Spain’s Madrid and Barcelona Now Among Fastest Growing European Destinations for City Breaks, Get the Details Here

Published on November 29, 2025

With the Christmas holidays at the end of the year approaching, an increase in short city breaks in Europe together with the Lead in Hotel booking growth for Barcelona and Madrid is apparent. With the Hotel booking Data from RateGain for the Christmas Holidays spanning the 20th of December to the 4th of January, the pattern repeats itself with European Cities experiencing an unprecedented demand. Other classic and Old favorites Like London and Paris still stand in the upper breadth, but newer and untraditional destinations like Barcelona and Madrid are gaining momentum.

Strong Demand for European City Breaks

European city breaks have seen a dramatic surge in bookings this year, especially as travelers look to spend the holiday season in vibrant and cultural destinations. While Paris and London remain the go-to cities for travelers, with growth rates of 22% and 31% respectively compared to last year, other cities are beginning to make their mark in the competitive holiday market.

The growth in city breaks is evident across the continent, with several cities reporting double-digit increases in hotel bookings for the Christmas period. However, Spain has seen the most significant boost, with both Madrid and Barcelona recording remarkable increases in demand. Madrid experienced an impressive 75% rise in bookings, while Barcelona saw a 46% increase, placing these two cities firmly within the top five most demanded European destinations.

Barcelona and Madrid: The Stars of European City Breaks

Spain’s capital city, Madrid, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations, ranking third globally in terms of hotel bookings. The city’s cultural richness, vibrant holiday atmosphere, and festive celebrations have made it an increasingly popular choice for travelers looking for an immersive European experience.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, renowned for its unique architecture, Mediterranean charm, and warm winter weather, follows closely behind, with a 46% rise in bookings. Both cities have become magnets for travelers seeking a blend of cultural, historical, and leisure experiences during the festive season.

Rome and Warsaw: Rising Cultural Tourism Destinations

Other cities across Europe are also experiencing growth in bookings, with Rome and Warsaw demonstrating the rising appeal of cultural tourism. Rome, long celebrated for its ancient history and rich heritage, saw a 49% increase in bookings, solidifying its position as one of Europe’s top destinations. Warsaw, Poland’s capital, recorded a 51% increase in hotel bookings, highlighting the growing interest in Eastern European cities as cultural hubs.

These figures point to a broader trend in the European tourism market, with travelers showing an increased interest in destinations that offer cultural enrichment, history, and local traditions. As Europe continues to strengthen its cultural and leisure offerings during the holiday season, cities are positioning themselves as accessible and safe alternatives to more distant destinations.

Shifting Travel Trends: Shorter, Longer, and More Affordable

One of the key findings from the data is the shift in traveler behavior, with a notable increase in the advance booking window and longer stays. On average, travelers are booking their holidays almost three months in advance, reflecting a desire for well-planned and predictable trips. Additionally, there has been a significant shift in the length of stay, with 18% of bookings now spanning 3-4 days, 22% covering 7-10 days, and 29% exceeding 10 days. This change in travel duration suggests that people are seeking more relaxed, immersive experiences, allowing them to fully explore the cities they are visiting.

Moreover, there has been a clear shift toward closer-to-home destinations, with international arrivals in European cities increasing by 42% compared to the same period last year. Long-haul travel, on the other hand, has experienced a sharp decline, with bookings to long-haul destinations down by 62%. This shift is largely attributed to the ongoing economic pressures caused by inflation and geopolitical instability, prompting many travelers to prioritize shorter, more predictable trips.

The Impact of Economic and Geopolitical Factors

Fritz Müller, Senior VP of Revenue and Head of Europe at RateGain, offers insight into the reasons behind this shift. “The combination of economic pressures from inflation and geopolitical instability in some long-haul destinations has led many travelers to choose destinations that are closer to home and more predictable,” he said. “European cities have responded by enhancing their cultural and leisure offerings during the Christmas season, positioning themselves as safe, accessible alternatives with high added value. This has made European capitals increasingly attractive to travelers seeking enriching experiences without venturing too far from home.”

A Shift Toward Cultural and Leisure Offerings

European cities are capitalizing on this shift by strengthening their cultural and leisure offerings during the holiday season. From Christmas markets and cultural festivals to art exhibitions and festive events, these cities are providing a wealth of activities that cater to a wide range of interests. This strategic focus on cultural tourism is helping to position cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome as prime destinations for those seeking enriching experiences.

In addition, cities are increasingly investing in infrastructure improvements, making it easier for tourists to explore the city, enjoy local attractions, and take part in holiday celebrations. With enhanced transportation options, better accommodation facilities, and a stronger focus on local experiences, these destinations are meeting the growing demand for accessible and memorable city breaks.

The Future of European City Breaks

According to our estimations, the upcoming surge in European city breaks is to be expected in destinations, type demand in visitors, and top booking hotels such as Barcelona and Madrid. Cities combining culture and history with local traditions and celebrations are more preferred. Along with the increasing demand for cultural and leisure tourism the growing trend in shorter and more predictable breaks will drive the upcoming European city breaks.