The World’s Most Beautiful Cities in Winter, According To Science

• Hotel chain Premier Inn has conducted an eye-tracking study to find out the UK’s most beautiful cities to visit this winter 

• The historic city of York takes the top spot as the most beautiful winter city in the UK, as well as placing second globally, followed by Liverpool and London 

• Two Scottish cities, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, also feature in the UK’s top five 

• Just a stone’s throw away, Dublin places in the top three globally

• Further afield, Boston ranks in first, with Cologne (4th) and Stockholm (5th) also among the top five 

With the latter part of the year rapidly approaching, and the temperature beginning to drop, Premier Inn has conducted an eye-tracking study of some of the world’s most beloved cities to find out which come into their own during the winter. Including 72 cities from around the world, the research reveals which cities are most visually appealing, even in the colder weather.  

Ranking not only as the UK’s top city to visit in winter, but also the second most beautiful globally, is the Northern city of York. Known for its architectural beauty as well as rich history, York is one of the most instantly recognisable cities in the country, thanks to the imposing York Minster cathedral. With plenty of cosy pubs in which to spend an afternoon, and narrow streets such as the famous Shambles taking on an atmospheric feel during chillier days, the city takes on a whole new identity during the winter months. 

Liverpool follows in second place, with the darker days offering visitors the chance to experience a different side of the Royal Albert Dock and Waterfront, as the glistening lights of the city reflect off the River Mersey. The nation’s capital, London, completes the top three.  

Two Scottish cities make it into the top five; Edinburgh in fourth place, with Aberdeen in fifth, while Glasgow also places among the UK’s top 10.  

UK’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Winter Cities  

Winter in York: The historical city of York is the perfect backdrop for the chilly and sometimes gloomy winter months, with the Gothic architecture of the city coming into its own when cloaked in fog or mist during damper days – it’s easy to imagine yourself walking through the streets as a character in a Dickensian novel. With quaint alleyways and warm pubs aplenty, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to tuck themselves in a cosy corner, perhaps at the Golden Fleece, the Guy Fawkes Inn, or for those who’d prefer a warming cup of tea, Betty’s Tearoom. 

Winter in Liverpool: Known for its warmth and friendliness, Liverpool is a welcoming city all year round, including in winter. The mix of modern buildings and historic architecture provides a unique backdrop, with twinkling lights from buildings and decorations casting a glow over the city. The Albert Dock with its many restaurants and cafes is a great place to hide away from the cold while you look over the water, while it’s also a great time to visit some of the city’s bigger attractions like The Beatles Story Museum, the Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool while they have fewer visitors.  

Winter in London: London is a city that thrives all year round, and winter is no different. With spectacular seasonal displays lining Regent Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street, there’s plenty to see and do. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy many of the city’s oldest pubs and sit by a roaring fire, such as at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, or enjoy a theatre show in the West End to stay out of the cold. 

Winter in Edinburgh: Another city that takes on a mystical feel in the winter, Edinburgh is a delight to explore in the colder months. The magnificent Edinburgh Castle is a great place to explore during the day, as well as the rest of the Royal Mile and the Old Town. For those who prefer a brisk walk to warm themselves up, both Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat are brilliant spots for a winter hike, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.  

Winter in Aberdeen: The second Scottish city to feature in the top five, alongside Edinburgh, Aberdeen’s location near mountains and lochs makes it the perfect stop off as part of a wintery trip in the countryside. Known as the ‘Granite City’ thanks to its grey-stone architecture, any frosty days add a shimmer to the buildings, giving the city a mystical atmosphere which is quite lovely to experience. 

Most Beautiful Winter Cities Around the World  

Eye-tracking analysis of cities on a global scale revealed that Boston in the U.S. took the top spot across the world, capturing the attention of participants for an average 2.7s. York follows in second place for the UK, with Ireland’s Dublin completing the top three.  

Elsewhere in Europe, Cologne (4th) and Stockholm (5th) complete the top five, while Cappadocia (6th) and Tokyo (7th) rank as the most beautiful winter cities for Asia.  

Winter in Boston: A city known for its cold temperatures and snowstorms, Boston is a city that may well look like a winter wonderland if you visit between December and February. The city’s charming neighbourhoods, such as Beacon Hill, only look more picturesque when cloaked in snow, while the beautiful Boston Common becomes a hub for winter activities, such as ice skating, sledding and snow shoeing.  

Winter in York: As well as ranking as the most beautiful winter city in the UK, York also places second on the global stage. For those who enjoy spending time in the crisp winter air, Dean’s Park on the north side of York Minster is well worth a visit, particularly on frosty days, while a walk around the City Walls offers a different perspective on the city.  

Winter in Dublin: While Dublin isn’t often a city that sees snow in the winter months, it still has its own unique winter charm. If you’re visiting ahead of Christmas, many of the streets, including Grafton Street and O’Connell Street, will be adorned with Christmas lights, while pop-up markets such as the Dublin Christmas Market will also appear around the city. The Guinness Storehouse also makes the perfect attraction to visit, allowing visitors to learn about the famous drink and round it off with a taste at the Gravity Bar, which offers views across the city.  

Winter in Cologne: Christmas markets may be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to Cologne during wintertime, but there’s plenty more to explore. The majestic Kölner Dom is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Cologne’s most iconic landmark, with plenty to discover as it is also one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. For beautiful panoramic views of the city, you can also climb the 533 steps of the tower, which is sure to warm you up if it’s a bit chilly! 

Winter in Stockholm: Sweden is a country that comes into its own during the winter months, and Stockholm is no different. The Swedish tradition of Fika, a coffee break with pastries, is a must-do activity in one of the many cosy cafes that can be found in the city, while you could also hunt down a local sauna to help warm you back up after being in the cold. Why not take a walk along the waterfront, or winter boat tour around the Stockholm archipelago for a different perspective too.  

A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented: “Winter is a season that many people overlook when it comes to travel due to the colder temperatures, but it offers the opportunity to see a location in a completely different light. Crisp winter days, or even the gloomier more atmospheric ones, give a location a completely different feel and allow visitors to indulge in activities that they’d probably pass over in the summer – such as cosying up in a cafe with a hot drink, or exploring the indoor activities on offer, such as museums and galleries. All of the locations we’ve included in this study really come into their own during the winter months and give travellers the opportunity to break up the long winter months by exploring somewhere new.” 

A full breakdown of the best cities to see during winter can be found at: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2024/beautiful-winter-cities.html