If you’re looking to book a trip with a difference, have you ever thought of heading for colder climes instead of the sun, sea and sand combo? A winter wonderland that offers bucket loads of charm and festive spirit? Some cities just do winter well. The excitement of wrapping up and heading out to discover a new destination, or simply enjoying the cooler months of those cities that never dip below warm. You just need to know where to go.
Take a look at our top picks of the best places to visit in winter:
New York in winter
New York is made for winter. It’s all about the magical lights, snow-covered sights and plenty of seasonal attractions that will keep you entertained over the colder months. Tour the winter festivals and take to the ice in Central Park. Witness the giant Christmas tree light up at the Rockefeller Center, and cosy up with the comfort dishes this city does well. New York is full of excitement and festive spirit. For more details on all of these winter activities that make it one of the best places to visit in winter, check out our guide on New York in Winter.
London in winter
London is a magical city in winter. There’s cosy pubs with roaring fireplaces, ice-rinks with a backdrop of famous city monuments, and plenty of department stores with impressive winter sales. And for a day of festive fun, head to Winter Wonderland. Hyde Park is taken over by this Christmas extravaganza, that over the years has evolved into a huge festival. Reason alone for why London is one of the best places to visit in winter. There’s chalet-style stalls for trinket browsing, beer and mulled wine tents to quench your thirst and over 100 rides and attractions to enjoy. For more itinerary inspiration, have a read of our London in Winter guide.
Hong Kong in winter
Calling all shoppers! Winter is the time to visit Hong Kong if retail therapy is on your agenda. But the city has so much more to offer at this time of year also. Between December and February, the weather is a little cooler, much dryer, and far less humid, making it the perfect time to explore. There’s theme park fun to be had and Carnival season to get involved in. Embark on one of the many hiking trails enjoyed by the locals, then pitch up at one of the secluded beaches you come across to relax. Need we say more? All the details are on our Winter in Hong Kong guide.
Chicago in winter
The Windy City transforms into a winter wonderland between the months of December and March. Temperatures drop to below freezing, and snowfall can be dramatic. But Chicago is built for winter. There’s plenty of indoor attractions and outdoor activities that will keep you busy at this time of year. Perfect your pirouette on the ice in Millennium Park and witness Lincoln Park Zoo twinkle in over 2.5 million lights. Feel the festive spirit at the Christkindlmarket, where European charm meets international flair. Then tick off the many world-class indoor attractions like 360 Chicago, Skydeck and the Architecture Center. For the full low down, check out our guide on Chicago in Winter.
Dubai in winter
Dubai pretty much has two seasons: hot and hotter, so a good city to head to if you’re looking for some winter sun. Between November and March the temperature levels at around a mild 27-degrees, so beaches, sightseeing and bus tours are all very much on the itinerary. A great time to venture into the desert or to tick off a tour of the impressive architecture. For more reasons why Dubai is one of the best places to visit in winter, check out our guide.
So there you have our top picks for the best places to visit in winter. From snow-covered cities to winter sun destinations, we’re confident you won’t regret booking one of these world-famous options. And one way to tick off your sightseeing list, is to hop aboard a Big Bus tour. Operating through every season, we’ll take you to all the best bits all these cities have to offer…and then some. Enjoy!
