With summer just around the corner, now is the time to start planning the perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner. A city break can be ideal for couples as there is never a shortage of things to do and sights to see. Europe is the perfect destination when it comes to cities. It is a continent brimming with some of the most interesting, cultural, and historic cities in the world and there is certainly plenty of romance.
Below you can see just how many options are available when considering a city break in Europe.
Most Romantic City Breaks Europe
You can’t talk about romantic cities without mentioning Paris. It is known as the city of romance, and for good reason. With world-renowned cuisine, a rich history, lush parks, and no shortage of shopping, Paris simply has it all. Visit Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement for breath-taking views from the Sacre Coeur and winding hillside streets. For the artist in you, Paris has no shortage of museums, including the world-famous Louvre and the more modern Centre Pompidou. Perhaps you could take an evening boat ride along the Seine for a romantic evening. Paris is also home to a multitude of world-class bars, brasseries, and restaurants for a romantic night out. And, of course, you can’t leave Paris without placing a padlock with the names of you and your beau on the Pont des Arts, the most famous lovers’ bridge in the world.
Italy’s capital Rome is also known as one of the world’s most romantic cities. First on the list for couples is tossing a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, this is said to promise a return to the city, while a third coin is believed to promote a long and happy marriage. Rome’s wealth of history is an absolute must. Be sure to visit the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and Vatican City where you can see St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Don’t forget to also visit the famed Spanish Steps leading up to the Trinità dei Monti, which you and your love can walk up hand in hand. Rome is also home to some fantastic cuisine for an unforgettable meal with your partner.
Couples City Breaks with Great Nightlife
Ibiza is perhaps the most famous place in the world for its nightlife scene. One must-see spot is the Pacha club, known for its cherry logo. Amnesia, though, is where it’s really at. This world-renowned club has won multiple global awards and is said to be the best nightclub experience in the world. There is nowhere better than Ibiza to party until dawn and recover on a white sandy beach by the ocean the next day. If partying isn’t your style but you’re still looking for a great night out, Ibiza also boasts numerous fantastic bars and restaurants for something more low-key. For the best experience, visit Ibiza town, which is the hub of most of the activity on the island.
When you think of party cities, Amsterdam is one of the first places that comes to mind. A major attraction is Amsterdam’s famed red-light district where you can play witness to something a little on the sordid side. If you like to party, Amsterdam also boasts fantastic nightclubs to suit every taste. One of the most famous of these venues is the techno club Radion, which even has a 24-hour licence so you can rave until you drop. NYX is also a great venue with no shortage of LGBTQ+ and drag nights. While the city’s clubs are incredible, you can also find a vast array of bars and music venues while you are there. Don’t forget to take in some of Amsterdam’s amazing culture and food as well.
Historic Couples European City Breaks
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway that also comes with a side of history, Split, Croatia’s second-largest city is an ideal location. Split’s old town is brimming with beautiful Renaissance architecture and markets. The maze of cobbled streets in the old town is a wonderful place for lovers to meander hand in hand and you will find no end of cafes and restaurants in the People’s Square at the heart of the area. You must also visit the oldest Catholic church in the world, the Cathedral of Saint Dominus. Whilst in Split, you would be remiss of you not to sample the seafood delicacies the city is known for.
Florence in Tuscany is another city with a wealth of history to explore. Art history is particularly strong in Florence. At the Uffizi gallery, you will find works of art by famous names such as Botticelli and da Vinci, including one of the world’s most famous paintings The Birth of Venus. At the Galleria dell Accademia you can also view the Statue of David with your own eyes. A must-see for history lovers is also the gothic style Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Amongst all the history you should also visit Mercato Centrale, a huge food market where you can find the most beautiful fresh Tuscan ingredients.
Couples City Breaks in the Sun
If you’re looking for a relaxing break in the sun, the capital city of Mallorca, Palma, is a great location for you and your partner. For a relaxing day head to the Palma City Beach or one of the many smaller beaches for white sands, blue oceans, and a great tan. You will often find beach bars and fruit vendors along the beach meaning you can spend the whole day in the sun. Whilst at the beach, take a walk along the promenade where you will find beautiful seafront restaurants and bars. You can even rent roller skates and roll down the promenade in style. Palma is also a great location for shopping in the many boutiques the city boasts. When visiting, don’t forget to take in the city’s heritage and discover the culture.
Nice, a beautiful city situated on the French Riviera, it the perfect spot for a laid-back, sun-soaked city break. Its lengthy beach is the perfect place for sunbathing and ocean swimming with awe-inspiring views. The Promenade des Anglais running along the beach makes for a wonderful stroll with a loved one and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The Parc de la Colline du Château is another fabulous place to visit in the warm Nice summers. With beautiful views over the cost of the city and refreshing waterfalls, it is a great location for a relaxing walk. Nice also boasts a 17th-century baroque cathedral. When in the city, one must also check out the Cours Saleya market where you can find fresh produce and a flea market on Mondays. Don’t forget the cuisine in Nice either. This is where the salade niçoise and ratatouille originate.
Most Romantic Winter City Breaks in Europe
Berlin is at its most beautiful in the cold winter months. The German city is renowned for its Christmas markets, in fact, it hosts over 60. The Gendarmenmarkt is the most popular, followed by the Charlottenburg Palace market, both of which host hundreds of stalls including ornaments, toys, accessories, and classic German food. In the winter, Berlin’s botanical gardens also host a Christmas light show complete with food and ice skating. Whilst in Berlin you must visit the Reichstag building and Brandenburg Gate, two of the city’s most well-known landmarks. It wouldn’t be a trip to Berlin without going to see the remaining sections of the Berlin wall which represents part of Germany’s historic division. A sombre stop at the holocaust memorial is integral while in Berlin and it is somehow more prescient in the cold of winter. After a long day of sight-seeing, Berlin has a fantastic bar scene where you can warm up over a stein of beer.
Another city that seems to get more beautiful in the winter is Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Winters here can be cold and snowy, creating a winter wonderland perfect for a couple’s getaway. Like Berlin, Vienna hosts many Christmas markets and one to visit in particular is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz boasting over 150 stalls. Here you will find Christmas ornaments, food, hot drinks, and crafts leading to ice rinks in the park and even real reindeer. For a taste of culture and some warmth, you should visit the Wiener Opernball, an opera house, which becomes a huge dance hall in the winter. As long as you wrap up warm a must-see is the open-air 16th century market Naschtmarkt with fantastic culinary choices. Any lovebirds should also head to Belvedere Palace to view Klimt’s classic ‘The Kiss’.
Conclusion
Whatever your style, Europe has a vast array of picturesque and historic cities to suit every couple. Whether you’re looking for a sunny beach holiday or wanting to soak up some history and culture you will find it all. From Italy to France, or Croatia to Spain, there is a multitude of romantic cities to visit. Now is the time to get planning a getaway with the one you love; the only problem will be choosing just one destination.