10 Romantic European Cities That Are Perfect Alternatives for Valentine’s Day CheapOair Staff February 8, 2022 Destinations, Europe, Interests, International Travel, Weddings and Romance Europe is glorious in February — relatively empty cities, architecture that pops against the stark weather, and low prices for hotels — and it’s pretty romantic, too. So, it’s pretty understandable if you want to take a trip across the pond for Valentine’s Day. But where should you go? Paris, Venice, and Prague are all kind of cliché these days. What if you want to head somewhere other than the usual European cities that everyone else goes to for a romantic getaway? Here are 10 romantic European cities that are perfect alternatives for Valentine’s Day. London, England London has many things to offer for travelers and people in love, and there’s no better time to visit than February when it is always Valentine’s Day. London offers an amazing variety of attractions, from wonderful restaurants to great museums. Some of the most famous museums include The Museum of London, The National Gallery, The Tate Modern, and the British Museum. There are also some wonderful theatres there, where you’ll be able to watch world-class performances and shows. You can also take many wonderful walks here, including one along River Thames. Vienna, Austria Traditionally, Vienna is considered an elegant city with a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful architecture. It’s also a city full of romance and charm. Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna is known for its imperial palaces, monuments, and museums. From the Hofburg Imperial Palace to the 1,000-year-old Stephansdom Cathedral, there’s no shortage of historical attractions and cultural sites to explore in this European city. In the middle of the old town, there’s the Vienna State Opera House: one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t like opera at all. It’s romantic to walk along the halls and admire the beautiful decor. Seville, Spain Seville is one of Spain’s most overtly romantic cities. Spend a day in the expansive gardens of the Alcazar. Next, wander the crooked alleyways of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter. Then, take a stroll along the Guadalquivir river. Lastly, step it up come nightfall with a trip to an authentic flamenco club in the Triana district across the river. Milan, Italy Milan gets an unfair rap as being boring, business-like, and un-Italian compared to the rest of Italy. But, not having to deal with the chaos that prevails in many other cities is a welcome break. There are fewer tourists here, and nothing feels more romantic than the idea of being locked away with the locals. So, shop your way around the Quadrilatero d’Oro’s designer district, mooch around the canals, get your artistic juices flowing with a visit to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Next, climb to the roof of the gothic cathedral. Watching the sunset there is pure romance. Budapest, Hungary This city’s remarkable mix of cultures and influences has created a vibrant art scene conducive to romance. One example of this is the Hungarian State Opera House, built in the neoclassical style. It can seat up to 2000 people! It includes three theaters, so it suits just about anyone’s tastes for entertainment. Budapest also has many parks scattered throughout its neighborhoods. These green spaces are popular spots for tour guides to take their groups, as there are many fun things to see and do in Budapest. The city is also well-known for its thermal baths, which thousands of people visit each year. In recent years, the city has begun to develop an art scene. All of these features have significantly improved the quality of life Budapest and made it much more romantic. You should also check out: 7 Travel Etiquette Tips for Americans Touring Europe Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is the budget-friendly – and less crowded – alternative to Prague. The Slovenian capital is full of gloriously frothy Baroque architecture, with more than a strong hint of Vienna, too. A 15th-century castle perches on top of a hill overlooking the city. And, there are cobbled streets, cute churches, and beautiful gardens like the Tivoli park to explore, too. Bath, England If you want the ease of being in a location where people speak the same language as you, but London feels too urban to get romantic, head out to Bath. The train ride from the capital goes through glorious countryside. You can take day trips out to the Cotswolds. And, Bath itself is where much of the action in Jane Austen’s books take place. Frilly architecture, cutesy tea rooms, and a high-tech spa over the Roman remains await you. Dijon, France Want to speak the language of love to your valentine? If Paris is too obvious, check out some cheap Valentine’s Day flights to Dijon. There, you’ll find a mix of gothic and renaissance architecture, multicolored roofs, and some great places to eat. Dijon isn’t not known as the culinary capital of France for nothing. Sintra, Portugal Sintra, Portugal, is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. It’s also a town that’s been settled by many civilizations over the centuries, giving it a diverse culture that other cities cannot match. The town is also known for having more castles per capita than any other place globally. It was once a small village, but it grew into an important city because of its location at the crossroads of two major roads. It’s also a popular tourist destination with plenty of hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists visiting this amazing site. Copenhagen, Denmark One of the most obvious reasons Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most romantic cities is its beautiful architecture. The city is home to nearly 10 times more bicycles than cars. That means that you can easily explore the old town on foot or by bike while soaking in the gorgeous scenery. The old town includes a large shopping district with many boutiques and cafes. Those who are looking for a more active experience can visit Amalienborg Palace for its stunning gardens, which are also worth visiting. Copenhagen is home to an impressive selection of museums such as the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Lastly, check out the National Museum of Denmark for those who enjoy history and culture. Know of any other romantic European cities that are perfect alternatives for Valentine’s Day? Tell us about them in the comments section.
