A European City Tour For The Year 2023

New Year! Go where? Your move to city? Wonders await in the coming year. This month-by-month vacation schedule will motivate you to pack your bags and explore the world.
2023 Travel Goals

January: Zurich.

Switzerland is a winter paradise. Warm spiced wine beside a chalet fireplace? You may be skiing in Gornergrat after getting off the train. Switzerland will amaze you no matter what you do. Visit Zurich in January to see snow-covered peaks beyond the city’s lake. Travelers may reach Flumserberg, Engelberg, and Laax from Zurich’s central railway station.

February: Copenhagen.

February is a great time to visit Copenhagen since winter offers unique experiences. Tivoli Gardens, a themed amusement park with fairy lights, entertainment, and rides, opens annually. The Frederiksberg Have ice skating rink is cheaper. Skate rentals cost 50 DKK (~8 USD), while admission is free. After an adventure-filled day, take your sweetie to a beautiful country inn to spend Valentine’s Day Danish-style.

March: London.

March in London brings spring. Visit Kensington Palace Gardens or Kew Gardens for crocus and daffodil blooms. Take your mother to afternoon tea, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of London’s great Irish pubs, or see a free comedy show at Angel Comedy. Due to moderate weather and blooming parks, March is a great time to visit London.

Amsterdam, Netherlands—April

April is still high season in the Netherlands, but it is less congested than summer. Festivals abound. The month-long Amsterdam Tulip Festival is held annually. 500,000 tulip buds were planted in public spaces and unique structures last fall. The eleven-day Imagine Film Festival starts on the 10th this year. The Netherlands’ only fantastic film festival. Amsterdam celebrates the king’s birthday with the country’s largest and most colorful event, The King’s Day, at the conclusion of the month.

Barcelona, May

In May, visit Barcelona. On May 11, enjoy a medieval ritual with Sant Ponç, the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers, near L’Hospital street. Are you coming late this month? Primavera Sound tickets are available for May 27. Primavera hosts free concerts in different city neighborhoods periodically. Thus, you can participate even without a festival ticket.

June: Vienna.

Nothing beats biking through Vienna’s city center and surrounding neighborhoods on a nice, breezy summer day. This June, visit Vienna for activities you can not do in winter. In the summer, dance tango and salsa in the square of baroque cathedral St. Charles Borromeo or drink with your trip partner on the 25 Hours Hotel rooftop bar. The Volksgarten Pavillon serves Steckerlfisch at a daily BBQ with 1950s-style furnishings in a shady area. Wine, art, riding, or history—Vienna has it all.

July: Santorini.

Honestly, the crescent-shaped Santorini is busiest in July. It is worth it if you can see past the people and see the ocean’s magnificent blue. From Fia to Oia, enjoy the scenery. This 6-mile one-way hike goes through four villages. Wineries are essential for foodies. The island’s volcanic topography reportedly affects wine flavor. Visit whitewashed Oia or stay at the Cave Hotel for a romantic getaway. Take a mud bath by the volcano or rent a 4-wheeler.

August: Reykjavik.

August is Iceland’s warmest month and summer’s last. The city is bustling and energetic as inhabitants take up the last bit of sun. Gay pride brings Reykjavik alive this month. Parades, arts, and music draw 100,000 people. Menningarnótt—Icelandic Culture Night—is held on the second and third Saturdays of August. The city becomes an Icelandic culture hotspot with art displays, music concerts, and events on these nights.

Paris, September

Paris is gorgeous in October. Travel to your lover’s city in September to practice your savoir-faire. Le Grand Feu displays Europe’s largest fireworks every month. The two-hour Domaine de Saint-Cloud exhibition draws thousands. Walk through some Parisian gardens before you depart and the leaves fall. Fetes des Jardins opens 150 gardens and hosts events at the end of September. You must also see the Eiffel Tower and its massive foundation!

Rome, Italy—October

In October, Rome is a great destination to visit with pleasant days and mild nights. Enjoy white truffles, pumpkin, mushrooms, radicchio, and persimmons during supper. Through October 28, the Colosseum is open from 8 pm to midnight on select days. Vatican Museums are free on the final Sunday of each month.

Budapest, November

Guitar hero veteran? Want to improve? Attend the Budapest International Guitar Competition in November. Any guitarist can participate. There are many ways to enjoy Budapest without a guitar. Hungary celebrates St. Martin on November 11. Wine and goose are served on this feast day. Vajdahunyad Castle celebrates St. Martin’s Day.

December, Prague.

Visit Prague in December to end the year well. It is cheap and has some of Europe’s most beautiful buildings. Marthy’s Kitchen serves a full breakfast and Malostranska Beseda serves Pilsner. Christmas markets, please! Prague Christmas information is here.