Besides the Christmas atmosphere, winter is often the cheapest time of the year to fly. Here are 11 winter city breaks to inspire your next adventure, many of which are criminally underrated.
Get festive at some of the cosiest German Christmas markets. Explore Eastern Europe’s snowy scenery and traditional winter festivals. Or stay closer to home with a brilliant UK getaway. Best of all? Many of these city breaks tend to be cheap, cheap, cheap.
The best winter city breaks for 2024/2025
Want to tick off some bucket list cities while they’re blanketed in snow? Or how about exploring some lesser-known metropolises? Here are a few fabulous winter city breaks for December, January and February:
- Tromsø, Norway
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Paris, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Berlin, Germany
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Bath, UK
- London, UK
- New York, USA
Best winter city breaks in Europe
Snow-dotted roofs, cinnamon-scented festive markets, frosty walks along elegant river sides…it’s hard to beat a European winter city break. There are so many amazing options, too, no matter if you’re after something cheap and cheerful or a budget-friendly city to ring in the New Year.
1. Tromsø, Norway
Ever fancied hanging out in a lodge decorated with reindeer hides before zipping up a cable car to catch a glimpse of the ever-elusive Northern Lights? Well, you can look forward to that (and more) in Tromsø.
It’s about as far north as you can get in mainland Europe and great for a short winter break. The city sits within the Arctic Circle and offers up heaps of awesome activities in the chillier months. This includes fun snowy activities like dog sledging, plus visits to the Polar Museum.
Must try: November to February is prime time for whale-watching in Tromsø.
2. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to brilliant European winter city breaks. The medieval city retains its authentic beauty and is packed full of historic gems. Bundle up for leisurely strolls around the city’s pretty UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and don’t forget to tour the landmark Vilnius Cathedral.
Must try: Want to sample some seasonal treats? Head for Piles Street: the city’s oldest street that’s lined with fabulous restaurants and bars.
3. Zagreb, Croatia
Thought Croatia was a summer destination? Think again. Foodies will especially love visiting Zagreb during the winter.
You’ll discover some inventive treats at Zagreb‘s Hrelić flea market, including eggs in chilli and prosciutto-wrapped frogs. It’s a great place to wander around in the winter, even if you don’t fancy putting your palate to the test. Besides food, Zagreb has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you busy. Pop into the Muzej Mimara museum, climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower for great views or catch a show at the Croatian National Theatre.
Must try: Planning a city break in December? Zagreb Christmas Market is a magical place to spend an evening. Later, retreat into one of the many bars on Tkalčićeva Street for a warming pint of local beer.
4. Gothenburg, Sweden
Don’t discount Gothenburg as a city break this winter. Stockholm can get busy during the winter but Gothenburg remains reliably cosy for the intrepid traveller to explore. Visit Liseberg, one of Scandinavia’s biggest theme parks, which hosts one of Europe’s best Christmas markets in the mid-winter months. Or take a day trip out to the Gothenburg archipelago to awe at the snowy scenery.
Must try: Stop by the Feskekôrka (Fish Church) market hall for a taste of local foods to end the day.
5. Paris, France
Paris is easily one of the best winter weekend breaks from the UK. The so-called City of Love is an idyllic destination no matter the season. In winter, the crowds clear and the city’s iconic streets are often speckled with snow.
While December is the perfect time to visit for a magical Christmas ambience, Paris is also brilliant in February. Museums and attractions are less busy, accommodation is cheaper and there are heaps of seasonal events to look forward to. This includes the city’s colourful Chinese New Year celebrations and the long-standing Paris Carnival.
Must try: Get your skates on and head up to the ice rink on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette.
6. Budapest, Hungary
The stunning Hungarian capital is ideal for a cheap winter city break. Why? Because Budapest is packed with culture, delicious seasonal foods and cheap local drinks – expect a local beer to cost around €2.50.
Venture into the Jewish Quarter (also known as Erzsébetváros) where you’ll find local landmarks like the Old Synagogue (the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe) and many charming cafes. It’s also home to many of the city’s famous ruins bars which, with their quirky decor and cheap drinks (including local fruit brandy), are the ideal places to hang out on a chilly winter’s evening.
Elsewhere, you’ll often find a festive market selling traditional treats like Hungarian chimney cake outside St. Stephen’s Basilica. Or cross over the Danube River to the Buda side of the city to admire the collection of beautiful landmarks on Buda Hill – including the fairy tale Fisherman’s Bastion.
Must try: No visit to Budapest (especially in the winter!) is complete without a visit to one of its thermal bathhouses. My top pick is the beautiful Art Nouveau Gellért Baths.
7. Berlin, Germany
For the ultimate Christmas break in December, there’s no better place than Berlin. It’s home to some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, plus an array of cultural gems to keep you busy on cold days. Winter also tends to be quieter and cheaper.
Highlights to add to your itinerary include historic hotspots like the Berlin Wall and Museum Island. And, of course, don’t skip visiting a Berlin Christmas market. There are dozens scattered around the city featuring wooden stalls selling everything from gifts to treats. Booking a New Year’s Eve break? Berlin’s nightlife is legendary.
Must try: Warm up and fill your belly with international and local treats at the Markthalle Neun food hall.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Pack your jumpers and ready your camera for that perfect fairytale picture shot. Tallinn looks like it’s been plucked from a postcard in winter thanks to its snow-dusted churches and cobbled streets. Estonia’s capital is also jam-packed with culture. Don’t skip exploring Telliskivi Loomelinnak, an area of the city brimming with bars, coffee shops, and flea markets.
Must try: Spend a few hours wandering around the city’s Old Town which is decked out with lights and pretty decorations in December.
Short winter city breaks in the UK
If you don’t fancy hopping on a plane, why not enjoy a little winter city break right here in the UK instead? From festive fun in the capital to romantic retreats in smaller locales, there are plenty of places to choose between.
9. Bath, UK
With its honey-coloured Georgian architecture, Bath is the perfect destination for a cheap winter break not too far from home. Thanks to its romantic atmosphere, it’s often considered one of the best city breaks in February.
Book an early Valentine’s break to keep costs down and get ready to explore this beautiful city. Walk hand in hand along the elegant Royal Crescent before checking out the pretty Pulteney Bridge.
Must try: Go for a soak in The Roman Baths which sit slap-bang in the middle of the high street.
10. London, UK
Christmas attracts crowds to London for its festive atmosphere and Christmas Markets. Wait a few weeks, though, and you’ll find the UK capital is one of the best city breaks in January. It’s typically the quietest (and often the cheapest) time to visit, making it ideal if you’re keen to visit its key landmarks without queuing.
London’s free museums are brilliant places to warm up – and there’s something to suit everyone. Fancy a shopping spree? Many of the city’s stores host brilliant January sales, making it a great time to pick up some goodies. And, if you want to check out some of London’s best dining spots, you’re more likely to bag a table in January.
Must try: For awesome views of the city in winter, book a slot to visit the Sky Garden – London’s highest (and free) public garden.
Best winter city break further afield
For those with more time (and cash to spare), you might want to venture further afield for your winter city escape. With much of the world sharing the same seasonal patterns as the UK, you’ll find no shortage of iconic options, including my absolute favourite…
11. New York, USA
Strolls around Central Park. Shopping on Fifth Avenue. Ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre. Few cities are more magical at Christmas than New York! While December might bring plenty of festive cheer, New York actually sits top of the list for best winter city breaks in January.
That’s all down to two wonderful events: New York Broadway Week and New York Restaurant Week. Both events could see you catch a show or dine at some of the city’s top venues for a hugely discounted price. Keeping with the theme, January is also a cheap time to visit thanks to affordable flights and lower hotel prices.
Must try: See the Statue of Liberty dusted in snow or visit the iconic Met Museum without the crowds.
Want to discover more destinations this winter? Enjoy some festive fun with a trip to Munich’s best Christmas markets, indulge in a New Year’s Eve break for two or escape the cold for some winter sun on a budget.
