit up with golden lights.

Something else you should do while in Budapest is visit one of the many thermal baths scattered around town. The Széchenyi Baths are the most popular. This is one of Europe’s largest spa complexes, a perfect location to enjoy the soothing and warm waters with the cold January air swirling around you.

Naples, Italy

Going to Southern Italy is always a great idea, winter included!

If you are looking for a destination with fantastic weather, mouthwatering food, and history-rich attractions, visit Naples in January.

With almost no tourists, you can stroll around the city in total relaxation. You won’t find lines for Naples’ best restaurants and sights, like the unmissable Veiled Christ.

There are plenty of things you can do in Naples. My favorite activities are pizza-making classes, street food tours, and browsing the unique Nativity Scenes of San Gregorio Armeno Street.

The cherry on top? Mount Vesuvius, capped with snow, towering in the distance – what a spectacle!

Riga, Latvia

The Latvian capital is a great European city for a winter break.

January days will still be snowy, so you can have magical moments in town. Riga has a charming Old Town featuring Russian Orthodox architecture. The colorful buildings, sprinkled with snow, are a true spectacle!

Two must-sees are Riga Cathedral, dating back to 1211, and the House of the Blackheads with its luxurious façade. A former merchant gathering place, this glorious building today hosts cultural events and gala dinners.

In January, you can also enjoy the last days of the Christmas market to savor authentic food and browse for art and crafts.

Barcelona, Spain

Counting very few visitors in January, Barcelona makes for a winter January getaway.

This Spanish city needs no presentation: it is a mecca for any architecture lover. Barcelona offers stunning examples of the Modernist style, epitomized by the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and the Casa Battlò.

While in Barcelona, don’t miss a stroll on Las Ramblas with a stop at the famous La Boqueria Market to taste local deliciousness.

And when the night falls, Barcelona becomes a playground for partygoers! You will easily find bars with live music and clubs for a fun night out.

Krakow, Poland

If you are into winter markets and unique traditions, Poland’s former capital, Krakow, is the place to go.

Krakow hosts Poland’s best Christmas market, which is open until the beginning of January. It is also famous for its Christmas tradition of creating ‘szopki’. Also known as ‘Christmas cribs’, szopki are extravagant nativity scenes modeled after the town’s monuments and buildings. Each year, locals comPete to create the most peculiar szopki. The best ones are displayed in the Celestat Muzeum, which you can visit in January.

While in Krakow, don’t miss the Wawel Royal Castle overlooking the Vistula River. A legend tells that there is a dragon living underneath the castle.

Visit Krakow in January to have an unforgettable winter break!

Berlin, Germany

Is there anything Berlin can’t do? A living and breathing witness of the history of the 20th century, the German capital is a great January destination.

Left Christmas and NYE behind, Berlin returns to being a cosmopolitan city where everything is possible! Do you want to spend hours upon house inside museums and art galleries? You can! Do you want to learn all about the Cold War? You can! Do you want to do pub crawls to taste excellent craft beers? You can! Do you want to party until dawn? You can!

Berlin definitely is a ‘something for everyone’ sort of place, making it a top-notch destination for every January group trip.

Turku, Finland

You might not have ever heard of the town of Turku in Finland. Visitors usually choose more famous spots, like Helsinki, when Traveling to Finland. But Turku will be a pleasant surprise, trust me!

It is the oldest city in this country. Founded in the 13th century, Turku has a fascinating historical and cultural heritage.

Don’t miss Turku Castle, located at the mouth of the Aura River. Inside, you can find a museum displaying the castle’s history from 1280 to the present day.

If you are into museums, you will have a blast in this Finnish town! Among the most interesting is the ‘Aboa Vetus Ars Nova’, the Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art.

Stavanger, Norway

On Norway’s southwest coast is one of the top towns to visit in Norway in January, Stavanger.

Charming like no other, the town center features cobbled lanes lined by white wooden houses. In contrast, the shopping street of Ovre Holmegate has fun and colorful houses. The mix and match is fascinating!

While strolling around the Old Town, visit the stunning Cathedral from the 12th century, Norway’s oldest church. Something else to look for is the many beautiful murals that adorn the town’s buildings.

When January’s cold makes it hard to stay outside, hide inside the interesting Petroleum Museum to learn more about Norway’s oil and gas industry.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, Poland’s capital city, has such a rich History that it needs to be on your bucket list!

One of my favorite months to visit Warsaw is January, when its UNESCO-listed Old Town is sprinkled with snowflakes.

This beautiful town has been one of the major theaters of WW2 and has been extensively reconstructed. However, several iconic landmarks survived both World Wars, including the Royal Palace and the St. Anne’s Church.

Besides its historical and cultural heritage, Warsaw is a lively and fun city to explore. There are many great bars and clubs where you can mingle with the locals.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is one of the ultimate winter destinations in Europe to visit in January.

With impressive natural landscapes covered in white snow just outside the city, Reykjavik is a fantastic trip idea for everyone who loves outdoor adventures. Dog sliding, bathing in hot springs, whale watching, and skiing are just some of the things you can do.

Winter is also the best time to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland, as the nights are darker and longer. You don’t need to go far from Reykjavik to see them. Just head to the city’s northwestern edge, on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, and get ready to be mesmerized!

Malmö, Sweden

If your idea of a January vacation is a cosmopolitan city with cold and snowy weather, you must visit Malmö.

In southern Sweden, Malmö is a melting pot of cultures with a vibrant arts scene and a welcoming vibe.

Explore the city center on foot, enjoying the street food at Möllevångstorget Market and the innovative Western Harbor district. Visit the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper and the Malmö Konsthall, one of Europe’s largest exhibition halls.

In Malmö, there is a local ritual that you will need to be in contact with, the fika. This is more than a simple ‘coffee and cake break’. It is a true social phenomenon that will turn you into a local in no time!

Andorra la Vella, Andorra

If you’re seeking fabulous winter conditions to enjoy fun in the snow, Andorra de Vella is the place to go!

The tiny country of Andorra tends to be pretty busy in the winter months, so don’t expect low prices and much tranquillity.

Andorra is the place to be for winter activities. Just outside town, you will find awesome ski resorts and smooth ski slopes. From skiing to snowboarding to snowshoeing, there is no chance to get bored in Andorra de Vella!

While in town, you can instead spend hours enjoying leisure walks and luxury shopping.