Best European city breaks for couples

Looking to take your relationship to new heights? A city break will do the trick. Whether you’re partial to a candlelit meal by a river or having a heart-to-heart at the top of an ancient town square, one of these destinations will more than deliver.

Paris
Paris is always a good idea, and it’s not known as the City of Love for nothing. No shortlist of the best city break for couples would be complete without Paris. The French capital carries an air of romance which is fully deserved and still authentic. Grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine, and have a romantic picnic by the Seine. It is such a beautiful city, you won’t be able to resist sharing your Paris highlights on Instagram.

Venice
This is a city that simply must be visited at least once in a lifetime. It’s a magical place where cars are replaced by gondolas and waterbuses. It might be cheesy, but there’s nothing like floating down Venice’s many intricate waterways on a gondola. The city has a mysterious aura, and is filled with secret passageways and stunning palaces.

Dubrovnik
A picturesque city bordering the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a historical gem and a very romantic location for a couples retreat. The Old Town is surrounded by stone walls that date back to the 1500s. Dubrovnik’s Old Town takes you back centuries, along cobbled streets lined by noble Baroque stone buildings. Outside the medieval city walls, bathe in the deep blue Adriatic at trendy Banje beach, or catch a taxi-boat to Lokrum islet, with its botanical garden and peacocks. After dark, dine by candlelight at one of the restaurants overlooking the yachting marina.

Edinburgh
The Scottish capital boasts no end of great views over its most important historical landmarks, whether it is catching a glimpse of a stunning sunset behind Edinburgh Castle (a great place to spend a day exploring), or relaxing on Calton Hill, with its spectacular views across Princes Street. This is a must visit for couples looking for a romantic break only a short flight from Ireland.

London
Thanks to its immense size, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to find fun things for couples to do in London. In fact, given its endless opportunities for sightseeing, there’s something for both of you, shop in Oxford Street, watch a show in the West End, visit the city’s excellent museums and take a trip on the London Eye. For a change of pace, spend some time in Shoreditch and Camden, exploring the street markets.

Lisbon
There are many reasons to visit Lisbon, and it’s fast becoming one of the best city breaks for couples. Portugal’s capital city has hardly been a secret but it seems only recently that it’s true attraction was realised by many. For starters, it is the sunniest capital city in Europe, and with an increasing number of restaurants winning Michelin stars, buildings decorated with colourful street art and murals and wooden trams rattling around narrow streets, why would you not visit Lisbon?

Berlin
The city with something for everyone; it’s brimming with art galleries, exciting nightlife and history at every turn. Alongside world-famous cultural and historical sites like the Brandenburg Gate, UNESCO-protected Museum Island, the domed Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie – the inner city areas are full of atmosphere and peppered with cool bars and restaurants as well as quirky museums.

If you want to make it more than just Europe…

New York
A trip to New York might be considered as the king of all city breaks for couples – there’s so much to see and do that you’ll need every minute of your holiday. Do the tourist thing and tick off the list of iconic landmarks – Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, the Rockefeller Building and the Empire State Building – but also take some time to relax in Central Park and eat and drink to your heart’s content. You’ll be busy, but you’ll have an amazing time!

Book your city break for two now at www.aerlingus.com.

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