Winter is one of my favourite times to book a short break. Flights can be surprisingly affordable, popular cities are quieter and destinations that feel ordinary in summer become completely magical once the Christmas lights are on or the snow begins to fall.
It is also a season that gives you two very different types of holiday. You can fully embrace winter with snowy landscapes, steaming thermal pools and cosy Christmas markets, or escape it altogether with rooftop drinks and a bit of sunshine.
If you are scrolling through cheap flights and wondering where to go, these are ten of my favourite winter holiday ideas. Some are easy two-night city breaks, while others are proper adventures that may require a few extra days.
I’ve visited all of these places because the flights were incredibly cheap and fell in love with them all.
Winter holiday ideas at a glance
Click the links for a detailed blog post…
| Destination | Best for | Ideal trip length | What to expect in winter |
| Transylvania | A snowy adventure | 4–5 nights | Mountains, castles and possibly lots of snow |
| Budapest | Spas and nightlife | 2–3 nights | Cold, atmospheric and wonderfully steamy |
| Bratislava | Christmas markets | 2 nights | Small, pretty and festive |
| Bucharest | An affordable spa break | 2–3 nights | Chilly city days and tropical spa time |
| Gdansk | A great-value city break | 2–3 nights | Cold, colourful and often quieter |
| Bergamo | Food and Italian charm | 2 nights | Crisp, calm and ideal for exploring |
| Iceland | Dramatic winter scenery | 3–5 nights | Snow, short days and incredible landscapes |
| Lanzarote | Easy winter warmth | 4–7 nights | Mild, bright and warmer than the UK |
| Marrakech | Adventure and sunshine | 3–4 nights | Warm days, cool evenings and lots of colour |
| Krakow | Food, drinks and history | 2–3 nights | Very cold, cosy and atmospheric |
1. Transylvania, Romania
If you want a winter holiday that feels like a proper adventure, put Transylvania at the top of your list.
I did an incredible four-night tour around the region and it’s still one of the most memorable winter trips I have taken. I slept in an ice hotel for one night, visited Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle, and spent time in Bra?ov and Bucharest.
The night at the Hotel of Ice at Bâlea Lake was the real once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hotel is rebuilt each winter using ice from the lake, so its opening dates depend on the weather. If this is the main reason for your trip, check that it is open before booking your flights and be prepared for plans to change if conditions are unsuitable.
Bra?ov is the kind of city that looks made for winter. You have colourful buildings, a huge main square, cosy cafés and snow-covered mountains rising behind the rooftops. From here, you can visit Bran Castle and nearby Pele? Castle, although opening days and winter access are always worth checking.
I travelled on an organised tour, which made the mountain transport and ice hotel logistics very easy. You could also organise the trip independently, base yourself in Bra?ov or even Bucharest and use guided day trips for the castles and mountain sections.
Best for: A big winter adventure when you’re short on time, with a mixture of cities, castles and mountains.
My tip: Give yourself at least four nights. This is not a trip I would squeeze into a rushed weekend.
Read more: My travel journal from an incredible Transylvania winter trip.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is an absolute vibe in winter.
Yes, it can be bitterly cold, but that is exactly what makes the thermal baths feel so good. There is something gorgeous about lowering yourself into a steaming outdoor pool while cold air hangs above the water.
Széchenyi is the famous choice, with grand outdoor pools as well as indoor baths, saunas and steam rooms. Book ahead, take flip-flops and bring a warm hat if you plan to use the outdoor pools. Walking around in a swimming costume is chilly even when the water is wonderfully warm.
After the spa, head to the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. Szimpla Kert is the best-known, but the whole area is packed with bars, restaurants and late-night places that make Budapest brilliant for a girls’ weekend.
During the day, walk beside the Danube, cross Chain Bridge, take the funicular or walk up to Buda Castle and admire the view from Fisherman’s Bastion. Winter sunsets come early, but seeing Parliament lit up across the river is spectacular.
Best for: A lively girls’ trip combining sightseeing, spas and nightlife.
My tip: Choose a central hotel in Pest if restaurants, ruin bars and easy evenings out are your priority.
Read more: The best things to do in Budapest
3. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is charming, pretty and small enough to enjoy without racing around with a huge itinerary.
I visited at Christmas and absolutely loved it. The Old Town feels especially lovely beneath the lights, with little market stalls, warm drinks and pastel buildings lining the cobbled streets.
It is a great destination if you want a festive European city break without the scale, crowds or prices of some of the more famous Christmas market cities. You can wander through the Old Town, see Michael’s Gate, walk up to Bratislava Castle and stop whenever another cosy bar or café catches your eye.
Bratislava is also very close to Vienna. Direct buses can take around 70 minutes, so you could fly into one city and out of the other, or add a Vienna day trip if you have an extra day. I would not try to cram both into a single overnight break, but they work beautifully as a two-centre winter trip.
Best for: A relaxed Christmas market weekend or an easy two-city break.
My tip: Stay in or very close to the Old Town. Bratislava is compact, so a central base makes the whole trip delightfully easy.
Read more: My DIY Christmas market tour including Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna
4. Bucharest spa trip, Romania
Bucharest is one of my favourite places for an affordable winter spa break.
The city is interesting in its own right, with grand architecture, lively restaurants and a fun Old Town. But the biggest reason to visit in winter is Therme Bucure?ti, one of Europe’s largest wellbeing destinations.
This enormous thermal complex is north of the city, close to the airport. Inside, it feels like a tropical holiday with warm pools, palm trees, swim-up bars, saunas and relaxation areas. There are three zones, so check what is included before buying your ticket. Galaxy is the livelier, family-friendly section, The Palm is designed for relaxation and Elysium gives you access to more saunas and wellness experiences.
I would spend one full day at Therme and use the rest of the trip for Bucharest. It is an easy format for a two or three-night girls’ break: one day sightseeing and eating your way around the city, followed by a full day floating around in warm water.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps make it easy and affordable to get around, but leave plenty of time for the journey to the airport after your spa visit.
Best for: A low-cost spa weekend with a city break attached.
My tip: Book a late flight home and go to Therme on your final day, but allow enough time to collect your luggage and reach the terminal without stress.
Read more: My Bucharest spa trip
5. Gdansk, Poland
I firmly believe Gdansk is one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
It is colourful, compact, affordable and packed with beautiful architecture. The tall, narrow buildings along the Long Market look almost like an elaborate film set, especially when the streets are decorated for Christmas.
Gdansk has plenty of substance behind the pretty exterior too. Visit the Museum of the Second World War, walk beside the Mot?awa River and explore the amber shops and cafés around the historic centre.
The city is also close to the Baltic coast. If you have time, take the local train to Sopot for a bracing walk along the beach and pier. It will almost certainly be cold, but I love a winter beach when it is followed by a huge coffee and something sweet.
Gdansk works particularly well for a two or three-night break because the centre is easy to explore on foot and eating and drinking can still feel refreshingly affordable compared with many western European capitals.
Best for: A pretty, affordable city break with history and a seaside add-on.
My tip: Pack proper boots. Gdansk is wonderfully walkable, but winter sightseeing is much more enjoyable when your feet are warm and dry.
Read more: How to spend a weekend in Gdansk, Poland
6. Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo is often treated as the airport you fly to when you really want to visit Milan. I think that is such a shame because this little city is more than worthy of its own short break.
The highlight is Città Alta, the beautiful upper town enclosed by old Venetian walls. Take the funicular up, wander along cobbled lanes, stop for coffee in Piazza Vecchia and enjoy the views across the lower city and towards the mountains.
Winter is a lovely time to visit because the streets are calmer and you can lean fully into comforting northern Italian food. Think polenta, rich pasta dishes, red wine and leisurely lunches without feeling as though you should be racing off to the next attraction.
You could easily combine Bergamo with Milan, but for a relaxed two-night trip I would stay put. Bergamo gives you that gorgeous Italian atmosphere without requiring a packed itinerary.
Best for: Couples, food lovers and anyone who wants a quiet Italian weekend.
My tip: Stay close to Città Alta or near the funicular, especially if you only have two nights.
Read more: A 1-day itinerary for Bergamo
7. Iceland
Iceland is magical at any time of year, but winter gives the landscape an entirely different personality.
Snowy lava fields, icy waterfalls, black beaches and steaming geothermal pools make even a short road trip feel epic. The low winter light is incredibly beautiful too, creating long sunrises and sunsets when the weather cooperates.
For a first visit, spend some time in Reykjavík, tour the Golden Circle and book a geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon is the famous option, but there are now other brilliant bathing experiences including Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík.
Winter also brings the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Treat them as a wonderful bonus rather than the entire purpose of your holiday because cloud, weather and solar activity all need to cooperate.
Driving in Iceland during winter is not something to underestimate. Conditions can change quickly, roads can close and daylight is limited. If you are not confident driving in snow, stay in Reykjavík and use organised tours. You will see far more when someone else is handling the road conditions.
Best for: Spectacular scenery, geothermal pools and a genuine sense of adventure.
My tip: Build flexibility into your itinerary. Winter weather may rearrange your plans, so do not schedule a long excursion immediately before your flight home.
Read more: The ultimate weekend break to Iceland
8. Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzarote is not reliably HOT in winter, but it is much warmer and brighter than the UK. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.
This is the easy winter-sun option on the list. The flight is manageable, there is no major time difference and you can be eating lunch outside while everyone at home is scraping ice from the car.
Do not go expecting guaranteed sunbathing weather every day. Winter can bring cloud, breeze and occasional rain, particularly in the evenings. You should still get plenty of pleasant weather for coastal walks, outdoor lunches and exploring the island.
Visit Timanfaya National Park, see the volcanic landscapes, tour César Manrique’s beautiful attractions and stop at the vineyards in La Geria. If the sunshine appears, you can add beach or pool time without making the entire holiday depend on it.
Best for: An easy escape from British winter without a long-haul flight.
My tip: Choose accommodation with a heated pool and pack a light jacket for the evenings.
Read more: My guide to budget winter sun in Lanzarote
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is the trip to book when you want winter warmth with a proper dose of adventure.
Days can be beautifully sunny and warm, making it a brilliant time to explore the medina without the fierce heat of summer. Evenings can be surprisingly cool, so this is not a trip where you should pack nothing but floaty dresses and sandals.
Spend your first day getting lost in the souks, visiting palaces and gardens and watching Jemaa el-Fnaa come to life as the sun goes down. Rooftop bars and restaurants are perfect for escaping the intensity of the streets while still taking in the atmosphere.
Marrakech also makes a brilliant base for a day trip. You could head into the High Atlas Mountains, visit traditional villages or book a desert-style experience closer to the city. The Sahara is much farther away than many first-time visitors realise, so save a true Sahara trip for a longer itinerary.
For a short break, stay in a riad in or near the medina and arrange an airport transfer in advance. Finding a hidden riad for the first time can be part of the adventure, but it is less fun in the dark while dragging a suitcase.
Best for: Sunshine, shopping, food and a complete change of scene in just a few days.
My tip: Pack layers. The difference between a sunny afternoon and a winter evening can be much bigger than you expect.
Read more: The ultimate long weekend itinerary for Marrakech
10. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is very pretty, easy to explore and full of amazing places to eat and drink. It is also one of those cities that genuinely suits cold weather.
The vast Main Market Square is the centre of everything, surrounded by handsome buildings, cellar bars and restaurants. Wander through the Old Town, visit Wawel Castle and spend time in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, where you will find some of the city’s most atmospheric cafés and bars.
Food is a major part of the appeal. Warm up with pierogi, hearty soups and enormous breakfasts, then find one of Krakow’s cosy underground bars for the evening.
Many visitors also take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is an important and deeply moving place, not a conventional tourist attraction, so approach the visit respectfully and allow time afterwards to process it. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is another popular day trip and offers a very different experience.
Krakow can be extremely cold in winter, but it is easy to dip in and out of cafés, museums and restaurants. As long as you pack properly, the cold becomes part of the atmosphere.
Best for: A fun and affordable weekend with culture, great food and lively evenings.
My tip: Do not underestimate the temperature. Take thermals, warm socks, gloves and shoes with decent grip.
Read more: The perfect weekend for a cheap weekend in Krakow
Which winter holiday should you choose?
If you want a snowy, once-in-a-lifetime trip, choose Transylvania or Iceland. Transylvania feels more unusual and can be better value, while Iceland wins for huge landscapes and geothermal experiences.
For a girls’ weekend, I would choose Budapest, Bucharest or Krakow. Budapest has the best mixture of spas and nightlife, Bucharest is perfect if the spa is the main event and Krakow is ideal for affordable food and drinks.
For Christmas markets and a festive atmosphere, choose Bratislava or Gdansk. Both feel pretty and manageable for a short break without the overwhelming scale of a major capital.
If you want warmer weather, go for Marrakech or Lanzarote. Marrakech is warmer, busier and more adventurous. Lanzarote is easier and more relaxing, but you should expect mild winter sunshine rather than guaranteed heat.
And if you simply want a calm, romantic weekend with excellent food, choose Bergamo.
How to find cheap flights for a winter break
I usually start with Skyscanner’s Everywhere search or the monthly fare calendars on airline websites. Rather than choosing one exact weekend and one exact destination, I look at several winter weekends and let the best flight times and prices guide me.
Remember that a £25 flight is not a bargain if it lands at midnight, requires an expensive airport hotel or leaves you with only one useful day. For short winter breaks, I will often pay a little more for an early outbound flight and a late return because it can turn two nights away into almost three full days.
I also check the total price before getting excited. Add luggage, airport parking, transfers and accommodation, then compare the complete trip rather than the headline airfare.
Winter weather makes travel insurance especially important. Snow, storms and road closures can affect plans, so buy insurance as soon as you book and check what the policy covers.
What to pack for a European winter city break
The secret is warm, comfortable layers rather than one enormous coat and nothing useful underneath.
I would pack:
- A warm, waterproof coat
- Thermal base layers
- Comfortable waterproof boots or trainers with good grip
- Warm socks
- Gloves, a scarf and a hat
- A small umbrella
- Swimwear and flip-flops for spa destinations
- A portable charger, because cold weather can drain phone batteries faster
- A compact day bag that fits beneath your coat or closes securely
For Lanzarote and Marrakech, add sunglasses, SPF and lighter daytime clothes, but keep a jumper and jacket for evenings.
Final thoughts
A winter holiday does not need to mean a week-long ski trip or an expensive escape to the Caribbean. Some of my most memorable winter travels have been short, affordable breaks to places that are even better in the colder months.
My personal top three would be Transylvania for adventure, Budapest for a girls’ weekend and Marrakech for winter warmth. But I would happily return to every destination on this list.
If you spot good flights, get the trip booked while they are still cheap. Having something exciting in the calendar makes the darker months feel much easier.
