[TimothyR]

I would like to know the opinions of people here regarding the best times of the year to visit the following cities:

Milan and Turin

Stockholm

Vienna

Krakow

Brussels

I know that the summer is the 'preferred' season for most places. But I like to take time and explore cities. I really don't mind if some famous tourist attractions are closed early or are not at their 'best'.

For example, the Zwinger in Dresden is supposed to be at its most beautiful in the summer. But I preferred a trip in the winter because it was less crowded and because of Christmas.

I also know some places can be very cold in summer, as my home is (Boston)

Autumn is the best time to visit Boston, and some cities are very beautiful then. Some prefer Spring.

So what are your experience and opinions?

 

[TimothyR]

To find the best time in year to visit these cities is pretty hard because they are all beautiful all year long.

If I had to decide I would go to Stockholm during the winter. I like to see the nordic cities with snow and the cold sea.

In Milan I was last december and I have to say that was a good decision because the wether was not too warm or too cold. It had the perfect temprature to visit this city. I can imagine it´s the same with Turin.

Krakow and Brussels would I visit in summer if I was you. During the winter they seemed very grey to me.

As I live in Vienna I can tell you the most about this city: The best time to visit is late spring/summer or the time before christmas when ther are many "Christkindlmärkte" in the town. There are also some good arguments for a visit in autum like fresh vine ("Heuriger") but I would prefer summer or the time before christmas.

Thanks very much for the insights. Very helpful.

Some cities are quite beautiful in winter, but others are grey and dull. The cities of Germany that I have seen are beautiful at Christmas. I would like to see Vienna at that time as well. :cheers:

 

[TimothyR]

Hi Timothy! From my experience and from what I learned, Europe has lots of facades. That's the beauty of the continent. I've only been in Vienna and Milan and both looked great with the snow in winter (only met them in february), but the common sense indicates that the gardens and the public places of Vienna can be really seen in summer or spring. Milan could be the other way around. Their parks are great but there's no real difference between those parks and other parks you might find in other cities inside and outside Europe (in my humble opinion). While all the guides for tourism say that summer and spring are the best time to enjoy Europe, I would say that it depends on what you're looking for. I remember walking in Venice for the first time in my life with a snow-storm at night, with almost no people in the streets, and it is one of the most valuable experiences I've ever had. The moment was magical. Same for the Amsterdam.

Whatever your choice is, you're gonna have a great time, that's for sure.

Hello EMarg, thanks for your comments. Yes, most people suggest spring and especially summer. But i usually prefer the fall because it is quieter and there are fewer people in the streets in most places. I also like that time of year anyway - with the changing leaves - so that is my favorite time. But I know that some places are rainy and grey at that time.

Winter is quite beautiful in many places. I think Milan will be my next trip, but it will not be this year.