Winter in Europe is a magical time, transforming the landscapes with snow, ice and Christmas lights. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity to discover some of the most charming destinations on the continent, which offer attractions for all tastes and budgets.
In this post, we selected 5 destinations that are unmissable for anyone who wants to enjoy winter in Europe in 2023/2024. These are cities and regions that stand out for their history, architecture, nature and gastronomy, and that will make you live unforgettable experiences. Check out!
Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria is one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in Europe, and in winter it becomes even more charming. Vienna is famous for its imperial palaces, such as the Schönbrunn and the Belvedere, its art museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches and the Albertina, and its classical music, which can be enjoyed in concert halls such as the Wiener Musikverein and the Wiener Staatsoper .
Furthermore, Vienna has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, which takes place in front of the town hall (Rathaus), and which offers crafts, decorations, typical food and mulled wine (Glühwein). Another unmissable attraction is the Prater Ferris wheel, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.
FOOD TIP IN VIENNA
Wiener Schnitzel
A local dish that is popular with tourists in Vienna, Austria, is Wiener Schnitzel, which is a breaded meat escalope, usually accompanied by a potato salad. It is Vienna’s most typical dish and can be found in many restaurants in the city. Wiener Schnitzel is made with thin slices of veal, which are beaten to make them softer and then breaded with flour, eggs and breadcrumbs. They are then fried in clarified butter or lard until golden and crispy.
Wiener Schnitzel is served with a slice of lemon, which can be squeezed over the meat to add a touch of acidity. Some variations of the dish use pork, chicken, or turkey in place of veal. The potato salad that accompanies Wiener Schnitzel is made with boiled and diced potatoes mixed with chopped onion, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Some recipes also add mayonnaise, mustard, herbs, or pickled cucumbers to the salad.
WHERE IT IS SERVED:
Wiener Schnitzel is a delicious and satisfying dish that pleases the most demanding palates. If you want to try this Viennese specialty, we recommend the restaurant Figlmüller, which is known for its generous portions and the quality of the meat. You can also find Wiener Schnitzel in the restaurant Manure, which is famous for its artisan sweets and chocolates. Wiener Schnitzel is a great option to enjoy Austrian cuisine during your stay in Vienna.
Tromso, Norway
If you want to experience an arctic adventure in the European winter, Tromsø is the ideal destination. The city is in northern Norway, within the Arctic Circle, and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, the natural phenomenon that lights up the sky with spectacular colors.
Tromsø also offers other amazing winter activities, such as dog sledding or reindeer rides, whale safaris, ice fishing and skiing. Furthermore, the city has a vibrant culture, with museums, galleries, churches and bars.
FOOD TIP IN TROMS∅
Lamb’s cabbage
A local dish that is a hit with tourists in Tromsø, Norway, is mutton cabbage, which is a stew of lamb meat with onions, cabbage and potatoes. This dish is considered the national dish of Norway and is often eaten in autumn when lamb is in season.
Fårikål is simple to prepare, but very tasty and comforting, especially on cold nights.
WHERE IT IS SERVED:
Some restaurants serving fårikål in Tromsø are The food hallo Skirri and the Emma’s Dream Kitchen.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and in winter it looks like a fairytale setting. The city is crossed by canals and bridges, which are covered in snow and ice, creating a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Bruges has many historical monuments to visit, such as the Market Square (Markt), the Bell Tower (Belfort), the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) and the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk). Furthermore, the city is famous for its gastronomy, especially its chocolates, waffles and beers.
FOOD TIP IN BRUGES
Fried mussels
A local dish that is a hit with tourists in Bruges, Belgium, is Fried mussels, which are mussels served with French fries. Moules Frites can be prepared in different ways, such as with white wine, cream, garlic, onion, herbs or curry.
The dish is accompanied by a special sauce for the fries, which can be mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup. Moules Frites is a great option for those who want to try the cuisine of Flanders, the region in the northern half of the country
WHERE IT IS SERVED:
This typical Belgian delicacy is the flagship of Chickens Musselsa pleasant restaurant, which serves generous portions and an honest price.
Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and in winter it becomes even more stunning. Budapest is divided by the Danube River into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda is the oldest and most historic part of the city, home to Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) and Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya). Pest is the most modern and lively part of the city, home to the Parliament (Országház), St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) and Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út).
Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths, which are pools of hot mineral water that provide relaxation and well-being. Some of the most famous are the Széchenyi Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő), the Gellért Baths (Gellért Gyógyfürdő) and the Rudas Baths (Rudas Gyógyfürdő).
FOOD TIP IN BUDAPEST
It’s fiery
A local dish in Budapest that is popular with tourists is lángos, which looks like a fried esfiha, filled with sour cream and several other options. It is enjoyed with cheese and lots of garlic paste. It is very good! It’s very traditional and easy to find. At the Municipal Market it costs around 3 euros and is quite large.
If you want to try other delights of Hungarian cuisine, there are certain dishes that you cannot miss, such as goulasha meat stew well seasoned with paprika, the paprikasha chicken dish cooked with cream and paprika, the Stuffed Cabbagecabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice, and the dumplings from Somlóa dessert cake made with layers of dough, whipped cream and candied fruit.
WHERE IT IS SERVED:
You can find these dishes in several restaurants around the city, such as Paprika Restauranto Pig of Pesto Country house and the Rosenstein.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece, and in winter it is a great option for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the stunning landscapes more peacefully. Santorini is known for its little white and blue houses, which contrast with the turquoise sea and the dormant volcano.
The island has many attractions to explore, such as the village of Oia, the black sand beach of Perissa, the archaeological site of Akrotiri and the Santo Wines winery. Furthermore, Santorini has delicious cuisine, based on local products, such as cherry tomatoes, broad beans, feta cheese and white wine.
FOOD TIP IN SANTORINI
One of the local dishes that is popular with tourists in Santorini is ntomatokeftedes, or tomato dumplings. They are made with cherry tomatoes, which are grown on the island and have a sweet, intense flavor. The tomatoes are mixed with onion, mint, parsley, flour and salt, and then fried in hot olive oil. The dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be served with yogurt or feta cheese.
Another typical Santorini dish is fava, a yellow pea puree served with onion, herbs, capers and olive oil. Fava beans are a grain that has been growing on the island for over 3,500 years, and has a creamy texture and delicate flavor. Fava beans can be consumed as a starter, side dish or main dish.
If you like cheese, be sure to try the chlorotyri, a fresh cheese made with goat’s milk and with a slightly sour flavor. Chlorotyri is produced in small quantities and is only found in Santorini. You can eat it plain, with bread, or with a salad.
Finally, a typical Santorini dessert is baklava, a puff pastry filled with nuts, honey and vanilla. Baklava is one of the most famous desserts in Greece, and has its origins in ancient Persia. The cake is cut into small pieces and served cold or warm.
I hope your mouth watered with these Santorini culinary delights. Have a good trip and Bon appétit!
