Top 10 romantic city breaks

A romantic break should be about having time together to relax and unwind, perhaps with the indulgence of champagne and fine food and then topping it off with romantic walks in beautiful settings.

To help you decide on the perfect romantic break for you and your loved one, realbuzz plays Cupid – here are our top ten favourites.

Bruges holidays
The perfect location for a romantic break. Bruges is an escape from 21^st century living, characterized by its miles of canals and cobbled streets. The whole place is quite simply an open-air museum and its size makes it ideal to explore on foot. Art lovers are well provided for, with the Groeninge Museum and the former Palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse housing some fine art collections. If none of that has got you in the mood, then how about taking a romantic canal cruise or relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride, and then indulging in some of Belgium’s finest aphrodisiac – chocolate!

Prague holidays
Prague is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway without the need to break the bank. The city provides an almost fairytale setting, from stunning structures like the landmark Charles Bridge to the famous castle over the Vltava River and the Old Square – all giving it that romantic feel. The winding cobbled streets are worth exploring and there is relaxed feel to the bars and restaurants. You could try a night at the opera and end your evening with a stroll along the Charles Bridge to see the city lit up in all its glory.

Florence holidays
Florence’s overwhelming beauty should be enough to get you in the mood for romance. The Italian city in the heart of Tuscany is the perfect place to wander hand in hand through Renaissance streets and piazzas. Magnificent sites include the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery (full of Renaissance masterpieces) and the Accademia housing Michelangelo's David. The city is also famous for spectacular sunsets – the perfect way to end a romantic day with your loved one.

Lisbon holidays
Its ambience and gourmet delights make Lisbon a perfect place for a romantic break with your partner. Lisbon is a vibrant and safe city – you can sit in one of the street cafes and watch the local life go by while you enjoy a drop of the local wine. The labyrinthine streets make it a fun place – it doesn’t really matter if you and your partner get lost for a while does it? If you approach the city by the sea you are in for a real treat – Lisbon’s harbor is one of the most picturesque and romantic sights in Europe.

Budapest holidays
Hungary's capital is the place to go if you’re looking for your romantic break for some real pampering. The city is divided in two halves by the Danube – two thirds of the city known as ‘Pest’ lie on the east bank and are home to the famous thermal spa baths where you can indulge yourself. The remaining third of the city ‘Buda’ can be found on the west bank and is the place to head for if you want a bit of culture, ranging from the royal palace to the walled castle hill area. The place is not quite as hyped as Prague, yet is equally as attractive and good value.

Rome holidays
"You have never lived until you’ve loved in Rome" was the tagline of the 1954 film Three coins in the Fountain, and many still feel that this saying holds true today. Rome has firmly secured its place in the heart of romantics, with favourite spots for lovers including the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Away from the hustle and bustle you could head for the placid Borghese Gardens or a stroll along the River Tiber. Night time is particularly spectacular – the city takes on an extra romantic feel once the sun has gone down and the city is illuminated.

Amsterdam holidays
You may think that Amsterdam’s sometimes seedy reputation would make it far from the perfect place to take your partner – think again! Amsterdam is a great city with romantic canals and a welcoming café at almost every turn. If you’re looking to get on your partner’s better side and have the pocket to match, then the shopping is fantastic. Take it easy and snuggle up together on one of the many canal rides – they are one of the best ways to view the city as well as one of the most romantic ways to arrive at a cozy waterside restaurant.

Luxembourg City breaks
An often overlooked location, Luxembourg City itself has great views overlooking the Petrusse and Alzette Valleys. The charm of the place for a romantic break is that it has the sophistication of a top European city, yet has a very laid back feel. The winding alleyways, historic architecture and café culture are enough to stir the romantic spirit in anyone. If you want to treat your loved one to a romantic meal – you will be spoiled for choice as the cuisine on offer has a global influence, with Chinese, Thai and Greek restaurants.

Antwerp holidays
Antwerp, the diamond centre of the world, could be the ultimate place to cement your relationship. The diamond district is centred around the railway station, and is also the Jewish part of the city, and it is its people who give the city a flair that cannot be found in other Belgian destinations. Antwerp has many architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16^th and 17^th century. If your credit card can take it, Antwerp has earned a place among the fashion cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish fashion designers, and the fashion area of Antwerp can be found near the Meir shopping street

Paris breaks
No list of romantic cities would be complete without including the ‘City of Love’. With some of the most romantic and dramatic scenery in the world, combined with top class cuisine and entertainment, it is hard not to be impressed. There is no shortage of world-class restaurants in which to spoil your partner, while the shopping could also make a serious dent in your bank balance – but it is all worth it in the name of love! No matter where you stay or what you – just being there will make any heart skip a beat!