A
winter mini-break is not only an excellent way to beat the winter blues, but
offers wonderful opportunities for holidaymakers to explore the museums without
the queues, shop for Christmas presents or for yourself in the winter sales.
Whether
you fancy a holiday somewhere warm and sunny, or would like to embrace the
winter in a snow-coated place, we've rounded up the most affordable cities in
Europe to visit in winter.
Genoa, Italy
Genoa
is one of Italy’s most elusive cities and has escaped the enormous price hikes
of Rome, Venice and Florence, while offering the mildest winter of any other
city in the country.
A
city of historical beauty, its key attractions are free to see. The historic
centre is full of 16th and 17th century palaces.
The
Laterna (lighthouse) is the world's fifth tallest lighthouse, and costs
just €6 to climb.
Eating
out is affordable too. The small hole in the wall vendors, are mainly filled
with locals, and serve the most authentic and flavoursome food at cheap prices.
Lisbon, Portugal
Named
the Eurozone’s most affordable city break destination by Post Office, Lisbon
also boasts mild winter weather due to its location near the sea and the air
temperature is known to reach 17C.
Just
a two hour flight from the UK, Lisbon is a great place to enjoy the festive
season from now until New Year’s when the city is decorated with Christmas
lights and it is cosier than ever.
And
if it’s shopping you’re into, there are malls, boutiques and quirky stores to
browse.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow
offers good value any time of year, but visit during winter and you can see
the city covered in snow, explore the Christmas market in the main square and
even go ice skating in Blonia Park.
Dining
in Krakow is cheap, with a meal and a beer costing around £10 per person, and
many attractions and events are either free or cost very little.
Tampere, Finland
With
flights from just £65 return from London in December, Tampere is a great short
break destination for travellers wanting to ask up some traditional Nordic
Christmas spirit without breaking the bank.
In
winter, visitors flock to the city to marvel at the Tampere Illuminations,
which light up the sky thanks to some 165 light figures consisting of 23,000
led bulbs hung high above the streets.
The
Tampere Christmas market takes over the square in December, with traditional
stalls selling typical Finnish crafts and seasonal treats.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s
capital city offers excellent value, stunning views and hot thermal waters to
keep you warm on a winter break.
Some
of the top free things to do include a walk across Chain Bridge, a tour of the
Parliament Building and a visit to St Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in
Budapest.
Whether
you like to spend time inside or outdoors, there are winter festivals, coffee
houses and Christmas Markets to enjoy in this affordable city.
Wherever you’re planning
on visiting this winter, make sure you get travel insurance with Discount
Insurance.
