Search icon

Life

02nd Dec 2022

5 deadly destinations for a last-minute city break this winter

Ann Cronin

Brought to you by An Post 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Planning a last-minute getaway? At this time of year, a winter weekend away can be just what you need to get into the festive spirit.

If you’re craving a cheeky city break in the lead-up to Christmas, the good news is you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to locations. Whether it’s a weekend away with the lads, a couple’s break abroad or a festive getaway with family, there are loads of European cities that make the perfect setting for a winter holiday.

With that in mind, we’re taking a look at some top spots for a winter city break, to help you plan a last-minute trip away.

And when it comes to funding your winter getaway, An Post Money can help with all your currency conversion queries.

With many popular locations using different currencies, it’s so important to be able to have on-demand access to any cash you need during your trip. With the An Post Money Currency Card, you can pre-add all the money you need and enjoy a 0% commission on your foreign currency transactions, making managing money on your next holiday hassle-free.

The An Post Money Currency Card is a prepaid Mastercard that also gives you some extra peace of mind when spending abroad, offering customers some handy security features like a 24/7 global assistance service, access to emergency cash if your card is lost or stolen and the option to freeze your card through the app if it’s lost or stolen.

You can sign up today by downloading the An Post Money app from the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting your nearest Post Office

With all of these handy tips in mind, here’s some destination inspiration for your next city break…

Edinburgh, Scotland

When it comes to last-minute breaks, few locations are quite as convenient as Edinburgh. A quick 1-hour flight from Dublin, it’s perfect for a speedy weekend away with the lads before Christmas.

Popular attractions include the likes of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, Arthur’s Seat and a whole host of locations that inspired the Harry Potter series, but the varied and lively nightlife is one of the real pulls of this Scottish city. With loads of award-winning pubs and clubs to choose from, it’s an unbeatable location for anyone looking to enjoy a couple of nights out somewhere new.

Krakow, Poland

Poland has long been a popular spot for winter holidayers, and it’s easy to see why. Krakow is perfect for a large group trip as it has a huge variety of attractions, meaning there’s surely something here for everyone to enjoy.

Steeped in history, anyone looking to journey back in time should visit the Salt Mines and Wawel Royal Castle. For anyone looking to do some cheap Christmas shopping, Poland is known for being extremely affordable, making Krakow the perfect spot to pick up some last-minute gifts.

Prague, Czech Republic

If good food and drink are a priority for your next trip away, a weekend in Prague is sure to tick all the boxes. The Czech capital has lots of tasty restaurants to dine in during your stay, many of which are fairly reasonably priced too.

Prague’s impressive architecture is really something to behold, making an hour spent strolling around Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square an attraction in itself. A visit to Prague Castle or a boat trip along the city’s gorgeous riverbanks will also leave you marvelling at this destination’s incredible buildings.

Zurich, Switzerland

At this time of year, a visit to a city with a bit of snowfall is sure to get you into the festive spirit. In December and January, winter begins in the Swiss city of Zurich, making it the perfect spot to visit if you want to experience a white Christmas.

Like Prague, Zurich is also well-known for its architectural marvels, so be sure to stop by the Old Town and Rötteln Castle during your stay. In terms of attractions, make time for a stroll around the quiet car-free neighbourhood of Niederdorf and for history and art fans, Zurich has several interesting museums to check out during your visit.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm might not be the first spot you’d think of when planning a winter city break but the capital city of Sweden has a lot to offer tourists at this time of year.

A walk around Stockholm’s island-based Old Town is a must, where you’ll get to stroll around cobblestone streets and admire some stunning historic architecture. A visit to the Royal Palace is amazing at any time of year while, in winter, a visit to the Kungsträdgården ice skating rink is fun for all ages.

To find out more about the An Post Money Currency Card services, click HERE

An Post Money Currency Card is issued by PPS EU SA pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PPS EU SA is authorised by the National Bank of Belgium and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. An Post is authorised by the Minister for Finance to provide Foreign Currency Cash.

Brought to you by An Post Money

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge