Ranking the best destinations in Europe for a winter honeymoon

Ranking first, the Spanish city of Barcelona scored 135 out of 160 points. Barcelona offers the chance to escape the bitter winters felt in most cities across Europe with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius at this time of year.

The city is home to a wealth of beaches, hotels and bars for honeymooners to indulge in - including 83 romantic hotels. During winter, Barcelona sees an average of 9.8 daylight hours.

Sights to see include La Rambla and La Boqueria Market, Gaudi's work at Park Güell and the spectacular La Sagrada Família.

• Amount of spas: 609
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 15
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 20
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 83
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 599
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 12
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £29.96
  

In second place, the French city of Paris scored 128 out of 160 points. The French capital, dubbed the 'City of Love', is a romantic hotspot and offers all the makings of a perfect winter honeymoon.

Paris is home to 970 spas, offering the perfect chance to unwind together. Elsewhere, the city is also home to 560 romantic hotels and 92 Michelin Star restaurants. Couples can expect a fee of £52 to take advantage of the lounge at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport.

Iconic sights which provide the perfect Instagram backdrop include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Jardins des Tuileries.

• Amount of spas: 970
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 8
• Average rainfall (mm): 48
• Average daylight (hours): 9.2
• Amount of romantic hotels: 560
• Amount of romantic activities: 598
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 92
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £52

Placing third in the ranking, the Italian capital of Rome scored an impressive 123 out of 160 points. Rome is a romantic city offering a wide variety of honeymoon activities to indulge in, including sightseeing at the Vatican, a quiet drink in the Trastevere neighborhood, not to mention the assortment of art galleries that are dotted throughout the city.

In Rome, honeymooners can expect 488 romantic hotels to choose from, 14 Michelin Star food establishments and an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius during the winter months.

• Amount of spas: 389
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 13
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 79
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.7
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 488
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 867
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 14
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £32
  

Fourth on the list is the vibrant city of London which scored 122 out of 160 points. London offers romantic views of picturesque buildings and the opportunity to visit a host of sights, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London and the London Eye.

London is home to a fantastic array of shops to suit any taste and there are also an impressive 896 spas to choose from. In addition, the city has 52 Michelin Star restaurants for couples to choose from.

While the city of London has so much to offer newlyweds, they should wrap up accordingly with average temperatures of eight degrees Celsius expected from December to February.

• Amount of spas: 896
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 8
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 60
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8.8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 289
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 1066
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 52
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £35
  

Rounding off the top five, Vienna scored 115 out of 160 points. The Austrian city is home to three castles for couples to explore, as well as the astonishing Schönbruun Palace, so it's safe to say that the architecture in Vienna is not to be missed.

The city is home to 84 spas and boasts the largest number of romantic hotels out of the 20 cities, with 1,575 to choose from. Other sights to see include St Stephen's Cathedral and The Hofburg.

Aside from this, honeymooners can expect an affordable fee of £25.69 to take advantage of the lounge at Vienna International Airport.

• Amount of spas: 84
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 5
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 43
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.2
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 1575
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 199
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 7
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £25.69
  

The city of Amsterdam placed seventh on our list, scoring 112 out of 160 points. Amsterdam is a picturesque city packed full of canals and scenic buildings. A great way to get around it is by bicycle, which is an enduringly popular pursuit in this city. Amsterdam is also full of art museums and historic venues, such as the Anne Frank House.

Aside from getting a slice of history, honeymooners can take advantage of the 158 romantic hotels and 141 spas throughout the city. Amsterdam sees an average of 74mm of rainfall during the winter months.

• Amount of spas: 141
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 6
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 74
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8.8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 158
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 409
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 18
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £22
  

Next in the ranking, Prague placed eighth scoring 110 out of 160 points. The capital city of the Czech Republic is home to iconic examples of fine architecture, such as Prague Castle and the impressive St Vitus Cathedral.

The city is home to 214 spas, 249 romantic hotels and 4,089 romantic activities, including Prague Zoo and St Nicholas Church. Winter weather in Prague provides a challenge to visitors, with an average temperature of three degrees Celsius from December to February.

• Amount of spas: 214
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 3
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 21
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8.8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 249
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 4089
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 2
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £121.94
  

The second Italian city to make the list, Florence scored 106 out of 160, placing ninth. The historic city is the hometown of iconic renaissance artworks and sculptures including Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venice. Other sights include the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.

Florence has four restaurants boasting a Michelin Star, 50 spas and also 198 romantic hotels to choose from. Honeymooners can expect 68mm of rainfall in each winter month on average and 9.7 hours of daylight, similarly to Rome.

• Amount of spas: 50
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 11
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 68
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.7
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 198
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 433
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 4
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £25.69
  

Finalizing our top 10, the German city of Berlin scored 106 out of 160 points. Berlin is a city rich in history, where newlyweds can expect to see iconic tourist attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Couples planning a trip to Berlin have 27 romantic hotels to pick from. There are also 332 spas dotted throughout the city, offering the chance for a break at any point during a trip there. The average winter temperature in Berlin is four degrees Celsius and 43mm of rainfall is expected each month.

• Amount of spas: 332
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 4
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 43
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8.8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 27
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 281
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 18
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £34
  

In 11th place, Copenhagen scored 92 out of 160 points. This Scandinavian city is similar to Amsterdam in terms of its many canals and the popularity of cycling, making it the perfect destination for a romantic trip. The Tivoli Gardens offer a beautiful atmosphere that is filled with light displays and pristine greenery.

Newlyweds can expect 73 spas in the Danish capital with 11 romantic hotels and five Michelin Star restaurants also available. The cost of admission to the lounge at Copenhagen Airport is priced at £18.42.

• Amount of spas: 73
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 4
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 48
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 11
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 138
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 5
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £18.42
  

Ranking 12th, the capital city of Sweden, Stockholm scored 91 out of 160 points. The second Scandinavian city to make this ranking, Stockholm is home to the Royal Palace, the ABBA museum and the Vasa museum, which provides the opportunity to learn more about the historic culture of this stunning city.

Throughout winter, the average temperature of Stockholm is one degree Celsius, so wrap up warm! Partners should also expect 7.5 hours of daylight and 37mm of rainfall. The city has 90 romantic activities and 52 spas on offer.

• Amount of spas: 52
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 1
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 37
  
• Average daylight (hours): 7.5
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 27
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 90
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 6
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £25
  

Placing 13th in the ranking, Venice scored 90 out of 160 points. The third Italian city to feature on this list, Venice - also known as the 'City of Canals' - is like no other city in the world. Attractions such as Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and Saint Mark's Basilica are must-sees.

Venice offers a total of 16 spas, six Michelin Star restaurants and 128 romantic hotels. While there are 274 romantic activities available throughout the city, a leisurely stroll around the streets of Venice is bound to put you in the mood for romance.

• Amount of spas: 16
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 8
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 57
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.5
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 128
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 274
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 6
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £34.25
  

Next, the Turkish region of Cappadocia ranked 14th, scoring 89 out of 160 points. Famous for its hot air balloon rides, the city of Cappadocia has so much more to offer, with underground caves, mountains, and valleys to explore. The city is also home to its famous 'fairy chimneys', which is a World Heritage Site made up of unusual rock formations.

Cappadocia offers three Michelin Star restaurants and 19 spas. The average temperature throughout winter is eight degrees Celsius with 38mm of average rainfall expected. Travelers should be aware that Nevsehir Airport offers no lounges.

• Amount of spas: 19
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 8
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 38
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.7
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 284
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 213
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 3
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: 0 lounges
  

Ranking 15th is the Irish capital of Dublin, scoring 88 out of 160 points. Dublin is the birthplace of popular beverages such as Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey and it's possible to visit both the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. The city is also packed full of lively pubs and bars featuring traditional live music, while other sights to see include Dublin Castle and Phoenix Park

Dublin sees 65mm of rainfall per month on average throughout the winter months. Newlyweds can expect 22 romantic hotels to choose from. Dublin also has three Michelin Star restaurants and 77 spas.

• Amount of spas: 77
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 8
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 65
  
• Average daylight (hours): 8.5
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 22
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 291
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 3
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £33.39
  

In 16th place and the second German city in this list, Munich scored 83 out of 160 points. Munich is the HQ of major companies such as BMW and Allianz but is more known for its annual celebration of beer festival Oktoberfest. The city is also home to the football giants Bayern Munich and plenty of famous beer halls.

Munich offers 98 romantic activities for honeymooners to indulge in, including strolls around the Olympiapark and English Garden. Visitors will need to wrap up considerably, with an average temperature of four degrees Celsius throughout winter.

• Amount of spas: 67
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 4
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 52
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.1
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 17
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 98
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 11
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £52
  

The Swiss village of Grindelwald placed 17th in the ranking, scoring 78 out of 160 points. Grindelwald is a scenic city bursting with stunning views of grassy hills, clear lakes and snowy mountain tops. The city is perfect for a retreat beyond the expected busy city break.

Grindelwald is much more remote than other major cities included in this ranking and that is reflected in the number of facilities the city has to offer. Newlyweds have 11 romantic hotels to choose from and nine spas.

• Amount of spas: 9
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 5
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 75
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.3
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 11
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 11
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 8
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £17.59
  

In 18th place and the second Austrian city on this ranking, Salzburg scored 76 out of 160 points. Salzburg was the birthplace of musician Mozart and honeymooners can see his preserved home, which has been converted into a museum. The city also holds an annual festival, Salzburg Festival.

If opting to honeymoon in Salzburg this winter, partners should be aware of how rainy the city can be throughout winter, with an average rainfall of 62mm each month. The cost of a lounge ticket in Salzburg Airport is £30.83.

• Amount of spas: 21
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 4
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 62
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.3
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 22
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 68
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 3
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £30.83
  

Placing 19th is the French city of Strasbourg, scoring 76 out of 160. Strasbourg is the second French city to feature in this ranking and is home to the stunning Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg and Palais Rohan, as well as plenty of gothic-style architecture.

Strasbourg is home to 32 spas and 21 romantic hotels for newlyweds. The city also has seven restaurants with a Michelin Star. Honeymooners can expect 9.2 hours of daylight throughout winter in this city.

• Amount of spas: 32
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 6
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 37
  
• Average daylight (hours): 9.2
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 21
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 38
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 7
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: 0 lounges
  

Rounding off the list of the 20 best European cities for a winter honeymoon, the Norwegian city of Oslo ranked 20th, scoring 70 out of 160 points. Oslo is known for its historic Viking presence, which can be studied in further detail at the Fram Museum. Although it's rare, the Northern Lights can be seen from this city from time to time.

For those considering honeymooning in Oslo, there are 38 spas and 76 romantic activities to get up to, including a boat trip across the Sognsvann Lake. There's an average of 7.3 hours of daylight in Oslo during winter and an average temperature of just one degree Celsius.

• Amount of spas: 38
  
• Average temperature (degrees Celsius): 1
  
• Average rainfall (mm): 49
  
• Average daylight (hours): 7.3
  
• Amount of romantic hotels: 10
  
• Amount of romantic activities: 76
  
• Amount of Michelin Star Restaurants: 2
  
• Cost of a lounge in the airport for the return flight: £30.7

Overall, we hope this ranking has informed you of the best city destinations in Europe for a winter honeymoon. With options throughout the continent, the ranking is sure to have a suitable option for all couples.

If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from many companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.

We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.