November 2024

Your favourite cities to visit this winter

Cosy fires and dustings of snow, or basking in the winter sunshine – which one would you choose this festive period? To give you inspiration either way, we’ve asked some frequent flyers and Executive Club members where’s highest on their winter hit lists

Vienna

Says who? Travel writer and editor Harriet Cooper

Vienna is magical in wintertime. Wrap up warm and wander the historic Old Town (Innere Stadt), where photogenic façades and independent shops line the cobblestone streets and squares. There are the twinkling festive markets, of course, but even in January, when the scent of glühwein is a distant memory, the city is still wildly romantic, especially when dusted with a sprinkling of snow. When you’ve had your fill of wedding-cake palaces, outdoor ice rinks, St Stephan’s Cathedral – spectacular when silhouetted against a dark, wintry sky – and all those Klimts, cosy up in one of the famous cafés for hot chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte. At this time of year, you’ll get the best tables without a queue.

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Geneva

Says who? Airbus A320 Captain Katie Anderson

Geneva stands out as my favourite city to visit in winter. Whether wandering around the enchanting Christmas markets, stopping off somewhere warm for a hot chocolate or having fondue and mulled wine by the lake at La Buvette des Bains, it really is one of the best cities to help get you into the festive mood. If you’re there for longer, it’s easy to head out on the slopes and get your winter sports fix. Personally, though, I’ll stick to relaxing somewhere cosy by a warm fire!

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Dubrovnik

Says who? Travel writer Annie Lewis

For history buffs hoping to escape to Europe, look no further than Dubrovnik to get your winter sun fix. Having made headlines as a filming location in Game of Thrones, there’s much more to this Croatian city than meets the eye. Don’t miss absorbing panoramic views of the Dalmatian coastline via several scenic cycling routes, take to the surrounding crystal-clear waters by boat to visit the Elafiti Islands (and enjoy lunch on Lopud), try your hand at basketball at the City Wall Rooftop Court nestled amid terracotta roofs in the Old Town, all before delving deeper into the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour.

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Reykjavik

Says who? Bronze Member Nireeksha Rajeev

From boiling hot geysers shooting out of the ground to hot springs and floating icebergs, Reykjavik’s diverse landscape is fascinating and constantly changing. Seeking the northern lights? Head to Austurey cottages in Laugarvatn, where less light pollution means you might get to watch the aurora borealis dance. The Viking tradition of eating hákarl (fermented shark served on a toothpick followed by a shot of Brennivín) is a must try and, if you have the time, drive to Silfra within Thingvellir National Park and take a dive. The fissure is filled with crystal-clear spring water, and, remarkably, is the only place in the world where you can dive between two different continents.

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New Delhi

Says who? Frequent flyer Florence Achery

Marrying tradition and forward thinking, New Delhi is a rich city of culture with more than 600 temples to explore including the Bahá’í House of Worship, aka Lotus Temple, set in a large park with manicured lawns. For boutiques showcasing Indian designers, head to the Dhan Mill next. I always recommend Bombay Club for a spot of lunch to guests of my India-based yoga retreats, followed by Colocal for a chocolatey sweet treat (plus you can have a tour of the chocolate-making process). During the winter, walking tours are much more pleasurable, and a stroll through Lodhi Art District never fails to please. There are more than 50 murals bursting with colour to admire.

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