Are you dreaming of your next big city break with the one you love? There is no better place to visit than Europe when it comes to traveling with your significant other. From the romantic streets of Paris to the charming Vespas in Rome, and everywhere in between, it’s no wonder people are queuing up around the block to jet off to these beautiful destinations, where some long term couples will be lucky enough to tie the knot!
A few days away exploring another city and culture can be the perfect getaway to plan for Autumn/ Winter 2024 and into the new year. Travelling may have been temporarily placed on hold due to the current global pandemic, but we can still plan the perfect city break for when things are up and running again and holidays can resume.
We have put together four of the best European city breaks for you and your loved one to explore from museums in Madrid to festive markets in York, there is something for everyone to enjoy and hopefully get inspired by to book the next trip!
1. Paris
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Ooh, la la, Paris is truly breath-taking. The city of love has such much to offer to couples, old and new, from luxury fashion to delicious French cuisine and beautiful architecture in and out of the city. Stroll hand in hand down the Champs-Élysées and take an iconic photo in front of the Eiffel tower as it sparkles across the city.
There is so much to see in Paris. Start with the exceptionally popular Louvre if you’ve always wanted to see the Mona Lisa, or head to the top of Montmartre and watch the sunset as you sit and watch over the city. Float through Paris in the relaxed French way, with a glass of wine in hand at every stop. It will be hard not to fall in love with this place and all of the extraordinary things it has to offer, bringing couples closer together and providing memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Manchester
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When it comes to the UK, travelers think of London as the city to go to, but there are so many other places to explore at the opposite end of the country. Try Manchester, for example, thought of as the ‘capital of the north’ full of vibrant bars and rooftop restaurants, not to mention it’s exciting music and stand-up comedy scene. Thousands of tourists, students, and young professionals flock here each year to take advantage of the creative culture that Manchester has to display.
Manchester is considered one of the most thriving cities in the UK for regeneration too, with MediaCityUK announcing plans to spend £1 billion on a digital and media hub expansion. If you love cozying up to watch a drama or listening to the latest tracks, you can take a BBC tour at MediaCity to take in a piece of the action! Local property company RWinvest states that MediaCityUK is one of the country’s most prominent commercial developments and a top destination for living and learning.
3. Madrid
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Head to the capital of Spain to experience the sun and some of the best urban adventures Europe has to give. If you want to get a real sense of the city, walk along the Gran Vía, filled with shopping, entertainment, and Spanish lifestyle, you will witness the buzz of Madrid first-hand. In the evenings you will see countless couples arm in arm, wandering the streets, eating tapas, and soaking up the city in all its glory. Another essential stop is the Prado, one of the most admired art museums in the world where you can get lost among Caravaggio’s work for hours.
Now for the football fanatics, (or not), either way, it is worth going to see the magnificent stadium, home to one of Europe’s most successful teams – Real Madrid. Lastly, take a tour of the grand square next to the Casa de Correos, a familiar meeting point for locals and one you may recognize from the clock at the top of the building that marks down the countdown to New Year’s Eve.
4. York
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Last, but not least is the quaint city of York. Home to the UK’s largest medieval church, national railway museum, and famous streets that inspired some of the world’s greatest novels, this city has plenty worth exploring. Art, history, music, and literature, York has something for everyone whether you are looking for a fancy cocktail bar or boutique cafe it has you covered. Take a trip down Diagon Alley (or The Shambles), and all the Harry Potter fans will feel the magic of the city as they wander down the cobbled streets. This is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping places with quirky stores and coffee shops welcoming people throughout the day.
Suppose you are visiting York before the new year. In that case, you may want to check out the ‘In Van Gogh: Immersive Experience exhibition where you can journey into the world of one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. See 360-degree digital projections of his work at York’s St Mary’s Church. Finally, why not end the year on a high and soak up the festive atmosphere at York’s Christmas markets. Discover the fine Yorkshire produce as you sip mulled wine and enjoy the appetizing smells that fill the air.
These are just a few of the lively cities that Europe has to offer. Where will you travel to next? Start planning a surprise trip for a loved one and turn your experiences into memories that will last a lifetime.
