Are you getting ready to plan some trips away with your sweetheart for 2018? If so, you should take a look at this pick of 10 of the best European city breaks, which are perfect for couples!
From the epitome of romance in cities like Paris and Verona, to naughty cities like Amsterdam and Berlin or the many natural beauties provided by Reykjavik and Funchal, this list is sure to get your heart racing on where you should take your other half…
1. Paris, France
Why is Paris perfect for couples?
This chic French capital is the very essence of romance. Most commonly known as the “City of Lights”, but also frequently referred to as the “City of Love”, how could Paris not top a romantic destinations hotlist?
The simple act of walking along the River Seine, holding hands with your beau is enough to warm anyone’s heart. In the summer months, you can picnic together by the riverside. Whilst in winter, you can keep each other warm over hot chocolates (or chocolats chauds) in a pretty Parisian cafe.
Romantic Highlight:
Although this may sound a little cliche, I don’t see what could be more romantic than watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night with its free light show. Alternatively, take a wander up to Parc des Buttes Chaumont for a romantic walk in the park, followed by fantastic views across the city… why not team these views with a stunning sunset?
2. Vienna, Austria
Why is Vienna perfect for couples?
Vienna, Austria’s capital is the epitome in stunning architecture and is one for the history-loving, architecture-admiring, fairy-tale loving couples among you. Everywhere you look, the incredible Baroque and Neoclassical architecture will be gazing down on you, making your mind wander off to fairy tales, castles and magical kingdoms.
From wandering through unique museums, to admiring architecture and walking through palace gardens, there are lots of interesting conversation starters on offer here. Therefore, a couples trip to Vienna is likely to result in daydreams, intense conversations and plenty of learning about your other half.
Romantic Highlight:
Schloss Schonbrunn on the outskirts of Vienna is a perfect escape and day out for couples. The palace itself is interesting to admire and learn about, but the gardens are the most magical part. There’s the Gloriette, which offers excellent views across the city’s skyline. Who can resist a cute selfie from up here? Also, the palace’s garden has its own zoo – a perfect date idea, as well as a series of mazes and apparatus for you to play with and act like big kids on. After all, couples that play together, stay together!
3. Verona, Italy
Why is Verona perfect for couples?
Given the connections to one of the greatest love stories of all time, this Italian province has to surely be the start of love and romance in city breaks. As the birthplace of Shakespeare’s Juliet, the concept of romance is now routed into every brick in this city.
You’ll often see wedding couples parading the streets for their photographers, which is sure to inspire dreams of the future in any romantic couple. Verona is also quite a small city, which makes it perfect for walks with your beau.
But beyond that, the Ancient Roman ties also make it an inspiring city to visit for history-lovers as well.
Romantic Highlight:
Head to Teatro Romano for a glimpse back in Ancient History. Also, at the back of the theatre is a viewpoint offering stunning views across the city, plus the opportunity to sit on stone benches kissing the person of your dreams!
4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Why is Amsterdam perfect for couples?
This quirky little city in the Netherlands offers a lot to the couple who is intent on learning about each other, whilst partaking in a few naughty activities you are unlikely to do in many other places.
With plenty of erotica and sex museums around, this offers couples the opportunity to be a little playful with each other and learn a few things about the other person’s fantasies! And when you can also combine this with romantic walks along the 31 miles of canals and a few historical and cultural exhibits, your city break in Amsterdam is bound to be unforgettable.
Romantic Highlight:
Nothing beats a romantic walk along the canals with your other half. Why not combine this with a visit to a cute little cafe for danish pastries, followed by a canal cruise?
5. Bristol, England
Why is Bristol perfect for couples?
Bristol is such a trendy English city with lots to do (especially during the summer months). Head here in July or August and have fun at the Harbourside or International Balloon Festivals!
And when you can combine this with romantic walks along the river, great views across the city from up high and a look at the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, then you and your partner are going to have oodles of fun together!
Romantic Highlight:
Come to Bristol early in August and head to the International Balloon Fiesta. It’s super romantic to watch the hot air balloons fly overhead during the day, and even more romantic to watch them light up during the “Night Glow”. Plus, there are lots of funfair rides and attractions to enjoy whilst the fiesta is underway, allowing you to act like big kids for the whole day!
6. Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Why is Dublin perfect for couples?
As one of the major cities in Ireland, this offers a lot of variety to its visitors. From drives and hikes out in the neighbouring countryside, to walks around historic Dublin, and epic half day trips from Dublin, there’s a lot on offer here.
And when you can also combine this with a naughty sip (or few) of Guinness, then you’re bound to have lots of fun with your travelling partner!
Romantic Highlight:
Don’t miss hopping into a rental car to head to Powerscourt Estate and the Wicklow Mountains, which are a 30 minute drive from Dublin. There is so much beauty here, and if you can combine this with a romantic picnic as well, then you’ll love it! In the city, make sure you head to The Winding Stair cafe. It’s right on the waterfront, is full of books and offers you a cute little cafe experience for you and your beau.
7. Venice, Italy
Why is Venice perfect for couples?
Venice is an incredibly beautiful place and offers a lot in getting away from road traffic and the noise cars and lorries can bring. Surrounded by lots of tiny canals, you and your other half will enjoy just getting lost in this sprawling Italian city.
The sights themselves offer so much beauty, from a historic, cultural and architectural point of view. And when you combine all of these reasons together, it seems so much more logical as to why bridges throughout Venice are popular for holding love padlocks!
My advice would be to avoid Venice in the height of summer though as it can get very busy. Head to Venice off-season instead and enjoy some relaxing strolls with your partner.
Romantic Highlight:
Throw away your map, chuck out your guidebook and just head out into the many tiny streets and along the canals with your other half. You’ll love getting lost for a few hours, ready to find beauty, quiet and some unique photographs of each other!
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Why is Reykjavik perfect for couples?
Iceland should always be included in an romantic travel wishlist, and Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital is sure to get any couple excited whilst away travelling.
There’s loads to see here including the viking ship statue called The Sun Voyager and Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. Combine your city break with a trip out to the Golden Circle and maybe even a Northern Lights tour and prepare yourself for some immense beauty!
Romantic Highlight:
Hire a car for the day and night, and head out to the Golden Circle for some star attractions including Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir and the Secret Lagoon spa. Stay out here for nighttime as well so that you have an even greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights during your trip.
I’d recommend taking a flask full of hot tea, some snacks and a blanket ready to snuggle up with your other half in the car until the Aurora Borealis (hopefully) makes an appearance!
9. Berlin, Germany
Why is Berlin perfect for couples?
Berlin is Germany’s answer for a more hip and trendy city, whilst combining this with astonishing history. Whilst around the city, you and your other half will enjoy learning more about this extraordinary city and its various histories, including that of WWII and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
And at night, enjoy visiting some of the many bars and clubs on offer here. There’s a reason Berlin is so popular with young 20-somethings! Have fun dancing the night away, followed by more subdued and respectful sightseeing during the day.
Romantic Highlight:
If you take a walk along the River Spree near the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station, you’ll be able to see the Berliner Fernsehturm tower lit up in the night sky. This not only makes for beautiful photos. But it’s also a pretty romantic date idea as you can go inside and be treated to incredible sights of the city from the 360 degree viewing platform!
10. Funchal, Madeira
Why is Funchal perfect for couples?
Funchal, capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is definitely not going to be top of mind for couples looking for a city break. But it should be.
The whole of Madeira is a stunning, natural beauty. Whilst its capital, Funchal is not only beautiful, but trendy too! Take your time to wander through the streets, eat some delicious Portuguese cuisine and marvel at the beauties found within Funchal’s Botanical Garden.
Romantic Highlight:
From Funchal harbour, it’s super easy to get a boat tour on most days. I’d recommend the Catamaran tour, which allows you to admire whales and dolphins in their natural habitat! The dolphins sometimes even like to scratch their bellies up against the sides of the Catamaran as you glide past. Not only does this make for a unique date idea, but you’ll both come back with huge smiles on your faces too!
Over to you now – which cities are at the top of your travel wishlist? Did I leave any cities out that are perfect for couples travel? Let me know!
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Some really nice places on your list. 🙂
I would also include Bratislava, Budapest and Riga, all of which are great for a weekend getaway. 🙂
Thanks Jesper! Ooh yes, all those sound incredible as well. I hope to see those soon myself! 😀