Venice

Venice (city of canals) might surprise you as a winter destination, but there's a reason it often makes the top winter lists. And Venice is among the best winter vacations in Europe that you should try. Once the colder months arrive, the tourists leave. This means you mostly get the sleepy streets, Piazza San Marco, and the bridges on the canal to yourself. Just remember to visit before the second half of January, as that's when Carnevale kicks off and things get busy and expensive again.

While Venice might not sound like a snow destination, it can certainly snow in the city, and the canals often freeze in winter, the sun glistening on the ice in a rainbow of lights. When the canals aren't frozen, you can still catch a gondola ride – just bundle up under a thick blanket as you ride on the misty waters. During December, Venice's largest square is turned into a gigantic ice-skating rink.

• Location: Venezia, Italy
• Where to Stay: The Gritti Palace; Al Ponte Antico Hotel; Hotel Londra Palace
• Things to Do: Ice-skating
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5