Sure, summer’s great, but winter’s got plenty of perks too! More room to roam, people-free pictures and festive-focused fun are all on the menu on a winter city break. Sound good? We thought so!

Rome, Italy

Who said holidays to Rome were just for the summer? Not us! Jet off to the Eternal City this winter and you’ll find more room to Rome around its cobbled streets, plenty of free tables in the family-run trattorias and smaller crowds at the iconic attractions. And if you thought wanders around a crowd-free Colosseum sounded like heaven, you’d be right. You won’t find any shoulder-to-shoulder queuing this season, plus the milder temperatures make it much easier to explore every inch.

Live and dine like a local in winter, as the quieter cobbles make it that much easier to sniff out all the best haunts and avoid the tourist traps. With restaurant menus brimming with pizza and pasta, artichokes might not be the first thing that spring to mind when someone mentions Roman cuisine. However, fast-forward to late winter and you’ll find market stalls overflowing with these violet-tinged veggies. Look for carciofi alla romana on the menu and give it a whirl!

Athens

Enjoy a wonderful winter in the Greek capital. During the cooler months, Athens offers a unique twist on its usual summer allure. The city's historical marvels like the Acropolis and Parthenon are even more awe-inspiring against a backdrop of crisp, cool air and plenty of twinkling lights. There are also fewer crowds, so you can explore at your own pace and have the best pick of ancient sites and museums. The charming Plaka district, AKA the city’s oldest neighbourhood, entices with its maze of cosy tavernas serving warm, traditional Greek cuisine.

While the beach side of things may be quieter, the city's vibrant cultural scene thrives with theatre, art exhibitions and Christmas events. Why not throw on a layer, embrace the cooler temperatures and immerse yourself in Athens' rich history and modern delights?

Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re on a quest for a budget-friendly break this winter, then Czech out Prague! The capital is already known for being penny-pinching, but come winter, prices for accommodation can drop even more, which is perfect if you’re on a budget but don’t want to scrimp on fun.

Want to ring in the new year somewhere different? Prague won’t disappoint. The atmosphere gradually builds as it creeps closer to midnight, culminating in a sensational firework display in Prague’s Old Town Square. Whether you bag a spot on the bridge, hover in the square itself, or see it in style from a river cruise, you’re sure to start the new year off right!

Barcelona, Spain

Come rain or shine, the Catalan capital of Barcelona’s always a beauty. It’s a destination that’s loved year-round, but come wintertime, fights against the crowds become pleasant wanders. And when you’ve had your fill of pottering around the sights, you can take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Whether it’s cosying up in tiny tapas spots sharing steaming dishes of spicy chorizo, or dunking churros in warming bowls of rich, melted chocolate, you’re sure to be in foodie heaven.

Heading here in November? Don’t miss one of Barcelona’s best-loved festivals, Fiesta Mayor de Sant Martí. Combining folklore with Catalan traditions, it’s a winter event not to be missed.

Reykjavik, Iceland

With plenty of wintry activities on offer, Iceland is the ultimate winter city break. Whimsical walks round Reykjavík’s toy-box Old Town, whale watching out on the North Atlantic Ocean or sampling the Icelandic cuisine, the list is endless. If that northern chill gets too much, then seek out one of Iceland’s hot springs. Head to the Blue Lagoon and submerge yourself in the warming water while enjoying the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

If the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights isn’t enough to sway you to book an Iceland winter break, we don’t know what will! With its dancing waves of light and colours that blend seamlessly into the sky, this natural light show is one you’ll want to tick off your bucket list. The best part? When you book one of our city breaks, you’ll have this tour included.

Vienna

Vienna in winter is like something out of a fairytale. It’s adorned with enchanting Christmas markets and its bounty of opulent palaces are draped in sparkle. Explore the splendid Schönbrunn Palace or marvel at the baroque beauty that is Belvedere Palace, among a serene, frosted landscape.

The famed Viennese coffeehouses ooze warmth and charm, so you just can’t resist heading in for a fresh pastry, aromatic coffee or slice of the iconic Sachertorte. As night falls, you can spend evenings like a local at a classical concert or the Nutcracker ballet. For an unforgettable city break this year, choose Vienna.

Venice, Italy

We can’t think of a dreamier destination to celebrate the day of love, February 14, than Venice – it has romance written all over it! Cruise down the canals in a grand gondola and enjoy being serenaded by your own, personal gondolier – yep, it’s cheesy, but nothing says Valentine's Day like a boat ride and a rendition of ‘O Sole Mio’. When it comes to waterside dining, Venice reigns supreme and you’ll find plenty top-notch restaurants serving up fit-for-a-king-food to celebrate the occasion.

February 14 isn’t the only day pulling tourists to Venice in February. You’ll find the streets peppered with flamboyant parades, out-of-this-world costumes and mysterious masked figures for the Venice Carnival. Beginning way back in 1192, this unmissable event attracts people from all over the world to join in the eating, drinking and extravagant festivities before the period of lent begins.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s a festive favourite, and for good reason, it's home to one of Europe’s biggest Christmas markets! Make a beeline for the biggest, Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, where you’ll be met with rows upon rows of festive treats and traditional trinkets. The smell of cinnamon and mulled wine fills the air, and the sounds of Christmas carols create a sense of yuletide nostalgia.

The Christmas markets are a mere bonus over winter, as the city’s top summer attractions are still open and thriving. Budapest’s bathing culture started way back in the Roman times, and you’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t stop just because of a drop in temperature. The city’s most iconic bath house, Szechenyi Baths spans over three outdoor pools and its hot springs make the perfect warmer for those chilly winter days.