Don’t wait until summer to take the European trip of your dreams. Traveling to Europe in the off-season lets you explore exciting destinations without the crowds. Many cities consider mid-autumn through mid-spring the slow seasons because visitor numbers are much smaller than during the summer.

Hilton Grand Vacations Members can use Hilton Honors perks to stay in Europe’s hot-spots throughout the year. From Italy to Ireland and countries in between, these five European cities are perfect for off-season bucket-list trips.

Zurich, Switzerland

When to go: Winter is surprisingly considered the off-season in much of Switzerland. While the ski resorts are packed, you won’t believe how empty cities like Zurich are.

   

What to do:

• In December, spend the last magical moments of the year wandering the Christmas markets. Keep an eye — and ear — out for the Singing Christmas Tree and Christmas Market in Werdmühleplatz.
• In January, stay indoors and warm up around the city. The Hürlimannbad & Spa is home to thermal baths in a former brewery. No visit to Switzerland is complete without a fondue dinner at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi.
• In February, watch figure skating, live music, light shows and acrobatic talent converge during the annual Art on Ice gala.

Where to stay: Hilton Zurich Airport is a fast and easy train ride away from the city center. Restaurant Horizon10 has wonderful views of the snowy Alps and young travelers will appreciate the hotel’s special Kids Welcome and Kids Breakfast experience.

Dublin, Ireland

When to go: Autumn in Ireland showcases the Emerald Isle in a crimson hue. Consider yourself lucky to watch Dublin’s greenery put on a fiery face in the fall.

   

What to do:

• In September, welcome autumn’s arrival with a hike through the urban oasis, Phoenix Park. Many of the 350 plant varieties signal fall’s first days with shades of red, orange and yellow.
• In October, discover why Ireland is the home of Halloween by attending the Bram Stoker Festival, the Gravedigger Ghost Tour and other celebrations throughout the city.
• In November, find a new experience in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral nearly every night. Cover songs by candlelight, cathedral night tours and the annual Jonathan Swift Festival line the month’s events schedule.

Where to stay: Conrad Dublin has the largest standard rooms in the city center, grand views of The National Concert Hall and a captivating bar inspired by the Irish classic, “Gulliver’s Travels”. St. Stephen’s Green, the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College are all within walking distance of this five-star hotel.

Rome, Italy

When to go: Before summer vacation heats up, Rome’s hot spots are far less crowded during the spring.

   

What to do:

• The Ides of March are commemorated at Julius Caesar’s death at his assassination site, the Largo di Torre Argentina.
• In April, celebrate Rome’s birthday. The Eternal City blows out its candles on April 21 and the Romans honor the day with parades, concerts, decorations and gatherings at iconic Ancient Roman sites.
• In May, embrace the warm weather and the shorter lines for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.

Where to stay: Treat yourself to a Roman holiday at Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Barberini and Villa Borghese, this five-star hotel has a rooftop pool, a spa with a hammam and sauna and bicycle rentals.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

When to go: Winter in Amsterdam is cold, but temperatures stay above freezing. Cozy up for a walk along Amsterdam’s canals then duck into a museum or cafe to warm up.

   

What to do:

• In December, see the city in a new light during the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Take a free walking tour or schedule a canal cruise to explore the lightworks throughout the city center.
• In January, you won’t regret missing April’s Tulip Festival. The third Saturday of the month marks the start of tulip season with National Tulip Day, an event in Dam Square where visitors can pick tulips for free.
• In February, slide on a pair of ice skates and glade around Amsterdam’s canals and squares during Winter Festival Amsterdam. Rembrandtplein, Museumplein and Leidseplein each turn its city square into a public rink.

Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is a great place to stay in the city. Not only is it only footsteps from the train, tram and bus station, but you can also gaze at the canals through your Suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Barcelona, Spain

When to go: Spring is a transitional season in Spain, with cooler temperatures, rain and sunny skies all on the forecast. Fewer visitors mean shorter wait times for attractions like La Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, as well as more space along the shoreline at Barceloneta beach.

   

What to do:

• In March, take in the sights and smells of Barcelona with a walking tapas tour or paella cooking lesson. Foodie festivals like the annual Sant Medir Festival and Barcelona Beer Festival offer more savory and sweet excitement.
• In April, celebrate the Catalan festival of Sant Jordi or St. George’s Day. It’s customary to give books and roses to those you love on St. George’s Day, which is why you’ll see so many pop-up flower stalls and book shops filling Barcelona’s streets.
• In May, stay up late exploring art and culture during Barcelona’s annual Night of the Museums. Dozens of cultural centers around the city offer free admission under the moonlight.

Where to stay: Alexandra Barcelona Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is just over a mile away from La Sagrada Familia and only a block away from Passeig de Gràcia. Admire the hotel’s 19th-century mosaic flooring and taste its Catalan tapas at Charcuteria. Some Collection Suites feature views of Eixample’s bustling streets.

Read “5 Expert Tips For Visiting Europe From Hilton Grand Vacations Members” to help make the most of your transatlantic trip.