The best cheap places to visit in Europe in winter


If you, like us, are struck down with the travel bug this winter (we’ve heard it’s contagious), it can be difficult to find your remedy. During the colder months, we’re all so focused on paying our increasing electricity and heating bills, our soup and hot chocolate bills (naturally), and we’re also focused on Thanksgiving and Christmas. With gifts to buy and food to stock up on, it’s almost impossible to set aside money for yourself – let alone book a flight to your next bucket list destination. Thankfully, there is a way to get around it (yay!). Here are some of the best cheap places to visit in Europe this winter…

Barcelona, Spain

If you’re into your art, you just have to visit Barcelona. From the impressive Sagrada Familia to Park Guell and everything Gaudi-galore, you can barely turn a corner without being squished in the face with artwork and architecture. Take a ramble down Las Ramblas, check out the traditional Catalan cuisine, and walk along the iconic beaches of Barcelona. Wanna know the best part? A winter trip to Barcelona definitely WON’T break the bank.

Lisbon, Portugal

When you think of Portugal, you probably think of summer beach getaways, rather than European city breaks. Thankfully, Lisbon is a perfectly wrapped little present by the sea and has everything you need for a cheap European winter getaway. This seaside capital is one of the most diverse regions in Europe, and its close proximity to Spain and Morocco means the Portuguese culture is an eclectic mix of food, clothing, and architecture. With medieval UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cheap eateries to check out, you better buy your tickets now.

Dublin, Ireland

Need a way to cure the winter blues? Well, a trip to Dublin will definitely cure that for you. Whether you have a pint of Guinness to warm your cockles or settle with a cup of hot whiskey in a cozy Irish pub, we can guarantee you can enjoy the best of this European delight on a budget. As it’s the low-season in Dublin, hotels are between 20-30% cheaper than in the summer, which means you’ll have even more money to spend in the Temple Bar, or at the traditional Irish music festival in January!

Vienna, Austria

If you’ve never been to Austria, why not start off in the capital? Known as The City of Music, Vienna was the home of some of the greats – including Beethoven and Mozart. So, walk the cobbled streets they walked as you frolic in the snow, and take in all of the royal grandeur this city possesses. Check out the cathedrals and palaces, and the Baroque architecture that will leave you stunned. In the winter months, Vienna is even more beautiful…but for half the price.

Venice, Italy

Let’s be honest, Venice is probably at the top of your bucket list. With its incredible canals, the floating houses, the intricate islands, and architecture, Venice is the dream – but it’s definitely NOT the dream in summer. Anyone that has been to Venice in the summer months will know it’s overrun with people, pigeons, and some pretty scorching temperatures. However, it’s a whole different place in the winter. With fewer crowds, fewer pesky birds and lower temperatures, you’ll be able to explore this beautiful city of canalways without any hassle…and without a huge budget.

Seville, Spain

If you don’t fancy Barcelona, you might fancy a different area of Spain. One of our favorite areas is Seville – and although flights direct to Seville aren’t exactly the cheapest, you can fly to Barcelona and then fly to Seville for around $30! This old-style city is one you won’t want to miss, as you just have to take in the masses of Seville orange trees, the historic churches, the golden rooftops, the Gothic spires, the matadors and their capes, and the incredible tapas that definitely won’t leave you with an empty stomach.

Are you looking to go on a winter getaway but pretty short on cash? Don’t worry; there are some epic European destinations you can sink your teeth into.

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