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The Best European Holiday Destinations to Grab a Bargain This January

Published 16th Dec 2022
Beat the blues without breaking the bank this January by booking a holiday to one of these budget-friendly European destinations.

Once the magic of Christmas is over and reality kicks in, you might usually like to take it easy in January and bunker down for the cold months ahead.

But have you ever thought about treating yourself and getting away during what is deemed the most depressing month of the year? January is often overlooked as a desirable holiday month, however there's a lot more to this gloomy time of year than would appear.

Fewer crowds coupled with dramatically reduced prices means it's a no brainer for those bargain hunters among us. Considering the current high inflation, rising energy bills and cost of living crisis, a budget-friendly getaway is more important than ever. 

From the quaint Hungarian streets of Budapest to the winter sun of the Algarve, here’s our list of The Best European Holiday Destinations to Grab a Bargain This January.

1. Prague, Czech Republic




Prague is a beautiful destination to visit any time of year, but winter might just be the best time of them all. This quaint European destination is a true winter fairy-tale. With its Baroque palaces and ornate castles topped with a dusting of snow, Prague is truly magical during the colder months. Wrap up warm and wander down the cobbled streets of the old town, stopping off for as much hot chocolate as your soul desires.

Wishing to get away from the city centre? Try visiting Cesky Krumlov; a tiny mediaeval town near Prague, easily accessible by train.

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2. Barcelona, Spain




If you’re after a winter getaway with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine, look no further than this European heavyweight. Travelling to Barcelona in the off season lets you explore all that it has to offer in a much more relaxed manner, making for a truly enjoyable experience.

But don’t worry, despite the fewer crowds, you’ll still be amazed by the enchanting atmosphere of the city and you certainly won’t find yourself bored. Use your fresh mornings to visit the top sights such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Once darkness falls, get nestled up for the night in one of the city's many cosy restaurants.

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3. Budapest. Hungary




If you’re not afraid of some rather chilly temperatures, Budapest is a real treat during Winter. With plenty of snug cafes dishing out hearty bowls of Hungarian goulash, you’ll be able to keep yourself warm as you discover the iconic sights.

Still not warm enough? Try visiting one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths that are even more enjoyable in the crisp winter sun. Budapest actually has more thermal spas than any other city in Europe, so one will never be too far away.

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4. Dubrovnik, Croatia




Although the majority of tourists choose to enjoy Dubrovnik in summertime, this picturesque city has plenty of reasons to be seen during the winter. First of all, there are no unimaginable crowds like in summer. Not only does this mean you can explore the city at your own pace, but it also means significantly reduced prices. That’s not just for hotels either. You’ll find yourself paying a lot less at the local cafes and bars too!

Second of all, Dubrovnik rarely gets too cold. Yes, you're not going to be sunbathing on the beach all day, but it’s certainly not big coat and gloves weather.

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5. Berlin, Germany




As soon as someone mentions visiting Berlin in winter, or any German city for that matter, all you can think of is German Christmas markets. In fact, Berlin has anywhere from 50 to 100 Christmas markets every year!

So why would you want to travel to such a city in January once all the activity has just died down?

Well, even though the first month of the year can be bitterly cold, it’s the perfect time of year to explore the city's many galleries, museums and theatre halls. Moreover, for the shopaholics among us, Berlin is bursting with everything from luxury designers to vintage shops. Perfect for some retail therapy to really kick out those January blues.

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6. Albufeira, Portugal




One of the best places to visit in Europe in January is the quaint town of Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve coast. Not only is it one of the most popular destinations in the Algarve, it’s also one of the most beautiful, with the white village spilling onto the beach between the cliffs.

With over 300 days of sun in the year and beautiful warm temperatures, this is the perfect January destination for those after some winter sun.

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7. Vilnius, Lithuania




Vilnius might not be the most popular capital in Europe, but you would be surprised how much this city has to offer. Yes, Lithuania is a cold country, but don’t let that stop you from discovering the charming sights of this Baltic region.

Be sure to check out the Vilnius Cathedral and Gediminas Castle to get your culture fix, before heading to one of the many hip cafes, craft beer bars and enticing restaurants.

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8. Tallinn, Estonia




Thanks to its turreted castles and wonderful location on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is practically bursting with charm. The city has one of the best preserved historical centres in Europe, with many of its mediaeval churches and merchant houses falling under UNESCO protection.

The views of the city centre from Toompea Castle are breathtaking no matter the season, but they pop even more under a layer of snow. So fingers crossed you’ll be blessed with a light dusting on your visit.

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