My Favourite European Destinations Perfect For Last-Minute Winter City Breaks (4 0f 8)

Where has 2018 gone?! Whether you have to use up remaining holiday at work or you just fancy getting away, here are my top 8 European destinations for last-minute winter city breaks.

Visiting Florence in the winter months is perfect for a last-minute getaway. Having been there during the summer with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s, going in December is refreshing!

Less busy with tourists, wandering around is made a little easier too, although don’t be fooled, it can still be crowded with as many queues!

Not only will you have the likes of the Duomo, Uffizi and Academia to visit, you’ll also have the Santa Croce Christmas market* as the city becomes slowly enveloped in holiday festivities.

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There’s quite a lot to see in Florence. You can easily spend two days there and still feel like you need more time. I’ve been twice and I’m already thinking of planning a third trip!

*The Santa Croce Christmas market closes on 20 December in 2018.

If you can – this winter or next – try to take a trip to Florence. While you’re there, here are the main things I think you need to make time for, especially if it’s your first visit:

Things to see and do

- Duomo – Florence Cathedral
- San Lorenzo Market (Mercato Centrale)
- The Uffizi Gallery
- Santa Croce Christmas Market
- Academia
- Tower of Palazzo Vecchio
- Try Bistecca alla Fiorentina
-Piazza Michelangelo

Next up is the city bursting with ancient monuments, architecture, art and landmarks you’ve surely heard people talking about. Rome’s a cool place to spend a long weekend in winter. It’s easy to get around the city and there’s so many things to see.

The hardest thing will be deciding what activities or attractions to add to your list if you’re only there for a couple of days. With that in mind, here’s what I think is worth a visit if you’re short on time.

Prague in the Czech Republic is amazing. When it snows, it creates a magical feeling. If you’re able to visit Prague Castle during your trip (it should be on your list for sure), you’ll have fantastic views across the city as snow glistens on rooftops and city lights twinkle down below.

With very cold temperatures you’ll need to wrap up warm, and when I say you’ll need a few layers – it’s no joke! When I was there, real feel temperatures were -17°! I had three layers of clothing and was still freezing!

The city has popular Christmas markets either in the Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square if you want to get in the festive spirit.

Things to see and do

- Prague Castle
- Charles Bridge
- Old Town Square
- Astronomical Clock
- Take a tram ride
-Visit a Jazz Republic

Home of the famous Berlin Wall, built during the Cold War and which divided Germany’s East and West sides for more than 20 years, Berlin now buzzes with cool vibes.

You still feel the history. The wall, part of which is now dubbed the East Side Gallery – a now preserved section – has great meaning. Once deep in suppression, the city is now full of character, culture and a lot of cool graffiti!

There are a couple of things you must see if you visit. Make sure these make your travel schedule:

Things to see and do

- Brandenburg Gate
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews
- Alexander Platz
- The Berliner Dome – Berlin Cathedral
- Friedrichstraße
- Potsdamer Platz
- The Reichstag building and dome

If you’re able to, try and visit Sanssouci Palace. Covered in a light dusting of snow, it made this gorgeous building sparkle even more. The whole atmosphere was picture perfect – snowy and icy!

So, where is this popular destination in Europe? It's mostly associated with wooden clogs, windmills and tulips....

To see if you guessed right and my other 4 favourite destinations for a winter break, visit riavistas.com