European cities take on a magical feel throughout the winter months when the roof tops have a dusting of snow and you can wrap up warm whilst exploring and popping into cafes to sip hot on hot chocolate, coffee’s and also mulled wine and cider.

The winter months also offer some exceptionally cheap flight deals before the busy Spring and Summer season. The more off the beaten track and lesser known European cities also offer fantastic value for money for accommodation, food, drinks and retail therapy.

These are the cheapest winter city breaks in Europe

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in the Czech Republic is a city break to certainly not be missed. There is so much to do throughout the whole city! The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you will be in awe of the Gothic style churches, cobbled streets and traditional Czech buildings.

The local beer is all the rage in the Prague and you will find yourself in the mix of various beer themed activities including beer tasting, beer spa bathing, beer crawls and pour your own beer bars. The activities are all served at a very low price since it’s the local and brewed close by. You can check out the best beer experiences in Prague here.

The Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge are the centre of the tourist hub and breathtakingly beautiful. You can enjoy the view of the bridge of from above and also take a boat trip down the river to see the city from the river bank.

Nightlife is very lively in Prague and bar crawls are offered on a nightly basis taking you on group trips around the city and explore the underground bar scene. Quirky and unique bars can also be found such as Anonymous the cocktail bar and the Nightmare bar.

Budapest, Hungary

Source: Hungary Today

Budapest in Hungary is the capital city and also the largest city. This beautiful city features a magnificent Old Town that still bores memories of World War 2 and these can be seen in the from of fun war ruin bars, shoes on the Danube and at Hero’s Square.

The best place to escape the cold weather is by submerging yourself into the warm waters of the thermal baths that can be found all around the whole city. In the evenings the larges thermal bath in the city turns into a huge party and you can attend the Sparty and drink and dance as you enjoy the thermal baths.

In addition to the Sparty nightlife in the city is booming and the Jewish area offers a trendy vibe packed with Ruin bars and vibey restaurants and bars for you to drink and dance the night away in typical European fashion.

The Hungarian Parliament building is breathtakingly beautiful and potentially one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. it’s only around 100 years old and a beautiful back drop for your all important Instagram shots.

The Chain Bridge crosses the Rive Dunabe and is also one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe, especially during sunset when the city begin to light up.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is one the largest cities in Poland and used to be the countries capital city. The main hub of the city is the Old Town Main Square with the beautiful old Cloth Market in the middle of the square taking centre stage. The rest of the Square is surrounded by St Mary’s Church and beautiful outdoor heated restaurants offering you an excellent place to take in the views whilst sampling traditional Polish foods and local beers.

The Jewish Quarter which was once home to the cities vibrant Jewish community is now a trendy London Shoreditch like area that is bustling with unique bars, restaurants and coffee shops that you will not want to miss. The Jewish Quarter is still home to many remains on the war and you can visit areas such as Schindler’s factory and cross the river to Jewish Ghetto where you can visit Hero’s Square and also many attractions such as the famous pharmacy that helped the Jewish people and even the train stop where the Jews were boarded on to Auschwitz.

With so much war history in Krakow you can also take a day trip to the near by Auschwitz concentration camp. Here you can see first hand the truly devastating history of the extermination camp and everything that the Jewish people went through during the time of the war.

Besides these devastating events that are still evident in Krakow there is a very happy and lively city like vibe packed with vodka vibes to taste traditional Polish vodka and drink amongst the locals.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Source: The Culture Trip

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and is a beautiful city with the backdrop of the Mantra Mountains in the distance which in the winter are covered with snow.

At the centre of the city is the breathtaking St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral which is one of the cities biggest attractions and landmarks.

Vitosha Boulevard is trendy area jam packed with shopping boutiques and amazing coffee shops and cafes with a back drop of the mountains this will leave you awe inspired.

Day trips can be booked to take trips to mountain side towns such as Borovets to get amazing ski scapes, views and see the more traditional Bulgaria.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Source: Finest Stays Slovenia

Ljubljana is the largest city on Slovenia and the city is breathtakingly beautiful. The Old Town is a vision of colours as you wander the streets and city squares that showcase their beauty so easily. Restaurants and cafes line the streets with opportunities for alfresco dining as yo take in the architecture.

Preseren Square is the centre of the Old Town and the Franciscan Church takes centre stage in the square. The square is surrounded by the river and you can see Slovenia’s beautiful bridges connecting the city. The bridges are for pedestrian’s only and you can marvel at the canals beauty as you cross.

Ljubljana Castle is at the top of the city and the view from the castle is not to be missed. Looking down at emerald lakes and rivers of the city is a truly worthy site.

Traditional Slovenian food is all the rage in Slovenia and the fish dishes are excellent. The restaurants in the Old Town have a traditional vibe and pair foods with wines and local beers.

Bucharest, Romania

Source: Romania Insider

Bucharest is the largest city in Romania and the city is huge in size. This is a busy cosmopolitan city that still holds the charm of an old European city.

The Old City has had a well deserved make over and although you can still see the remnants of the war and the old architecture buildings the modernisation has created a lovely place for a stroll and to taste some traditional Romanian food and wine.

The part of the city nicknamed Paris of the East before World War 2 is a romantic and trendy part of the city where you can still see the remains of this part of the city which is now trendy hub of restaurants and bars to eat and drink the night away.

The worlds biggest parliamentary building The Romanian Palace of Parliament is in the city centre and well worth a visit to take in the architecture.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Source: We love Lithuania

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and is home to a beautiful Medival Old Town with old cobble stone streets and old European architecture.

Street art is Lithiania all the rage and very trendy. There are some very famous pieces that you can explore such as Pylimo Street and Olimpieciu Street. You can also head to Graffiti pier to watch locals create their street art in this legal area.

This is another city with a vibrant Jewish Quarter packed with beautiful cafes and bakeries that are home to a very trendy peaceful feel.

Another hugely trendy area is the Unzips area which is bohemian inspired area that was created on Aprils Fools Day.

Riga, Latvia

Source: Nordic Jobs

Riga is Latvia’s capital city and the whole city is a hub of flamboyant colours. The Medival Old Town has a Gothic like charm that spams across the city. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and taking in the views from above is hugely popular and well worth it to see the variety of coloured roofs and architecture down below.

The city has a powerful art and creative scene packed with exhibitions and museums. This part of the city brings in a variety of creatives that all enjoy the hip and trendy bars that accompany this side of the city.

The nightlife is hopping with locals offering bar crawls across the city to explore the best and cheapest bars in town. Taste the local beers and enjoy.

Istanbul, Turkey

Source: Agoda

Istanbul is a large city in Turkey that straddles the border of both Europe and Asia. This is the only city in Europe which straddles 2 continents. The two parts of city are vastly different and connected via a bridge.

The city is breathtakingly beautiful and the main hub of the city is located by the amazing Hagia Sophia which was originally a Church that was converted into a Mosque which is now a museum.

The city is a hub of culture and the Grand Baazar is one of the  main places to explore the smells, tastes and meet local people whilst indulging in some retail therapy.

Head to the top of the Galata Tower for almighty views over the city including the river side area and beautiful architecture.

Turkish food is amazing and you will have plenty of meze to enjoy around the city with a real Arabian feel.

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Source: Inside guides

Sarajevo is a beautiful city is Bosnia with a back drop of the Dinaric Alps. The Old Town is a hub of history and the cobbled streets and Old Bazaar are certainly a draw to this area. Wandering the bazaar that is filled with local produce such as Pottery and Jewellry is a great place to see the culture and meet local people.

Local food is available everywhere in the Old Town and you can find amazing cafes for in the local coffee. Wamder the streets tucking into Bosnian ice cream. Dine in one of the many local restaurants serving traditional Cevapi dish.

War history is evident in the city and the sad past of Bosnia can be seen in many places including the Vjecna Vatra, Sarajevo’s Eternal Flame that is lit for the victims and heroes of World War 2. You can also stand on the Latin Bridge in the exact spot that started World War 1 and learn about the history there.

Head to the Yellow fortress for views over the city and to see the sunset over this amazing European city break destination.

Madrid, Spain

Source: Express

Madrid is Spain’s capital and jam packed with architecture at every corner. Architecture buffs will be in their element here when the buildings are paired with the excellent selection of Art museums on offer.

The famous Real Madrid Football club is largely popular with so many people coming to see the stadium and grounds. Be there at the right time to see a game too.

Beautiful cosy restaurants are on offer all serving local delicacies and tapas dishes that you can wash down with local beers and wines. The food market is a great way to taste a variety of meals and wander the halls drinking beer and wine.

Explore the streets in the evening on a romantic stroll and feast on hot chocolate and churros under the arches as the sun sets on the city.

Turin, Italy

Source: Dream of Italy

Turin was Italy’s first capital and hub for culture and food around the region. Traditional Italian buildings create a cosy uniquely Italian vibe and paired with the tree lined streets the city truly is beautiful. Set with a backdrop to the Italian Alps in the distance the winter offers snow topped peaks to bring a wintry feel to the city.

Food is hot in Turin and old style cafes and restaurants line he streets and Italian’s can be seen tucking into local dishes and delicacies. Several famous chocolate brands were a product of Turin and chocolate is very important to the region.

The cities main squares are a hub of activity such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.

Tirana, Albania

Source: Rough Guides

Tirana is the capital of Albania and is host of beautiful pastel coloured buildings that bring a bright glow to the city. The colourful Ottoman is the centre of the city and the tourist hub with another hub Skanderbeg Square.

Tirana has a beautiful water front and its a great place to come and enjoy some food or drinks. Albanian coffee is excellent as well as the local beer.

A cable car can be taken called the Dajti Ekspres where you can see excellent views over the city from above and you can admire the vast mountain landscapes in the background.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Source: Slovakia.com

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and located along the border of Austria and Hungary. The town is beautiful along the Danube river that it shares with Hungary and set to a back drop of both vineyards and mountains.

The Old Town is a pedestrian only zone with old style architecture. Restaurants and cafes line the edge of the main square and you can sit and eat and drink whilst you take in the views of the Old Town. The area is also well known for its bars and they can become lively in the evening.

Set up on a hill Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube River. Take a hike up there to enjoy the excellent views of the capital of Slovakia.

Tallinn, Estonia

Source: The Culture Trip

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is a beautiful Medival town with 15th Century architecture and cobble stone streets. The church tower that looks over the city is the focal point and you will be inspired by the multi-coloured buildings that line the small streets.

The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is one of the best places to see the city and yo can enjoy the roof top views. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is of the main tourist attractions and the exceptional architecture is not to be missed.

The traditional Baltic meals on offer are also not to be missed and you can enjoy them here at a much cheaper price than the other Baltic states.

There is an excellent beer scene with local craft beers all the rage and an excellent nightlife scene to go with the beer.

Belgrade, Serbia

Source: Lonely Planet

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. War is again in full evidence here and the cities turbulent past can still be scene in war memorials and ruined walls.

The Belgrade Fortress is where the two rivers the Dunabe and the Sava meet and was used through the war and still remains today.

Skadarlija is a trendy Bohemian area packed full of trendy cafes, bakeries and bars and the perfect spot for some laid back fun.

The city also has lots of partying with bar crawls, boat parties and many bars and clubs to have you dancing the night away.

Porto, Portugal

Source: Telegraph

Porto is a beautiful city on the Portuguese Riverside. The area is beautiful due its cobble stones streets, colourful architecture and hill side living.

The riverside is a hub of activity all year round with both tourists and locals enjoying the restaurants and cafes as they taste local foods and try local wines.

There are several bridges that connect the city and are beautiful to look at including the Luís I Bridge that sits with a back drop of the hillside city.

The city is famous for it’s wine production and you can taste local wines all around the city.

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