As temperatures dip across Europe, winter becomes an ideal time for Indian travellers to experience the continent’s charm without breaking the bank. From snow-capped mountains to historic cities, several European destinations are surprisingly affordable this season, with competitive flight rates and moderate daily expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the cheapest European countries to visit this winter, as shared by Condé Nast Traveller, along with what each destination has to offer.
Winter in France is marked by Christmas markets, fewer crowds at landmarks like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, and rich culinary experiences from croissants to classic French stews. Beyond Paris, cities like Lyon and Strasbourg offer distinct winter experiences with historical charm and festive ambience.
While Amsterdam’s charming canals and vibrant cultural life are the main draws, winter adds a magical layer with festive lights and cosy cafés. Travellers can visit the Van Gogh Museum, take canal cruises, or explore nearby towns like Utrecht and Rotterdam. Hotel rates and food prices are generally moderate compared to other Western European capitals, making it a good value for winter travel.
Accommodation in Zurich’s city centre averages around Rs 30,000 per night, with daily food expenses of about Rs 5,143 (50 CHF) per person. Beyond its postcard-perfect alpine villages and ski resorts, travellers can visit cities like Lucerne and Interlaken or explore scenic train routes such as the Glacier Express. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt or St. Moritz, while cultural travellers can explore Switzerland’s world-class museums and Christmas markets.
Greece: History Meets Coastal Beauty
Greece offers a great mix of ancient history and island relaxation. Flights to Athens start at Rs 20,480 from Bengaluru on Gulf Air, Rs 21,211 from Mumbai on Etihad, and Rs 22,704 from Delhi on IndiGo (via Istanbul). Accommodation in Athens averages Rs 20,000 per night, with food expenses of around Rs 8,004 (€80) daily.
Even in winter, Greece remains picturesque with fewer crowds at landmarks like the Acropolis. The mild Mediterranean weather makes it comfortable for sightseeing. Visitors can also explore charming towns like Nafplio or visit Santorini for its tranquil off-season beauty.
Italy: A Blend of History, Cuisine, and Culture
Italy offers both affordability and charm, especially in winter when crowds are thinner. One-way flights from India start at Rs 17,778 from Mumbai to Rome on Etihad, Rs 19,420 from Bengaluru on Gulf Air, and Rs 26,024 from Delhi on Etihad. City-centre hotels average around Rs 18,000 per night, and the daily cost of meals is estimated at Rs 6,002 (€60).
From exploring the ancient ruins of Rome to wandering through Florence’s art-filled streets or enjoying gondola rides in Venice, Italy remains a traveller’s delight. Winter brings fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and the chance to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine without long waits. Popular winter dishes and festive markets also make the experience more memorable.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the cheapest European countries to visit this winter, as shared by Condé Nast Traveller, along with what each destination has to offer.
France: Culture and Cuisine at Its Best
France, especially Paris, continues to be a top choice for Indian travellers. As Condé Nast Traveller notes, one-way flights start at Rs 28,362 from Delhi on Air France, Rs 32,311 from Mumbai, and Rs35,563 from Bengaluru. Hotels in central Paris cost about Rs 19,000 per night, with daily meals averaging Rs 3,960 (€40) per person.Winter in France is marked by Christmas markets, fewer crowds at landmarks like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, and rich culinary experiences from croissants to classic French stews. Beyond Paris, cities like Lyon and Strasbourg offer distinct winter experiences with historical charm and festive ambience.
Netherlands: Art, Canals, and Winter Charm
The Netherlands is another cost-effective option, with one-way flights starting from Rs 18,652 from Delhi to Amsterdam on Air India, Rs 18,729 from Mumbai on IndiGo, and Rs 19,178 from Bengaluru on Etihad.While Amsterdam’s charming canals and vibrant cultural life are the main draws, winter adds a magical layer with festive lights and cosy cafés. Travellers can visit the Van Gogh Museum, take canal cruises, or explore nearby towns like Utrecht and Rotterdam. Hotel rates and food prices are generally moderate compared to other Western European capitals, making it a good value for winter travel.
Switzerland: For Snow Lovers and Scenic Landscapes
Switzerland, though known for its luxury, can still be explored on a reasonable budget during the off-season. According to Condé Nast Traveller, one-way flights from India start at Rs 20,998 from Mumbai to Zurich on Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), Rs 24,139 from Delhi on Swiss, and Rs 24,402 from Bengaluru on Etihad.Accommodation in Zurich’s city centre averages around Rs 30,000 per night, with daily food expenses of about Rs 5,143 (50 CHF) per person. Beyond its postcard-perfect alpine villages and ski resorts, travellers can visit cities like Lucerne and Interlaken or explore scenic train routes such as the Glacier Express. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt or St. Moritz, while cultural travellers can explore Switzerland’s world-class museums and Christmas markets.
Greece: History Meets Coastal Beauty
Greece offers a great mix of ancient history and island relaxation. Flights to Athens start at Rs 20,480 from Bengaluru on Gulf Air, Rs 21,211 from Mumbai on Etihad, and Rs 22,704 from Delhi on IndiGo (via Istanbul). Accommodation in Athens averages Rs 20,000 per night, with food expenses of around Rs 8,004 (€80) daily.Even in winter, Greece remains picturesque with fewer crowds at landmarks like the Acropolis. The mild Mediterranean weather makes it comfortable for sightseeing. Visitors can also explore charming towns like Nafplio or visit Santorini for its tranquil off-season beauty.
Italy: A Blend of History, Cuisine, and Culture
Italy offers both affordability and charm, especially in winter when crowds are thinner. One-way flights from India start at Rs 17,778 from Mumbai to Rome on Etihad, Rs 19,420 from Bengaluru on Gulf Air, and Rs 26,024 from Delhi on Etihad. City-centre hotels average around Rs 18,000 per night, and the daily cost of meals is estimated at Rs 6,002 (€60).From exploring the ancient ruins of Rome to wandering through Florence’s art-filled streets or enjoying gondola rides in Venice, Italy remains a traveller’s delight. Winter brings fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and the chance to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine without long waits. Popular winter dishes and festive markets also make the experience more memorable.
