5 romantic European city breaks ideal for couples

October 22, 2014

Paris

Putting the world-renowned City of Love in this list is perhaps a cliché but, as with most clichés, there is an undeniable truth to it. Paris is home to fine dining, art and architecture and is the perfect location for a sophisticated romantic getaway.

The Pont des Arts is the without a doubt the most romantic spot in Paris. Built in 1804, the metallic footbridge is now famous for the hundreds of padlocks attached to it by couples as a symbol of their enduring love.
Le Mur Des Je T’aime (The Wall of I Love Yous) features the words “I love you” written in over 250 languages and has become a popular meeting point for couples. Couples can also take a stroll through the winding walkways of Montmartre, with streets lined with cafes, boutiques and shops, this area was famously home to Picasso, Dali, Monet and Van Gogh, among others.

Amsterdam

The Dutch capital is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, famous for a combination of its uniquely liberal culture, as well its perfectly-conserved heritage, Amsterdam is a city where the classic and the modern lie side-by-side in perfect harmony.

Take your partner to Cafe Bleu and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city while you dine in Amsterdam’s only restaurant with 2 Michelin Stars. If that’s a bit too rich for your taste, then the adjacent cocktail bar, Twenty-Third, will be just as impressive at a smaller cost.

For a more traditional romantic experience, treat your loved one to some flowers from the Bloemenmarkt , or buy them a freshly-cut diamond from Cooster or Gassan after a tour of their polishing and cutting rooms.
If you’re on a shoestring, then there’s no need to worry, simply rent a tandem bike and take a picnic with you to Vondelpark for a budget romantic experience.

Copenhagen

One of Copenhagen’s most famous inhabitants is the Little Mermaid, so when it comes to romance, the Danish capital has pedigree. Copenhagen’s compact size makes it perfect to explore on foot or by bike with your partner. Be sure to stop off for lunch at Mother, a pizzeria with a rustic wood-burning oven that serves amazing sourdough pizzas.

Rent a boat and test your rowing skills in the Fredriksberg Have canal or near the Dronning Louises Bridge, with the city skyline as a backdrop.

Take your partner to Tivoli and enjoy the fun, vintage atmosphere of the world’s second-oldest amusement park, complete with old carousels, rollercoasters and a sky-high swing which offers a great view of the city. If you would like to take a tour of Scandinavian capitals, then hop on a DFDS ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo and discover the hidden gems of Norway’s biggest city.

Oslo

Take a ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo, and not only will you have views of the beautiful Swedish coastline as you sail, but you will cruise into the Norwegian capital via a gorgeous fjord. Take your loved one out on deck and enjoy the stunning views as you sail.

Oslo is a small, traditional Scandinavian capital city, surrounded by lush woodlands and a breath-taking fjord, making it the perfect getaway for couples who love the outdoors. If you arrive in the winter, then take a sled to the locals’ favourite hangout spot, Holmenkellen. In the summer, Frognerparken and the fjord are the places to be. Take a picnic with you and enjoy the fresh air and Scandinavian summer.

Bruges

It isn’t difficult to get swept up in the romance of Bruges, the entire city is beautiful, with gorgeous architecture and town squares lined with canals and cobbles. The entire historic centre of Bruges was appointed a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 2000.

When you get there, you’ll find that Bruges has a taste for some of life’s simple pleasures. Not only is the city one of the chocolate capitals of the world, with over 70 chocolate shops, but it is also the home of great chips, and traditional Belgian beer, recognised among the best in the world.

Take a canal cruise of the city and see all of the sights from the city’s waterways.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Europe, then you can do much worse than checking out one of the continent’s most charming small cities.

Getting there: With so many places to explore throughout Europe, don’t be restricted – take your car and enjoy stunning scenery as you drive through the variety of landscapes on offer… & with 6 ferry routes into Europe, we can take you there.

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