Are you ready to take that next step in your relationship? A European city break is sure to do the trick, be it a birthday, anniversary or summer break away.
Whether you’re partial to a candlelit dinner and free-flowing bottles of wine or more akin to taking a boat trip down the river at sunset, one of these destinations is sure to be right for you.
Below is your no-fuss guide for a truly unforgettable trip away, complete with our favourite spots to hit while you’re there.
Don’t forget to check our travel deals and discounts to save on your booking!
Florence, Italy
Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Surrounded by landscapes of hills, cypresses and olive groves, it’s one of Italy’s most popular wedding destinations; even Kim Kardashian and Kanye West tied the knot there. We recommend hiring a boat to take you and your beloved down the Arno at sunset, accompanied by a bottle of celebratory bubbly, of course.
Nice has a delightful old quarter perfect for couples, where churches are crammed together in a rabbit warren of medieval streets. Cours Saleya features one of the best markets in France, with stalls piled high with mushrooms, olive oils, spices, fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Whether your preference is to gallery hop, sunbathe on the beach, lounge in a luxury hotel or just mooch along the seafront on the Promenade des Anglais, you can cover all bases in this Côte d’Azur hot spot.
Lisbon is a real city of seduction and mystery. Narrow streets, long shadows, lantern light on cobbles and lots and lots of moonlight dancing. As the dawn sweeps in on the Atlantic breeze, it paints the city’s red roofs pink for some of the most breathtaking views you will ever witness. For some of the most outstanding panoramas of the city, take your other half up to have a picnic on the City of the Seven Hills. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll fall in love with Dubrovnik as soon as you set eyes on the beauty of its old town, which takes you back centuries along cobbled streets lined by noble Baroque stone buildings. Outside the medieval city walls, you can bathe in the deep blue Adriatic at trendy Banje beach or catch a taxi-boat to Lokrum islet instead, with its botanical garden and vibrantly coloured peacocks. After dark, dine by candlelight at Proto in Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a romantic dinner with a twist.
Copenhagen is full of scenic pockets, ideal for a romantic stroll or a couple’s bike ride. There’s a touch of fairytale to the city, with quaint cobbled streets and pretty painted townhouses everywhere you look. It’s tailor-made for loved-up strolls and snuggled-up people-watching, cocooned in blankets at pavement cafés. It’s also full of cosy, candlelit bars and restaurants, often hidden away off the main streets which will make you feel as if you’ve stumbled across your own little secret.
It’s almost impossible to mention Venice without using the word “romantic”. Pastel reflections in quiet canals and softly splashing gondola oars are what makes the city ooze seduction. Granted, you will have to avoid all the tourist hot spots to experience the city’s real magic. A good opportunity for doing so is to make your way to St Mark’s Square and experience the acres of glittering gold mosaics before the tourist rush at midday.
With beautiful squares surrounded by gingerbread houses and cobbled alleys running alongside pretty canals, Bruges is a city adored by lovebirds. Picturesque parks, old-world hotels and scintillating art will keep you entertained for hours, while atmospheric cafés, artisan chocolatiers and convivial pubs are sure to alert your tastebuds. After dinner at one of Bruges’s astonishingly good restaurants, walk back along the canals, where the Gothic spires shimmer on the still water.
A mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities you can journey to. Think cobbled piazzas, al fresco trattorias and time-weathered Baroque churches. For date inspiration head to the Spanish Steps just before sunset for a stroll to the summit and a view you aren’t likely to forget in a hurry.
We could hardly write a guide for the most romantic cities without including the seductive, art-rich capital of France, no matter how obvious. Paris is the undisputed city of romance, offering languid walks along the bridge-laced Seine, fine dining in candlelit bistros and gastronome temples, as well as that cliché kiss after dark atop the magical light-spangled Eiffel Tower. So, what are you waiting for?
Getting everything you want from a holiday while also keeping the price down can be tricky. From the above list we recommend Dubrovnik and Bruges for a more affordable trip away. Check out lastminute.com for the best money-saving deals.
While holidays are fun, things can go wrong. It’s important to get the right travel insurance to cover whatever you plan to get up to on your trip. You can check out some great places to take out travel insurance here.
Now! The sooner you commit, the better chance you have at getting the dates you want along with good accommodation.
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Find lots of flights and hotels that in this period are no longer charging their standard handling fees for booking changes or cancellations. Shop now. T&Cs apply.
Get the holiday you deserve: S21 save £100 off booking
Discover fantastic deals available for a range of destinations across Europe. Snap up a deal now to make sure you secure your top choice of destination for the best price! T&Cs apply.
Free Child Places on Summer 2022 holidays Bookings
One free child place for every two full paying adults sharing accommodation available on selected holidays departing between 1/4/22 and 31/10/22. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
10% discount on parking and hotels at selected major airports
Leisure Guard knows about travel. Plan ahead and save 10% on parking and hotels at selected major airports, giving you more time and money to focus on the fun times ahead. T&Cs apply.
Planning on going for a couple of trips throughout the year? Don't overpay by getting insurance separately for each of them. Choose multi-trip insurance and keep some money in your pocket. T&Cs apply.
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Amelia is a writer for Finder, specialising in shopping, style and travel. She has several years of experience writing about all things lifestyle, including health and fitness, fashion and beauty, food and drink and travel. When she's not at work, you'll find her jetting off somewhere hot, baking sweet treats or playing football.
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