A trip away with your partner is a great way to cement your relationship and bring the two of you closer together and celebrate your relationship. Memories will be made, new experiences will be had and, perhaps most importantly, the holiday will be a welcome break from your everyday routines.
But where are the best places in Europe that encourage love to blossom and ignite that spark of romance at every turn? Here is a shortlist of the best places to make that important person in your life feel extra special.
A list of romantic city breaks would not be complete without a mention of the city of love - Paris. With its wide streets, picturesque arrondissements and passionate culture, there is little wonder why so many couples head to the French capital every year. Once you are there, there is so much to see and do that your holiday could include anything from a decision to stay in your luxury hotel room for the majority of the trip to a jam-packed itinerary filled with visits to all the famous attractions the city has to offer.
There'll be plenty of opportunities to explore every intricate nook and cranny of the Louvre, climb the iconic Eifel Tower, shop 'til you drop on the Champs-Elysees, and sample more than a morsel of the delicious French cuisine.
Iconic Romantic Activity: A picnic under the Eifel Tower
Alternative Romantic Activity: A walk through the back streets of Montmartre
Venice is another city that is often synonymous with love and romance, and this place is sure to steal the heart of anyone that chooses to visit. It must be something they put in the water over there, and there sure is a lot of water.
The key features of the Floating City are the beautiful and bustling piazzas, the authentic and rustic food and, of course, the endless canals. From the Grand Canal that stretches nearly four thousand metres through the centre, to many smaller ones which run through the city like veins carrying blood; they guide the way like a trusty road map.
And wherever there is a lot of water there is sure to be plenty of bridges too, and Venice doesn't disappoint in this regard. The gorgeous Rialto Bridge usually outshines its arching counterparts but the Ponte delle Guglie and the Bridge of Sighs (so named because it provided the last view of Venice for convicts heading across to the prison) are definitely worth a look too.
Iconic Romantic Activity: A gondola ride complete with Italian serenade
Alternative Romantic Activity: A visit to the islands of Burano and Murano to see the charming multi-coloured houses and delightful range of flowers.
The capital of Austria is a great place to take the one you love, especially around the festive season when the whole city takes on a cosy, nostalgic and romantic persona. Ties with many great classical composers and a stunning array of striking palatial buildings give this city an elegant characteristic which evokes a romantic atmosphere simply by walking amongst its fairy-tale streets.
There's plenty of culture in the form of theatres, museums and art galleries, but you can also get a great feel for Vienna simply by taking a few moments to enjoy your surroundings in the Stadtpark. Walks along the beautiful Danube are sure to stir a few amorous emotions and, by taking a seat in one of the many coffee houses that play a key role in the city's lifestyle, you'll be able to see what everyone else is up to on their Vienna city break.
Iconic Romantic Activity: A city tour in a horse-drawn carriage
Alternative Romantic Activity: Seek out Gustav Klimt's The Kiss in the Belvedere Palace and create your own reconstruction
Copenhagen has a reputation for being an expensive holiday destination but there is no reason why you have to splash the cash to enjoy this romantic city. The quaint, coloured houses and the glistening harbourside district are enough to get the heart pounding and a feeling of nostalgia running through your body, but you can always top it off with a visit to beautiful Winter Garden at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Just like in Vienna, the festive period is greeted by a charming Christmas market and the whole city celebrates the yuletide in style. As stalls line the streets and familiar smells fill the air you cannot help but get swept away by the sentimental atmosphere.
If you really want to impress your partner on your Copenhagen city break, why not treat them to a taste of Denmark at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants in this cosmopolitan area. There are plenty to choose from but the allure of the iconic Noma(voted Best Restaurant in the World on four separate occasions) surely puts it at the top of the pile.
Iconic Romantic Activity: A picture in front of The Little Mermaid statue
Alternative Romantic Activity: Contemplate your never-ending love for each other in the Planetarium
This is merely a taster of the charming European city breaks that Fred. Holidays has available and our friendly team will be more than happy to help you plan a trip to these destinations and many more besides. Plan a real romantic trip by speaking to our knowledgeable experts or submitting an online enquiry.
