Romantic breaks in Europe

Whether you're looking for a last-minute escape or planning the perfect proposal, Europe is home to some of the world's most romantic destinations.

We've rounded up some of the best romantic breaks in Europe to inspire your next trip, so get ready to fall in love all over again.

Romantic places in Europe at a glance

Most romantic city breaks in Europe

Paris is the obvious romantic city break for a reason, but Europe is full of cities packed with romantic things to do, from candlelit restaurants and sunset walks to scenic canals and historic streets. Some of our favourites include:

• Reims 
• Strasbourg 
• Annecy 
• Bruges 
• Venice 
• Amsterdam 

And, of course, Paris!

Reims

The classic romantic break in France conjures images of sipping champagne, fine dining and experiencing French culture. The Champagne-Ardenne region encapsulates all of these and more.

Find yourself exploring some of the oldest and most prestigious champagne houses in the world, from the vineyards in Reims to the famous L’Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, where Houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier and De Castellane reside. Take in the grandeur of Reims as you visit the Palace of Tau, where kings stayed during their coronation ceremony, or stroll through one of the many parks that won the prestigious 4 Flowers accolade for Reims.

Sip champagne in the capital of the Champagne region

Seasonally, Reims is best from late spring to early autumn, when it is growing season. The winter is quite mild, but there are reduced tours around the vineyards.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a beautiful location for a romantic break, with the town's backdrop being one of cathedrals, canals and winding streets. The old quarter, Le Petit France, is one of the prettiest areas of Strasbourg with waterways weaving in and around old medieval houses and cobbled streets, a perfect place to stop for a coffee and watch the locals go about their daily lives.

Seasonally, Strasbourg is in its prime all year round; however, the Christmas markets that make their appearance in winter fill the city with excitement, making the Christmas experience all the more special.

Paris

The City of Love, Paris, is of course perfect for a romantic city break. While Paris is famous for its iconic landmarks, the city shines in its quieter moments. 

Long, meandering walks through Luxembourg Gardens, along Canal Saint-Martin, or beside the banks of the Seine are perfect for slow, meaningful conversations. While the covered passages offer a quieter kind of romance, with cosy cafés, atmospheric restaurants, and tucked-away shops to discover. 

Visit in spring for cherry blossoms and romantic walks, summer for long evenings along the Seine, autumn for golden streets and café terraces, or winter for cosy lights and festive events.

Explore Paris’ hidden gems on a romantic getaway

Annecy

With pastel-coloured buildings reflected in a crystal-clear river, it’s easy to see why Annecy is often called the ‘Venice of the Alps.’ Framed by the snow-capped mountains, the city has a fairy tale feel.

Plus, it’s packed with cupid-approved moments. Stroll along flower-lined canals, pause in the lakeside beauty of Jardins de l’Europe, and lose yourself in the charm of the old town. An unmissable highlight for couples is the Pont des Amours - the “Bridge of Love” - according to legend, couples who kiss here will stay together forever.

Bruges

Bruges is, indeed, a fairytale. Walking down the cobbled streets, over the canal bridges and around the gabled houses, it is easy to see why the historical centre of Bruges is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Plan your perfect romantic break in Bruges; start by choosing one of the many unique hotels that are scattered through the city, all in keeping with the medieval architecture of the town. You are spoilt for spectacular views, whether you fancy waking up to an idyllic scene of the waterways or to a panoramic view of the historical city centre. Spend a day wandering around Bruges, strolling through the city centre, stopping off to sample some of the world's best beer, whilst warming up in Bruges' numerous taverns and inns. If you are feeling more culturally inclined, there are plenty of museum experiences to partake in; whether you want to see Bruges' involvement in the beer, lace, chocolate or even diamond industry, the choice is yours.

Bruges is where the art of diamond polishing was invented in the 15th century, making this one of the most apt places in the world to go down on one knee. You are spoilt for choice with romantic backdrops to make your moment special; perhaps surprise your loved one on a sunset boat trip around the canals of Bruges, or atop one of the many churches in the city!

Make memories together in Bruges

Venice

Venice is the perfect final destination on a romantic road trip across Europe. Drift through the waterways on a private gondola ride, or spend your evenings hopping between cicchetti bars, sampling small plates and local wines in cosy, atmospheric settings.

Beyond the main island, visit Murano, famous for its glassmaking, Burano, known for its brightly coloured streets, and the peaceful Torcello for slower romantic moments with your beau.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam may seem like an unusual choice for a romantic break, more famed for its red light district and boozy weekends. Yet there is more to Amsterdam than meets the eye; look beyond its party culture; it barely scratches the surface of what Amsterdam has to offer you.

There are many different things to do and see in Amsterdam; take a romantic boat trip around 'the Venice of the North', indulge in some cultural delights like the Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank House and Amsterdam's own Diamond Museum. Alternatively, you can visit the famous year-round flower market, Bloemenmarkt, where you can buy your loved one a beautiful bouquet.

Cycling is the easiest way to get around Amsterdam; there are plenty of shops to hire bicycles from that will give you a touring map of the city, ensuring that you take the most scenic routes and make the most of your time in Amsterdam.

Enjoy long conversations along the canals in Amsterdam

Romantic city break experiences for couples

Beyond the landmarks, the best things to do on a couples’ city break are all about shared experiences:

-    Scenic walks and sunset viewpoints

-    Couples’ food and wine experiences

-    Boat trips and river cruises in romantic cities

-    Spa, relaxation and slow travel experiences

-    Unique proposal trip ideas in Europe

Scenic walks and sunset viewpoints 

From scenic walks to sunset viewpoints, few things are more romantic than exploring a city hand-in-hand. Here are some of the best spots for a walk on a romantic city break:

Couples’ food and wine experiences     

Wine bars, local food spots, and candlelit restaurants are unmissable highlights on any romantic city break. Find our top picks below:

Boat trips and river cruises in romantic cities 

Many cities offer boat trips and river cruises - sit back with a glass of wine, cuddle up, and drift past iconic landmarks.