Top European cities Israelis love visiting during winter

When winter comes to Israel, a lot of people start thinking about somewhere a little more cold, cozy, and festive. The wintertime in Europe is magical. There are twinkling lights in the ancient squares, steaming mugs of mulled wine in the snow, and the cities are like something straight out of a storybook. Let’s see some info about how to make your vacation truly magical and totally unforgettable. 

A lot of Israelis like exchanging warm beach weather for cold snowy streets, and for good reason. They really enjoy the winter weather, no matter if it is for skiing, Christmas markets, or just wearing a winter coat. 

Winter in Israel is more about puddles than snowflakes. That is why so many Israelis go to Europe for their winter vacations as soon as it starts raining in Tel Aviv. There are magical winter atmospheres and chilly weather, Christmas markets, and steaming mulled wine, and silky air that give the winter scene a movie-like feeling. 

Before heading to a cold weather destination, one thing that is very important is ensuring to plan the travel insurance from Israel to Europe as the snow is filled with the possibility of flight cancellations and lost luggage.

Every winter in Europe feels like it was designed for a postcard. Winter in Israel means a light chill of 18 degrees most of the time. For most Israelis, the winters in Europe mean going for a change of scenery. Europe puts on winter charms that rival magic shows in December. There is almost a festival for every season in Europe, so switching up the seasons for a winter festival is worth it for most Israelis.

• A complete change in environment, especially for someone living in a region where it only rains. The transition is almost seamless. The winter wonderland feels like you stepped into a postcard.

• Even for the people who don’t practice the religion, the festivities leave almost every one in a joyous spirit. The festivals and the lights in the markets create almost a temporary enchantment.

• Lastly, who wouldn’t want to eat winter dishes to complete the festival spirit. The calories no one wants to count would definitely help in combating the cold.

Most of the time, the flights are of a cheaper range and the winters create a new charm for most Israelis.

Vienna is the winter wonderland charm capital of Europe. The entire city is stunning, and the Christmas markets look like they came straight out of a Hollywood movie. The fairy lights are a sight to behold.

You’ll find:

• The iconic Rathausplatz market is filled with handmade gifts, lights, and the awesome roasted almonds.
• Classical music is performed everywhere, even by street performers, and the famous opera halls.
• Cafes seem like they are from another era, where locals sip hot chocolate in framed marble interiors as snow falls, and they are lovely to visit.

Don’t forget about the food. The apple strudel, Sachertorte, and Wiener schnitzel tastes even better when you eat them during winter.

Prague is a winter wonderland because of the beautiful fairy tale it turns into. The gothic towers, bridges, and narrow lanes are magical when they are covered in snow.

Prague is the most economical capital in Europe, and a perfect dreamy destination for budget conscious Israelis.

• You can walk on the Charles Bridge when snow is falling and dance into the Vltava River.
• You can warm yourself with mulled wine in a cozy and candlelit pub, where you can hear the lovely laughter of the pub.
• You can admire the festive decorations, listen to the carols and enjoy the pastries from the Christmas market at Prague Castle or Old Town Square.

Almost every view can be uploaded on social media. Just make sure to wear gloves so you can hold your phone to take some pictures.

Budapest is the city where winter is enjoyable and the cold weather is tolerable. Why? You can enjoy the outdoor thermal baths while it is snowing. The Széchenyi Baths are the classic choice and you can watch the steam rising while the world is covered in snow.

Once you are relaxed, you can:

• Walk along the Danube at night and see the Parliament glowing golden.
• Walk around Buda Castle for panoramic views of the city.
• Ride on the Christmas decorated tram and lit up the tram.

They have expensive hotels, heavy Hungarian food, nice people and a lot of winter activities.

Winter makes Paris feel more intimate. It’s as if the city slows down just for you. There are no long queues at the Louvre, no tourists crowding the Seine, and no rush. Just you, the streets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts.

As the snow starts to fall, the city feels that much more magical. Warm afternoons in the cafe, dinner by candlelight, a little shopping to prepare for a week of festivities. Winter is more than the Christmas season. It’s the simple pleasures that matter: thick hot chocolate at Angelina’s, the snow, and the twinkling Eiffel Tower at dusk.

It’s in the city where I feel more than a tourist. It is romance.

Zurich is where the luxury of a city and the nature of a mountain meet. You can spend your morning in Old Town, the afternoons in Bahnhofstrasse, and your weekends skiing in the Alps (they’re that close).

Imagine relaxing on a mountain lake shore, walking in the fresh mountain air that will wake your soul and your face. It will have you dreaming of Swiss luxury and cozy fondue for dinner.

Taking a short trip to snow-covered resorts like Engelberg or Davos is an easy option. Winter is a beautiful season and should be enjoyed as it is. Polished, peaceful, and postcard perfect are great adjectives to describe places like these and it’s exactly what a lot of Israelis want after a busy year.

There is snow, lights, and stories to be told and lived. The sound of violins in the air, steaming baths in Budapest, and the snow falling on your coat are just a few of the things you will remember long after your trip.

Don’t forget the small details of travel insurance from Israel to Europe though. Winter’s magic is best with no missed flights, colds, or lost luggage.

So grab your coat and your camera and bring the winter you can’t find at home. Europe is waiting for you, snowflakes and all.

This article was written in cooperation with Auras Insurance.