Couples, pay attention. If Paris was the first place that came to mind when you thought of a romantic city break, you might want to think again. Even though walking with your partner arm-in-arm along the Seine is a lovely way to solidify your relationship, it’s not very original.
So, we did the research for you and found the six most romantic city breaks that will give you ideas for Valentine’s Day or an important anniversary. On February 14, these will make even the hardest hearts soften.
1. Verona
It’s no accident that Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” took place in Verona, but the balcony scene isn’t the only romantic part of this Italian city. Couples can enjoy Verona in all its glory just an hour from the busy canals of Venice. Explore the beautiful Piazza Bra, which has cobblestones and is where international concerts and historical shows are held, or look at the sun-drenched Ponte Pietra bridge across the river Adige.
You can show your love by going on a shopping spree in the city’s well-known shopping area, Via Mazzini, to find a special gift. It’s full of stores like Armani, Trussardi, and Furla that sell both mainstream and high-end fashion. Even better, the city has its own Festival of Love on February 14, so a romantic weekend here will be anything but sad.
2. Prague
Even though Prague is known for its cheap beer and stag parties, don’t let that hide its romantic side. This city is as beautiful as a picture postcard, and its 100 church spires make it a great place for couples who like architecture. The styles of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance can be seen in the Czech capital.
It’s like a fairy tale for lovers to walk hand in hand through its quaint streets, over beautiful bridges, and through cute squares. And don’t forget to bring a lock so you can go to the famous Lovers’ Bridge. This is a small but special place where a lot of couples have put padlocks with messages on them to show how much they love each other.
After all that walking, why not take a ride in an elegant horse-drawn carriage through the narrow streets of Prague’s charming Old Town and feel like a real-life prince and princess?
3. Vienna
Vienna is a great place for couples because it has beautiful streets, grand architecture, hotels, and a quiet atmosphere.
Still not sure? If you’ve seen the movie Before Sunrise, you know that it’s one of the most romantic places in Europe. Like the people in the movie, it won’t take long for you and your partner to fall in love all over again. Take your pick from the many rooftop bars all over the city, where you can sip a boozy cocktail and look at the city’s skyline in awe.
Have a romantic dinner on one of the world’s oldest Ferris wheels while candles flicker around you. Here, you can get to dizzying heights by having a 90-minute three-course meal with wine in your own private cabin.
4. Dubrovnik
Croatia is becoming known in Europe as one of the best places for couples to find love. And the first place you should go is Dubrovnik, which is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Imagine narrow streets, buildings from the Middle Ages, and orange sunsets over the sea. Take a cable car to the top of 1,352-foot-high Mount Sr, which is part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range, for one of the best views.
See the sun go down and watch the sky light up with red, pink, and purple colors before it goes down for good. Really, what could be more romantic than watching the sun go down with a loved one?
And don’t forget to take a picture so you can post it on Instagram. If you want to get away from the crowds and spend some time alone with your partner, take a private boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands.
5. Venice
We couldn’t leave Venice off the list of romantic cities, especially since you can ride a gondola through the canals and waterways.
Casanova was one of the most famous ladies’ men in the world. You can see Venice through his eyes by going to the Rialto Bridge, where he met his lovers. The best time to visit this beautiful bridge is at dusk, when the Grand Canal starts to light up.
This medieval trading town on the water is full of alleys and footbridges that make it easy to get lost. And there are a lot of cool piazzas where you can eat or drink a spritzer or two to feel better. If you want to get away from the crowds, you can visit some of Venice’s islands, which are less crowded and give you a lot of space.
6. Madrid
This lively, unpretentious city will keep two people in love busy for a whole weekend.
The city has a relaxed attitude toward mealtimes, so you can enjoy a glass of vermouth at a sidewalk café in Plaza de la Paja and then go on a tapas crawl with sizzling prawns and patatas bravas for a decadent afternoon.
Walk around Retiro Park, which is the city’s largest green space at almost 350 acres, to burn off those extra calories. If you’d rather be near the water, you can rent a rowboat and go for a romantic sail on Estanque del Retiro, a man-made lake on the park’s edge.
Plan to go to the Royal Palace to Las Vistillas with Mapquest Driving Directions in the evening and watch the moon rise over the Guadarrama mountains. This is a great way to end the day.
