The holidays are just around the corner and travelers are seeking out gorgeous Christmas markets. However, travel in general can be beautiful during the winter months. Premier Inn invited people to choose the most beautiful winter cities. They asked participants to look at photos of various locations in winter and measured which image held their gaze the longest. Read on to find out the top 10 most eye-catching international cities in winter.

The world’s most eye-catching winter cities

Those of us in the northern hemisphere enjoy seeing cities transform into winter wonderlands around the holidays. Whether it’s the snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, or famous landmarks that make the cities more enchanting, winter does bring the world’s most iconic destinations to life.

With the holidays just around the corner, Premier Inn shared photos of various locations in winter and, using eye-tracking software, asked participants to look at the images. From there, they could tell which beautiful winter images held their gaze the longest. Read on to find out the most eye-catching winter cities in the world.

1. Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The international ranking places Boston at the top for the most beautiful winter city, where its iconic skyline earned an impressive 2.66 seconds of average viewing time. Meanwhile, its colonial architecture looks more beautiful when covered in snow. Moreover, the city’s Freedom Trail turns into a magical walking route, and Boston Common and the Public Garden become winter wonderlands. Need a warm-up? The Museum of Fine Arts offers cozily warm halls to not only warm up, but also gaze at world-class art.

2. York, UK

Next on the list is the UK’s iconic York which takes second place on the global stage with an average gazing length of 2.52 seconds. Meanwhile, the city’s medieval walls and winding, narrow lanes of The Shambles transform into a winter wonderland when dusted with snow and the York Minster Cathedral becomes even more majestic. However, it is likely York’s famous Christmas market, the St. Nicholas Fair, really attracts when it comes to life on Parliament Street. For strollers needing a warm-up, they can head to one of the city’s historic pubs, or explore the JORVIK Viking Centre to get some shelter from the cold.

3. Dublin, Ireland

Third place sees the beautiful Irish capital of Dublin with 2.51 seconds of viewing time. Here, the city’s Georgian squares and historic architecture transform into something from a fairytale in the winter months. Moreover, Dublin’s traditional pubs are the ideal spot to escape chilly evenings with warm Irish coffee.

4. Cologne, Germany

Coming in fourth place with 2.40 seconds of viewing time, Cologne is the most enchanting winter city in Germany according to the study. Naturally, the city’s chocolate museum is even more appealing in winter weather, and visitors love looking at Cologne’s traditional brauhauses. Meanwhile, with the markets among the best of Europe, the city’s Christmas Market is one of the best, nestling beneath the Gothic Cathedral with its twinkling lights and decorations.

5. Stockholm, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden comes in fifth place and is one of the best Scandinavian cities to visit in winter. Here, the Swedish capital celebrates the season with iconic Nordic flair, with the streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town) becoming truly charming in the snow. While Stockholm’s famous ICEBAR offers a unique visit when the temperatures drop, those visitors seeking warmth can explore the museums, including the Vasa and ABBA are great places to be to get warm.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Rightfully famous for its incredible fairy chimneys and cave hotels, Cappadocia transforms into an even more magical scene when dusted with snow. As it is a quiet time for tourism, visitors can often have the scenes all to themselves, riding the iconic hot air balloons over the landscape.

7. Tokyo, Japan

Coming in seventh place, Tokyo proves that winter beauty isn’t just about snow. Japan’s capital features beautiful winter illuminations which are often the most spectacular in the world, especially in places like Shibuya and Marunouchi. Meanwhile, visitors can warm up beautifully in the city’s traditional hot springs (onsen), while winter festivals like the Toshino-Ichi market provide authentic cultural experiences.

8. New York, New York, USA

The Big Apple comes in eighth place, with an average 2.16 seconds. As it is, New York City is the city that never sleeps, and turns into a winter wonderland like something out of a movie scene. Central Park transforms into a snow-kissed landscape, ideal for quiet walks with hot chocolate or ice skating at Wollman Rink. Moreover, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the decorated holiday windows in Fifth Avenue enchant residents and visitors alike. For a warm-up, head to the lively cafes in Greenwich Village.

9. Vienna, Austria

The city of Vienna is beautiful at any time of year, with winter being one of the best. The Austrian capital’s indoor attractions are ideal, including the historic Schönbrunn Palace and the many museums of the Hofburg Imperial Palace. For outdoor beauty, Vienna’s Christmas markets are among the most famous in Europe, offering mulled wine and tasty snacks while browsing. Moreover, Vienna hosts seasonal concerts over the Christmas and New Year period.

10. Milan, Italy

Coming in tenth place, Milan in Italy offers a unique blend of culture, history and seasonal festivities. The streets are dressed in twinkling Christmas lights and the city’s museums and art galleries offer the ideal retreat from the cold. Meanwhile, Milan’s culinary scene serves delicious warm and hearty meals to warm up.