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A Snowy East Coast Gem Was Crowned The World's Most Beautiful Winter City

Imagine a quintessential winter wonderland. Of course, every individual's vision is unique, but we're betting a few common elements show up across the board regardless of who's doing the conjuring. Maybe a sparkling blanket of new fallen snow or a smattering of twinkling lights reflected on an icy surface? Those are just some of the elements that led a group of people to linger longer over Boston winterscapes than photos taken in any other city around the world — or at least any other city included in an informal study conducted by Premier Inn. Researchers representing the U.K.-based hotel company that operates hundreds of properties worldwide showed 100 people an array of classic winter landscape photos representing 72 cities across the globe. The study relied on eye-tracking technology to reveal which images held their attention the longest. Based on data gathered, researchers concluded photos of Boston held participants' gaze longer than any other city.

Researchers attributed Boston's appeal to the city's iconic skyline, pockets of colonial architecture, world-class museums, and expansive open space including Boston Common and the Public Garden, but there's so much more to a Boston winter. Sure, strolling at dusk along a snow-covered path through Boston Common can be romantic, but consider making a beeline for Frog Pond. Located on the Beacon Street side of the Common, the pond is open daily for ice skating throughout the winter season — bring your own ice skates or rent a pair on-site. More of a sledding enthusiast? Flagstaff Hill near the Boston Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument — a stone's throw from the Frog Pond — ranks among the city's top sledding slopes. While we're on the topic of classic Boston winter landscapes, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the pleasures of strolling along the Charles River Esplanade or wandering through Arnold Arboretum.

Where to warm up

When it's time to come in from the cold, set your sights on a hot cup of Boston's best clam chowder. Full disclosure: Everyone has an opinion about where to get the city's best chowder. Diehards swear by Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Definitely a top contender, but prepare to be surrounded by visitors checking their to-do lists. We lean toward James Hook & Co. Located adjacent to Fort Point Channel in what was once Boston's commercial waterfront, James Hook has been a Boston mainstay since 1925. It's not fancy, but it's authentic. Family-owned and operated for three generations, James Hook specializes in creamy, but not too thick, chowder packed with sweet clams and chunky potatoes.

From James Hook & Co. it's a short walk to the Paul Revere House in Boston's North End. The well-preserved example of classic colonial architecture dates to the late 1600s and is open to the public year-round. It's also a great starting point for a walking tour of one of Boston's oldest neighborhoods. Often referred to as Boston's Little Italy, the North End bustles with activity, including almost weekly festivals, throughout the summer months, but winter brings a whole different vibe. It's quiet and cozy and still all about food. Duck into one of Hanover Street's competing bakeries — Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry — to grab a cannoli. On a summer weekend, the lines of people waiting to order would be out the door. In the winter, it's likely you'll stroll right up to the counter. Better yet, head on over to Bova Bakery on Salem Street. To get the lay of the land, consider a food-focused walking tour. North End Boston Food Tour operates year-round tours with stops to eat, drink, and shop at some of the neighborhood's lesser-known venues.

Winter wonderlands around the world

Premier Inn researchers divided the results of the study into three categories — international, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Following Boston on the international list, York, England took second place. The medieval walled city located about 200 miles north of London is considered one of England's most stunning historic sites. Third on the list, Dublin, Ireland. The capital of the Emerald Isle is known for its five Georgian squares. Gorgeous in their own right, the squares become almost magical with a light dusting of snow. Next up, Cologne, Germany. Ranking No. 4 on the list, Cologne's Old Town is like something out of a fairy tale with meandering cobblestone alleys, the towering Cologne Cathedral, and the annual Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market. No list of winter lands around the world would be complete with a Scandinavian entry. Rounding out the top five on the international list, Stockholm, Sweden. No doubt participants in the study were drawn to photos of the Scandinavian city in its full Nordic winter glory.

The friendly rivalry between Boston and New York City has been going on for decades, especially when it comes to baseball, but in Premier Inn's list of best winter cities in the U.S., Boston is No. 1. There's no doubt iconic New York City landmarks — Central Park, Greenwich Village, and Christmas at Rockefeller Center — take on a magical glow when the winter snow falls, but in this case the city ranked No. 2 after Boston. Other U.S. cities that made it into the top five on Premier Inn's lists of most beautiful cities in winter include Salt Lake City, Utah at No. 3, Washington, D.C. at No. 4, and Aspen, Colorado at No. 5.