The Best European Cities to Visit for a Romantic Weekend
Best European Cities
Whether you’re a new couple who can’t keep their hands off each other or you’re in the mood to spice up your routine in your long-term relationship, a romantic weekend break in one of the best European cities is exactly what you need.
There are a few reasons why you’d choose to get away with your favourite person in a European city. Firstly, Europe is known for its hospitality and accessibility, as well as its huge array of fantastic, picturesque cities. Travelling within Europe is fairly straightforward, especially if you and your partner have EU passports, so you’re already setting yourself up for a relaxing and stress-free start to your trip.
From Napoli to Valencia, this Idyoma list will give you the ideas and inspiration not only for which city you choose to visit but what to do in each of these cities to enjoy the ultimate in romance and extravagance.
Best European Cities for a Romantic Weekend Break
1. Napoli
2. Seville
3. Versailles
4. Amsterdam
5. Budapest
6. Barcelona
7. Split
8. Oxford
9. Prague
10. Florence
11. Valencia
The Number One Best European City, Napoli
Where better to start than stunning Naples or, as it’s known to the locals, Napoli. After a quick taste of your first ever original pizza fritta, take a walk down to Fontana del Gigante which offers incredible views of Mount Vesuvio, an active volcano that wiped out Pompeii, and the city of Naples to the left. Together you can choose to stroll by or visit the popular Castel Nuovo, through the iconic Plaza Del Plebiscito or stop for the most decadent coffee and cake in street-side coffee shops.
And, when you’ve imbibed as much pizza and gelato as possible, take in the culture at the Palace or tour the metro stations! A walk to the Toledo metro station is renowned as the most impressive Metro station in Europe because of its unique and captivating design. Napoli is truly one the best European cities to visit if you want to take in some authentic Italian cuisine and sights at your own pace.
Seville, Our Favourite City of Romance
When you imagine Seville, imagine bright colours and gorgeous traditional architecture. If you take your special person here, make sure you put a day aside to visit the Real Alcazar de Sevilla. This spot was used for the setting of Dorne in the filming of Game of Thrones, and it’s easy to see why with the endless corridors and otherworldly castle surroundings. Similarly, the Plaza de Espana is astoundingly romantic at its essence as it was built in the 1920s as a dizzying amalgamation of moats, bridges and dreamy fountains. Take a boat ride around the canals and soak in the Spanish sun together.
Versailles
If you’re a fan of France but want to avoid the tourist capital that is Paris, Versailles is the best city for romantic couple activities. It has to be said, the Palace of Versailles is the place you’ll spend most of your time because of its historical and aesthetic magnetism. If you want to show your partner a luxurious time, visiting the Palace’s many beautiful features should be top of your list. A tour of the Hall of Mirrors is a stunning experience and might even be the perfect setting to pop an important question, as chandeliers hang above you and mirrors line every wall around you both.
Amsterdam
There’s no denying that Amsterdam has its fair share of gorgeous views and picturesque city spots, but Amsterdam is better known for its multitude of museums and cultural arts centres. A city break in Amsterdam is best suited to couples looking to enlighten themselves while they enjoy their romantic weekend break, but if visiting the Anne Frank House doesn’t kindle the romance for you, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum will. There’s nothing more romantic than looking over at the one you love while they appreciate a masterpiece from one of the most emotionally driven artists in history.
The Jardan will also give you both the opportunity to wander around unusual, small shops and buy each other meaningful mementos. Famed for its twinkling lights lining the streets, you can even engage your language skills and pay to hire a punt and take a gentle cruise up the magnificent canal that splits the street, running its length and allowing for perfect photo opportunities you could probably only match in Venice.
Budapest
If you and your partner have a romantic side when it comes to travelling, you might want to find your way to the 18th-century Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This bridge is famous for its ‘love locks’ left behind on the railings by loved-up couples as a sign of their eternally bonded love, so why not add your own lock and make a meaningful speech to your loved-one they won’t soon forget.
As a couple visiting Budapest, you should definitely make a reminder to bring your swimsuits, because Hungary is the home of thermal baths. These magnificent lakes and hot springs are popular for their rest and health benefits, and you can do it in style in more modern facilities like the Veli Bej Bath where you can book a booth for just the two of you.
Is Anywhere More Romantic than Barcelona?
You’ll never want to leave Barcelona when you discover all the romantic activities available to you wherever you’re staying, not to mention the general atmosphere of love and relaxation while you get away from work. Of course, it’s always helpful to know a bit of the lingo before a big trip away, so trying out some language learning apps to learn the basics will help things go smoothly.
You can’t visit Spain without indulging in their signature dish, Paella, considered a meal for bonding and romance. Share a pan with your loved one and enjoy an evening of each other’s company in one of the many stunning restaurants in the city. Or you can tour the Casa Mila by moonlight to get those sparks flying. The famous building looks stunning at night with unique projections and lit stairwells, ending the tour with wine and a new appreciation for Spanish architecture.
Split
Split in Croatia may not be the easiest destination to reach, but it’s well worth the time and effort when you arrive (plus very reasonably priced accommodation!) and see the enticing network of buildings. With white brick houses lining most streets and endless pathways that all eventually lead to a palace, you’ll feel as if you’re taking a tour through the beating heart of the city. Split isn’t often overrun with tourists like many other romance hotspots, which makes it one of the best European cities for couples getaways. The last thing you want is a group of tourists cramping your style mid-kiss.
One of the most unmissable spaces is Split’s harbourside Riva promenade, where you can find the most-often photographed spot along the harbour. With the palace behind, even the more modern and lively cafes and clubs in the pedestrian zone have an air of natural sophistication.
Oxford, a Hot Spot of Natural Romance
Ok, so Oxford isn’t technically one of the best European cities anymore because the UK isn’t a part of the European Union any longer following the new Brexit decision. However, the city of Oxford is such a quintessentially European romance destination, it simply can’t be left off of this list.
Take a trip to visit the Oxford University and enjoy some of its iconic public spaces that have featured in numerous movies and tv shows. Pore through the library together or learn more about the history of the establishment, knowing that you’re standing in a place steeped in history and collective knowledge. Alternatively, the Oxford Botanic garden was made for romantic walks and deep conversations or you could book a night at one of the many theatres with regular plays and operas available (COVID-dependant of course).
Prague
This could be one of the best European cities on this list, as Prague boasts castles, quirky restaurants, a lover’s bridge, and city squares straight out of a fairy-tale vision.
Your first stop, without a doubt, should be a couples ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the city. How much more romantic can you get? And with the mythical Old Town Square and Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, you’ll feel as if you’ve both been transported to a picture-perfect city you’d only find in the likes of snow globes. Prague is certainly the place for couples to fall in love all over again.
Florence
If the thought of horse-drawn carriages got you excited, you’ll be glad to hear Florence is also famed for its carriage rides along specially chosen routes to give you the best opportunity to take in this opulent city.
Florence isn’t the cheapest city on this list, but it does offer the holy trinity of romantic weekend holidays. You can find chocolate tasting in the likes of Fiera del Cioccolato, not forgetting that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. You’ll also discover an astonishing skyline and sunset at both the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Ponte Santa Trinita. Finally, completing this ideal couples experience, you can stroll through Boboli Gardens to stretch your legs and fit in a bit of natural beauty amidst all the Chianti drinking and chocolate eating.
Valencia, Often Forgotten but One of the Best European Cities
Valencia is perhaps not a city you would immediately think of as the most romantic place to visit, but you’ll be surprised when you arrive and are greeted by a vibrant city filled to the brim with experiences. Don’t miss the enormous Jardi del Turia which connects to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (arts centre and museum), the Bioparc (zoo) and the Oceanographic (one of Europe’s biggest aquariums). You can also rent a bike to cycle around the lengthy, interconnected gardens and buildings in the Jardi del Turia.
More centrally, Valencia’s central market is a spectacle to experience on a busy day, haggling for huge and mouth-watering fresh vegetables and fruit to make a romantic lunch together. The Casco Antigua is one of the many historical buildings that make up the almost golden walls of this memorable destination.
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