As the nights draw longer, it’s time to consider escaping for a little bit of European luxury, and at Locals Insider, we have the best European city breaks for your winter getaway.
With centuries-old architecture, the twinkling charm of Christmas markets, and exceptional culinary delights to explore, Europe has so much to offer you in winter.
Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, the crisp air filled with the smell of roasting chestnuts and stunning cathedrals bathed in the winter sunlight. This article reveals opulent hotels, fine dining experiences, and unique attractions that make for an unforgettable winter escape.
From the romantic canals of Venice to the fairytale charm of Prague, these luxury getaways promise comfort and style and a chance to experience each city’s history and culture.
5 Captivating European Cities to Explore this Winter
1. Paris, France
What can we say about wonderful Paris? There is never a bad time to visit the City of Love, and no matter how many times you return, you’ll always find something new to explore.
Paris in winter is a dream come true. The city is adorned with festive lights that add a magical touch. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are less crowded and beautifully lit with warm, glowing lights. The Louvre is easier to navigate, and you can linger longer to admire your favorite pieces without being jostled by the crowd.
Christmas markets take on a new meaning along the luxurious Champs-Élysées, where you can find the best shopping in the city. Gourmet dining is around almost every corner, including Le Cinq in the Four Seasons, which specializes in exquisite French cuisine.
The city has countless upmarket hotels and luxurious accommodations, such as the prestigious Ritz Paris and stunning Le Meurice, opposite the Tuileries Garden. After your meal, you can stay at the Four Seasons, where a night in the Penthouse Suite costs $16,500.
We recommend a unique Slavic banya (sauna) experience in Paris called Kupala and wine bars.
2. Vienna, Austria
Must-do activity: Explore Rathausplatz Christmas Markets.
Alt text: Snowy Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria.
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Vienna is known for its rich history and grand architecture. In the winter months, in the build-up to Christmas, the city comes alive with dazzling Christmas markets, ice skating, and festive concerts and productions to get you in the festive spirit.
A true winter wonderland, Venice is filled with luxurious hotels and fine dining options, making it the perfect destination for a lavish winter getaway. The famous Christmas markets at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace are an absolute must-see, as is the extraordinary Belvedere Palace with its fantastic art collection.
Go ice-skating at the Wiener Eistraum, then hit up the Innere Stadt (First District) for some fine dining in some of the city’s best restaurants, such as the Michelin-starred Steirereck, famed for its innovative Austrian cuisine and elegant dining rooms.
Book a suite at the luxurious Hotel Imperial for around $3,700 for a weekend winter stay.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Must-do activity: Book a tour of Prague Castle.
Another city rich with impressive architecture, Prague’s famed Gothic and Baroque buildings are even more enchanting under a blanket of snow. An absolute highlight of the Gothic period is Prague Castle, an architectural marvel covering a record-breaking 70,000 square meters, which includes the stunning St Vitus Cathedral, home to the Czech Crown Jewels.
Prague also boasts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with cozy cafes and restaurants offering tasty winter warmers to cold-blushed shoppers. Check out the markets at Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock, an impressive piece of Medieval engineering dating back to the 1400s. Complete your winter getaway with a luxurious scenic cruise along the Vltava River.
A weekend stay in the Prague Four Seasons is around $7,200 for three nights in the Renaissance Suite.
4. Venice, Italy
Must-do activity: Attend the Carnival of Venice.
Venice is a magical city to experience all year round: gondola rides through the canals, breathtaking architecture, the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and indulgent Italian cuisine. Visiting in the winter allows you to take a slower pace, as museums and other top attractions are less crowded, and the days are a lot cooler, so you can amble around to your heart’s content.
If visiting in February, attending the Carnival of Venice or “Carnevale di Venezia” is an absolute must. A celebration of the city’s culture, it’s a vibrant and significant event known for its elaborate costumes and world-famous masks, opulent historical venues like the Piazza San Marco, and magical live performances. The festival offers an unforgettable experience to warm the soul on a crisp February weekend.
You can book a weekend at The Gritti Palace Venice and stay in the luxurious Redentore Suite for around $10,000 a night. It’s a stunning 818 square foot top-floor suite featuring a private outdoor space and plunge pool for those willing to brave the cold.
Try our favorite My Arbor spa retreat in the Dolomites in Italy.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Must-do activity: Christmas markets at the Tivoli Gardens.
“Hygge” is a Danish concept that describes a feeling of coziness, comfort, and contentment, where warm drinks flow and sweet pastries are plentiful. This is exactly what you can expect in a winter getaway in the glorious capital city of Copenhagen. Filled with beautiful architecture, from the colorful Nyhavn harbor to the captivating Rosenborg Castle, the city is a visual marvel that will captivate visitors from across the globe.
Go ice skating at Frederiksberg Runddel, explore the magical Christmas markets at Tivoli Gardens, and warm yourself in candlelit cafes along the famous Jægersborggade café strip in the Nørrebro district. Enjoy dining at the three-Michelin-starred Geranium restaurant in Fælledparken, a private canal tour, and take in a night of opera or ballet at the Royal Danish Theatre.
This city has plenty of boutique hotels and luxurious accommodations. The Locals Insider choice is the elegant Nimb Hotel in the Tivoli Gardens, which hosts concerts of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival “Vinterjazz.” For a little over $4,000 per night, you can stay in the 1,430-square-foot Executive Suite at the Nimb Hotel, which features magnificent city views.
Near Copenhagen, you can find a unique design place.
Explore Europe This Year for an Incredible Winter Escape
European winter city escapes offer a magical experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season, particularly in the months leading up to the holiday period. From enchanting Christmas markets to warming comfort food and drinks, the continent transforms into a winter wonderland.
For our Locals Insider travel experts, there’s nothing better than the Scandinavian city of Copenhagen for a real sense of how the Europeans do Christmas, and there is no better time to visit this charming Danish city.
