5 fantastic winter city breaks

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, spread across 14 islands, exudes a serene beauty in winter. The city's waterways often freeze, offering a unique opportunity for ice skating enthusiasts. The Old Town (Gamla Stan) is particularly charming during this time, with its colourful buildings and narrow alleys. Warm up in one of the city's many saunas, a quintessential Swedish experience. Additionally, Stockholm's Christmas markets, such as the one in the historic Skansen Open-Air Museum, showcase traditional crafts and festive treats.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna's imperial architecture and cultural richness shine in winter. The city is adorned with elegant Christmas lights and hosts numerous markets, the most famous being the Vienna Christmas Market in front of City Hall. Enjoy classical concerts, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in one of the grand coffeehouses, and explore the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Don't miss the Belvedere Palace, housing an impressive art collection, and the Schönbrunn Palace, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, divided by the Danube River, offers a picturesque setting for winter travelers. The city's thermal baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, provide a relaxing retreat from the cold. Admire the stunning architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle, both illuminated majestically at night. During winter, Budapest's ruin pubs, housed in abandoned buildings and decorated with eclectic art, provide a unique and cozy atmosphere for socializing and enjoying local drinks.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For a truly unique winter experience, Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, beckons with its otherworldly landscapes and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights. Explore geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, soak in natural hot springs, and embark on thrilling excursions to witness the breathtaking Icelandic wilderness, including waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers. Despite the cold, the city's vibrant arts scene, cozy cafes, and geothermally heated streets make Reykjavik a welcoming and fascinating destination during the winter months.

Each of these European cities offers a distinctive winter experience, combining cultural richness, stunning architecture, and seasonal festivities to create unforgettable memories for those seeking the perfect winter city break.

Wherever you choose to explore this winter, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance in place. Total Travel Protection has no upper age limit and cover pre-existing medical conditions of all types. Remember, we do medical screening differently so you could get a better price!