Europe’s finest cities for a cultured winter break

While summer city breaks call to mind alfresco dinners, endless gelato and urban parks, winter breaks are all about atmosphere. That might be felt in your cosy central hotel, among the oil paintings at a world-class art museum, tasting specialities at an indoor food market or snapping the architecture against a crisp blue sky. As for your culture fix – these European capitals are studded with rich and distinctive local gems.

Dublin, Ireland

The vibe
Cosy pubs and Irish charisma

What to see
No one visits Dublin for its weather, so let days draw you indoors to the very finest culture at Trinity College, with its graceful Georgian architecture and handsome library containing the ninth-century Book of Kells. Then there are warming Jameson and Teeling Whiskey distillery tours, or the immersive Museum of Literature, which touches on local heroes James Joyce and Brendan Behan. The National Gallery of Ireland is free to explore, too. By evening, slip into intimate bistros such as Bloom Brasserie for Irish specialities including whiskey-glazed beef, ending up at a pub with a roaring fire, such as 1822-established The Duke. Extra points if the evening descends into lively trad music – try Madigan’s on O’Connell Street.

Where to stay
The Hotel Riu Plaza is in The Gresham, a historic landmark on O’Connell Street, and is handily located for the cosy delights of Trinity College, the Temple Bar area, theatres and shopping streets. Rooms were completely renovated in 2024 and it’s got a fresh feel inside, with interiors that perfectly balance comfort and grandeur. Fill up on its hearty breakfast buffet (included) before a day of exploring.

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London, UK

The vibe
Layered history and cosy corners

What to see
The British capital wears its layers of history proudly, from Westminster Abbey’s 1070s-built Tower of London to the futuristic skyscrapers of the City of London. Between these extremes are quaint Georgian squares, Victorian pubs and ornate, turn-of-the-century department stores. Other than simply wandering and appreciating the historic patchwork, head for the central British Museum. You could lose hours in this treasure trove of Polynesian statues, Egyptian mummies and Greek marbles. The cosiest dining and drinking spots are also the most historic: Gordon’s Wine Bar, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub and the 18th-century Rules restaurant, serving roasted game, pies and puddings.

Where to stay
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria puts you in one of the best-connected neighbourhoods for airport train and Tube lines across town. Handily situated for Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and two of the best West End theatres, the hotel has an inclusive buffet breakfast that sets you up for a day of sightseeing.

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Madrid, Spain

The vibe
Elegant plazas and fine art

What to see
Soak up the regal feel of the Spanish capital in grand, colonnaded Plaza Mayor, the French-influenced Royal Palace and the wedding-cake Crystal Palace glasshouse in Retiro Park. Next door is one of Europe’s best fine art museums, the Museo del Prado, containing imagination-sparking paintings by Bosch, El Greco, Titian and more. It has around 2,300 works, so it’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand. Afterwards, swing by the 1916-built covered Mercado de San Miguel for tapas under elegant steel arches. Later, head out well after 10pm to coincide with the city’s hyper-nocturnal social scene: perhaps to a low-lit flamenco club such as Corral de la Moreria to watch this blood-pumping style of dance.

Where to stay
Located in the heart of Gran Vía, Hotel Riu Plaza España could not be more central, being within walking distance of the Prado and Retiro Park, the Royal Palace and Mercado de San Miguel. In the morning, enjoy the large buffet breakfast that’s included in your stay. Come evening, discover an exquisite selection of cocktails and drinks at the exclusive Sky Bar on the 26th floor of the hotel, or visit the Rooftop Bar on the 27th floor. It has one of the best terraces in Madrid to offer 360º views, so it’s the perfect place to soak up the city from above.

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All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your London, Madrid or Dublin break now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.