Published on
December 3, 2025
The Czech Republic is joining other leading European destinations like Spain, Italy, Poland, and France in an unprecedented tourism surge this festive season. As more travellers look for exciting Christmas getaways, these countries are emerging as the ultimate holiday hotspots. Whether it’s the cultural charm of Prague, the warmth of Spain, or the historic beauty of Italy, these countries are offering something for every type of traveller. With holiday bookings soaring, now is the perfect time to book your dream holiday. This trend isn’t just about beautiful destinations – it’s a reflection of how these countries have reinvented their tourism offerings, making them irresistible for those seeking a memorable and enriching Christmas escape. Don’t miss out! Your ultimate Christmas getaway awaits in Spain, Italy, Poland, France, and the Czech Republic. Get ready to experience the best of Europe this festive season!
A Surge in Bookings for European Cities
According to new findings from RateGain, a leading hotel booking analysis company, the demand for European city breaks this festive season is stronger than ever before. The study covers the period between December 20th and January 4th, showing a clear upward trend in bookings for European capitals. While cities like Paris and London remain the most sought-after, other cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, and Prague are seeing a notable rise in popularity.
The reason for this shift? Cities are offering more than just great sights and history. They’ve become immersive cultural experiences, with festive events, beautiful holiday markets, and sustainable tourism that meets the needs of modern travellers.
Paris and London: Still at the Top, But Facing Strong Competition
For years, Paris and London have been the most popular European cities, particularly during Christmas and New Year. These cities have it all: rich history, iconic landmarks, world-class shopping, and festive events. According to RateGain, Paris saw a 22% increase in bookings compared to last year, while London had an even more impressive 31% rise in bookings during the same period.
However, despite their popularity, both cities are facing stiff competition. The growth in these cities has slowed compared to other European capitals, suggesting that holidaymakers are now looking for new experiences in up-and-coming cities. The result? An exciting and fresh wave of destinations is gaining ground for city breaks during the holiday season.
Spain Leads the Way: Madrid and Barcelona Shine Bright
One of the most surprising findings in the RateGain analysis is how much Spain has grown in terms of tourism, with Madrid and Barcelona emerging as strong contenders in the festive city break market. Madrid has experienced a stunning 75% increase in bookings, making it the third most sought-after city for Christmas and New Year. Barcelona, with its unique charm and Mediterranean atmosphere, has seen a 46% rise in bookings, securing its spot as the fourth most popular city for holidaymakers.
Why this sudden rise in popularity? Madrid and Barcelona are not only offering exciting new cultural and festive experiences, but they also boast affordable options compared to more traditional cities. Visitors can enjoy top-tier art, culture, and cuisine while benefiting from Spain’s relatively affordable travel costs. The country has done an excellent job of promoting its cities as vibrant and accessible, attracting more and more European and international tourists each year.
Madrid is known for its stunning Royal Palace, the world-famous Prado Museum, and lively Puerta del Sol. For those who want a deeper cultural experience, the Retiro Park offers peaceful escapes amid stunning landscapes. Barcelona is equally impressive, with Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the lively La Rambla street, and beautiful beaches that create the perfect combination of culture, relaxation, and Mediterranean vibes. Both cities are ideal destinations for those seeking a cultural and festive holiday with excellent food, shopping, and entertainment options.
Rome and Warsaw: A Growing Challenge to the Traditional Christmas Capitals
In addition to the Spanish cities, Rome and Warsaw are also growing rapidly as sought-after Christmas destinations. Rome, long-known as a cultural treasure trove with its ancient ruins and religious landmarks, experienced a 49% increase in bookings for the Christmas and New Year period. The allure of Rome lies not just in its iconic attractions, such as the Colosseum and Vatican City, but also in its ability to blend history with modern Italian culture and cuisine.
Similarly, Warsaw has also witnessed an impressive 51% increase in bookings, marking a major shift for the Polish capital. Historically, Warsaw has been less popular for winter tourism, but that is changing rapidly. Visitors are drawn to the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with its growing cultural scene and beautiful Christmas markets. Warsaw offers a more affordable alternative to other European capitals, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Prague, Czech Republic: The Hidden Gem of Central Europe
Another city to add to the list is Prague, which has seen a significant rise in bookings, with an impressive 30% increase. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has become one of the most enchanting and affordable European destinations in recent years. The city is famous for its Old Town, the Prague Castle, and the Charles Bridge, which are even more magical during the festive season.
Prague’s rich history and fairy-tale architecture make it a must-visit for anyone interested in culture, history, and unique experiences. The city’s Christmas markets, featuring local crafts, food, and warm drinks, draw crowds from all over the world. As more travellers discover this hidden gem, Prague is quickly becoming one of the top contenders for the best European city break during the holiday season.
Longer Stays: A Shift in Travel Habits
The RateGain study also highlighted a shift in how people are planning their city breaks. Holidaymakers are booking earlier and staying for longer periods. 18% of bookings are for stays of 3 to 4 days, 22% for 7 to 10 days, and 29% for more than 10 days. This shift benefits both local economies and accommodation providers, as longer stays often mean more money spent on experiences, dining, shopping, and activities.
Cities like Paris, London, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome are seeing a boom in longer stays, with tourists choosing to immerse themselves fully in the culture and atmosphere of their destination. It’s not just about ticking off a few sights; people are now seeking deeper connections with the places they visit.
European Tourism: Rising Above Long-Haul Travel
Another important trend observed in the RateGain research is the shift in international travel patterns. While arrivals to European cities have grown by 42%, long-haul travel (from destinations outside Europe) has fallen by 62%. This suggests that European destinations are benefiting from a rise in intra-European travel, with people opting to stay closer to home.
This shift can be attributed to a combination of factors. Economic pressures such as inflation and geopolitical instability in long-haul destinations are encouraging European travellers to stay within the continent. Additionally, many European cities are offering sustainable travel options, coupled with unique cultural experiences, making them even more appealing for holidaymakers.
Inflation and Instability: How They Shape Travel Decisions
The global economic challenges and geopolitical tensions in certain long-haul destinations have led many travellers to prioritise destinations that are closer to home, safer, and more predictable. As Fritz Müller, Senior VP of Revenue at RateGain, puts it: “Inflation and geopolitical instability have pushed many travellers to choose destinations that offer safety, accessibility, and great value.” European cities are meeting this demand, offering unforgettable cultural experiences at an affordable price.
As people search for enriching experiences that don’t break the bank, cities like Prague, Warsaw, Barcelona, Rome, and Madrid are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives to long-haul travel. These cities have managed to maintain a perfect balance of affordability, accessibility, and cultural depth, making them the go-to options for many travellers.
What This Means for the Future of European City Breaks
The remarkable rise of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, and Prague signals a shift in the way people travel. While Paris and London will always be popular, they are no longer the only game in town. Other European capitals are making their mark with an excellent blend of culture, history, shopping, and festive cheer.
For hoteliers, tour operators, and destination marketers, the lesson is clear: European city breaks are set to become an even more popular winter product. By targeting short- and mid-haul markets, offering longer stays, and focusing on cultural and festive programming, there are vast opportunities for growth. European cities are poised to lead the way as the go-to destinations for travellers looking for enriching, affordable, and easily accessible holidays.
European Cities are the Future of Christmas Getaways
As the demand for European city breaks continues to rise, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Warsaw, and Prague are proving that there’s more to European tourism than just the traditional favourites. These cities offer an unbeatable combination of rich cultural experiences, affordability, and festive cheer that make them ideal holiday destinations.
For travellers looking for a Christmas getaway that combines culture, history, and local traditions, European capitals outside of Paris and London are now firmly in the spotlight. With growing bookings, longer stays, and more affordable travel options, these cities are ready to offer unforgettable holidays that will keep visitors coming back for years to come.
Source: RateGain
