Whether you’re looking for anniversary trip ideas or value-for-money honeymoon destinations, finding the ideal blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure can be challenging. Secret Escapes has scoured the European continent to bring you the best destinations for two, showing you where is best for city breaks that promise romance, from hidden gems to classic icons, proving that a luxury city break on a budget is entirely possible.
Where to Go on A Romantic Getaway in Europe: Secret Escapes’ Top 10 Picks
Paris
Is there a couple’s getaway more romantic than one in the city of love? Once a hub for Romantic-era poets, writers, and artists, Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, picturesque streets, and artistic history. It’s the perfect destination for couples wanting a bustling city break with beautiful architecture, candlelit fine dining, Seine cruises, and wine and cheese tastings. Ooh la la!
Best time to visit: Visit in Spring, between April and June, for mild, pleasant weather, blooming gardens and parks, and lively streets. For slightly fewer crowds, an autumn break, between September and early November, promises beautiful seasonal foliage and crisp air.
Rome
Rome is a top choice for couples wanting an escape rich with history and breathtaking architecture. Make a wish at the iconic Trevi Fountain that your love forever lasts, get lost in the cobbled streets of Trastevere, or watch the city whizz by on a Vespa ride. Make sure to eat your weight’s worth in pizza and fresh pasta, and remember the best artisanal gelatos are always displayed in metal tins! You can thank us later…
Best time to visit: During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, April to June and September to October, Rome offers pleasant weather and smaller crowds than during peak season. Winter, save the Christmas season, promises emptier, quieter streets, but at the cost of shorter days and colder temperatures.
Venice
Venice almost rivals Paris for the ‘city of love’ title thanks to its one-of-a-kind location – a UNESCO World Heritage site built atop 100 islands in a lagoon. This makes the city famous for its beautiful canals and bridges framed by intricate Gothic/Renaissance architecture and a unique mode of transportation, vaporettos (water buses). Take in the vibrant colours of the city on a peaceful gondola ride, enjoy some canalside dining, and marvel at historic sites like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Venice is the shoulder seasons, as they boast great weather and fewer crowds. Visit between April and June to see the city burst with colourful blooms and lively festivals, or between September and October for milder temperatures and authentic local experiences without those pesky long queues.
Verona
Verona, the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story, is arguably one of the most romantic places on earth. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it effortlessly blends ancient architecture with a contemporary cultural scene and vibrant entertainment. See the iconic balcony and leave a love note at Juliet’s House, head to Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheatre, to bask in the lilting song of an opera under the stars, and stroll through bustling markets, savouring local cuisine.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Verona for a couples’ weekend getaway is between April and June, when the weather is pleasantly warm for exploring the city with your loved one without the large crowds. If you still want an (almost) crowd-free trip but don’t mind the occasional rainy days, consider visiting during autumn.
Reykjavik
The world’s northernmost capital is a hub for endless culture and colourful architecture and is known for its proximity to incredible natural wonders like the Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon. The small city is perfect for peaceful couple getaways, offering Aurora Borealis tours, geothermal spas to while away the day in, and whale-watching boat tours.
Best time to visit: To see the Northern Lights and visit ice caves, winter is the best time to travel to Iceland; you’ll benefit from budget travel, though you may have to deal with larger crowds and harsh temperatures. For incredible views of the midnight sun and milder weather, travel during the summer months.
Porto
A postcard city perched in northwest Portugal, Porto is an unforgettable coastal break for couples. Famous for its namesake Port wine, it’s the perfect location for exploring cellars, vineyards, and wine tasting. Visit the Ribeira District, a UNESCO site of colourful, historical buildings lining the Douro River. Enjoy candlelight dinners on cobbled streets, marvel at scenic sunset views, and sightsee stunning landmarks like São Francisco Church and Palácio da Bolsa.
Best time to visit: To enjoy fewer crowds, milder weather, and the grape harvest season (a must, let’s be honest), visit Porto in autumn. You can also consider visiting in the spring to enjoy Easter festivities and blooming parks.
Seville
The capital of Andalusia, Seville, is an amazing city break offering romance through flamenco nights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and rooftop cocktails with Giralda views. Get lost in the heart of the city, Santa Cruz, home to the stunning Gothic cathedral and the Real Alcázar, a Moorish-Renaissance palace backed by lush gardens. Rent a rowboat and sail across the Plaza de España, then enjoy some local wine and tapas while watching the sunset.
Best time to visit: Visit Seville during autumn or winter for milder weather and emptier streets, though you’ll be more likely to have rainy days. Spring and summer are peak tourist seasons but offer longer days, clear blue skies, and memorable cultural experiences, like Holy Week and the April Fair.
Athens
Athens is another incredible romantic destination, replete with history, incredible architecture, and sweeping views. After visiting must-see landmarks, like the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum, marvel at golden hour views atop the Temple of Poseidon, take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Plaka and Anafiotika, stargaze at the National Observatory, or take a cruise along the Athenian Riviera.
Best time to visit: For the best sightseeing experience in Athens, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons. These periods offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Spring is marked by blooming flowers and Easter festivities, while autumn is a great time to enjoy cultural festivals and excellent food.
Prague
Offering the best of both worlds with fairytale-like architecture and a bustling nightlife, Prague is an excellent option for a couple’s holiday. This marvellous city is characterised by its Gothic cathedrals, baroque palaces, and historic Old Town Square, separated by the Vltava River, on which you can take a sightseeing cruise. Enjoy panoramic views at Prague Castle and Petřín Hill, or keep things simple by having a peaceful, intimate evening at a cosy jazz bar.
Best time to visit: Prague is known for its elaborate, magical Christmas markets with gorgeous displays of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and medieval backdrops. It’s something to experience at least one winter in your life, though beware of large crowds. But let’s be honest, you’ll only have eyes for your loved one anyway!
Budapest
Budapest is the quintessential destination for a romantic city break, offering couples a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Explore historic sights like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, unwind together in the famous thermal waters of Széchenyi Baths, or soak in panoramic views from Gellért Hill. A sunset cruise on the Danube River is a must, perfectly complementing the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Budapest depends on your priorities, but spring, between April and May, and autumn, between September and October, offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant outdoor activities, making them ideal for general tourism. If you don’t mind crowds and colder weather, consider visiting during winter to see the magical Christmas markets.
Best Places to Propose in Europe
A proposal is one of life’s most significant moments, and it’s best to do it somewhere with sentimental value for you and your partner. However, if you’re away from home, a stunning backdrop can make the moment even more magical.
- Paris: Propose on the Pont des Arts or in the Trocadéro Gardens with the iconic Eiffel Tower view. This location offers an iconic backdrop and a sense of Parisian magic, especially during the Eiffel Tower’s hourly twinkle.
- Rome: The Giardino degli Aranci on Aventine Hill provides panoramic sunset views over the city, offering a quiet, fragrant oasis away from the main tourist crowds for an intimate proposal.
- Venice: A private gondola ride at sunset through the quieter canals is a quintessential Venetian romance: intimate, classic, and accompanied by the gentle lapping water.
- Verona: Proposing at Juliet’s Balcony capitalises on the symbolic location of eternal love, though it can be immensely romantic, despite being often crowded during the day.
- Reykjavik: Propose under the Northern Lights on a guided tour for an utterly unique, natural spectacle under the stars and celestial phenomenon.
- Porto: The Vila Nova de Gaia riverfront, with the stunning Dom Luís I Bridge in the background, provides scenic beauty overlooking the Douro River and Rabelo boats, perhaps after a cheeky Port wine tasting.
- Seville: The grand architectural splendour of the Plaza de España at twilight makes a perfect setting, maybe proposing on a rowing boat in the canal or on one of the ornate bridges.
- Athens: Lycabettus Hill at dusk is the highest point in the city, offering a sweeping view of the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea, ideal for a breathtaking moment.
- Prague: The Charles Bridge at sunrise or the Prague Castle Gardens provides a fairytale setting, historic architecture, and a quiet moment before the crowds arrive.
- Budapest: The Fisherman’s Bastion, with its Neo-Gothic/Neo-Romanesque terraces, offers a magnificent, turreted backdrop overlooking the Danube and Parliament.
Discover Secret Escapes’ Best Couples Holidays & Weekend Getaways
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