Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Dublin is a great city to visit during the winter months, offering a chance to explore in a more intimate setting, and cosy up in traditional Irish pubs to escape the cold.
January marks the beginning of the Temple Bar TradFest, an annual music and cultural festival celebrating traditional Irish music. The festival draws on local and international performers and attracts visitors eager to experience the authentic spirit of Irish traditions.
March brings the lively festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, with parades, concerts, and a vibrant atmosphere. Dublin comes alive with both locals and tourists to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, it’s an experience not to be missed.
While you’re cosying-up in the warmth of traditional Irish pubs to beat the cold weather, be sure to savour the hearty meals and live music on offer. For more cultural experiences, take a visit to one of the city’s many museums, including a tour of the interactive Guinness Brewery or the National Leprechaun Museum.
Prague, Czech Republic
Imagine Prague’s cobblestone streets covered in a blanket of snow, with medieval buildings straight out of a storybook – that’s the scene from January to March. January brings a quieter vibe to Prague, as fewer tourists roam the city, allowing you to leisurely explore without the usual hustle and bustle.
Prague’s medieval charm shines in its architecture, and a visit to the old town square is a must. Check out the Astronomical Clock or venture to Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To stay warm, immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage by exploring the National Gallery or delving into historical museums like the Jewish Museum.
Discover the cosy atmosphere of Prague’s many cafes and pubs, offering not only traditional Czech lagers but also hearty food to keep you warm. As March rolls in, Prague experiences a touch of warmth, perfect for exploring Prague Castle Gardens or taking a stroll in Letna park for panoramic city views. Whether you’re looking for a cosy winter destination, or a colourful escape in early Spring, Prague is a magical city to explore in late winter.
Paris, France
Paris is as charming in winter as it is all year round. The French capital has a reputation for being overcrowded during peak season, so a winter break offers a more relaxing way to enjoy some of the city’s biggest attractions. Take your time touring the Louvre and Notre Dame or browsing the city’s fine boutiques. Another bonus for keen shoppers is the fact that Paris offers some great winter sales throughout January and February.
You’ll also be able to enjoy seasonal treats like ice skating outside the beautiful city hall in the heart of Marais, where you might be able to soak up some of the city’s winter sun. Be sure to also seek out a bûche de Noël, this tasty cake is only available during the winter months.
Expect crisp mornings and nights that drop to freezing levels. It doesn’t snow very often in Paris and when it does, it doesn’t tend to lie, so no need for snowshoes – although you will want to pack a warm jacket. Many cafes and restaurants that have outdoor spaces will be warmed by the red glow of outdoor heaters and the city looks magical when lit up on dreary days.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Winter is the perfect time to visit Reykjavik, not only is the city perfectly kitted out to make the most of its glorious snowfall, but it also offers regular displays of Northern Lights. Iceland’s capital also puts on a lot of musical and theatrical events throughout the cold season, making it an excellent winter break for travellers who love to immerse themselves in culture.
Alternatively, plan to make the most of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools during your stay and enjoy a truly special open-air dip in the city. Day drips to Bláfjöll Ski Resort are also recommended, it’s Iceland’s number one skiing area.
Famous for snowy cityscapes and offering plenty of opportunities to see natural wonders such as impressive glaciers and cute winter wildlife, Reykjavik is a chilly place during the winter months. You’ll want to bring snow gear and be sure to layer up so that you can enjoy all of the amazing outdoor activities as well as the bursts of winter sun.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With snowy vistas, gorgeous city parks and plenty of scenic canals, the capital of the Netherlands is a real treat. While late winter holidays to Amsterdam may miss out on the winter light festival (which takes place between November and January), there are still many gorgeous sights to discover.
Pick up an I Amsterdam City Card at the airport and you’ll even be able to enter the city’s museums for free during the winter months (aside from Rijksmuseum, where you’ll get a discount instead). Your travel pass even includes a canal cruise, offering a great way to get to know the city.
The weather often reaches freezing levels during the winter months, so pack your hat and scarf and look forward to exploring the city’s many ice-skating spots – from the canals to the well-maintained outdoor rinks.
Gdansk, Poland
Discover the unique charm of Gdansk in winter and see this picturesque town in all its glory. The colourful houses along the historic waterfront glow in the winter sun, while the old town looks particularly magnificent with a light dusting of snow.
Strap on your ice-skates and visit the scenic rink just outside the old town, or try the Sopot outdoor rink, located next to the iconic pier. If you’re feeling brave, you can also join the many Polish locals who partake in an icy dip in the Baltic Sea. Winter swimming is certainly invigorating and is a perfect way to work up an appetite for some hearty Polish delicacies.
While Poland is chilly during the winter months, it’s also far less crowded than during peak season and you’ll enjoy lower prices too, so why not put a Gdansk holiday on your winter wish list?
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital is a real treat at any time of year and winter is no exception. Throughout the festive season Edinburgh’s city centre is packed with fun Christmas markets and attractions. Once those are put away, the historic old and new towns are capable of dazzling all on their own.
Edinburgh Castle is well worth exploring and a trip up Arthurs Seat will reward you with glorious views (although it can get pretty windy, so watch the weather forecast!). Edinburgh also has a series of great walking tours, or you can book a spot on a tour bus and see the city from a warmer vantage point. The national museum and art gallery are both centrally located and free to enjoy – and you’ll never be short of somewhere to enjoy a tea, coffee and slice of cake.
Edinburgh has a relatively mild climate and often enjoys some bright winter sun, alongside its fair share of rain or snow, so be sure to take along some sunglasses as well as your cosy coat and boots.
