Europe’s most underrated winter city breaks, from Italy to Spain

❄️ Why visit in winter? For unexpected winter festivities, and seeing the almighty Acropolis without the crowds

A winter break is likely not the first thing you think of when you’re planning a trip to Athens. But in a city where temperatures regularly hit high 30s and even early 40s in summer (so hot that the Acropolis often ends up having to close for safety reasons), you’re actually better off seeing a different, wintery side to Greece’s glorious capital. This is the season for patsas (tripe soup), rakemelo (the Greek answer to a hot toddy), and plenty of gallery hopping – be sure to check out the SNFCC’s winter offering, Christmas World. 

💡 Time Out tip: Time Out contributor John Ovans, who lived in Athens for an extended winter, says one of the most magical things you can do is take a half-hour taxi from the city centre to swim in a thermal lake in nearby Vouliagmeni. 

Stay here: For something downright posh, our favourite hotel in the city is King George, which has spectacular views of the Acropolis lit up at night. 

❄️ Why visit in winter? To see a different side of one of the most overcrowded cities in the world 

People who have visited Venice will probably mention the crowds that swamp this city almost immediately (it’s said there are 21 tourists here for every one inhabitant), but that’s why we’re making the case for it as a brilliant winter destination. It still experiences high-season numbers of people well into October, but in January and February, things are more chilled, leaving you plenty of breathing space to take in the majesty of the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace without the influencers. Temperatures linger between 2C and 6C, but if you wrap up, the views on the canals will be much less tourist-laden too, and you’ll be able to see all the riverside buildings properly glisten. To warm up? Find a toasty spot to enjoy some cichetti. 

Stay here: The neighbourhood of Dorsoduro is home to some of Venice’s cosiest hotels, and Hotel Galleria has bags of old-world charm that will revive you after chilly days exploring the city.

❄️ Why visit in winter? For plenty of festive traditions with distinct local flare

We Brits tend to pigeonhole Spain as a sunny summer destination, but there’s a lot to love in the tourist off-season too (and very little rain). In Madrid, local festive traditions such as heading to the Plaza Mayor Christmas market to buy belenes (small nativity scenes which you’ll find in many Spanish homes); ringing in the New Year at the Puerta del Sol by eating 12 grapes at midnight (harder than you’d think, especially since most Spanish varieties have pips); and watching the Three Kings parade (complete with 1,500 dancers, around 300,000 spectators, and a special appearance from Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar themselves) on January 5 are all great ways to experience the best of winter in the Spanish capital. 

Stay here: Room Mate Alicia hotel is located in the charming Las Letras neighbourhood, just five minutes away from the Puerta del Sol (ideal for those who washed down their New Year’s grapes with one too many glasses of cava).

❄️ Why visit in winter? For getting seriously cosy, the hygge way 

Plenty of people hate the winter and spend the dark evenings craving the warmth of the sun. Not me – my favourite places are crisp, icy-cold destinations which just know how to do the season right. Why? Because of ‘hygge’, that’s why. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, the Nordic word describes that fuzzy feeling of cosiness and contentment you only get in cold places, and Copenhagen is a master of it. For a hit of ‘hygge’, Andersen & Maillard makes delicious coffee and even more delicious pastries (their pistachio cube is out of this world), and it’s my favourite breakfast spot. Bar La Una is a vibey dinner and cocktail place which feels like the extension of somebody’s kitchen: I’d recommend nabbing a counter seat. 

Stay here: We stayed in this hygge-filled Airbnb in Vesterbro, which was an excellent spot for journeying into central Copenhagen but also for exploring the neighbourhood’s bars. 

❄️ Why visit in winter? For plenty of indoorsy things to do

Even though it’s pretty much guaranteed the North of England will be battered by wind and rain throughout the winter, Manchester is a brilliant place to be when the cold snap hits. Spend your days dipping into vintage shops and record stores, and fuel up with street food at Mackie Mayor (or for an occasion, book a table at new-ish fine dining spot Skof). What’s more, Manchester’s home to a surprisingly brilliant selection of Christmas markets, from classics to goth-themed, all selling great food and gifts from independent shops. If the weather really goes wild, hide out in John Rylands Library, one of the most hauntingly beautiful spots in the city. 

Stay here: This fabulous, NYC-style loft apartment in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is easy to reach from the city centre but has plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars right on its doorstep. Check out the best things to do in the Northern Quarter. 

📍 Discover the best Christmas markets in Manchester

❄️ Why visit in winter? For Pagan holiday traditions and winter magic

Legend has it that the Christmas tree originated in Riga, making it an ideal destination for a festive-season getaway. In the city's historic centre, near the 800-year-old Doma Church, Riga hosts a bustling Christmas market where you can try Latvianflavors and experience pagan solstice traditions. The church sits in a several-metre-deep "pit" that turns into a sledding hill in winter, letting you relive childhood nostalgia as you glide down its slopes. For an outdoor escape, head to Ogre’s Zilie Kalni hiking trails, just 45 minutes from Riga. Explore snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, immersing yourself inLatvia’s winter wonderland.

Stay here: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is located next to the Opera House and just a 10-minute walk from Doma Square and the Christmas market. This 5-star hotel offers luxurious suites with royal interiors and a Michelin Guide restaurant at incredible value.

❄️ Why visit in winter? For skiing and winter sports, without the huge price tag

Sarajevo has quietly developed into one of the planet’s best winter destinations, combining quality snow activities with a unique multi-cultural atmosphere in the old centre. The former takes place in the surrounding mountains, as the facilities from the 1984 Winter Olympics are given new life (skiing on Jahorina or Bjelašnica is remarkably affordable), while the streets of the Baščaršija shine brightest while wearing a hat, gloves and a scarf. A rakija or two will help you deal with the temperatures, and Bosnian food was practically devised for the colder months.

Stay here: For the full winter sports adventure, head to Jahorina and stay at the fantastic Hotel Vučko, a renovated hotel built for the ’84 Olympics and named after the iconic (and undeniably cute) mascot wolf that you’ll see all across the city.

❄️ Discover the best affordable ski resorts in Europe