Best Winter City Breaks In Europe

While Spain is a popular choice for those wanting to fly and flop onto a sunbaked sandy shoreline, the winter is an ideal time for exploring its cities. With temperatures remaining mild for the most part, you can avoid the heat (and the crowds) and experience an authentic side to Spanish life.

If you are looking for the best European winter city breaks, then it does not get better than the Spanish capital of Madrid. Offering crisp cold weather, beautiful blue skies and more manageable crowds, winter is the best time to experience the very best of Madrid. Be sure to take a ride on the dedicated Christmas Bus which will take you on a festive tour of the best Christmas light displays in the city. Alternatively, you can escape from the cold and explore the many museums which will be quieter during the low season - including the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia. Located in the popular Plaza de España, in one of Madrid's most iconic buildings lies the Barceló Torre de Madrid. Offering luxurious accommodation in an ideal location for those looking to get out and see as much of this beautiful city as possible, the Barceló Torre de Madrid is the best place to start your trip in Madrid.

While summer is a popular time for sun-seekers and beachgoers, winter is when Barcelona's cultural calendar swings into action - making it the perfect time to visit and experience what the Catalan capital has to offer. Get into the Christmas spirit and visit one of the many Christmas Markets which pop up around the city, including the popular Santa Llúcia Christmas Market which is held annually outside the Gothic Cathedral in Old Town.

Looking for a post-New Year's getaway? Then, it does not get much better than the Festival of Santa Eulalia. Taking place every year around the 12th of February, visitors will be treated to a jam-packed festival program that includes concerts, processions and Castellers (human towers). If you're looking for a hotel in the middle of all the action, then the Barceló Raval is the perfect choice for your next winter break. Located next to the famous Las Ramblas, you'll be perfectly positioned to go out and explore all the best Barcelona has to offer. So, with all this to offer and more, there is no surprise that Barcelona is often considered to be one of the best European cities in winter.

Vigo, nestled in the heart of Galicia offers a bewitching blend of coastal charm and cultural richness. Not to mention delicious seafood. Start your weekend escape in the Old Town where winding narrow streets lead you to quaint boutiques and hidden away restaurants. The Calle de las Ostras, or Oyster Street is where you can taste the freshest oysters at the best price as well as dine like a king on the freshest catch of the day at one of the many eateries lining the street. A stroll along the Ría de Vigo waterfront offers expansive views of the picturesque Cíes Islands. 

Yet it is the city’s Christmas lights that have made Vigo world famous during the festive season. The city’s mayor, year after year, competes for the largest and best display of Christmas lights in the world. Over 400 streets are adorned with twinkling lights and the best place to see them is in Porta do Sol square. Of course, no trip is complete without some shopping and the Calle del Principe won’t disappoint with its array of well-known stores. However, if unique souvenirs are what you are looking for during your stay in Vigo, head to Alameda Park for the annual Christmas market.

If you are looking for the best winter city breaks in Europe for the Christmas period, nowhere does it quite like Eastern Europe. With images of vibrant Christmas markets springing to mind and dreams of snow-covered streets, it is time to uncover the best winter weekend breaks in Europe.

With towering Gothic spires and breathtaking architecture, it's no wonder Prague is regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Add to that a fresh dusting of white snow powder and you've got yourself the ultimate winter getaway. Be sure to take advantage of the low season and enjoy sites such as the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle all to yourself. With views of the National Museum and the Opera, the five-star Occidental Praha Wilson offers a luxurious haven of tranquillity in the heart of Prague's city centre. So whether you're visiting the Czech capital with family, loved ones, or on business, there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city.

If a fairytale ambience, good food and bucket loads of culture are what you are looking for then Budapest is high up on the list of best winter city breaks in Europe. Blending historical charm with a magical winter atmosphere, the Hungarian capital captivates travellers with its iconic landmarks. Buda Castle and the Parliament Building are must-sees when exploring the city. Yet, if you are visiting Budapest, you cannot go home without enjoying a restful afternoon in the city’s thermal baths such as the Széchenyi Baths, which provide a cosy retreat from the biting winter temperatures. The Christmas markets, like the one found at Vörösmarty Square, offer a vibrant array of seasonal delights and are the ideal place to pick up some local handicrafts or try typical Hungarian dishes. All in all, with its rich cultural heritage and atmospheric festive cheer, Budapest is without a doubt, one of the best European cities to visit in winter.

If you are looking for good European cities to visit in winter, it doesn’t get more magical than Ljubljana. Once the first frosting decorates the city’s mediaeval streets and the temperatures drop, Ljubljana turns into an enchanting winter wonderland. Head to Congress Square and ice skate amidst festive surroundings against a backdrop of historic architecture. If panoramic views of the city are what you are after, take the funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle and explore the grounds and exhibitions. 

Fend off the cold in one of the city’s charming cafés where you will be served kuhano vino, Slovenian mulled wine. Yet what makes Ljubljana one of the best winter city breaks in Europe is its famous Christmas market in Preseren Square where you can pick up handmade gifts, local crafts and delicious seasonal treats. If you are staying in Ljubljana, a stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River is another way to witness the beauty of the city.

Just because it's cold and snowy back home doesn’t mean that the rest of Europe is the same. Soak up some rays on the best beaches in Tenerife or head to the south of Spain where the haunting rhythm of Flamenco will guide you on a cultural adventure. 

No matter what time of year you visit, Malaga in Spain's sunny Andalucia region offers year-round sunshine making it one of the best winter city breaks in Europe! So pack away the scarves and snow boots and instead head to Malaga to kick back and enjoy the laidback Mediterranean vibe. Start your day here with a stroll up the marble-paved Marques de Larios Street, browsing the many shops and cafes which line its streets before heading off to one of the many Museums here. Favourites include the Carmen Thyssen Malaga Museum just off Plaza de las Constitucion, the Picasso Museum and the recently restored Roman amphitheatre on Calle Alcazabilla.

With so much to see and do in Malaga, visitors will need a centrally located hotel offering easy access to the city's main attractions. The Barceló Malaga offers everything to impress even the most discerning guests, including its sophisticated design and magnificent modern facilities. Be sure not to miss out on the steel slide that directly connects the first floor to the B-Lounge which will leave you feeling like a kid again. Malaga is without a doubt a fantastic place to enjoy a short winter break in Europe.

If you are looking for the best warm cities to visit in winter, Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands is a hot choice. Not only does this lively seafront city boast all-year-long sunshine but temperatures rarely dip below 22ºC. Sun worshipers can flock to Las Teresitas, the city’s long golden sand beach complete with a wide variety of bars and restaurants as well as loungers and parasol hire. Meanwhile, creative souls can while away a few hours exploring local art exhibitions in TEA (Tenerife Espacio de Artes) or listen to beautiful concerts at the Auditorio Adán Martín. From November till late February, the city enjoys one celebration after another with the Three Kings Day and Carnival being the two main dates. During this time, the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena square, adjacent to Plaza de España is a buzz with artisan markets, gastronomy markets and live music performances. Yet, if you plan to visit Santa Cruz during carnival prepare yourself for the biggest street party of your life - it even made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records one year. There is so much on offer in Santa Cruz making it one of the best European city breaks at Christmas for those keen to escape the cold.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria, nestled on the sunny shores of the Canary Islands. This city offers one of the best winter city breaks in Europe thanks to its eternal spring climate and wide range of cultural activities. Head to the historic quarter off Vegueta, where colonial architecture meets vibrant street life. Next, soak up some winter sun at the Las Canteras urban beach, located in the heart of the city. Or, stroll through the beautiful Doramas Park, backing onto the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, and enjoy the tranquil escape from the buzz of the city. Visit the impressive Alfredo Kraus Auditorium for cultural performances or take a leisurely walk in the Doramas Park for a tranquil escape. During the festive season, Santa Catalina Park often plays host to a range of festive activities and markets where you can explore traditional Canarian arts and crafts and pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts.