Do you love to travel but usually reserve your travel plans for during the warmer months? Then why not do something different, mix things up and plan a winter break? If you have never taken a winter break before, now could be the ideal time to take the leap and do something different. If you are feeling like a break could be beneficial, then don’t let the fact it is winter hold you back.
You most probably won’t be able to hit the beach while you are away like you normally would do, but winter breaks come with a range of their own benefits. So if you have never planned a winter getaway before, it could be time to take the leap and start planning one. Believe it or not, there are many cities in the world that are just as amazing in the winter months as they are in the summer.
To help make the planning process easier for you, below is a list of some of the world’s best cities for a winter break.
Seville
If you are after a warm winter break that comes complete with good food and some of the world’s most amazing architecture, a trip to Seville could be the ideal. Spend a few days exploring Seville Cathedral, Plaza de Espana, and Alcazar of Seville, while enjoying the warmer temperatures that this region of Spain has to offer even in the colder months. It may not quite be beach weather, but it should still be warm enough not to need a coat and scarf. While you are exploring this magnificent city, don’t forget to try some of its delicacies. The foods that this area of Spain is most famous for are Flamenco Eggs, Sauteed Kidneys with Sherry, stuffed artichokes and fried fish, and of course, tapas and Sangria are a must.
Dublin
Ireland’s largest city, Dublin is the perfect place to visit for a winter weekend away. Home to a combination of green spaces, shops and a wide range of eateries and bars, Dublin has a lot to offer any visitor – to see all of the best things to do here, take the time to browse The Crazy Tourist blog and have a read of the travel guides for Dublin. If you are keen to learn more about Ireland’s past, a trip to the capital is perfect, as there is plenty of history and heritage to explore here.
New York
The Big Apple gets very cold in winter, so cold that more often than not it snows. New York is one of those cities that really comes into its own in winter, becoming even more beautiful than it is during the warmer summer months. If you are lucky enough to be in the city when it snows, you will see how beautiful it looks when it snows, and everything gets covered in a blanket of white. From shopping in Barney’s and watching the ballet or going to the theater to ice skating in Central Park and relaxing in one of the city’s many coffee shops, there is plenty to keep you occupied here.
Venice
If you are going to visit Venice, the winter is the time to go. Although it is much colder than in the summer, especially when the wind comes down from the Dolomites and the weather is dreary and grey, but it is much quieter and far more magical. It is also much less expensive here out of season, and there is still just as much to see and do. You can explore St Mark’s Basilica, ride in a gondola down the Grand Canal, and indulge in some of the dishes that Italy is famous for, namely pasta and pizza, among other things.
Athens
For anyone who likes to have a good time, Athens is the place to go. Athens is one of those cities where the party never stops, or at least, it doesn’t have to. Regardless of whether it is peak season or not, there are always parties going on here, so should you want to dance and drink the night away, you can do. Or, for a more tranquil trip, you can spend your time exploring Athen’s many pieces of world-renowned architecture, such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens. If it gets too cold outside to see the sights, there are also various museums that you can explore here, such as National Archeological Museum of Athens.
London
London is one of those cities that comes alive in the winter months. When it comes to winter in the UK, London is the place to be. Complete with a feast of cultural activity, this capital city is the perfect metropolis for a relaxing weekend away during the winter months. There are festive markets here, an amazing ice rink, and a Winter Wonderland to beat all Winter Wonderlands. There are plenty of shops to explore, eateries to relax in, and bars to have drinks in. London may not be as cold as New York, but it is still the perfect place for a winter getaway. There are museums, art galleries, like the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Berlin
Berlin, the capital city of Germany becomes a whole other place in the colder months. The lakes begin to freeze over, and many of them are turned into ice rinks, the eateries and bars come into their own, and the theaters fill up with all manner of shows. Germany is renowned for its winter markets, and Berlin is no exception; there are smaller, community-based markets as well as larger, public ones. The temperatures here really can plunge, so it is worthwhile bringing plenty of warm clothes. If you get too cold outside, head into a local eatery for a mug of warming mulled wine.
Vienna
For anyone who isn’t afraid of the cold, Vienna is the perfect location for a winter break. The temperatures here often go well below zero, even in the daytime, with the entire city frozen. However, even in these freezing temperatures, there is still plenty of life on the streets of Vienna, making it the ideal place to visit for a winter break. The beautiful blue skies and blanket of snow covering the city, make Vienna the most Instagrammable city in the colder winter months. If you start to get cold, there are plenty of cosy bars and eateries to head into to warm up. Vienna is amazing at any time of year, but in the winter months it really comes into its own.
Amsterdam
Where could be better to visit in the colder winter months than Amsterdam, the home of Gluhwein, Holland’s most famous drink? This delicious mulled wine that is native to this amazing country is the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring this unique city’s winding streets and array of sights and attractions. The temperatures here often drop below zero, however, the city’s frozen streets and icy canals are still ideal for exploring. Just make sure to wrap up warm, and you can spend hours exploring the famously windy streets of Amsterdam.
Feeling stressed out and in need of a break? Don’t be afraid to plan a trip away just because it is winter. Believe it or not, traveling in the colder winter months can be just as enjoyable as jetting off in the summer months, it’s just a case of choosing the ideal city to visit, that’s all. Hopefully, one of the cities above will take your fancy and give you the break away that you need to relax and unwind this winter.
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