So Christmas is over but it’s not quite the time to be planning your summer holiday. With many of us experiencing an extreme case of the winter blues, now is a great time take you and someone you love off on a romantic weekend away. With cheap flights being more and more available, escaping to another European city for a dose of culture and romance is well within reach.
We’ve done the hard work for you – just grab your camera and book a room. Oh and take a look at our urban photography tips before you jet off to capture the city in its best light. These are the 12 most romantic cities you should immediately add to your travel wish list.
Venice
Venice is an obvious choice for a romantic getaway but it’s not all gondolas and sunsets. Escape the crowds and get lost among the many alleyways and soak up the views on the bridges. Take a day trip to Burano, an island famed for it’s colourful fisherman’s houses. And of course eat some pasta. Lots of pasta.
Paris
Known around the world as the ‘city of love’ we’re sure you’re not surprised to find Paris on this list. The iconic Eiffel tower appears in the top 10 list of places to propose and the gorgeous architecture and rich food lends itself to a romantic break. Our favourite thing to do? Wonder around the streets of Montmatre, eat more croissants than you can handle and soak in the panoramic views of the city from Sacre-Coeur.
Prague
It’s not all stag-dos and cheap lager in Prague, there’s much more to the Czech capital than meets the eye. While the old town square is arguably one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Malá Strana district, for all its grandiose and baroque gardens is the place to head. In the evening hide in the shadows of the Prague Castle. The 1000-year-old structure is undeniably impressive.
Amsterdam
Described by locals as a big village, the Dutch capital is small but perfectly formed. From exploring the cobbled courtyards and canals of the Jordaan district to cycling hand in hand through Vondel Park, there are plenty of romantic activities to pursue. Renting your own boat and packing a picnic of Dutch cheese and bread is our personal favourite. And if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land then head to Hortus Botanicus. The botanical garden is full of natural delights.
Rome
Meet any Roman and they will insist there is nowhere more romantic than their very own city. And to be fair, they might be right. Hide away in an Italian trattoria and feast on spaghetti or discover the many ancient monuments of the Eternal city. It’s not hard to enjoy yourself in Rome… after all, it’s they who invented the ‘Dolce Vita’.
Ghent
You don’t need long to see everything in this miniature Flemish city making it the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away. Settle down in a canal side café and while away the hours just enjoying the view. The Old St Elizabeth Beguinage is a quaint area just outside the city centre that you can walk around while soaking up the rich history of the place.
Saint Petersburg
While it may not immediately spring to mind when thinking of romance, Saint Petersburg, with its fairtytale-like architecture and interesting history is a city to add to your list. The Kissing Bridge is said to bring good luck for couples, so on any given day you’ll find lots of lovers locking lips on its pavements. The Winter Palace Channel also carries a particular superstition… according to legend, if you have an unhappy relationship you should come here and toss several coins with thoughts of the person you love. They say this will solve all your problems.
Bergen
Visit Norway’s second city for a slice of Scandinavian charm. Start your weekend at the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Bryggen (the dock). It’s a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the harbour and it will feel like you’ve stepped back in time strolling around this historic district. Want some amazing views of this perfectly placed city? Then take the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. A real picture perfect moment for any couple.
Zagreb
While Split and Dubrovnik may be the popular destinations for the summer, in the winter months, the Croatian capital of Zagreb has its moment to shine. Get gloriously lost in the charming streets and soak up the thriving café culture. For something a little more kooky you can visit the Museum of Broken Relationships – hopefully not a bad omen.
Krakow
Poland’s former capital has been emerging recently as a sophisticated choice for a European city break – the ideal place to take your better half. Visit the old town and overindulge in hearty Polish cuisine in one of the many restaurants lining the market square. Walk off your dinner on the Bernatka Footbridge – the perfect place to share a kiss.
Bath
Bath is consistently named the most romantic city in the UK and its proximity to Bristol airport makes it easy to reach. If weather permits take a picnic to Victoria Park and feed each other strawberries with the magnificent Royal Crescent as your backdrop. Then head to Bath Spa – the only place in England you can bathe in natural thermal waters. If you’ve still got the energy we recommend taking a horse and carriage ride around the city and admiring the iconic Georgian architecture.
Porto
The trams in Porto give the whole city an old-world vibe that is discreetly romantic. Take a trip along the riverside, which will lead you from Ribeira (a Unesco World Heritage neighborhood) all the way to Foz, by the sea. When you get there, stroll along the promenade, stopping for a fresh seafood lunch. Head back to the city centre for sunset and admire the views from Serra do Pilar.
Chosen your romantic city break destination? Then don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the magic of it all. Once your home you could even create a photo book to make those moments last. Read our tips on creating a city trip photo book before you get started.
We hope these tips have inspired you to spread your wings and book that trip. Or are you hoping a special someone might whisk you away? Then why not share this blog on social media by clicking on the icons below… and perhaps someone will get the hint.
