Best Cities for a Romantic Winter Escape

Keep the fire burning with a snow-capped getaway for two.

For couples looking for the most snow-laden adventure, we’ve conducted some research to help curate the perfect romantic winter break. We looked at flight and hotel prices from the UK to the 50 snowiest cities in the world. We then looked at the number of hashtags each city had on Instagram to see how photogenic they are, and their historical patterns of snowfall over the last decade, to understand how likely you are to experience snowy weather when visiting them.

We scored each city on these four factors and ranked them out of 100. Read on to find out which cities were ranked as the top romantic winter destinations.

In the realm of enchanting winter adventures, Prague comes out on top as the quintessential destination for a spontaneous and romantic winter getaway. Among the 50 analysed snowy cities in the study, Prague captures the hearts of couples seeking a last-minute retreat. With over 18 million Instagram hashtags, the city is the perfect backdrop for couples seeking to immortalise their love story.

Prague not only excels in the social media landscape but also proves to be the economical choice for Valentine's Day getaways. The average cost of return flights from the UK in February stands at a modest £165 per person, making it the most budget-friendly city for couples. Adding to its appeal, Prague 3-star hotels are affordable with prices as low as £18 per room (£9 per person). This price point secures Prague's position as the second cheapest city overall for accommodation.

When it comes to experiencing a winter wonderland, couples visiting Prague can anticipate approximately 11 days of snowfall in February, setting the stage for a truly magical experience. Prague has a fairytale-like ambiance and provides an unparalleled backdrop for romance in the month of love.

Stockholm secured the coveted second spot in the study and the city invites couples to a winter wonderland characterised by 13 days of snowfall in February. This Nordic getaway combines historical charm with modern elegance, offering the perfect environment for romantic getaways. With a score of 79 out of 100, and over 14 million Instagram hashtags, Stockholm captivates with its scenic beauty, including the bewitching Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the mesmerising Royal Palace. 

As the third-ranking romantic winter escape, Detroit in the heart of Michigan USA emerges as an unexpected winner for romantic retreats. With 12 days of snowfall, the city transforms into a snow covered wonderland, offering couples a unique blend of urban charm and winter delight. Boasting a score of 73 out of 100 and with 15 million Instagram hashtags, Detroit surprises with its affordability, making it an accessible destination for couples seeking a cosy winter experience. 

For couples seeking an immersive and picture-perfect winter wonderland, the Japanese cities of Niseko, Sapporo, and Nagano are snowfall marvels that promise a beguiling and romantic escape. In particular, Niseko stands out as the ultimate destination for snow seekers, boasting the highest snowfall among all cities analysed in our study. With an astounding 125 days of annual snowfall and an impressive 24 days of snow in February, Niseko is the ideal destination for couples wanting to immerse themselves in a romantic Valentine’s landscape.

Sapporo and Nagano secure the second and third positions respectively and are both compelling destinations for a snowy escape. With 22 days of snow in February, Sapporo invites couples to experience winter charm but is also an ideal location for social media enthusiasts - boasting over 5 million Instagram hashtags. Nagano follows closely behind Sapporo with 21 days of snow in February and over 2 million Instagram hashtags, solidifying its status as one of the most Instagrammable snowy cities to explore during the month of love.

For couples seeking a snowy romantic escape in February without breaking the bank, Riga, Copenhagen, and Vilnius emerge as the ultimate budget-friendly destinations. Riga, Latvia, takes the top spot in this category and not only offers a picturesque winter wonderland (with almost 4 million Instagram hashtags), but also provides an affordable retreat. 

The average return flights from the UK to Riga are a pocket-friendly £190, and accommodations start at a low of £16 per night for a room (£8 per person). With an inviting 12 days of snowfall in February, Riga positions itself as one of the most budget-friendly snowy cities, making it an ideal choice for UK couples seeking affordability without compromising on the magic of winter.

Vilnius, Lithuania, is another gem on the budget-friendly list, boasting 17 days of snowfall in February. The average flights from the UK are reasonably priced at £197, and accommodations start at a modest £13.50 per person. Vilnius not only captures the essence of a winter wonderland but also stands out as the most economical destination when considering the cost per day of snow.

For those inclined toward an economical Valentine's Day getaway, Snow+Rock's analysis unveils the top 10 cheapest cities for flight prices and accommodation costs for a six-night stay. Prague in Czechia takes the lead with a combined cost of £219, followed by Copenhagen, Riga, Stockholm, and Kaunas.

Snow+Rock Clothing Buyer Lorna Glover advised couples on how to prepare for a romantic city break in one of these snowy cities: “If you are planning on visiting any of these beautiful snowy cities, make sure you’ve got thermals, insulated coats and accessories like hats and gloves to keep you warm. For baselayers beneath your insulated coat, try to go for warm materials like merino wool or synthetics to ensure you both stay warm.”

Lorna continues, “You should also remember to make extra space in your travel luggage, as warm clothes - especially clothes designed for snow such as snow boots or jackets - tend to take up more space. If you’re going to be taking a lot of pictures, or asking others to take them for you, you might consider putting a protective plastic cover over your phone so that it isn't damaged by wet or blizzard conditions. It is also worth remembering that phone batteries are affected by cold conditions, so might need re-charging more than usual."

As you gear up for your romantic winter adventure in one of our recommended snowy cities, ensuring warmth and safety is vital. Snow+Rock is your ultimate companion in winter escapades, and has a selection of products to make your romantic journey memorable and comfortable.

Prepare for the winter wonder with our selection of insulated snow jackets designed to keep you warm in even the coldest of climates. For those Instagram-worthy walks in the snow-covered streets, our selection of snow boots provides both style and protection, making every step a joyous one.

With Snow+Rock, embark on your romantic winter escape fully equipped to embrace the beauty of the season.