Copyright metro
Over the past few decades, cities in northern Norway have become thriving tourist destinations (Picture: Getty Images) We’re drawing ever closer to the season of Christmas markets and glistening lights, and as the weather turns colder there are some places we’d rather be heading for a winter getaway. There’s something romantic about a European city break when it’s chilly and snowing. And if you live in the UK, there’s dozens of charming capitals and second cities to choose from. We asked you, our Metro readers, to share your favourite winter city breaks. Kicking off the list we have Vienna, a popular (but pricey) getaway recommended by reader Joseph Lynn. ‘An amazing city with many world class art galleries and other attractions,’ he writes on Facebook. ‘Beautiful architecture and everything very high standard. ‘Not cheap but worth it. A personal favourite; the Haus Des Meeres mini zoo.’ Vienna is full of history, good food and great shopping (Picture: Getty Images) Make sure to visit the palace, opera house, cathedral, town hall, and art museums – both classic and modern (and the turn-of-the-century Secession Building with its dome of golden leaves). The Christmas Market at Rathausplatz transforms the city’s historic square into a winter wonderland, and this year it’s running from November 14 to December 26. @tobi.eulerrolle My free 3-Day-Vienna Itinerary for your next trip👇🏻 If you have 3 days in Vienna, I made the perfect itinerary for you with must-see places, local favorites, hidden gems and iconic sights – ideal if you want to make the most of your time in Austria’s capital. Save this for your next Vienna adventure! Day 1 • Kunsthistorisches Museum – One of the most impressive buildings in Vienna – come for the art, stay for the architecture. • Volksgarten – A rose-filled park in full bloom – perfect for slow moments and stunning photos. • Café Demel – Indulge in royal pastries at this traditional coffeehouse near the Hofburg. • Österreichische Nationalbibliothek – Feels like stepping into Beauty and the Beast – grand, golden, and breathtaking. • Wiener Staatsoper – Experience opera at its finest in one of the world’s most iconic venues. Day 2 • Schloss Schönbrunn – Explore the palace and its baroque gardens once home to emperors. • Belvedere – Admire Klimt’s The Kiss and sweeping views in this historic palace-turned-museum. • Burggarten – A peaceful green escape with fountains, palm trees, and Mozart. • Stephansdom – Vienna’s gothic heart and most iconic landmark – climb the tower for amazing views. • Wiener Musikverein – End the day with music in the golden hall of this world-famous concert venue. Day 3 • Palais Kinsky – A hidden baroque treasure right in Vienna’s city center. • Café Schwarzenberg – Classic Ringstraße charm and rich coffeehouse history await. • Spittelberg – Wander cobblestone streets and enjoy the cozy, artsy side of Vienna. • Parlament – Join a tour through Austria’s political heart in this majestic neoclassical building. • Prater – Ride the Riesenrad and feel the nostalgic magic of Vienna’s historic amusement park. Follow @tobi.eulerrolle for more Vienna tips! ⭐️ . . . . #vienna #wien #thingstodoinvienna #viennaitinerary #viennaguide ♬ original sound – Tobi Euler-Rolle, Vienna Guide Flights to the Austrian city start from as little as £37 on Skyscanner, so get booking. Just a £12 train ride from Vienna is Prague, another popular suggestion from our readers. From major UK airports in London, Birmingham and Manchester, flights start from £35. Prague is one of our readers’ top choices for a winter city break (Picture: Getty Images) Facebook user Sissa Sevelda described the Czechia capital as ‘mystical’ in the winter, with its Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral, and Klementinum, a stunning Baroque library. You’ll even be able to witness the lamplighters in the city, who manually light the street lights in the evening. Another reader, Lynn Carr, suggested Prague as a great stopover on a twin-city break, if you’re heading to the likes of Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary (both also in Czechia). @takemyhearteverywhere A Christmas tradition in Prague you’ve probably never heard of ✨🕯️ Every year from December 1st, a man dressed as a historical lamplighter walks across Charles Bridge, lighting each gas lamp by hand — just like in the 1800s. No music, no stage. Just flickering lights, icy air, and a fairytale glow over the Vltava River. 📍 Where: Charles Bridge, Prague 📅 When: Daily from December 1st during the festive season 🕰️ Time: Around 4 PM (just before sunset) This quiet little ritual is one of the most magical ways to start the Christmas season in Prague. 📌 Save this for your winter getaway ♬ Polar Express – 🎃- Toby -🎃 ‘Both are magical in the winter,’ she says. Cesky Krumlov is a two-hour drive from the capital, with an International Folklore Festival and The Castle Stairs which look stunning in the dark. Karlovy Vary is just an hour-and-a-half away from Prague, and offers a great hike up to its Diana Lookout Tower which overlooks the town. Reader Yasmin Oxford suggested Tromsø, a small island city in Norway, and its major draw is it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights. Known as a ‘gateway to the Arctic’, it has magical activities available like dog sledding and whale watching – plus you’ve got a solid chance of seeing snow. @thechaosdiaries A complete Tromsø travel guide This is my second time in Tromsø, so I’ve used bits we did in each trip to make this travel guide for you! ❤️ ☕️ Cosy cafes Risø Kaffebar Smørtorget Svermeri Kafé og Redesign 🍲 Places to eat lunch/dinner Art Café Bistro Størhus McDonald’s (this is silly but it’s the northernmost in the world and they do sweet potato fries lol) 💫 Tours Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Whale watching, we booked with Polar Adventures Northern lights tour with Northern Horizon Arctic road trip with northern soul adventure 🏫 Things to do in the city Fjellheisen cable car Polar museum Tromsø library Pust floating sauna Arctic cathedral 🌌 Northern lights viewing Any of the residential areas in town Prestvannet Lake Telegrafbukta beach Fjellheisen cable car 🧤 What to wear Woollen base layer, liner gloves + gloves on top, double socks, spikes for shoes, warm jumper, ski pants/hiking trousers, wind proof jacket, warm hat, snood #travel #norway #tromsø #tromso ♬ original sound – Alicia ✨ Travel Blogger If you’re a runner, there’s the Polar Night Half Marathon, or maybe you’d just prefer to feed the reindeer. ‘Anywhere that’s chilly, with excellent cuisine and has lit candles on the table at midday,’ Yasmin adds. Flights to the city start at around £50 with WizzAir – sounds like a steal to us. Forget your classic city break — I spent 24 hours in the ‘Paris of the North’ Our Travel Editor Alice Murphy made a flying visit to Tromsø earlier this year, and found a place that’s surprisingly refined, with plenty to see beyond the Northern Lights. Check out her 24-hour guide here. ‘Reykjavik beautiful at Christmas,’ reader Wayne Kinder comments. It has several annual Christmas markets on offer, coupled with incredible sights like Hallgrímskirkja church and Klambratún park. When it comes to cuisine he Icelandic hot dog is a must-try, often considered the best in the world – made with a blend of lamb, beef, and pork. Reykjavik is a great base for seeing the Northern Lights (Picture: Getty Images) And like all Scandi cities worth their salt, Reykjavik boasts excellent café culture. Just picture yourself nibbling on hearty Icelandic delicacies such as rye bread topped with butter or smoked salmon, coffee in hand, beside a roaring fire. Ok, it’s not in Europe, but no winter city break list would be complete without The Big Apple. Recommended by readers Orsolya Horvath, Caroyln Magor and Wayne Kinder, it’s a favourite for a good reason. @nytoanywhere NYC first snowfall of 2022 ❄️ #nyc #snowfall #nycsnow #nycwinter #snowday ♬ this is what falling in love feels like – JVKE From Central Park, taking a helicopter ride over the Hudson, the Christmas tree at Rockerfeller Centre, or enjoying a Broadway show, there’s no shortage of things to do. Our very own senior reporter, Courtney Pochin, spent just £37 in New York each day when she visited, praising the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner and the Radio City Music Hall. While flights start from £235, you can stay at the Riu Plaza Times Square, where rooms from £112 per night. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
