7 Romantic City Breaks (That Aren't Paris)

I’m not *massively* into Valentine’s Day. Me and Josh normally just get each other a card and maybe do an M&S Dine In For Two meal if we’re feeling fancy. So y’know, nothing outrageously romantic.

But I know lots of guys and gals like to celebrate V-Day with a bit more style. And hey, how about a romantic getaway for your one true love? Any excuse for a city break, right?

So I’ve chosen a few destinations that I think are super romantic and would be perfect for a little weekend away over Valentine’s.

And no, none of them include Paris.

I mean, after a few visits, I admit the French capital is starting to grow on me. But I still insist that Paris is overrated. And I know from personal experience that it is way too expensive over Valentine’s weekend!

So yes, here are some alternatives, lads.

Valentine’s Day Getaway Ideas

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is surprisingly romantic. You normally think of Western Europe for dreamy trips with your beloved, but Slovenia is Eastern Europe’s gem in my opinion!

Not only does Ljubljana have a quaint river with lots of pretty bridges to stroll over, it also has a beautiful castle to explore and so many lovely restaurants. I recommend trying riverside restaurant MOST for dinner, and check out Klobasarna for some traditional Carniolan sausage.

Whilst you’re there, make sure you make a day trip to Lake Bled. You can get a boat out to the island in the middle of the lake, which is very romantic. I visited in the summer but I’ve seen pictures of it in winter and it looks just as dreamy.

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The Skyscraper, Top Ljubljana Foods tour

New York, USA

New York is always a good idea. For any occasion. But I definitely think it’s a romantic city too.

And actually, it serves lots of different types of romance. Like if you’re very lovey-dovey rom-com romantic, you can go up the Empire State Building, stroll Central Park hand-in-hand, jump on the Staten Island ferry for skyline views or go to Katz Deli to pretend you’re in When Harry Met Sally.

Or if you’re more onboard with my version of romance, you can spend your time exploring the street art of Brooklyn, eating from food trucks at Smorgasburg and going to fabulous rooftop bars. Either way there’s so much to do in New York and I really think it’s ideal for a romantic getaway.

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Florence, Italy

Ok, I could just put Italy in general on this list, what with the amazing food and pretty architecture in most Italian cities. Rome and Genoa could definitely be up there for sure. But Florence is by far the most romantic in my eyes.

Stroll over the pretty bridges with a scoop of gelato (yes even in February, you can’t go to Italy without having gelato), and check out some of the world-famous art galleries whilst there are less tourists there during the off-season.

I totally recommend Osteria Vecchio Vicolo restaurant for dinner – it’s cute and cosy with the best bruschetta I’ve ever had. Oh and get drinks at the gorgeous La Ménagére – it’s so pretty inside!

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Barcelona, Spain

I wasn’t sure whether to include Barcelona on this list initially. I always think of it as a fun city break, but one that your could go on with friends or your mum. Just an easy city break that has a bit of everything.

But then I remembered my trip there with Josh for my birthday a few years ago. Sitting in an al fresco restaurant with the heaters on, drinking sangria and eating tapas, it was pretty dreamy.

You can also get a beaut view of the city from the Carmel Bunkers, explore the colourful Park Guell and wander the cute cafes in Gracia. Oh and of course, inside the Sagrada Familia is quite sweet too with all of the colours streaming through the stained glass windows.

Warning: Visiting with a football fan may result in a visit to Noucamp Stadium.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen can definitely be a romantic getaway, if only for the cute cafes with dim lighting, Danish pastries and open fires. (I recommend The Living Room, it’s total hygge vibes.)

Wander Nyhavn to see the pretty, colourful houses and stop in at McJoy’s Choice pub for a drink. Oh and head up to the Rundetaarn tower for panoramic views of the city. You can also head to hipster Norrebro or check out Copenhagen Street Food!

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Reykjavik, Iceland

I think there’s something about cold city breaks that feels romantic? Maybe because you’re all wrapped up and can stop at cosy spots. That’s why I think Reykjavik would also be a great shout for a dreamy getaway with your other half.

Get gorgeous city views from the top of Hallgrímskirkja church, grab a hotdog from world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, do some vintage shopping and stop at one of the very cool coffee shops. (I recommend Vinyl or Stofan Kaffihus, both are dreamy.)

Reykjavik is also a fab hub to explore the rest of Iceland from. Romantic experiences include riding Icelandic ponies through the mountains, immersing yourself into the dreamy Blue Lagoon and exploring the Golden Circle with it’s awesome waterfalls and geysers!

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I struggled to decide whether Amsterdam was romantic or not. Because y’know the whole nightlife / weed / red light district / stag do aspect of the city doesn’t feel particularly cute.

But there’s another side of the city. The side that includes bike rides and wandering the canals and checking out the museums and the flower markets.

You can grab a coffee, eat the delicious poffertjes mini-pancakes for breakfast and have a laugh at a karaoke bar. Ooh and check out the Heineken Experience if you’re a beer fan! It’s definitely a fun city to explore with your significant other.

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