From snowy mountain villages to romantic European cities, winter is one of the most magical times to travel through Europe. In this blog, team Hi Love Travel is sharing our top picks for the best winter getaways in Europe—including hidden gems, festive Christmas markets, ski destinations, and cozy winter city breaks. Whether you’re planning a European winter vacation or looking for inspiration for your next trip abroad, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to visit and travel tips to make your journey memorable and full of love.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Mont Blanc - Gorgeous views and the perfect location in Chamonix.

WHERE TO EAT:

• Albert Premier - Michelin-starred, need we say more?
• La Cabane des Praz - Stop for a spritz and bruschetta, mussels, and other contemporary French dishes.
• Le Monchu - Featuring Raclette - this Savoyard hearty dish dates back to the 13th century and is a delicious compliment to warm the belly in this cold climate.
• Le Serac - Fondue, raclette, beef tartare & fresh vegetable dishes too.

THINGS TO DO:

• Ski - There are 5 main ski areas in the Chamonix Valley with Brevent and Flegere being right near town.
• Saunter around to all the sweet pastry shops - we loved Aux Petites Gourmands and Gateau & Cacao for the most decadent gluten-free cake on earth.
• Wander the Saturday market in Place du Mont Blanc - you'll find discounted fashions, antiques, and fresh produce. 
• Ride up the Aiguille du Midi cable car for views (check the weather; it was too windy all 3 days we were there, so we missed this).
• Go to the Ice Cave at Mer de Glace.
• Visit Courmayeur, Italy, which is just 8 miles away through the Mont Blanc tunnel connecting the two countries. It was conceived to provide a vital, year-round connection between them, overcoming the treacherous mountain passes. Enjoy the day shopping, dining, snowshoeing, or skiing.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Liberty - Centrally located to all that Prague has to offer.

WHERE TO EAT:

Kuchyň – Located near Prague Castle with panoramic views and a “farm-to-table” style menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh.

Café Savoy – Elegant yet approachable, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Try the eggs Benedict or their famous hot chocolate under beautiful Art Nouveau ceilings.

THINGS TO DO:

• Visit Old Town Square Christmas Market – The city’s most famous market, filled with handmade ornaments, chimney cakes, and a dazzling Christmas tree.
• Explore Wenceslas Square Christmas Market – A lively spot for festive food, local crafts, and live music.
• Warm up at a traditional Czech café – Try Café Savoy or Café Louvre for rich hot chocolate and classic pastries.
• Prague Castle Half Day Tour - Bus to the castle to see its majestic interior, then walk the cobblestone streets for a tour of the Lesser Town to Charles Bridge.  This historical tour filled our cup with this beautiful European city. 

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Beethoven Wien - In an ideal location, this boutique hotel is stylish, comfortable, and full of Viennese charm. They serve a wonderful breakfast, and the location makes it easy to walk almost anywhere in the city.

Hotel Sacher Wien - For a more luxurious experience, this iconic 5-star hotel is right next to the State Opera House. It's like stepping into a Viennese fairytale. Perfect for a winter getaway filled with warmth, luxury, and history.

WHERE TO EAT:

Gasthaus Pöschl – Cozy, authentic, and loved by locals. Order the Wiener schnitzel. It's simple, satisfying, and affordable.

Café Vollpension - This is a must-visit cafe that is run by a mix of locals and Omas (grandmothers!) who actually bake the cakes fresh every day using their own family recipes. You can go right up to the counter, pick your favorite homemade dessert, and enjoy it in a living room-style setting.

THINGS TO DO:

• Visit the Vienna Christmas Dream Market at Rathausplatz – The most famous and picture-perfect market, set in front of Vienna’s glowing City Hall, which serves as a beautiful backdrop.
• Explore the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market – A glorious setting with handmade gifts, mulled wine, and live carols.
• Tour the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces – Stroll through perfect gardens and grand royal rooms.
• Attend a classical concert – Experience the music of Mozart or Strauss at the Musikverein or Wiener Konzerthaus.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Clark Budapest - Located right beside the Chain Bridge with incredible river and castle views, this stylish boutique hotel offers modern design, great service, and cozy rooms.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace - For a high-end stay, the Four Seasons overlooks the Danube. This hotel is old-world glamour meets modern comfort.

WHERE TO EAT:

Karaván Street Food Court – A fun outdoor food garden near the ruin bars, serving everything from langos and goulash to burgers and vegan bites.

Onyx (Michelin Star) – A fine-dining staple offering sophisticated tasting menus in a beautifully designed space near Vörösmarty Square.

THINGS TO DO:

• Visit the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market – The city’s largest and most festive market, known for handmade crafts, Hungarian chimney cakes, and mulled wine.
• Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths – A must-do winter experience! Relax in steaming outdoor pools surrounded by snow.
• Warm up with Hungarian comfort food – Try goulash, chicken paprikash, or langos (fried dough with toppings) at a cozy local restaurant.
• Fisherman's Bastion is a must when in Budapest to marvel at the architecture and take in the views of the city.

WHERE TO STAY:

Park Centraal Amsterdam Hotel - It's centrally located and has excellent customer service.

Conservatorium Hotel - experience pure luxury for a fraction of the cost of a one-night stay, and enjoy a light bite at this beautiful hotel.

WHERE TO EAT:

French Fries - Get warm French fries piled high with any and every sauce you can imagine, added to the top.

The Pantry - A cozy, family-run spot serving authentic Dutch comfort food at reasonable prices. The setting is in a warm, wood-paneled setting that feels like eating in someone’s home.

THINGS TO DO:

• Visit the Van Gogh Museum.
• Explore the Anne Frank House - make a reservation.
• Amsterdam Lights Festival - Tour the city by boat and see all the beautiful art installations curated along the canals for this magical time of year.
• The Christmas Market at Museumplein - The largest in the city, with over 45 wooden chalets, warm drinks, and a skating rink.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Resident Kensington - An affordable boutique hotel in the hip Kensington neighborhood. The rooms are small but very comfortable, and the service was excellent.

The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton - Located right by Trafalgar Square in Central London. Very walkable to key sights, restaurants, theaters, and major transport links.

WHERE TO EAT:

Borough Market - A bustling market opened daily with a variety of food stalls with mouth-watering food for everyone.

Dishoom - A Bombay-style café serving warming Indian dishes with bold flavors — perfect for a cold London evening.

THINGS TO DO:

• Shop at Harrods - It might be a department store filled with fabulous fashions, but the food hall will keep you coming back for more.  
• Hyde Park - Stroll through any time of year to be one with nature, and likely there will be a spot just for you.
• Explore Camden Market - Wander through this hip market that has a mix of shopping and food you won't want to miss.
• Shop in Notting Hill - Take a stroll down Portobello Road for street stalls that have vintage and new items, and stores behind with anything and everything you can think of.
• Experience the festive Christmas Markets - Southbank Center Winter Market, Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, Leicester Square Christmas Market, and more.