If you’re looking to take the special person in your life away for a few days, then a number of amazing city breaks are available in Europe. Some of these are iconic to the point that they occur almost automatically whenever we think about romantic breaks; others are a little more obscure and special.

Let’s run through a few options.

Paris: The Eternal City of Love

If you were to ask a few hundred couples what the most romantic city in Europe is, then a sizeable number of them would respond with the French capital. It’s the home of a number of inspiring landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Make time for fine dining at a rooftop restaurant, or tour the streets in search of a traditional Jambon Beurre.

Venice: Romance on the Water

There’s no city in the world that’s quite like Venice. A network of canals adjoins medieval piazzas, topped with soaring arched bridges. You can easily get lost among the grandeur, and that’s part of the appeal. If the city is romantic enough for one of the world’s richest men to hold his wedding here, you can be reasonably sure that it has something going for it!

Hidden Gems for Intimate Escapes

If you want to really surprise and impress the special person in your life, then you might venture away from the major tourist cities, in search of something a little more out-of-the-way. In doing so, you might make the trip that little bit more distinctive, and you’ll probably save a great deal of money, too. The fairy-tale village of Hallstatt, in rural Austria, might be what’s called for. Or, if you’d like a less crowded alternative to Venice, you might explore the harbour of Rovinj, Croatia, which lies just on the other side of the Adriatic.

Rome: Timeless Romance Amid Ancient Wonders

There’s a great deal to appreciate about a romantic trip to Rome. The so-called Eternal City is arguably the most consequential place anywhere in the world, from a historical perspective. This is reflected in the number of amazing attractions, like the Vatican City, the Colosseum, and the Forum.

If you want to get the most from your trip, naturally, you’ll need to plan it well in advance, and to think about exactly where you’ll be going. If you’re willing to visit the city during a so-called ‘shoulder season’, then you might end up avoiding the worst of the crowds.