In partnership with London City Airport
Love your winter break and fly from LCY, London City Airport. Voted best airport by TimeOut and Which? Magazines, it’s the most convenient way to get from London to the world.
How easy is it to get to London City Airport?
LCY is right in the heart of the city so, unlike other airports, it’s easy to reach wherever in London you’re coming from. It takes less than an hour to get there for 82% of airport users. Even better, the travel time is less than half an hour from lots of popular underground stations:
- Covent Garden – 26 minutes
- Tower Bridge – 19 minutes
- Canary Wharf – 10 minutes
It’s not just easy to get there. Once you arrive at London City Airport, you’ll also find it easy to get around. In summer 2023 the average security queue time was under five minutes, so it’s likely to be even speedier during winter. Less time stressing about making it to the gate, and more time to enjoy the airport’s shopping and dining options.
What is the departure lounge like at LCY?
Shopping at LCY has just had a big upgrade, with a flagship Aelia Duty Free recently opening. As well as global brands, it also champions local heroes like Cooper King Distillery and the London Honey Company. You’ll also find other iconic London brands like Liberty London, Creed Fragrances and Fortnum & Mason. Ideal for picking up gifts or just bringing a taste of London with you.
Anyone can fly from LCY
You don’t need to be hopping on a private jet to fly from the heart of London. LCY provides scheduled flights to over 30 European cities from Amsterdam to Ibiza, Berlin to Barcelona. Around 36% of travellers use London City Airport for business – thanks to its easy transport links – but almost as many are flying for leisure (35%) or heading off to visit friends and family (29%). If don’t want the hassle of a long airport commute pre- and post-flight, especially for a weekend jaunt, LCY is where you want to fly from.
Where can I fly from LCY to?
London City Airport has flights to over 30 European destinations. Keep it close to home with trips in the UK and Ireland, or jet off to Mediterranean islands.
If your vibe is more ‘winter fun’ than ‘winter sun’, LCY has you covered. From cultural European city breaks to Alpine ski resorts, these are some of our favourite destinations for your winter break from LCY.
1. Antwerp, Belgium
The ‘diamond capital of the world’, Antwerp is a truly magical place to visit during winter. With a smattering of snow, the gothic architecture and 16th century Cathedral of Our Lady become positively enchanting. This city take the festive season really seriously. From December 8th to 7th January this year, the city’s squares will be taken over by atmospheric light displays and markets. Enjoy the view from the ferris wheel on Koningin Astridplein, and enjoy the new year fireworks at Steenplein from the renovated Scheldt quays.
2. Chambéry, France
Nestled in the French Alps, the ski town of Chambery is the gateway to exciting mountain adventures. The city itself is a charming place to visit, with a lively old town and pretty lakeside scenery. Just an hour away you’ll find a true mountain playground, the famous 3 Vallées. This is where you’ll find world-class ski resorts Courchevel les Ménuires, Méribel and Val Thorens, each with their own special attractions. The winter season kicks off on 9 December 2023, and lasts until 19 April 2024.
3. Milan, Italy
Fashionable Milan positively sparkles during winter. Most people visit during summer, so you’ll have the museums and attractions practically to yourself. Tour the incredible Duomo Cathedral and take in the view from the roof, or take in a show at La Scala – one of the world’s most famous opera houses. During December, the Piazza del Duomo is taken over by a festive market with over 60 stalls selling sweet treats and souvenirs. But, for fashionistas, the must-time to visit is in January when fall/winter fashion week takes place.
4. Florence, Italy
Visit Florence in winter to enjoy a more intimate experience of its artistic and architectural wonders. Wander through renowned museums, like the Uffizi and Accademia, without the summer crowds. Settle in at cozy cafés for a macchiato (espresso with a touch of foamy milk) in the afternoon, before dining on hearty Tuscan meals at night. The mild winter weather makes exploring the city and its surrounding vineyards a pleasure. This is the land of big hearty red wines like Chianti, perfect for your Christmas dinner table. And of course there’s the festive market in Piazza Santa Croce from Nov 18 to Dec 17, and Europe’s longest ice-skating rink at Fortezza de Basso, stretching for 300 metres.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin in winter is the ultimate cosy destination, where you can enjoy festive magic and warm Irish welcomes. Stroll through beautifully decorated streets, where seasonal events and Christmas markets bring a touch of holiday flavour. Temple Bar’s historic pubs beckon with cosy fireside armchairs and traditional music sessions, complete with fiddles and bodhrans. Enjoy invigorating winter walks in picturesque parks like St. Stephen’s Green, explore cultural gems such as the National Gallery, and take in the city lights from The Gravity Bar atop the Guinness Storehouse.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of Europe’s coolest cities, and during December its arty ‘anything-goes’ attitude transfer seamlessly to festive celebrations. There are traditional Christmas markets in Alexanderplatz and Babelplatz, but it’s worth going off-piste and visiting the quirky ones too. For example, in Prenzlauerberg there’s the Kulturbrauerei with its Scandi-themed Lucia Christmas market. Meanwhile Friedrichshain has a Medieval-style market at the RAW compound, where jugglers and acrobats provide entertainment as visitors sip warm mead. Outside of Christmas, winter in Berlin means visiting the city’s famous museums and galleries or getting comfortable in the city’s cosy speakeasy-style bars, all with a smattering of snow.
7. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva in winter is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts as it’s a short hop from resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland. Hit the powder at renowned resorts like Verbier and Zermatt, where diverse slopes are available for all skill levels. Regular black diamonds not exciting enough? The surrounding trails provide opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in pristine alpine landscapes. Back in the city, the winter festival adds a touch of magic. After a day on the slopes, indulge in Swiss comfort food like fondue and raclette for a heart-warming apres-ski experience.
8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Buzzing Amsterdam becomes a magical wonderland in winter, where twinkling lights shimmer on the canals. Embrace the Dutch love for ice skating at outdoor rinks against the backdrop of historic architecture, before settling in at cosy cafes for sweet treats like stroopwafels. Amsterdam is full of cultural treasures, and during winter you can enjoy the annual Amsterdam Light Festival featuring contributions from global artists. If you’re looking for somewhere special to ring in the New Year, it’s hard to go wrong with Amsterdam. There are lots of diverse ways to celebrate: from fizz and fireworks in rooftop bars, to all-night raves in waterside warehouses.
9. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich in winter isn’t just a picturesque city break, but the gateway to some incredible Alpine resorts: both in Switzerland and Austria. One of the closest is Andermatt. Located in the Gemsstock area, it has 120 km of pistes offering something for all levels. It’s also known for excellent wellness facilities, so you can hit the spa after the slopes. Two hours from Zurich is Grindelwald, a historic ski town with 224 km of pistes, incredible views of Eiger mountain and some of Switzerland’s best apres-ski. Speaking of apres-ski, Ischgl in Austra is just under three hours away. As well as fantastic skiing and reliable powder, it’s also known for having some of the liveliest nightlife in the Alps. This includes an outpost of Pacha, with regular sets from international DJs.
Ready to go?
With so many exciting destinations, along with speedy security times and easy access from central London, LCY makes it easy to love your winter break. Search for flights using the controls below and get ready for your next adventure.
Header image credit: Jason Hawkes
