LocalsInsider writers travel to Europe throughout the year. We recognize that the continent has so much to offer every month, from sipping local glug at a Christmas market in Prague in December to luxuriating at stunning white-sand beach resorts on the Med in June.
So, what is the best time to travel to Europe? Join us as we reveal your options for a winter, spring, summer, or fall trip to the continent, with recommendations on what to do and where to stay.
Winter: Best for Christmas Markets
Winter is a wonderful time to see Europe, running from November until early March. Our top recommendation is to visit any of the magnificent Christmas markets in some of the continent’s most iconic cities:
Cologne, Germany
Arguably the pick of the German Christmas markets, Cologne’s Markt der Engel is situated in the shadow of the city’s landmark cathedral, offering trinkets, storytelling, beer, and great food. There’s also an outdoor skating rink close by at Heinzels Winter Fairytale.
- Best time to visit: December 15th – 23rd
- Where to stay: Lindner Hotel City Plaza (doubles from $140 per night)
Salzburg, Austria
Mozart’s hometown is also home to one of Europe’s most stunning Christmas markets. Salzburg comes alive in the winter months, with high-quality apparel and up-market souvenirs all available at the city’s Christkindlmarkt on Dom. Free daily Christmas carol services and classical music concerts run daily in the lead-up to Christmas Day, too.
- Best time to visit: November 21st – January 1st
- Where to stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch (doubles from $600 per night)
Prague, Czechia
Prague’s illuminating Christmas market is set between the magnificent twin spires of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the city’s landmark astronomical clock. Indulge in grog (rum, water, lemon, and sugar), eat garlic and cheese flatbreads, and stock up on all kinds of hand-crafted souvenirs. Then, venture through the Old Town streets for a glimpse into historical Prague without the summer crowds. Blissful.
- Best time to visit: November 30th – January 6th
- Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental (doubles from $610 per night)
Spring: Best for City Sightseeing
Spring is regarded as shoulder season in Europe, meaning it’s the perfect time to sight-see in some of the continent’s most popular cities, minus the crowds. Beyond the obvious destinations, here are our top picks for spring city sightseeing for luxurious European travel in 2025:
Florence, Italy
Often overlooked in favor of nearby Rome and Venice, Florence is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most gorgeous cities. A Renaissance city, the architecture is breathtaking, particularly the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore. The Via de’Tournabuonion is home to designer brands like Prada and Gucci, while the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a food-lover’s paradise. Be sure to try the local delicacy—lampredotto sandwiches (prepared with beef innards)—they’re much tastier than they sound!
- Best time to visit: March
- Where to stay: The St Regis (doubles from $730 per night)
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Riga, Latvia
Coming out of its harsh winter, Riga returns to life in Spring, and it’s the ideal time to visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. The city’s quirky Soviet heritage blends with many of the Art Nouveau architecture, making this a wonderful city to walk around. There are also mouth-watering local eats and drinks at Riga’s Central Market, while many parks and pedestrian-friendly streets make this Baltic gem a must-visit city in 2025.
- Best time to visit: April
- Where to stay: Grand Poet Hotel (doubles from $185 per night)
Bucharest, Romania
Known as “the Paris of the East,” Bucharest is one of our favorite cities in Europe. Indie coffee shops and bars frame tree-lined avenues, while a walk around Nicolae Ceausescu’s monstrous palace is worth a visit alone. We also rate Bucharest as one of the best budget-friendly destinations for luxurious travel, with five-star hotels available at a fraction of the price when compared to cities in Western Europe.
- Best time to visit: April and May
- Where to stay: Grand Hotel Bucharest (doubles from $155 per night)
Summer: Best for Relaxing on White-Sand Beaches
Europe is home to some of the world’s best beaches, with luxurious resorts offering an escape from reality. Below are our top recommendations for relaxing at the coast during the heat of Europe’s summers:
Crete, Greece
Though Crete is one of Greece’s most popular islands among travelers, it’s easy to get off the beaten path, and luxurious beach resorts await the discerning visitor. We recommend an escape to Minos Palace, an adults-only private peninsula that offers 360-degree sea views, wellness activities, and award-winning food and drink options.
- Best time to visit: June
- Where to stay: Minos Palace (doubles from $350 per night)
Here is a list of the best lesser-known islands in Europe.
Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz probably doesn’t automatically spring to mind when you think of Spain’s best beaches, but that’s why we recommend it. Preferred by locals to the brash east and south coast resorts popular with German and English tourists, Cadiz maintains much of its old, historical charm while offering gorgeous beaches and fine dining. Visiting Cadiz is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while enjoying some of the country’s finest beaches.
- Best time to visit: June to August
- Where to stay: Parador de Cadiz (doubles from $260 per night)
Hvar, Croatia
Many tourists head to Dubrovnik for their Game of Thrones fix when planning a trip to Croatia, but we highly recommend Hvar for something a little less crowded. The beaches around Hvar offer some of the best snorkeling and water sports opportunities in the country, while there are dozens of five-star, white-sand beaches available at great prices throughout the summer months.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Where to stay: Palace Elisabeth (doubles from $410 per night)
Fall: Best for Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
If you’re planning a trip to Europe after the main summer holiday season, it’s a brilliant time to enjoy the great outdoors with the following hiking trips and trails highly recommended by the LocalsInsider team:
The Highlands, Scotland
Hiking through the Scottish Highlands is a memorable experience for so many reasons. The famed West Highland Way is a great hiking route you can cover over five to ten days, but proper planning is required. If you would rather just book a getaway, ramble across the Munros during the day, and sit by the fireside with an aged single malt in the evening, then Oban is the ideal base.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Where to stay: The Manor House (doubles from $440 per night)
Pyrenees National Park, France
Like the Scottish Highlands, the Pyrenees National Park in France covers a vast area, offering hiking and cycling opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts. You can spend time in the Pyrenees in September and October before the cold weather sets in, and there are so many quaint villages and upmarket towns to choose from. We highly recommend the village of Cauterets as the ideal starting point, with thermal baths, hiking trails, and a UNESCO world heritage church to visit.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Where to stay: Hotel Lion D’Or, Cauterets (doubles from $123 per night)
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The Mountain Trail, Slovenia
One of Europe’s hidden gems has to be the Mountain Trail in Slovenia. Running from Maribor to Ankaran on the Adriatic Coast, you can hike or ramble a distance of up to 600km, staying in some breathtaking accommodations along the way. There are even mountain huts available on the more remote stretches of the route while you take in the incredible scenery offered throughout the Triglav National Park. Kick things off with a stay at the five-star Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel in Ljubljana as you plan your route.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Where to stay: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, Ljubljana (doubles from $280 per night)
Visit Europe at Any Time of the Year
The bottom line? You can visit Europe at any time of the year. Whether you plan a quick city break to explore Cologne’s Christmas markets or walk the Mountain Trail in Slovenia in the fall, you’re truly spoiled for luxurious travel options, as illustrated above.