Europe’s most romantic city breaks

For couples looking for holiday inspiration, we’ve found the top five cities for romantic city breaks, according to global travellers. From gentle Champagne cruises along Saint Petersburg’s canals and picnics of fresh produce in Greece, to Croatian sunsets described by Alfred Hitchcock as the most beautiful in the world.

Zadar, Croatia

The coastal Croatian town of Zadar is made for romantic city breaks, with a mild Mediterranean climate and sunsets that were once described by Alfred Hitchcock as the most beautiful in the world. Spend the day visiting the town’s ancient Roman ruins before relaxing under the shade of the trees in Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. When the sun starts to set, head down to the oceanfront promenade to listen to the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object that creates music as waves crash upon a set of tubes and marble steps – creating a song that harmonises with the soothing orange and pastel-pink sunset. When dusk falls, make your way back to Apartments Donat.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is an intriguing place, full of secret passageways and narrow alleys. Holidaying couples can happily get lost wandering the narrow, cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, with its pastel-painted, red-roofed houses and churches. In the evening, go beyond the medieval walls to experience the city’s burgeoning food scene, with a recent rise of restaurants championing seasonal, Nordic-style fare, cafés serving third-wave coffee and bars offering craft beer. Come home to rest at the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ on account of the network of canals and rivers that weaves through the city. Take a romantic private boat tour with a skipper who will cruise you around the key sights, as you sit back and sip your flute of Champagne. Once back on land, you can either climb to the top of the Smolny Cathedral for panoramic views of the city or spend the evening watching the graceful Mariinsky Ballet company perform at its eponymous theatre. Once your evening comes to an end, make your way back to Anastasia Mini-Hotel, which is just 600 metres away from the theatre.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Start your romantic city break strolling hand-in-hand down the cobbled streets of Vilnius’ Old Town. The songs of buskers playing the piano accordion often echo off the 16th-century villas and alleyways, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Once you’ve explored the historic centre, mix it up by visiting the young and creative neighbourhood of Užupis. Either sit on the banks of the river and people-watch or enjoy a rosé at one of the many bars in the area. In the evening, feast on seasonal and local produce at restaurant ‘U’. After dessert, head back to Urbihop Hotel.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Known for its outdoor coffee culture, Thessaloniki is ideal for the caffeine-loving couple. When the sun is shining, do as the locals do and visit a café that faces the waterfront, grabbing a seat at an outdoor table and ordering a refreshing frappé. Next, head to the city’s oldest public market, Kapani, where you’ll find abundant traditional local food and can gather some fresh produce for an impromptu picnic – then make your way to the old port to sit, eat and enjoy the ocean views. After a romantic day out, unwind at the Luxury Apartments Aristotelous in the heart of the city.