9 Great European Cities to Visit in the Off-Season

The capital of Bavaria in southern Germany is famous for Oktoberfest and beer halls like Hofbrauhaus (slinging brews since 1589) are popular all year long. You can tour royal sites like the Residenz Palace; explore the sprawling museum district (one of Europe’s largest); and browse high-end boutiques. Make a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks straight out of a fairy tale, or visit nearby ski resorts.

Where to Stay

The design-forward Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor (The Hotel Collection) puts a sleek spin on a traditional Bavarian steakhouse and claims the city’s highest rooftop bar, with inspiring views of the skyline and the Alps. It’s located in the vibrant Schwabing district near the Englischer Garten, Munich’s version of NYC’s Central Park.

More centrally located in the cultural heart of Munich, The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Fine Hotels + Resorts) is steps from the Old Botanical Garden and the museum district. Spacious, light-filled rooms overlook the garden and city sights, and the serene spa’s facilities include a lap pool and Finnish sauna.

Must try: Local specialties like weisswürst (white sausage served with mustard) and kaesespaetzle (a German cousin to mac-and-cheese).

How’s the weather? Brisk temps are common, accompanied by both snow and rain. Pack layers and a good winter coat.

The late winter and spring are an ideal time to explore this Mediterranean archipelago’s scenic harbors bobbing with colorful boats. The capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last inhabited walled cities in the world.

Where to Stay

Iniala Harbour House & Residences (Fine Hotels + Resorts), centrally located at the top of the St. Barbara Bastion overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour Area. The boutique hotel comprises four restored 17th-century townhouses and retains its original stone vaults, painted staircases, and cupola. Inquire at check-in about arranging a private tour of the National Library of Malta.

Must try: Hobza, a traditional Maltese bread akin to sourdough, drizzled with olive oil and simply topped with olives or tomatoes.

How’s the weather? Sunny and temperate compared to other European destinations. Still, pack layers as it can get chilly and damp at times.

Austria’s capital is full of grand Baroque, Gothic, and Rococo architecture. In winter, cobbled streets are strung with lights, markets set up their artisanal wares, and you can channel your inner aristocrat at a Viennese Ball, extravagant ticketed affairs. The rich cultural scene carries on year-round with classical music concerts and exhibits at the Museumsquartier. 

Where to Stay

Housed in a restored Art Nouveau building, the Mandarin Oriental, Vienna (Fine Hotels + Resorts) blends vintage Viennese Modernism with 21st-century luxury. Inside: richly furnished suites, multiple fine-dining options, and an expansive spa with an indoor pool. Outside: Some of the city’s top cultural attractions — Vienna Opera House, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral — are within strolling distance.

Must try: Wiener schnitzel, a simple but filling traditional dish.

How’s the weather?  Temperatures sometimes drop into the 20s in January and February. Snow, however, is rarer – Vienna gets less winter precipitation than other Austrian cities closer to the Alps.

The enchanting canals, squares, and narrow winding streets of Venice are so flooded with tourists that the city introduced an entry fee for day trippers during peak periods. A more serene experience awaits in the off-season. The exception is the Venice Carnival, a festival with roots in the Middle Ages that runs from mid-February through early March, when Venetians and visitors alike fill the streets clad in colorful masks and elaborate costumes.

Where to Stay

Moor yourself on the Grand Canal at the Aman Venice (Fine Hotels + Resorts), a stunning 16th-century palazzo with two lush gardens. Among the hotel’s private tours, you have the appealing option to join a sunset tour of the canal while sipping an aperitivo and nibbling Venetian cicchetti, Venice’s version of tapas (or small plates).

For a quieter base, opt for the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice (The Hotel Collection). It occupies a former glass factory on the island of Murano, famed for its glassmaking and easily reachable by ferry.  After a day out and about, it’s a treat to bask in the hotel’s sauna.

Must try: Baccalà Mantecato (salted cod served on crostini) and small meatballs paired with a warming glass of wine.

How’s the weather?  Pack an umbrella – winter in Venice can bring frequent rain showers.

In the off-season, you’ll have more space to stroll the Old Town holiday markets, enjoy classical concerts that pop up around the city in winter, and visit the variety of museums (many of which offer free-admission times). The weather can get cold – often seeing snowfall – but you can pop into one of the city’s many cozy pubs for a restorative quaff and a fortifying meal.

Where to Stay

Located on Wenceslas Square in an Art Nouveau landmark, the Grand Hotel Evropa, the W Prague (Fine Hotels + Resorts) goes bold with curved lines, vibrant greens, and golden details that echo the hotel’s fantastical design story. From cozy rooms with balcony views to suites with open-plan layouts, fireplaces, and skyline vistas, each space is layered with expressive style. A stylish speakeasy and serene spa offer respite from all the stimulation.

A few minutes’ walk from W Prague, Almanac X Alcron Prague (The Hotel Collection), is a more affordable alternative with contemporary style, local art, and heated bathroom floors. Inquire at check-in about a bespoke city tour and fuel up beforehand with the additional property benefit of complimentary daily breakfast for two.

Must try: Kulajda, a traditional Czech soup of potatoes, dill, and sour cream, topped with a poached egg.

How’s the weather? Winters get cold in Prague. January is the coldest, with annual temperatures ranging between 27° and 36°F.

Iceland is known for its staggering natural beauty. During the off-season (November through April), you have a good chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. Of course, you can visit scenic attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle any time but in the off-season, you’ll have the luxury of fighting fewer visitors for photo ops.

Where to Stay

Marvel at glacial views from your suite at The EDITION Reykjavik (Fine Hotels + Resorts), a contemporary haven along Old Harbor port in downtown Reykjavik. After hiking Iceland’s fjords or whale watching at sea, unwind at the resort’s spa, which offers a buffet of treatments inspired by the region’s natural landscape.

Must try: Treat yourself to a Kleinur, also known as a twisted donut, an indulgent fried pastry so popular in Iceland you’ll find them everywhere from cozy bakeries to gas stations.

How’s the weather?  Daylight hours dwindle significantly in the chilly off-season, with only around four to six hours of sunlight each day.

As the tourist crowds thin out, you can expect to rub shoulders and raise pints with locals at cozy pubs and cafes. Once properly warmed up, set out to see Edinburgh’s popular sites at your own pace, such as Edinburgh Castle and National Portrait Museum. Toast to your visit with a tasting through the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience.

Where to Stay

The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton (Fine Hotels + Resorts), a stately railway hotel marked by a red sandstone façade and featuring an original station clock. Rooms feature enviable views of Edinburgh Castle and select suites have working fireplaces.

Another historic stay awaits at InterContinental Edinburgh The George (The Hotel Collection), comprising five Georgian townhouses from the late 1700s. The boutique hotel nods to Edinburgh’s literary history throughout (be sure to grab a bite at Le Petit BeefBar) and suites feature historical maps of the city.

Must try: Meat eaters should drop by a local pub to sample the haggis, a minced meat pudding that’s become synonymous with Scotland.

How’s the weather? Winters are cold in Edinburgh and the sun sets early. Weather can be unpredictable, varying between being simply a bit gloomy to cold and wet.

Croatia has become an undeniably popular destination, with solo travelers and bachelorettes flocking to the Balkan nation. Beat the crowds while still enjoying all the walled city of Dubrovnik has to offer during the off-season, including the annual Dubrovnik Carnival, a historic extravaganza that takes over the city each February with ornately costumed revelers, parades, and music.

Where to Stay

The Rixos Premium Dubrovnik (The Hotel Collection) is a charming, seaside property with suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows through which you’ll admire vistas of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Amenities include plush robes and soaking tubs.

Must try: Peka, both a traditional dish and a method of cooking that involves slow cooking under a domed lid.  

How’s the weather? Winters in Croatia are generally mild, although periods of heavy rain aren’t uncommon, so bring an umbrella or a rain jacket.

January ushers in Budapest’s peak opera and theater season. In February, meat eaters can feast at the Mangalica Festival, which serves up handmade sausages, salami, and more. Bundle up for a winter river cruise to tour the city by boat and make time for another type of aquatic adventure – immersing yourself in the local bathhouse culture.

Where to Stay

The opulent Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (Fine Hotels + Resorts) offers a fairytale-like stay in Budapest’s gastronomic district, with  views of the Royal Castle and the Chain Bridge. Select rooms overlook the Danube River, and all suites include additional living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Culture enthusiasts can opt for Kempinski Corvinus Budapest (The Hotel Collection) near the banks of the Danube that boasts spacious suites with king-sized beds – and its own art gallery. On Saturday afternoons, settle in for live music performances while sipping coffee or tea in the onsite café The Living Room.

Must try: A steaming bowl of goulash, a traditional Hungarian stew of well-seasoned meats and vegetables perfect for fortifying yourself for a bracing walk.

How’s the weather? Temperatures dip significantly (with lows as cold as below zero) and scattered snow and sleet, so bring waterproof gear.