Revealed: The Most Romantic Winter City Breaks

After a hectic year, winter city breaks are the perfect pick-me-up with our partners. There is nothing quite like wrapping up warm, exploring a new city and getting into the festive period with the people we love. Winter is one of the most romantic times to travel, with sparkling Christmas markets, snowy scenery, fairytale cobbled streets and multiple mugs of mulled wine, but which are the most romantic city breaks in the world?

Engagement and wedding experts at Queensmith, have analysed 35 cities, ranking them on factors such as the chance of snowfall, the number of romantic attractions, restaurants and hotels per 100,000, most Instagrammed Christmas markets and divorce rates to reveal the most wonderful romantic city breaks to experience with the one you love this winter.

Ranked top as the most romantic city break away is the UK beauty spot, Bath. With 97 romantic activities per 100,000, you can take a stroll through its quaint streets hand in hand, enjoy a soak in the natural thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa, browse the shops and cosy up in one of the 28 romantic hotels.

Bath is definitely one of the best winter city breaks for couples that love heritage and appreciate Georgian architecture, Jane Austen-esque romance and the comfort of a high-end boutique hotel with a roaring fireplace.

Ranked in second place for a romantic winter city break is the quiet little city of Bruges in Belgium. Possibly one of the most adorable, quaint medieval cities in Europe, winter in Bruges is charming and magical. The fairytale landscape of this town, with its tranquil canals, intoxicating waffle and chocolate scent, festive Christmas market ambience and cosy restaurants, is the perfect festive getaway in Europe for you and your partner.

This city is best for the fairytale dreamers who want to feel like they’ve stepped into a gingerbread village. It’s for those who prefer slow walks over cobblestones and quiet, candlelit dinners in centuries-old buildings.

In third place came Scotland's capital, Edinburgh. With its stunning historical architecture, romantic walks such as Arthur’s Seat and the bustling Royal Mile with plenty of cute restaurants and bars, it’s no surprise that this Scottish city came third. Edinburgh also placed as having the third most picturesque Christmas market with over 44,381 posts on Instagram. With the impressive castle as its backdrop, you can’t get much more fairytale-esque than that.

This is a good winter city break for an atmospheric adventure couple who love a bit of drama, gothic history, and don't mind a bit of "moody" weather as long as there is a warm pub at the end of the hill.

Krakow, one of the most popular cities in Poland, both among locals and visitors, ranked fourth in our study. Home to the largest medieval town square in Europe, Krakow’s Main Square offers an unforgettable romantic experience. With short days and cold nights, as well as a 49% chance of snowfall, Krakow provides the perfect excuse for you and your loved one to warm up with mulled wine and indulge in some hearty Polish food, which you can find in abundance at the large Christmas market.

This city ranks among the best winter city breaks in Europe, and will be the highlight for those who want a high-end experience without the London or Paris price tag. It’s for those who love hearty, traditional food and the hum of live jazz in an intimate setting. U Babci Maliny or the various jazz clubs in Kazimierz offer a subterranean escape where stone walls and flickering candles make the freezing temperatures outside feel a world away.

Bursting with history, culture, gothic, awe-inspiring architecture, and breathtaking views, Prague ranked fifth as a winter city you and your partner should visit this year. With a 42% chance of snowfall, enjoy the white-covered fairytale landscape. Prague is one of the most popular winter getaway destinations, ranking fourth overall with 12,700 Google searches from December to January.

Skip the large tourist boats and hire a small, heated mahogany boat for a private tour. Gliding under the Charles Bridge with a blanket and a glass of Svařák (mulled wine) provides a 360-degree view of the "City of a Hundred Spires" in total privacy.

Prague is popular as one of the best city breaks in January, especially for couples looking for a ‘cinematic’ moment.

If you are looking for the most romantic city breaks in the UK, then below are our top 10 destinations. Apart from Bath and Edinburgh, which we have mentioned, Manchester comes in the third place, with vibrant culture, rich industrial history and world-class football.

London, in the fourth place, is an ideal city for those who love the festive atmosphere, dazzling light display on Regent Street, cosy pubs and world-class museums. For those looking for a place to propose in Central London, read our article: Where to Propose in Central London.

December to February is the best time for a winter city break, so we wanted to find out which cities are the most searched for during this period.

The most popular destination over winter was New York with 32,800 Google searches over the months December to February. The city boasts plenty of holiday activities for couples like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, light festivals and several holiday markets.

In second place was Amsterdam with 21,600 Google searches from December to February. The colder months are a magical time to visit the Dutch capital, with cosy nights, hearty food and twinkly lights over the canals. With an abundance of luxurious hotels, romantic restaurants and scenic spots for loved-up moments it’s not surprising that it is so highly searched throughout winter.

It’s no surprise that the French capital, Paris made an appearance in the top three, ranking third popular over winter. Paris, the city of love, makes a perfect romantic getaway any time of the year, but winter in Paris is particularly romantic with several Christmas markets, festive lights and beautiful landmarks. You could climb the twinkling Eiffel Tower with your loved one and take in all the sights.

Christmas markets are a staple part of the festive season – there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether in the UK or overseas, it’s the time cities and towns transform into magical winter wonderlands, known for mulled wine, fairy lights, roasted chestnuts, stalls selling unique Christmas decorations and fun rides. Whether in the UK or overseas, Christmas markets make great date day or night ideas, so we’ve analysed the Instagram hashtags of Christmas markets to discover which are the most picturesque!

In first place, and perhaps surprisingly so, was Advent in Zagreb which takes place in Croatia. Known for its blue seas and glorious sunshine the country doesn’t normally come to mind when you think of Christmas, but with 70,384 posts using the hashtag #adventuzagrebu, it tops the list as the most photographed Christmas market. Zagreb's Advent offers a rich cultural and entertaining experience with a multitude of events during which the Croatian capital lives in a special atmosphere.

In second place is one situated right here in the UK, and it isn’t London’s Winter Wonderland! The most picturesque Christmas market in the UK and the 2nd most photographed in Europe was, in fact, the Manchester Christmas market, with 54,364 posts on Instagram including #manchesterchristmasmarkets.

In third place was another popular UK Christmas market in Edinburgh. Surrounded by stunning architecture and with the castle in the not-so-distant background, it is no surprise there are 44,381 posts on Instagram with the hashtag #edinburghchristmasmarket, making it the third most picturesque in Europe.

Whether you are staying in the UK or venturing off on a winter city break, the festive season makes for many romantic moments which are sure to warm your heart and make for a gorgeous proposal opportunity, which is where our Christmas engagement rings come in! If you are thinking of popping the question this winter or planning on getting engaged on holiday, take a look at our selection of ready-to-wear classic design engagement rings or create a unique ring of your own – our diamond engagement ring experts are on hand to help you create your ring, your way. We’re here to help you make some beautiful memories.

Alternatively, view our bride-to-be Christmas gift guide for present ideas this festive season.