Top Europe Winter City Breaks
Looking for your perfect winter wonderland? Check out our favourite Europe winter city break destinations and you might just find your ideal holiday spot. Choose to stay closer to home in Dublin or Edinburgh, or go further afield to eastern Europe and beyond. If you’re after a warmer holiday, check out our favourite winter sun destinations from London Luton Airport.
Dublin, Ireland
🌡️ Average winter temperature: 3°c – 9°c
The Irish capital 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.
While you’re cosying up in the warmth of traditional Irish pubs to beat the chilly 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.
Fly from LTN to DUB in 1 hour 15 minutes.
Prague, Czech Republic
🌡️ Average winter temperature: -1°c – 6°c
Step into a storybook as you walk down Prague’s snow-covered cobblestone streets. 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. Prague makes for a magical European winter city break.
Fly from LTN to PRG in 2 hours.
Paris, France
🌡️ Average winter temperature: 3°c – 9°c
Paris is as charming in winter as it is all year round. Escape the peak season crowds with a winter break for a 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.
Fly from LTN to CDG in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
🌡️ Average winter temperature: 1°c – 7°c
With snowy vistas, gorgeous city parks and plenty of scenic canals, the capital of the Netherlands is a real treat. The city’s Winter Light Festival makes Amsterdam a must-visit in the tail end of the year. See Amsterdam lit up with art installations to add an extra sparkle to the gorgeous sights.
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 fantastic 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.
Fly from LTN to AMS in 1 hour 10 minutes.
Gdansk, Poland
🌡️ Average winter temperature: -1°c – 2°c
Discover the unique charm of Gdansk in winter and see this picturesque town in all its glory. Colourful houses along the historic waterfront glow in the winter sun, and with a high likelihood of snow, Gdansk 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, found 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?
Fly from LTN to GDN in 2 hours 15 minutes.
Edinburgh, Scotland
🌡️ Average winter temperature: 1°c – 7°c
Scotland’s capital is a treat any time of year - winter is no exception. Even with the European Christmas markets, 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 tea, coffee, and a 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.
Fly from LTN to EDI in 1 hour 10 minutes.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
🌡️ Average winter temperature: 4°c – 8°c
Want a winter city break and not have to worry about changing your currency? Fly over the Irish Sea to Belfast. Discover a slice of history by checking out indoor attractions like Crumlin Road Gaol Prison and the Titanic Belfast. Want to learn more about the city? Go on a walking tour of Falls Road to see the murals depict the northern Irish conflict. Winter temperatures drop in Belfast, so you’ll want to pack your hat, scarf, and gloves to stay warm.
Want to do more outside of Belfast? Take a one-hour drive north to the Giants Causeway. Formed as a result of underwater volcanic activity, it’s a picture-perfect phenomenon come rain, shine, and snow.
Check out our guide to a weekend in Belfast for even more ways to enjoy Northern Ireland.
Fly from LTN to BFS in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Satu Mare, Romania
🌡️ Average winter temperature: -4°c – 5°c
With the average winter day in Satu Mare staying below freezing point, make sure you pack your layers for this city break. You’ll want them for exploring all the parks, including Central Park, Grădina Romei, and Parc Dendrologic. Want to see the city from up high? Climb 150 feet to the top of the Firemen’s Tower. Traditionally used by the emergency services, it’s now a great vantage point over the city.
Winter breezes and snow flurries add charm to Károlyi Castle in the nearby town of Carei. A fortress turned castle, it’s a great place to learn about local history. And as Satu Mare blends Romanian, Hungarian, and German culture, it’ll feel like three holidays in one
Fly from LTN to SUJ in 2 hours 55 minutes.