5 European City Breaks That Were Made For Valentine’s Day Romance

Let’s be honest, February can be a bit dreary. The Christmas lights have long since come down and summer feels a lifetime away. That is exactly why we need Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect excuse to shake off the winter blues, pack a weekend bag and escape somewhere magical with the one you love.

Forget the cliché of petrol station flowers or a rushed dinner at your local Italian chain restaurant. This year you need a proper adventure. You need cobbled streets, breathtaking views and atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re the only two people in the world.

Europe is absolutely brimming with cities that seem designed purely for romance. But with so many options where do you even start? We have whittled it down to our five absolute favourites for a Valentine’s escape guaranteed to make you swoon.

Candlelit streets and whispered promises in Prague.

Here are the 5 best city breaks in Europe to ignite some passion this February 14th.

1. Paris, France

It might seem obvious but we couldn't possibly write this list without including the undisputed City of Love. Paris isn't just a stereotype; it really does have a certain magic in the air that is impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Don't feel pressured to do the big tourist sights. The real romance of Paris lies in the quiet moments. It’s sharing a flaky pain au chocolat in a tiny café while watching the world go by outside. It's wandering hand-in-hand through the artistic streets of Montmartre as dusk settles and the city lights begin to twinkle below you.

The Romantic Highlight:

For something truly special book a dinner cruise along the Seine. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle while you drift past illuminated bridges with a glass of champagne in hand is the definition of romance. If you want a quirky photo opportunity head to the Mur des Je t'aime in Jehan Rictus garden square where "I love you" is written 311 times in 250 languages.

• For more inspiration on where to stay and what to eat check out our dedicated city guide for Paris

2. Venice, Italy

If Paris is the city of love then Venice is the city of dreams. There is nowhere else on earth quite like it. Yes it can be busy but if you visit in February you get to experience a different, moodier side of this floating masterpiece.

The misty mornings over the lagoon are hauntingly beautiful and perfect for early strolls before the day-trippers arrive. Getting lost here isn't an inconvenience; it's essential. Wander away from St Mark’s Square and find silent canals where the only sound is the lapping of water against ancient palazzos.

The Romantic Highlight:

Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and do as the locals do. Go on a cicchetti crawl in the Cannaregio district. These are tiny Venetian tapas bars where you can huddle together at the counter, sipping local Prosecco and sharing small plates of seafood. Later in the evening you can splash out on a private gondola ride. Doing it wrapped up warm against the winter chill with your partner is pure, unadulterated theatre.

• Plan your perfect Venetian escape with the help of our city guide for Venice

  
  

3. Prague, Czech Republic

If your idea of romance involves fairy tales then Prague is the only choice. With its skyline of spires, towers and domes dusted with February frost it looks like something straight out of a storybook.

Walking across the iconic Charles Bridge at sunrise, with the statues silhouetted against a pastel sky, is incredibly romantic. The city is compact and walkable making it easy to explore hidden courtyards and winding lanes together. When the cold starts to bite you can duck into a cosy cellar bar for a warming drink.

The Romantic Highlight:

Take the funicular railway up to Petřín Hill. It’s a lovely journey and at the top you will find a rose garden and a mini version of the Eiffel Tower. Climb to the top for the best view in the city where you can look out over the red rooftops holding tight to each other.

Afterwards head to a riverside restaurant near Kampa Island to watch the swans on the Vltava river.

• Find the hidden gems of this golden city in our city guide for Prague

4. Florence, Italy

For couples who bond over art, history and incredible food Florence is an absolute stunner. It’s smaller and less chaotic than Rome but packs just as much of a cultural punch.

Florence is a city that demands you slow down and savour life. It’s about spending hours in world-class galleries before sharing a gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio. The architecture alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat.

The Romantic Highlight:

Hunt for the historic buchette del vino or "wine windows". These tiny wooden doors carved into the walls of noble palaces were once used to sell wine surplus during the plague but many have reopened. Knock on the little door and a hand will appear to serve you a glass of Tuscan red right on the street. It is a playful and unique experience you can only find here. End your day at Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset turn the city golden.

• Discover the heart of Tuscany using our detailed city guide for Florence

5. Bruges, Belgium

Sometimes you just want to escape the noise of a big capital city and retreat somewhere cosy. Bruges is the ultimate "chocolate box" destination that feels tailor-made for a winter cuddle.

It is incredibly well-preserved, medieval and profoundly peaceful in the evenings. Think cobbled streets, picturesque canals reflecting stepped-gable rooftops and the smell of waffles wafting through the air. It’s the perfect place to turn your phone off and just reconnect.

The Romantic Highlight:

Make your way to the Minnewater which translates literally to the "Lake of Love". Legend says that you will experience eternal love if you walk over the lake bridge with your partner. It’s a serene spot filled with graceful swans and weeping willows. Afterward warm up with a rich hot chocolate at one of the tearooms overlooking the market square before retreating to a pub to share a strong Belgian beer by a roaring fire.

• Prepare for a cosy getaway with our comprehensive city guide for Bruges