The most romantic things to do around Europe

February 12, 2019

A city break can be just the thing when you need some time away with your partner – just the two of you in a new city to explore together. Taking a trip for special occasions, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day can make these events that bit sweeter, although sometimes taking a spontaneous minibreak can be just as rewarding since there’s no extra pressure and you can focus on just enjoying yourselves. We’ve chosen a selection of destinations to help inspire your inner romantic, each with a different angle so you can find the ideal location for your romantic getaway.

 

The Calm Canals of Amsterdam

Cobbled streets and bridges lit with fairy lights make for a quaint backdrop to any holiday here, with an array of cosy cafes to indulge in and more canals than Venice to cruise along as they weave across the city. Springtime visits benefit from the beautiful blooms that pop up around this time, lending the streets a seasonal beauty and colourful highlights for you and your partner to take in. All these aspects come together to create a distinctive feeling – ‘gezellig’ – a uniquely Dutch expression that means a specific type of time-stopping intimacy and cosiness that’s an experience best shared with someone close.

That isn’t to say that Amsterdam doesn’t also have its fair share of excitement, with a busy city centre best explored by bike as the locals do. The major sights of the city are within easy cycling distance and have lots of dedicated cycle paths due to the ecocentric lifestyle many Amsterdam natives lead. After the sun has set, you’ll discover the vibrant nightlife that comes alive after dark, with a sprawling club scene that caters to many different tastes as well as brilliant bars bursting with energy and continental beers.

 

The Fine Dining of Brussels

As a city of two halves, Brussels delivers two beautiful locations for you to explore. The Upper Town is spacious and ornate, sporting grand architecture that’s rooted in its historical position of power within the city. This is where you find the Royal Palace of Brussels, surprisingly low-key in its design given its regal role, but impressively vast nonetheless. Lower Town is much more compact, sprawling out from the ever-enduring Grand-Place – the thriving hub of coffee and culture within the city, alive with small cafes overlooking the square and bars with jazz or classical music lining the streets leading away from it.

The overarching appeal of Brussels is its fine dining scene which has come to rival that of any other major food capital of the world. The first Michelin-starred restaurant outside of France was first crowned in Brussels, with five two-star and thirteen one-star Michelin endorsed restaurants being given the guide’s blessing since. If you’re a couple of foodies looking to plate up something special then booking a table at one of these renowned eateries is an experience you’ll truly savour.

 

The Iconic Scenes of Paris

Paris is practically synonymous with the classic couple’s trip, presenting idyllic views and locations at almost every turn. The city is well known for its loved-up status, linking all the way back to the artistic Romanticism movement that had a tangible impact of visual and literary pieces you can see within the city’s museums.

No romantic rendezvous here is complete without visiting the iconic landmarks. Although you might be able to glimpse the Eiffel Tower and Arc de  Triomphe from the many candlelit restaurants and secluded wine bars, getting up close and personal with these impressive structures is an experience that can’t be beaten.

Many people refer to Paris as “the city of love”, a title with rather large shoes to fill. But walking through Montmartre’s cobbled streets and admiring the grand sights of central Paris, it’s hard not to agree that it’s earned the title fair and square.

 

The Quiet Retreat of Hannover

If you’re looking for a more peaceful break, away from the major day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, then Hannover is the perfect place for you and your partner to spend some quality time together.

An abundance of green spaces can be found all over the city, including Europe’s largest urban forest – the Eilenriede, where you can wander at your own pace and take some time away from technology. Surround yourselves with the natural beauty found in the Herrenhausen Gardens and the fantastic lakeside views on offer around Lake Maschsee.

When you fancy dipping into the city, you’ll find an array of cultural gems to match your mood. The artistic scenes have flourished in Hannover, with gorgeous galleries and magnificent museums dotted around for you to enjoy. If you fancy taking a tour of the city, Hannover’s “Red Thread” walking tour gives you a handy, self-guided way to explore without relying on maps or phones.

 

If any of our minibreaks in Europe have piqued your interest then check out our ferry deals and start planning your perfect romantic weekend away by clicking here.

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