The best cities for a romantic weekend away

Europe’s timeless cities offer the perfect romantic escape, full of culture, history and incredible cuisine. From winding cobbled streets to breathtaking sunsets over historic skylines, each city offers a unique experience – perfect for a short trip away this February.

Whether you’re planning a surprise trip, anniversary, or spontaneous weekend getaway, Europe has countless enchanting spots to explore. Here are our top picks for the most romantic cities within a 3hr flight from the UK.

 

PARIS, FRANCE

Paris is the quintessential city of romance, where timeless elegance meets poetic charm. Strolling along the Seine, couples can take in the sights of historic bridges, grand buildings, and intimate riverside cafés, all steeped in a sense of old-world glamour. Montmartre, with its artistic heritage and labyrinthine streets, offers an enchanting escape, where secluded bistros and candlelit wine bars set the stage for romantic evenings.

Paris invites romance at every turn, offering endless opportunities to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable memories. From its world-class museums and historic buildings (Palace of Versailles is a must) and lush gardens to its Michelin-starred dining and charming patisseries, every moment feels effortlessly enchanting. The City of Love is a must visit! If you’ve never been check out our Paris Travel Guide with the best hotels, restaurants, cafes and to-do’s.

 

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LONDON, UK

London is a city where history and modern luxury intertwine, offering an effortlessly romantic backdrop. Covent Garden’s elegant arcades buzz with candlelit wine bars and boutique shops, while the South Bank’s riverside ambience sets the stage for intimate moments against the iconic skyline.

From world-class dining to hidden speakeasies, London offers endless ways to indulge in romance. Enjoy an opulent afternoon tea at The Ritz, a Michelin-starred dinner in Mayfair, or a cosy fireside drink in one of the city’s historic members’ clubs or pubs. Whether immersed in the drama of the West End, unwinding in luxurious hotels, or taking in the city on foot, London’s old-world charm makes it a firm favourite for us. If you’re in need of some hotel suggestions click here. 

 

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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague is a city of gothic romance, where church spires, baroque palaces, and medieval bridges create an enchanting atmosphere. The Charles Bridge at dawn, with its views over the Vltava River is a must-see, while the hidden courtyards of Malá Strana offer a quiet escape from the city’s lively Old Town. In the evening, the glow of gas-lit streets and the grandeur of Prague Castle set the perfect scene for romantic walks.

From candlelit dinners in centuries-old wine cellars to sunset cruises along the river, Prague offers countless ways to experience its magic. Savour traditional Czech cuisine in an intimate bistro, sip on world-class wines in a rooftop bar overlooking the Astronomical Clock, or catch a performance at the opulent Estates Theatre. Whether exploring its storybook streets or toasting to love with a view over the city, Prague fits the bill.

 

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna feels opulent and elegant – from its grand palaces and Baroque architecture. In February, with temperatures hovering around 0–7°C, the city is  perfect for cosy moments in its historic cafés and restaurants. Wrap up and explore Schönbrunn Palace, with its stunning gardens and gilded halls, or ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the historic Innere Stadt.

From intimate dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants to late-night cocktails in Art Deco salons, Vienna is a city designed for romance. Indulge in a slice of rich Sachertorte at a historic café, sip champagne at a rooftop bar overlooking St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or dress for an elegant night at the Vienna State Opera. Whether strolling through grand boulevards or getting lost in the city’s enchanting side streets, Vienna is a place where love and luxury go hand in hand.

 

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Copenhagen combines contemporary design and classic Scandinavian charm, offering a unique and romantic escape.  The cobblestone streets of Nyhavn, with its colourful 17th-century buildings, offer a picturesque backdrop for a romantic walk along the canal, or dinner at Judie. With endless bakeries and coffee shops, the city is perfect for chilly walks followed by cosy afternoons eating danish pastries.

Copenhagen offers endless ways to indulge in romance, from fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to exploring the city’s celebrated design scene – there’s really something for everyone. Enjoy an intimate meal at Host, sip cocktails at the stylish 1656 Cocktail Bar, or take an evening cruise along the canal. Whether enrolling in a pottery class or lunching at the street food market, Copenhagen is a city where understated elegance and contemporary luxury come together for a truly memorable, slow-paced romantic weeknd.

 

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ROME, ITALY

Rome screams romance. From the ancient architecture to the  incredible cuisine – the Italian way of life in this city is something that has to be experienced. The cobbled streets of Trastevere, lined with ivy-clad buildings and hidden piazzas, set the perfect stage for a leisurely stroll before dinner at a candlelit osteria. With espresso bars on every corner and decadent gelaterias tempting at every turn, the city invites slow, indulgent afternoons soaking up la dolce vita from a sun-drenched terrace.

Rome offers endless ways to embrace romance, from private tours of world-famous landmarks to intimate dining experiences in tucked-away trattorias—there’s truly something for every couple. Enjoy a leisurely aperitivo at Hotel de Russie’s elegant garden bar, take a Vespa ride through the city’s cinematic streets, or book a twilight visit to the Colosseum for a breathtaking, crowd-free experience. Whether tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or getting lost in the timeless beauty of the Vatican, Rome is a city where passion, history, and luxury intertwine for an unforgettable escape.

 

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SEVILLE, SPAIN

Seville is effortlessly seductive, blending historic grandeur with an electric, modern energy. February is the perfect time to visit—before the crowds arrive, when sun-drenched terraces and hidden courtyards feel like your own. The city’s Moorish influences shine through in the intricate beauty of the Real Alcázar, while the rooftop bars of La Setas offer a strikingly contemporary contrast. A golden-hour walk along the Guadalquivir River, with the Giralda towering in the distance, is the perfect way to work up your appetite before dinner and drinks.

Seville is all about long, leisurely days that turn into unforgettable nights. Tapas-hopping in the old town is a must—think jamón ibérico, fresh seafood, and perfectly chilled fino sherry in atmospheric, low-lit bodegas. For something more exclusive, a table at Cañabota or a rooftop dinner overlooking the cathedral delivers next-level dining. Whether catching an open-air DJ set at a stylish bar or escaping to a boutique hotel, Seville is certainly somewhere to consider for your next romantic getaway.

 

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FLORENCE, ITALY

Florence is a city where history and style collide, offering an effortlessly romantic escape with an edge of modern luxury. Strolling across the Ponte Vecchio at golden hour, exploring the hidden courtyards of historic palazzos, or sipping negronis in a sleek enoteca, every moment feels truly relaxing. The grandeur of the Duomo and the artistic masterpieces of the Uffizi are unmissable, but so are the city’s intimate rooftop bars and tucked-away piazzas that feel like well-kept secrets.

Florence is all about indulgence, whether it’s a long, wine-fuelled lunch in a tucked-away trattoria or a Michelin-starred dining experience in a centuries-old palazzo. The city’s boutique hotels blend heritage with high design, while speakeasy-style cocktail bars bring a contemporary twist to its timeless charm. From luxury shopping in the designer district to escaping into the Tuscan hills for a vineyard lunch, Florence is perfect for ‘us time’.

 

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VENICE, ITALY

Venice is effortlessly romantic, a city where timeless beauty meets quiet exclusivity. Wandering through its hidden alleyways, gliding down misty canals in a private gondola, or sipping cocktails at a grand hotel overlooking the lagoon—every moment feels like a scene from a classic film. Beyond the iconic Piazza San Marco and the opulent Doge’s Palace, the city reveals its true magic in lesser-known corners, from secret gardens to candlelit bacari serving the perfect cicchetti and spritz.

Venice is a city to experience slowly, indulging in long, seafood-filled lunches by the water, after-hours art tours, and rooftop terraces with panoramic views over terracotta rooftops. Whether slipping into a velvet-clad bar for cocktails, escaping to a palatial suite on the Grand Canal, or taking a private boat to the colourful island of Burano, Venice is the kind of bucket list experience thats sure to impress.

 

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WORDS BY

Ainjhelicah de Mesa

Digital Journalist at Inside Lifestyle

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