With the last of the autumn leaves falling and the cold and windy winter days truly setting in, you could be forgiven for wishing you were in fact somewhere else. And with a wealth of destinations that truly sparkle in winter right on our doorstep, why not consider heading to an exciting European city for an extended getaway?
These busy cities may still not be completely void of other tourists during winter months, but you’ll get a much better chance of spending some quality time at the sights and have more chance of booking a table at that gourmet dining hot spot than you would in busier summer months. There are so many glorious European cities worth ticking off your bucket list that are full of culture year round, so don’t wait for spring or summer to visit, book in that last-minute winter trip now.
Awash with luxury hotels, gourmet dining options and an endless array of historical sights and cultural experiences, these five cities are all incredible choices for a last-minute city break.
Barcelona, Spain
This vibrant Catalan city is home to numerous iconic works of famed architect Antoni Gaudi, including the impressive (and still unfinished!) Sagrada Familia and the spectacular Park Güell. It’s a true haven for art lovers, with countless galleries to explore including the Picasso Museum, where you can peruse some of the most interesting works of Spanish abstract artist Pablo Picasso. Barcelona also has its own beach and is located within easy reach of other trendy beach towns like Sitges, making it one of the best places in Europe to enjoy a relaxing last-minute break.
Paris, France
When it comes to Europe’s most opulent cities, Paris is always the first to spring to mind. The French capital is known for its impossibly opulent hotels and mouth-watering French cuisine, and with world famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre just waiting to be explored, it’s the perfect choice for a winter city break. Stroll along the Seine River, enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner on board a river boat and splurge at the luxury boutiques on the iconic Champs-Elysees, for a short but sweet luxury city break you’ll never forget.
Rome, Italy
Anyone who has visited this captivating capital city will know just how much there is to see and how much great food there is to devour, that one visit never seems quite enough. From the impressive Colosseum and the Roman Forums to be bewitched by, to the artful Trevi Fountain and famed Spanish Steps in addition to the many refined restaurants serving the best Italian cuisine you could wish for, Rome really is a must-visit destination at any time.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s medieval charm makes it a captivating choice during the winter months with its historic old town, the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge all taking on an even more magical look and feel at this time of year. As Prague’s temperatures tend to drop quite dramatically from September onwards, you’ll need to be prepared to wrap up warm – but strolling the city’s quaint, cobblestone streets or cosying up in one of its charming cafés or bars with a hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine is the perfect way to enjoy a laid-back and romantic city break.
Munich, Germany
With its striking Old and New Town Halls at Marienplatz to admire, especially glorious when lit up at night; bountiful selection of breweries to visit; and endless eateries serving hearty, traditional dishes, this Bavarian capital is sure to captivate the senses. Winter sees an impressive selection of Christmas markets to visit, with mulled wine in hand, of course, and there are some amazing restaurants and hotels to make a glamorous base while exploring what this beautiful city has to offer.
Visiting EU countries post Brexit
You may be wondering what the rules are these days for UK travellers when it comes to picking up and visiting some of Europe’s most delightful cities, especially if you are planning on staying for a little longer to truly soak up what each place has to offer, and we will clear that up for you below.
Since the UK officially left the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020, there have been changes to travel regulations for UK citizens visiting Europe. From 2025, British travellers to the EU must apply online for a visa waiver before arriving at their mainland European destination and also complete the ETIAS application form.
You may have some questions like, how do I apply for ETIAS and how long is ETIAS valid for? And you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s a maximum 10-minute task for British citizens that can be done at home before travel. The good news is too that once it is completed, the visa waiver is then electronically linked to your passport for the next three years allowing for unlimited travel to the EU within that time, so you can check off many more exciting.
