'I'm a travel guru – three European cities are must-visit for January getaways'

TikTok travel guru Emma recommends a number of European cities for January travel if you’re looking for more winter fun now that Christmas is officially done and dusted…

Travel

Alan Johnson Social News Reporter

09:00, 30 Dec 2024

Stockholm is one of travel expert Emma’s top recommendations to visit in January(Image: Narciso Contreras/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Even though Christmas is long gone, those looking for post-festive blues might find solace in the advice of travel expert, Emma, who has devised a list of her top European cities to visit in January. Sharing her insights on TikTok, Emma believes these European destinations are perfect if you’re looking to get away from it all and endure some winter sun.

Having experienced each destination herself during previous Januarys, she’s confident about her recommendations as we approach 2025. “Here are three European city destinations coming from someone who has visited all three in January,” Emma began in her latest video.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Beginning with Stockholm, Emma recalled her recent trip: “I actually went here this January [2024] and I was very sceptical at first,” she confesses. “It is so cold – I’m talking minus numbers with an average daytime temperature of -1C to -5C and it was a lot colder than that even at the time.” However, she advised visitors to pack thermals and praised the city’s stunning winter beauty. “There was a lovely thick layer of snow when we went,” she noted. “The water was beautiful too with a crystal clear layer of ice.”

Emma also suggested taking a boat trip to fully appreciate Stockholm’s charm and mentions how the weather seemed to “prolong the festive season”. She added: “It was just so cosy in all of the cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy – it has some amazing museums.” Wrapping up her recommendation, Emma highlighted the Vasa Museum and Nobel Museum in Stockholm. “I wish I had time to do the ABBA Museum too, but sadly did not,” she expressed.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík, Iceland(Image: Getty Images)

Next on her list was Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. “I went here quite a few years ago,” she shared. “I absolutely loved it – one benefit of visiting in the winter months is the long nights and really dark skies gives you a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights.” Emma said she witnessed the spectacle during a tour in the city, but confessed if she had chance to visit again she’d hire a car and venture out to see the Northern Lights by herself. “Another thing about visiting Iceland in January is that the snow and ice really enhance the natural landscape,” she continued. “It’s just so beautiful – I did the Golden Circle tour, and the waterfalls looked absolutely amazing.” However, she warned that visitors can expect to be “very, very cold”.

Munich, Germany

Closing, Emma listed Munich as her final top tip. “This is by a long way, the cheapest of my destinations,” she enthused before revealing that visitors can expect a January temperature of somewhere between freezing and 7C. “It’s the off-season, so you’ll definitely find fewer tourists at this time of year,” she added. Emma highlighted her trip to the city’s beer halls and listening to the music on offer as one of the most enjoyable parts of her stay, describing them as a “great place to go to relax”.

“Winter is also a good time to enjoy the more hearty Bavarian foods,” she remarked, citing pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzels as prime examples. Emma concluded: “Munich is quite close to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the very famous Disney castle and it’s worth a January trip.”