Best Places To Visit In Europe From January to December

You won’t have to miss these best places to visit in Europe just because it’s too hot out or too snowy. In fact, Europe is always a year-round destination. After all, there has to be a reason the continent is leading in the number of visitors worldwide - over 700 millions visitors! The catch is to pick the right spot. For example, while Venice is truly stunning in the Summer or Spring, acqua alta (high water) in the Winter can lead to flooding. Europe boasts a rich range of cultures, many of which celebrate with amazing festivals in different months. If you want to join the fun, it’s best to time your visit smartly. This month-by-month guide will help you build your Europe itinerary like a pro. Best Places To Visit In Europe Year-Round Paris, London, and Lisbon are the best places to visit in Europe in all the seasons. Paris, France You can visit The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre year-round. Photo by EdNurg on Adobe Stock. From March to May, Paris is mild, low-paced, and cool. There might be rain. But overall, Paris in Spring is hard to beat because it’s when the cherry blossoms bloom, which is just in time for Valentine’s Day (or saying the magic words). June to August, it gets warm and beams with tourists. The upside: there are a lot of activities going on. For example, Tropical Carnival of Paris and Bastille Day. Iconic neighbourhoods like Montmartre are more walkable too. Fall can be humid, but it’s a perfect time for all the art exhibitions, museum walking tours, and Seine boat rides. It may come as a surprise, but Paris is not as popular during the Winter months as other destinations, like London. But you know what that means - thinner crowd and cheaper accommodations. The white Christmas charms are still there, though, with the markets and snowy Le Marais. >>> Don’t miss out: 13+ Best Day Trips From Paris: Culture, Nature, and More! London, UK London is worth-visiting all four seasons. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock. London is a classic year-round destination. The temperature is mild in the Summer and Fall. It gets cold in Winter and Spring, of course. But it can be a great escapade from hotter destinations like Malta or Monaco. Similar to Paris, cherry blossom season in London is Spring (March-May). It’s the best time to visit Park Regent and London Eye. In the Summer (June-August), the temperature is about 15°C-25°C. It’s the best time for day hikes from London, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Wimbledon takes place during the Summer, so you can expect a bit of a crowd. London is one of the best cities to celebrate Christmas in Europe. The streets, like Oxford Street and Regent Street, will be bustling with lights and decors. To avoid price hike or the crowd, you can travel outside the three days of celebration: December 24, 25, and 26 (Boxing Day). January and February (Winter) Since Europe is such a diverse region, January can be a winter wonderland or a sunshine bliss. In northern Europe, where people typically travel to for the cold, the temperature can be below freezing. Southern Europe is where you’ll find sunny amidst the winter month. Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is a paradise for mountain climbers and skiers. Photo by tsomchat on Adobe Stock. Zermatt is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Winter. There’s something very unforgettable about exploring car-free streets and skiing down white slopes, with the iconic Matterhorn mountain as a backdrop. The town is also the home to world-class après-ski services. Even if you don’t engage in winter sports, Zermatt is one of those places where you can feel the warmth (from the Swiss chocolate fondue and 17th century wooden buildings) in a snow-blanketed landscape. Things to do in Zermatt: Go ice skating in the Zermatt rinks, hike the Zermatt forest, climb the Matterhorn, explore Hinterdorfstrasse street for an ancient Swiss charm. Bavaria, Germany Come sip beer and watch the Bavarian Alps in Bavaria. Photo by elxeneize on Adobe Stock. Some places just come to live in winter, and one of those is Bavaria. It’s a 6-hour train ride from Berlin. But once you have seen how the Neuschwanstein Castle is covered in snow, tasted their “liquid bread” (aka the beer) and gone skiing down the Bavarian Alps, you will regret not visiting sooner. Bavaria in January is best explained by its cities. Munich is the most popular town in Bavaria. It’s where all the festivities (and football) are. For a historical trip, drop by Nuremberg. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also stunning, with vibrant medieval streets and houses. Things to do in Bavaria: eat Käsespätzle (cheesy noodle) and Lebkuchen (ginger cookie), drink Bavarian beer, visit Neuschwanstein Castle and its sister, the Hohenschwangau. Vienna, Austria Winter cannot stop us from experiencing Vienna’s art scene. Now Vienna is not really a great place in Europe to visit in Jan and Feb. It’s windier and wetter compared to the Christmas month, and the cold is still there. However, the streets are not going to be busy, and accommodations are a lot cheaper. So, it can be a win-win for those who are not afraid of the weather and want to keep a close eye on the budget. Then again, these months are known to be pretty unpredictable anywhere in Europe really. It’s the transition season, so plan your fun around the weather, instead of letting it ruin your mood. Vienna is just too beautiful to miss! Things to do in Vienna: Go ice-skating, do a museum tour (Kunsthistorisches - Belvedere - Hofburg), go see an opera in Vienna State Opera, and visit Schonbrunn Palace, and see a circus performance. If you travel there early January, there can still be the Christmas markets. Canary Islands, Spain The warm and sunny coastline of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Photo by Balate Dorin on Adobe Stock. As we said, the first two months of the year in Europe can be cold and wet. If you’re not a fan of the snow and sudden downpour, the Canary Islands are for you. The temperature is around 18 to 22°C. Mild, fresh, with plenty of sun time. It’s a perfect escape from the classic European white winter. Tenerife or Gran Canaria are amazing spots. One is mesmerising with the volcanoes and microclimates; the other boasts amazing beaches with a great party scene. Both have world renowned beaches. March, April, and May (Spring) It’s Spring time! The best places to visit in Europe definitely fall within these 3 months. No matter which list you’re looking at. It’s the time when the weather is the most tolerable. The flora and fauna are waking up from their winter slumber, which makes it an ideal season for walkable cities in Europe. Ljubljana, Slovenia The Ljubljanica River flows through the beautiful town. Photo by kasto on Adobe Stock. It’s warmer than the winter months but way cooler than the summer ones. There isn’t much of a crowd, and trees are starting to shed their winter coat. You can stroll Baroque streets, try štruklji in a gostilna (Slovenian tavern), visit the castles - a staple for all Slovenian trips - and museums in a peaceful atmosphere. People who have come to Ljubljana cannot miss Lake Bled. It’s just about a 40 minutes drive away from the capital and is home to Slovenia’s oldest castle - Bled Castle. From it, you can see the Church of the Assumption, which floats on an island in the middle of the lake. Barcelona, Spain The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the world’s most famous churches. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock. There’s not much need for words about how beautiful and iconic Barcelona is, especially in Spring. Barcelona is an interesting mix of Gothic architecture, football culture, and layers upon layers of history. And on top of that, the Catalan identity brings about a unique art and culture scene, as seen in the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Things to do in Barcelona: visit Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Mila, hike to Montjuic Castle. For fans of the festival, attend the Beer Festival in March and La Diada de Sant Jordi in April (Catalan Valentine’s Day). Walk the Gothic Quarter, get a ticket to a football game, and take a Camp Nou tour to learn about the history of one of the world’s most famous football teams. Venice, Italy A gondola ride on the canal is a staple of a Venice trip. Photo by Givaga on Adobe Stock. It’s warmer, drier, and more colourful. If you arrive by cruise ship, Spring is considered an ideal shoulder season because the port is not as crowded. The gardens along the canals and the water itself are absolutely stunning. There may be windy days, so be sure to bring a jacket in your packing list. The Grand Canal is always a must visit, but Cannaregio Canal and Dorsoduro Canal can give the best glimpse into the local lifestyle. Things to do in Venice: Walking around is the best way to experience Venice. Celebrate the Feast of St Mark on April 25, visit Piazza de Marco, Doge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basilica, and take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Bruges, Belgium The Rosary Quay is Bruges’ most iconic spot. Photo by orpheus26 on Adobe Stock. Flowers in Spring? While it’s nothing groundbreaking, Bruges, with the daffodils in full bloom, stands out from the rest. The temperature can range from 5°C to 15°C from March to May, with light rain. It’s truly a perfect European city for solo travellers. Similar to how Venice is canal-lined (hence the nickname “Venice of the North”), Bruges is built on a system of waterways and bridges. If you’re not exploring it by boat, you can do so by foot. It’s extremely walkable. Most iconic landmarks, like the Belfry Tower and the Church of Our Lady, can be seen in one weekend. June, July, and August (Summer) It’s time for the best places to visit in Europe in Summer. The heat is a change of scenery. And daylight hours are longer, which means more time for outdoor adventures and festivals. Salzburg, Austria The small but breathtaking Salzburg is just 3 hours away from Vienna. Photo by Andrew Mayovskyy on Adobe Stock. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart. It’s also known as a classic Winter destination in the region because it’s a gateway to the Austrian Alps. However, the theatrical, historical charms are still there during the Summer. If anything, it’s a perfect time to explore the Baroque villages and the hikes. Things to do in Salzburg: visit Fortress Hohensalzburg and Mozart Museum, go sightseeing on horse-drawn carriage, walk the Old Town. Since you’re visiting in the Summer, don’t miss the Mirabell Palace and Gardens and hiking over the Kapuzinerberg mountain. Naxos, Greece Naxos is believed to be where Zeus - God of Lightning - was raised. Photo dominikfrings on Adobe Stock. Summer and South Aegean islands, especially Naxos, of Greece go exceptionally well together. It’s much warmer and greener than its Northern counterparts. Naxos is quite similar to Santorini with blue-top buildings, stunning beaches, and dreamy seaside hotels, but we think Naxos is more laid-back and less touristy. You can fly directly from Athens or ride the ferry if you’re on a nearby island. Things to do in Naxos: Visit the Temple of Apollo and Chora (Naxos Old Town). Beaches in Naxos are very diverse, too. Visit Mikri Vigla for surfing waves and Plaka Beach for quiet relaxation. Lofoten Islands, Norway The midnight sun in Reine village of Lofoten Islands. Photo by Dmitry Pistrov on Adobe Stock. Not only is it one of the best places to visit in Europe, it’s also amongst the most unique. One word: the midnight sun. From late May to August, you can experience 24 hours of daylight and see the sun even at 11 p.m. If you are lucky, you can even catch the Northern Lights, which are first visible in August. You can get to Lofoten by ferry from Bodø or take a domestic flight from Oslo. You can also arrive by train, but for a heads up, most routes take half a day. Things to do in Lofoten Islands: visit Reine, which is believed to be Norway’s most beautiful village. Hike to Kvalvika Beach and explore Nusfjord fishing village. The best places to see the midnight sun are Unstad Beach and Mannen mountain. Amsterdam, Netherlands If you love Venice and Bruges, then Amsterdam is like their hip friend. Photo by CPN on Adobe Stock. When in Amsterdam, bike. Rent or take a group tour, whatever fits your plan, the best way to explore the canals and cobbled-streets is by bicycle, especially in this hot season. In the Summer, it’s lively and filled with activities. For example, Pride Amsterdam, which is held from July 26 to August 3 in 2025. The downside: the heat. Amsterdam runs warm in the Summer (around 25°C), compared to London. But if anything, it gets the locals and tourists to kayak in the canals, hang out in Vondelpark or swim Pllek Beach. And with how vibrant Amsterdam’s art scene is, don’t miss the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum. Monaco, Monaco Monaco in the summer is dry and sunny. Photo by Irentravel on Adobe Stock. Monaco can be touristy, a bit small, quite expensive, and there might not be that many outdoor activities except the beach and French Riviera hikes. But again, how many places in the world can replicate the Monaco experience? The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is literally home to some of the world’s most picturesque spots. For this, Monaco is just as amazing as other best places to visit in Europe in the Summer. It’s grand, luxurious, and energetic, with a very colourful nightlife, which is perfect for young travellers. The Grand Prix takes place in late May. If you’re not a fan of the sport, the summer is a good time to avoid the crowd. September, October, and November (Autumn) Autumn is considered the shoulder season. It’s wedged between two peak seasons - Summer and Christmas. Seville, Spain Seville is ancient yet always lively. Photo by Freesurf on Adobe Stock. The heat subsides significantly in October in Seville. The city has long been the gateway to other Andalusia cities such as Grandala and Cordoba. So, Autumn is a good time for an extended Seville trip. The first 2-3 days are for visiting the city’s highlights - Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and Barrio de Santa Cruz. Then the last 1-2 days are for day hikes to Caminito del Rey or day trips to nearby cities like Cardiz. Also, never miss out on a flamenco performance while in Seville. You can watch the performances in a Tablao (a flamenco stage). Plaza de Espana is also a good place for flamenco shows. Budapest, Hungary Budapest is a great city for both solo travellers and families. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock. Budapest during late September to early November is amazing. There are plenty of cultural events to explore. The weather is kind. Budapest is a mix of everything, from historical buildings to niche - quirky, if we must say - museums. Since it’s not as hot compared to the Summer, you can have a go at one of the city’s hot-spring fed thermal baths, which earn Budapest its nickname “The City of Spas”. Things to do in Budapest: visit Buda Castle and its neighbourhood, go on a boat tour on the Danube, explore the city’s unique museums such as House of Terror, Money Museum, and Pinball Museum. What is the most Christmassy place in Europe? Despite the weather, most people who travel for Christmas go where they go not for the snow, but rather the celebration. One of the best places to visit in Europe for Christmas celebration is the hometown of Santa Claus himself - Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi, Finland Rovaniemi is Santa Claus’ birthplace and one of the best destinations to witness the Northern Lights. Photo by johannessimeoni on Adobe Stock. Rovaniemi is about a 1-hour flight from Helsinki. Santa Claus Village is the centre of celebration on Christmas for both the locals and tourists. You can meet the legendary man himself and enjoy the wide range of festive activities like husky sleigh riding. The Northern Lights occur from Late September to April. If you’re lucky, you can see them on Christmas. Christmas flying can be a bit expensive, especially to a place like Rovaniemi. But Rovaniemi is a very popular destination, so your chances of finding a budget friendly flight is pretty high. Explore The Best Places To Visit In Europe With CabinZero Explore Europe without hassles with CabinZero. Finding the best places to visit in Europe is very easy. The continent is beautiful and diverse, so most times it depends on your preference of the weather and activities. Add a nice Europe packing list and a backpack made for European travel; you’re all set. For more amazing destination guides and travel tips, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh