November 14, 2025, 5:57 am | Read time: 2 minutes
There are numerous cities in Europe worth visiting, but other travelers have the same idea, which is why many places are often overcrowded. To escape the hustle and bustle, you can plan a city trip in the winter. The magazine “Time Out” has now named the most underrated winter destinations.
Which place is best for a short city trip in winter? The “Time Out” magazine explored this question and did not focus on classic winter destinations. The emphasis was not on the Christmas season or guaranteed snow. Instead, the goal was to choose places that are completely overrun during the peak season, making it impossible to truly explore them. Topping the list is a city that is not only crowded in summer but also experiences temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. We’re talking about Athens!
No. 1: Athens, Greece
Athens tops the list of underrated winter destinations in Europe. The Greek city impresses with its history and historical remnants, as well as a diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. The advantage in winter: The temperatures are pleasantly mild, and there are significantly fewer tourists. In summer, it’s crowded and hot—so hot that even the Acropolis has to close repeatedly due to the heat.
No. 2: Venice, Italy
If any place struggles with overtourism, it’s Venice. The lagoon city bursts at the seams during the high season. Leisurely strolling through the alleys is out of the question. According to “Time Out,” Venice is particularly quiet and empty in January and February, making it highly recommended. However, you won’t escape the low temperatures here—on average, temperatures in Venice range from about 36 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
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No. 3: Madrid, Spain
In third place among underrated winter destinations is also a city more commonly associated with summer. We’re talking about Madrid. The decisive factor for its ranking was the wide range of festive traditions. There are Christmas markets and even a Three Kings parade, which attracts up to 300,000 spectators.
The Top 7 Most Underrated Winter Destinations in Europe
- Athens, Greece
- Venice, Italy
- Madrid, Spain
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Riga, Latvia
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina