Looking for the most romantic winter destinations in Europe for 2024? Europe being so close to us folks in the UK offers an easy option for UK travellers without having to take a long flight and waste precious holiday time. You can often find budget-friendly options and won't need to fly for more than a few hours to soak up a completely different culture and open your eyes to a different side of life in winter.

Plus, winter in Europe is a magical season, perfect for snuggling up with your other half and embarking on a romantic European getaway. If you're planning a surprise trip for your partner or a well-deserved romantic break, these 15 romantic winter destinations in Europe will warm both of your hearts even in the coldest months.

The 15 Most Romantic Winter Destinations in Europe

1. Paris - France

winter in paris as one of the most romantic winter destinations in europe
Paris, often dubbed the "City of Love," stands as THE romantic destination in Europe. Its allure lies in its cobbled streets, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, and its world-renowned cuisine. When winter descends, Paris takes on an even more enchanting aura, as its streets shimmer with sparkling lights, and the scent of freshly baked croissants fills the air.

Couples can sail down the Seine on a romantic boat ride, meander through the artistic Montmartre district, or linger at a charming café for an intimate evening. Be sure to reserve a table at Le Jules Verne, the Eiffel Tower's renowned restaurant, for breathtaking city views while savouring gourmet French cuisine.

How to Get There:
Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport from major UK cities. Eurostar trains from London are also a convenient option.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Le Meurice
  • Boutique: Hôtel de Ville
  • Budget: Generator Paris

What to Do:

2. Prague - Czech Republic

picture of prague in the winter getaways
Next on our list of the most romantic winter destinations in Europe is Prague. With its fairytale-like architecture and snow-dusted streets, Prague emerges as an idyllic winter haven for couples. The Old Town Square transforms into a scenic Christmas market, offering Czech pastries and artisanal gifts. A leisurely stroll along the Charles Bridge, framed by falling snowflakes, feels truly magical. For an extra dose of romance, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city's historic lanes, followed by a dinner reservation at the elegant Bellevue restaurant, celebrated for its panoramic vistas of Prague Castle. Prague in winter spoils tourists with its abundance of fun activities.

How to Get There:
Fly into Václav Havel Airport from major UK cities. Trains from other European cities are also an option.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel
  • Boutique: Hotel Golden Key
  • Budget: Hostel Rosemary

What to Do:

  • Wander through the Old Town Square Christmas market
  • Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride over Charles Bridge
  • Dine at Bellevue for a view of Prague Castle

3. Salzburg - Austria

woman walking in salzburg austria

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for "The Sound of Music," is another great choice for a romantic holiday in winter. Couples can explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering sweeping city panoramas, savour a slice of Sachertorte at one of the city's historic coffeehouses, or take a short train ride to Oberndorf where the classic Christmas carol Silent Night was composed. To add a touch of enchantment, enjoy a candlelit dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of Europe's oldest restaurants.

How to Get There:
Fly into Salzburg Airport from major UK cities. Trains and buses are available from other Austrian cities.

Where to Stay:

What to Do:

4. Amsterdam - the Netherlands

bike with snow on it in amsterdam above a canal in one of europe's most romantic winter destinations
Winter's can be harsh in Amsterdam, but aside from the weather there are plenty of fun things to do inside together. Amsterdam is bursting with world-class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, that are bound to keep you entertained and the Winter Parade festival adds a touch of festive magic. At night, drink with the locals in a cosy brown bar and top your night off with some warming bitterballen - the quintessential end to a Dutch night out.

How to Get There:
Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or take a train from other European cities.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Conservatorium Hotel
  • Boutique: Hotel Estherea
  • Budget: ClinkNOORD Hostel

What to Do:

  • Try fresh oliebollen
  • Attend the Winter Parade festival
  • Go Christmas gift shopping on the 9 Streets

5. Helsinki - Finland

helsinki Finland in the winter getaway for couples in europe

Finland’s capital city combines authenticity and modernity. With hundreds of parks, it is the perfect place to enjoy a nice and quiet walk around nature with your other half. But if you think that's boring, think again. Helsinki is also a fun winter destination for you to enjoy with your other half.

Where to stay in Helsinki

Here are some of our hot takes for the best hotels in town while you’re visiting Finland’s capital:

  • Including a pool: Come to the Hilton Helsinki Strand to enjoy the indoor pool and relax in the sauna.
  • With a modern design: Visit the Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel, located in downtown Helsinki.
  • Far from the hustle and bustle of the city: Korpilampi is an all-suite hotel with a golf course and beach just 600 feet away.

What to do in Helsinki

While Helsinki is not known for wild parties, it’s definitely a gem for art lovers and nature enthusiasts. Check out some of the activities you can do while you’re there:

6. Venice - Italy

venice italy in the winter is one of the best romantic destinations for couples

Another classic romantic European destination, with its romantic canals, gondolas and timeless architecture, Venice is an incredibly beautiful city for love birds. Another excellent benefit of visiting Venice in winter is the vastly less-crowded streets. Go bar hopping down the ancient alleyways at night and wander the streets with a warming coffee in hand by day.
Getting to Venice
The fastest and most inexpensive way to get there is by plane, as you can find cheap flights from London, Barcelona or Berlin. Alternatively, you can choose to land at Venice Treviso or Marco Polo airport, depending on your travel itinerary.
Where to stay in Venice
If you don’t already know, here’s a heads-up: Venice is filled with gorgeous hotels. Here are just some of them:

  • Luxury: Nani Mocenigo Palace, embedding true Italian-style grandeur in its walls.
  • Great view: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione, located directly on the waters of the famous lagoon city to reach the hotel by gondola.
  • Good location: Ateneo, located in the heart of the city and close to all the tourist attractions.

Romantic things to do in Venice
Have a Venetian weekend with our activity tips for The City of Canals.

7. Copenhagen

copenhagen is great for a couples holiday in winter
If you can handle the cold (and the hefty prices), Copenhagen is another great romantic winter holiday in Europe. During the day, we recommend taking a walking tour through the city to learn all about its varied history before popping into the modern art gallery - something Denmark is famous for! Afterwards, tuck into buttery Danish pastries in one of the many cafés, or view the sculptures at the SMK.

How to Get There:
Fly into Copenhagen Airport from major UK cities. Trains and buses from other Scandinavian cities are also available.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Nimb Hotel
  • Boutique: Hotel SP34
  • Budget: Steel House Copenhagen

What to Do:

8. Vienna - Austria

rooftops in vienna as snow falls in winter
Vienna's imperial palaces and striking architecture cast a captivating spell during winter. Visit the city's enchanting Christmas markets, attend classical music concerts, and sip on hot chocolate at the renowned Demel café. Take a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through the historical city centre or uncover the opulent decor of Schönbrunn Palace together.

How to Get There:
Fly into Vienna International Airport from major UK cities. Trains from other European cities are also available.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel Sacher Wien
  • Boutique: The Guesthouse Vienna
  • Budget: Wombat's City Hostel

What to Do:

  • Visit the city's famous Christmas markets
  • Drink Weihnachtspunsch
  • Attend a classical music concert

9. Lucerne - Switzerland
lucerne is one of the worlds most romantic places

In the Swiss Alps, Lucerne becomes a winter wonderland, with snow-clad peaks and a serene lake. Enjoy a romantic saunter across the Chapel Bridge, try Swiss cheese fondue at a cosy restaurant, and sail Lake Lucerne on a boat. The city's dramatic alpine backdrop sets the stage for unforgettable shared moments and makes Lucerne one of Europe's most romantic winter destinations.

How to Get There:
Fly into Zurich Airport and take a train to Lucerne.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel des Balances
  • Boutique: Hotel des Alpes
  • Budget: Backpackers Lucerne

What to Do:

10. Budapest - Hungary

winter in budapest - a view of snow falling on a castle in budapest
Budapest's thermal baths beckon with particular allure during the winter months. Couples can luxuriate in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Széchenyi Thermal Bath or Gellért Thermal Bath. Couples can the city's historical treasures, such as Buda Castle, and share an enchanting dinner cruise along the Danube River.

How to Get There:
Fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport from major UK cities.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
  • Boutique: Hotel Palazzo Zichy
  • Budget: Maverick City Lodge

What to Do:

  • Relax in Széchenyi or Gellért Thermal Bath
  • Explore Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion
  • Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Danube River

11. Ljubljana
stay in this romantic winter holiday in europe

Last on our list of the best romantic winter destinations in Europe is Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. A fairly unknown travel destination, Ljubljana has a picturesque old town, adorned with festive lights and snow-dusted streets that set the perfect ambience for couples. Explore the medieval Ljubljana Castle, stroll along the Ljubljanica River, and enjoy the lively Christmas market. Ljubljana's fairytale-like ambience and vibrant culture make it a delightful winter destination.

How to Get There:
Fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport from major UK cities. Trains and buses from other European cities are also available.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: InterContinental Ljubljana
  • Boutique: Hotel Cubo
  • Budget: Hostel Celica

What to Do:

  • Visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views
  • Stroll along the Ljubljanica River
  • Enjoy the Christmas market in the city centre

12. Bruges - Belgium

bruges is one of the most romantic european cities
Bruges is romantic all year long but in winter even more so. Step back in time as you wander the city’s canals, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture all while spending quality time with your other half. Enjoy a peaceful canal cruise, explore the beautiful Christmas market in the Market Square, and warm up with Belgian hot chocolate and waffles. Younger couples should note that Bruges has practically no night life, so if you're looking to party, this may not be the place for you.

How to Get There:
Fly into Brussels Airport and take a train to Bruges, or take a direct train from London.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel de Orangerie
  • Boutique: Hotel de Tuilerieën
  • Budget: St. Christopher's Inn Hostel

What to Do:

  • Take a romantic canal cruise
  • Visit the Christmas market in Market Square
  • Enjoy Belgian hot chocolate and waffles

13. Antwerp - Belgium

antwerp is one of the most romantic places in europe
Antwerp is a pint-sized Belgian city that offers a quaint and quiet trip during the winter season. The city's stunning architecture, including the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, and its bustling Christmas market create a festive and romantic atmosphere. Stroll through the historic centre, explore the city's museums, and indulge in Belgian cuisine and chocolates.

How to Get There:
Fly into Brussels Airport and take a train to Antwerp, or take a direct train from London.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel Julien
  • Boutique: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt
  • Budget: Antwerp Central Youth Hostel

What to Do:

  • Visit the Christmas market in the historic centre
  • Explore the Cathedral of Our Lady and its art collections
  • Sample Belgian beer, waffles and chocolates

14. Cambridge - UK
cambridge is one of the best winter destinations for couples

For a romantic winter escape without leaving the UK, Cambridge offers historic charm and picturesque scenery. Stroll along the River Cam, explore the stunning university colleges, and enjoy a cosy afternoon tea in one of the city’s charming tearooms. The city’s serene ambiance and beautiful architecture make it a delightful destination for a winter getaway.

How to Get There:
Take a train from London to Cambridge, which is about an hour’s journey.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: The Varsity Hotel & Spa
  • Boutique: Hotel du Vin & Bistro
  • Budget: YHA Cambridge

What to Do:

  • Take a punting tour on the River Cam
  • Explore the historic university colleges
  • Enjoy afternoon tea in a local tearoom

15. Zurich - Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, offers a charming winter escape with its picturesque old town and scenic lake views. The city’s festive Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and beautiful winter scenery make it a romantic destination for couples. Enjoy exploring Zurich’s historic sites, shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, and relaxing by the lake.

How to Get There:
Fly into Zurich Airport from major UK cities.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Badrutt's Palace Hotel
  • Boutique: Hotel Helmhaus
  • Budget: Zurich Youth Hostel

What to Do:

  • Visit the Christmas markets in the Old Town
  • Explore Bahnhofstrasse for shopping
  • Relax by Lake Zurich

Will you go to one of these Romantic Winter Destinations in Europe?

Make this winter memorable by spending it at one of these romantic winter destinations in Europe with the one you love the most. Whether you stay within the UK or fly to another country, you're bound to make priceless new memories you'll cherish forever.

Gift a Plane Ticket To Europe With A Flight Voucher
gift a flight with a flight gift card

Up the romance this winter by buying a flight gift card as present for your nearest and dearest. With a flight gift card, they'll be able to book a flight to one of these romantic winter destinations in Europe or thousands of other incredible destinations worldwide like:

With our airline vouchers, the world becomes your canvas to create the perfect winter getaway. Whether it's the enchanting streets of Paris, the picturesque charm of Prague, or the tranquil beauty of Bruges, our multi-airline gift vouchers are the best way to gift a flight. You just add a gift card value between £25 to £10,000 and send it for free worldwide either by email or in the post. This is a Christmas gift that's guaranteed to impress.