Top destinations for a romantic city break in Europe

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As we near February, Valentine’s Day on the 14th is approaching. This holiday of love can be a reason to escape the mundane and travel to romantic locations in the UK and Europe for a city getaway with your significant other. Of course, there’s no need for a designated day to do so.

From a classic lover’s retreat to Paris to a quirky weekend in Amsterdam, a mountain sojourn à deux in the French Alps or a back-to-nature break on a wild Welsh island, here’s how you can make memories during your time away plus, – perhaps most importantly – where to stay.

The rustic charm of Alentejo, Portugal’s southern region, is embodied in the lime-green paddy fields, pine-backed sand dunes, wildflower meadows, and cork tree forests found in this series of laid-back, beachy villages. Located just an hour south of Lisbon, these villages, including Comporta, offer a mellow atmosphere and serene surroundings. Visitors can explore the long sandy beaches, such as the picturesque Praia da Comporta, on foot or by horseback with the help of Cavalos na Areia. In the main village, there are a variety of hippy-chic design shops to peruse, such as Rice for baskets and Lavanda for soft linens. Nearby in Troia, eco-experts Vertigem Azul offer the opportunity to spot bottlenose dolphins gracefully swimming through the Sado Estuary.

Sublime Comporta has A-frame cabana suites and villas with all-white decor, billowing gauzy curtains, driftwood touches and egg-shaped bathtubs set in dappled woodland. At its bohemian restaurant, Sem Porta, Chef Hélio Gonçalves serves a riot of local dishes in an atmospheric former rice barn.

Romantic getaways and vacations for newlyweds and couples in love.

Copenhagen combines canals, cobbled streets, brightly-coloured houses, a skyline zig-zagged with twisting spires, world-class design museums and more artistic New Nordic eateries than you shake a stick at. No matter what gets your hearts racing, the Danish capital’s got it covered.

Easily traversable on foot or bike, this destination offers attractions like Tivoli Gardens for charming fantasy elements and vintage amusement park rides. The Danish Design Museum, known for its sleek and fashionable exhibits, is also a must-see. Food enthusiasts will also be delighted, whether they have secured a reservation at The Alchemist for a 50-course meal by Rasmus Munk or are simply indulging in Hart Bageri’s twice-baked croissants.

The Manon les Suites, which has 87 rooms, is situated near the lakes and central square. It was designed by the same team who created Ubud’s Jungle Fish “no beach” beach club. The hotel offers a tropical experience with its pool surrounded by lush greenery, giving guests the sensation of swimming in a forest. The pool area is adorned with plants in terracotta pots and Balinese penjor poles.

Bath is known for its impressive ability to create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can relax and enjoy the stunning skyline views from the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, or travel back in time at the Jane Austen museum. For a different perspective, they can also visit the top of Bath Abbey’s tower. Traditional diners can indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Georgian Pump Room, while those looking for a more modern British experience can check out Beckford Canteen. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with beautiful jade green Wedgwood cabbage plates and Czechoslovakian pendant lights, and their menu includes delicious dishes like pea and mint soup and rarebit with pickled onions.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, situated in a sought-after spot on Bath’s Royal Crescent, boasts a delightful spa. The standout feature is the 12m relaxation pool, surrounded by Bath stone brick walls and elegant cathedral-style windows. The most luxurious rooms feature intricate plasterwork, sparkling chandeliers, and four poster beds. For a more laid-back dining experience, check out the new Montagu’s Mews garden bar and restaurant, offering a refined menu that changes with the seasons.

Known for its romantic atmosphere, Paris is a city that captivates people all around the globe. Its grand boulevards, classical landmarks, charming sidewalk cafes, cozy bistros, and lively jazz bars never cease to delight. A must-visit destination is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoy a sultry nightcap at Bar Joséphine, a seductive spot adorned with Romanesque frescoes and serving delicious vodka, Champagne, and St-Germain cocktails. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the stunning Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, and the quaint cobbled streets and windmills of Montmartre, not to mention the iconic Eiffel Tower that glitters in gold every evening. And for the ultimate indulgence, be sure to try the delectable pastries from renowned patisserie Pierre Herme and the mouth-watering chocolate-pistachio escargots from Du Pain et des Idees.

The Hotel Rochechouart is located in the bohemian Pigalle area and offers a view of the Sacré Coeur. The hotel’s striking Art Deco exterior, along with its warm-toned rooms and renovated Le Mikado club, which features disco and funk DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, creates a lively atmosphere of belle epoque indulgence.

Amsterdam is a charming city with a compact layout, intersected by canals and adorned with quirky townhouses. It is a perfect destination for artistic couples, as it boasts top-notch museums. The Museum Quarter is home to famous works such as Rembrandt’s paintings at the Rijksmuseum, Warhol’s pieces at the Stedelijk, and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum. Exploring the canals by bike or boat is a lovely way to spend time, as well as browsing through the independent boutiques and the Albert Cuypmarkt in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood. A must-do activity is to relax and enjoy a pint at a traditional “bruin café” (brown cafe) to fully immerse yourself in the cozy and inviting gezellig atmosphere of the city.

Pulitzer Amsterdam’s charming bedrooms are spread across 25 historic canal houses in the Nine Streets neighborhood. Each room features a unique bar cart, headboard inspired by peaked gables, and a bathroom stocked with Le Labo toiletries. The top suites are especially whimsical, with one featuring a book archway and another adorned with trumpets on the wall. Guests can also enjoy delicious modern Dutch cuisine at Restaurant Jansz and relax in the quaint courtyard garden.

Allard and Mizensir, a perfumery known for its fragrances that capture the scent of the pine-filled mountain air, offer a unique experience for lovers. They can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village square or enjoy a meal at renowned restaurants such as Flocons de Sel, where Chef Emmanuel Renaut creates dishes inspired by the Alpine region. Another option is La Ferme de mon Père, a charming farmhouse with vaulted lounges, where patrons can savor dishes like truffle risotto and classic apple tart.

Recently renovated, plush Beaumier property L’Alpaga has chalet-style bedrooms with velvet headboards, botanical artwork and wood-panelled touches, not to mention breathtaking views straight onto the slopes, and one Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de L’Alpaga.

A canoe illuminated by lanterns; the views of the Old Danube are enhanced by the soft glow of the moon.

Hotel MOTTO combines the luxurious style of 1920s Paris with a modern blend of Vienna and Scandinavian design. The lavish bedrooms feature golden lamps and brass cocktail carts. At the glass-domed restaurant, Chez Bernard, you can enjoy a fusion of Austrian and North African cuisine while surrounded by hanging plants. The rooftop terrace is also a great spot to raise a glass of Grüner Veltliner.

Porth Dafarch for rock pooling and Rhosneigr for windsurfing. As well as over 100 ancient monuments, including Bronze Age burial chambers, there’s medieval fortress Beaumaris Castle and stately home Plas Newydd to explore. Another highlight? A walk through Newborough Warren’s dunes to tidal island Llanddwyn, where high-drama lighthouses and the ruins of the Church of St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, await.

Chateau Rhianfa, inspired by the Loire Valley, boasts a multitude of turrets and towers along its shoreline. With its fairytale charm, the chateau features a banqueting hall adorned with panels, elegant lounges furnished with period pieces, and 27 unique bedrooms. The views of Snowdonia from the chateau are truly breathtaking.

The Love Stories museum showcases objects that evoke the emotions of real-life love stories.

Relax and take in the stunning sights at the serene Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, situated on a cliff overlooking Miramare Bay. Along with peaceful accommodations – including rooms with balconies – the hotel offers a luxurious spa, a freshwater pool, and the highly acclaimed Vapor restaurant, recommended by Michelin for exceptional fine dining.

The MUNCH museum and National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design offer a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Oslo’s waterways, fjords, and parks provide a stunning backdrop for visitors to enjoy. One popular attraction is Frogner Park, which showcases over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. In addition, Oslo boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with various cocktail spots to choose from. Couples can also experience the city’s sauna culture, with options like Oslo Badstuforening, a sauna made from recycled driftwood with a hatch for fjord dips, or Kongen Marina’s “Miami Vice” style beach club complete with a glass-domed floating sauna. The city’s public transportation system is also environmentally-friendly, with plans to go all-electric by 2023 and already offering electric-powered fjord boat trips.

Although it may not seem appealing, the old headquarters of Oslo Lysverker has been revamped by the new addition to the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Sommerro. This transformation has brought a touch of Art Deco glamour to the building, complete with a stunningly restored swimming pool, Vestkantbadet, and a 1930s-inspired brasserie, cocktail bar, and jazz bar known as Ekspedisjonshallen.

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Source: independent.co.uk