Many European cities are just as beautiful, if not even more so, in winter. Read on for a few of my favourite places to soak up those cosy winter vibes. You can visit them for a weekend break, but why not make a longer holiday of it by doing them all and taking the train/ferry between them?
Copenhagen
Capital of Denmark and queen of hygge, Copenhagen does winter the way it should be done. Cosy up in trendy cafes or wrap up well for a stroll along the Nyhavn. Danes just seem to be effortlessly cool, dressed in minimalist scandi-chic and woolen jumpers, and as I wandered around Copenhagen I hoped some of their style would rub off on me! Don’t miss the giant theme park in the centre of the city – perfect for a winter night of candyfloss and hot dogs.
Helsinki
Less well-visited than its other Nordic neighbours, Helsinki is not one to be missed off the list. Culture vultures will be awestruck by the gleaming white cathedral towering over the centre of town, but if you want to just kick back and relax head out to the harbour front for some beer and fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants to be found there.
Tallinn
There’s few cities as picture perfect as Tallinn, which comes to life in winter just as much as in summer. The old town of Estonia’s charming capital seems to be built with Christmas markets in mind, as you won’t be disappointed as you amble along winding cobbled streets surrounded by pastel-coloured on all sides. This is the perfect city to pick up Christmas pressies for the family.
Stockholm
Move over France, Stockholm is the place for pastry lovers. Every cafe you wank past smells of delicious freshly-baked cinnamon pastries. In fact, sitting down to eat said pastries and enjoy time with friends is such a national pastime that it even has a name: fika, an important part of Swedish culture. Combine this with colourful old buildings, antique shops aplenty and cobbled market squares, and Stockholm is the perfect winter destination.
Riga
Latvia’s capital Riga will greet you with gingerbread-esque houses, medieval buildings and more culture than you can shake a selfie stick at. Head to St Peter’s Church for beautiful panoramic views of the city, and then cosy up for a bite to eat afterwards at Lido, a national treasure where you’ll find the most authentic Latvian food for a really good price!
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[…] either Tallinn in Estonia or Vilnius in Lithuania, making Riga an excellent base for exploring the Baltic States. Loving the architecture and art history? Why not head slightly further east and explore St […]