It's time for summer romance and adventure. Here are some of the best getaways in Europe for you and your significant other to take this summer...
If you’re on the hunt for a classy, elegant trip for you and your partner that won’t break the bank, then Bruges is your saving grace. Fill your days with easy-going visits to this medieval city’s intriguing museums and art displays, before heading back to the city centre for your fill of Belgian cuisine. There’s cafés, chocolatiers and bars aplenty, with a romantic walk back along the canal to round off the night.
Prefer somewhere a little bit less typical? Avoid the clichéd couple’s getaway destinations with a trip to Dubrovnik. Walking through the Old Town, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Famously featured as a filming location for Game of Thrones, this Croatian city is surrounded by stunning medieval walls. There’s a lovely botanical garden to stroll in and a beautiful yachting marina that's perfect for sundowners.
The Hungarian capital will capture your heart. The stunning beauty of the Danube River which splits the city in two is captivating and if you’re looking for a cosy romantic break in Europe, then look no further than Budapest. Destinations like Paris and Rome are safe bets when it comes to a couple’s trip away, but with its blend of cultures, relaxing outdoor baths and a vibrant nightlife, Budapest is an exciting alternative.
If you and your partner fancy yourselves as classic romantics, then Venice is the ideal spot. This idyllic Italian city is filled with peaceful canals and intriguing alleyways. A week away in Venice will feel other-wordly. Enjoy a gondola ride, visit St Mark’s Basilica or just lose track of time wandering the narrow cobbled streets.
A brilliant spot to unwind and enjoy yourselves on an intimate trip away, Barcelona is always popular with loved-up couples. A seductive, sunny city, you’ll love exploring the leafy gardens and array of restaurants serving up tasty dishes like paella, bombas and escalivada. Pop open a bottle of red and indulge in some tapas together on one of the city’s popular wine tasting tours.
Romeo and Juliet fell deeply in love in Verona and it’s truly one of the most charming spots in all of Italy. Couples will love the city’s rolling hilltops and beautiful castles by the riverside. There’s loads to keep you occupied on your stay. Pay a visit to Verona Arena where you can catch an opera show, visit Juliet’s Balcony and enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine at Laconda di Castelvecchio, one of the finest restaurants in town.
A bonafide classic. As one of the most romantic cities in the world with a brilliant array of restaurants, Europe’s finest shopping districts and a city packed with charm, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Paris. Dine at candlelight bistros, drink cocktails and dance the night away in the French capital. Steal a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower and take an intimate nighttime stroll down the Champs-Élysées.
Cities like Paris and Rome can seem big and daunting. Amsterdam offers a compact alternative for that perfect European trip for two. It’s charming and brimming with character, featuring beautiful sights and fun things for you and your partner to do - what could be more romantic than a tandem bike ride through the city? There’s waterways and flowery canals aplenty for that appealing, romantic aesthetic and tons of trendy, modern cafés to check out too.
It’s a cliché for a romantic escape, but they don't call it the eternal city for nothing. Cobblestoned streets and instagrammable architecture can be found on just about every corner. Take a horse and carriage ride through the city centre, cruise along the Tiber river, lounge around at the Villa Borghese gardens, or experience a show at Teatro dell’Opera. The possibilities are endless.
Kick back, relax and watch the sunset over the River Douro. Unwind by the restaurants situated on the riverbank after a delicious meal of locally sourced sardines, feijoada (bean stew mixed with beef and pork) or bacalhau (dried and salted cod). Porto is a brilliant destination for that much-needed trip away.
The enchanting palaces, quaint cobbled streets and beautiful squares of Prague are the perfect setting for your romantic getaway. The Czech capital is considered one of the world’s most romantic cities and it’s consistently voted one of Europe’s hottest tourist destinations. Visit Prague just in time for its famed Christmas markets for the perfect trip for two.
If chocolates, flowers (and delicious Belgian waffles) are right up your street, then Brussels is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Belgium’s capital is an under-rated holiday destination. A renowned beer culture, colourful flea markets, fine dining, Flemish art, outdoor festivals and loads of fun day trips make Brussels a city well worth visiting.
The Spanish capital is another favourite for couples looking to enjoy one another’s company on a weekend away. Brimming with culture and nightlife this is a city not to be missed. Take in a world-class Flamenco show at Casa Patas after unwinding with a walk through Parque El Capricho. Enjoy a relaxing hot stone rub-down at Hammam Al Ándalus (a popular Turkish bath house), before admiring the incredible architecture of the Egyptian temple at Templo de Debod.
The first thing that strikes you about Lisbon is the vibrant colour. Enjoy a picturesque getaway with your partner in this charming, seductive slice of paradise. You’ll love its hilly, narrow streets, mouth-watering seafood and vintage boutiques. Locals are proud to say they’re from Lisbon and it’s truly one of Europe’s most authentic cities.
Heading on a couples break soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos using the hashtag #ryanairstories – you might be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.