Solo travel may be on the rise but romantic city beaks will never go out of fashion and with our pick of magical spots that were made for exploring à deux, you'll love getting to know a new destination while spending quality time together.
Whether strolling hand in hand as you take in charming squares, discovering quiet sides to well-known cities or eating your way around a foodie hotspot, these are the most romantic city breaks UK, European and long-haul destinations have to offer.
While Venice and Paris are fine places to take in a charming city with your partner, we want to bring you some extra special alternatives too, including Switzerland's underrated capital and the scenic Norwegian city of Bergen.
Browse our pick of the best romantic city breaks to experience with the one you love...
1. Bath, UK
When it comes to romantic city breaks, UK beauty spot Bath is hard to beat. You can stroll its quaint streets hand in hand, enjoy a soak in the natural thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa and browse the independent boutiques before holing up in a cosy hotel.
For a stylish stay in the centre of town, look no further than the Country Living Lansdown Grove Hotel, with its elegant decor, Georgian fireplace and comfy rooms you won't want to leave. Set in a listed building, it offers all the charm you want for a romantic break and this November you can enjoy wine tasting here together with TV wine buff Susy Atkins. BOOK NOW
2. Lyon, France
If you've already ticked Paris off your bucket list or just fancy somewhere different to France's overcrowded capital, Lyon is the ideal alternative. It offers a pretty old town, impressive architecture and is known as the country's gastronomic capital, making it a must-visit for foodies.
Make it a unique visit to the city by combining your trip with other overlooked French cities like Avignon, while taking in the stunning views of the Rhone River and joining Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr. on a delightful cruise in April. BOOK NOW
3. Venice, Italy
We know it's one of the world's most famous places for romantic city breaks but there are still ways to see Venice beyond where the crowds go. The islands of Burano and Murano are highlights of the Venetian Lagoon thanks to their bright buildings, lacemaking and colourful glass produced there.
Meanwhile, the fishing port of Chioggia makes for an interesting visit away from all the hordes of Venice, where narrow alleys and deserted canals await. For something truly unique, join a five-day cruise around Venice with TV's The Hotel Inspector, Alex Polizzi in March. BOOK NOW
4. Seville, Spain
Barcelona is a fine place for a romantic city break in Europe but head further south and you can experience the beauty of Andalucia in sunny Seville. With glorious gardens, royal palaces and passionate flamenco shows, this alternative city is a great way to soak up the Spanish flavours while enjoying the rays.
Then there's the incredible cuisine that takes in slow cooking techniques and the use of an array of spices. What's more, a trip to beautiful Seville can be really affordable too. British Airways, for example, offers three-night city breaks from £172 per person. BOOK NOW
5. Miami, USA
With its laidback lifestyle, gorgeous beaches and art deco architecture to explore, Miami is a romantic city break destination that's worth the transatlantic flight. Aside from the lovely weather making it a treat even in winter when temperatures reach a balmy 24 degrees, there's shopping on the 'Fifth Avenue of the South' and tasty Cuban food to sample in Little Havana.
Miami is simply a treat and a lively city for couples to visit if you're after a city you can enjoy by day and night. There are chic bars, intimate restaurants and lush gardens for romantic strolls. Experience Miami on a fabulous winter cruise and stay holiday this December. BOOK NOW
6. Porto, Portugal
Leave Lisbon to the crowds as you head to picturesque Porto on the delightful River Douro. Iconic bridges, pretty tiles, famous sweet wine and architectural marvels like the Cathedral and the Church of Sao Francisco, are just some of the things you'll want to see on a romantic city break.
You can even get out of the centre and head for the nearby Foz do Douro beaches for a stroll along the sands. British Airways offers three-night city breaks to Porto from £139 per person. BOOK NOW
7. Bern, Switzerland
For a winter city break without the crowds and plenty of romance, head for Switzerland' s little-known capital city Bern, which you can explore on foot thanks to its charmingly compact size. There's plenty of character in Bern's old town and an elaborate clock tower to check out. Be sure to stop at one of the traditional bars for a drink and enjoy a winter walk in one of Bern's parks.
And for one of the most romantic places to visit in the city, head for the magnificent Gothic cathedral, which affords spectacular views of the city from the top, with the River Aare, the Alps and Oberland forming a dreamy backdrop. See Bern on an amazing Swiss Alps adventure that takes in the legendary Glacier Express this winter. BOOK NOW
8. Amsterdam, Holland
One of the most delightful cities you'll find in all of Europe, Amsterdam offers picturesque canals, bright tulip fields and more museums and parks than you can fit into one trip, which is why it's one of our favourite places to return.
The best time to visit is in spring when Holland's famous tulips are in full bloom. You can see the flowers in the floating flower market and visit nearby Keukenhof, the incredible floral destination that's open for just a few weeks each year. Experience Keukenhof and more of spring's highlights with an Amsterdam cruise. BOOK NOW
9. Bergen, Norway
This UNESCO-protected city is the gateway to the magnificent Norwegian fjords, giving you the perfect combination of nature, culture and vibrant urban life. It's Norway's second largest city and offers rich maritime history, so you can expect to see small boats lining the harbour and brightly-coloured buildings standing proud along the waterfront.
You'll fall in love with Bergen's cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways that lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses. It's ideal for exploring as part of a Norwegian fjords cruise in the summer. BOOK NOW
10. Vienna, Austria
Europe's 'city of music' was made for lovers, with opera, jazz and the waltz in the air. Set on the Danube River, Vienna is a picturesque city to explore as a couple. There's baroque architecture around every corner, beautiful palaces to browse and a delightful old coffee house culture, a staple of the city's social experience.
One of the best ways to experience Vienna on a romantic city break is combining it with a Danube River cruise, where you can visit multiple destinations on a relaxing journey through Europe. Next year, you can join a Strictly Come Dancing cruise with Dame Darcey Bussell, who will tell you about her life and host a cocktail party. You'll also visit the likes of Nuremberg, Budapest and Passau. BOOK NOW
11. Koblenz, Germany
Offering something for everyone, this charming German city on the northern end of the Rhine Gorge has the likes of castles, winding streets and squares that make for wonderful strolls.
There's a cable car that connects the town to the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and it's best explored on a Rhine River cruise, where you'll also stop in Cologne, Strasbourg and Heidelberg. Visit Koblenz together during a once-in-a-lifetime cruise with Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev, where he'll also teach you how to dance. BOOK NOW
The 10 best weekend bags for your next mini break
This duffle bag/backpack hybrid has been a game changer for our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, as it can easily transport days' worth of outfits and belongings. There’s also a chest buckle for better support and security – perfect for when you’re carrying heavy loads!
The design feels very high quality and we love the two end compartments for keeping everything separate. There’s plenty of storage inside too, including two mesh pockets and a laptop compartment. It also comes with laundry and shoe bags, so you’ll have everything you need to stay organised on the go.
This Helly Hansen backpack would make a thoughtful unisex gift for travellers. Thanks to the roll-top design, the main compartment is adjustable and easy to fasten. It also comes with a laptop sleeve and padded straps, making it a great pick for those who commute via public transport or bike.
It’s not the biggest backpack so is best suited to light packers or one-night stays but it’s an affordable buy.
After splashing out on a weekend away, the last thing you need is to spend a fortune on your luggage. That’s why we love this affordable, yet practical, bag from Eastpak. It’s lightweight and versatile with carry handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
It folds away easily and comes with a compact pouch for no-fuss storage when it’s not in use. Plus, it's the ideal cabin-friendly size if you want something to fly with.
Fjällräven Weekender Holdall
Popular luggage brand Fjällräven specialises in durable designs, and this weekender is no exception.
With a 30L capacity, it can be worn in three ways: crossbody, as a hold-all, or as a backpack. The handles are a little rough and they’re not the strongest, but while it may look small, it can hold a lot. Plus, there’s a 17” laptop compartment and the expandable front section is handy for keeping passports and phones within quick reach.
We love the versatility of this bag. As well as top handles, it has a detachable shoulder strap, a side handle, and a sleeve handle to attach it to your suitcase so you can breeze through the airport.
The handy shoe compartment is separate from the main bag, and there are two pockets on the front that offer a lot more extra space than you’d initially think. There’s also a laptop compartment and interior pockets for valuables. It’s not the smartest-looking bag on this list but it’s practical, durable and more affordable than most.
Part of the brand’s ‘Featherlight’ collection, this weekend bag weighs in at least than one kilogram, so even if you fill it to the brim with your favourite outfits, it shouldn’t weigh you down. However, the polyester twill material does feel cheaper than a traditional duffle bag – something to keep in mind if you typically opt for a thicker fabric.
The bag comes with a 16” laptop pocket, an interior and exterior pocket, and a shoe compartment at the bottom. We also love the adjustable crossbody strap, which feels sturdy and secure and (most importantly) comfortable!
This is more of an overnight option than a weekend bag, but it’s super affordable, can be easily adjusted from handbag size to an overnight bag, and comes with a matching cosmetic bag for storing your beauty essentials.
There’s also a sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase so you can free up your hands in the airport.
Horizn Studios SoFo Weekender M
Sleek and sophisticated, travelling with this weekend bag certainly won’t cramp your style. It’s made with a water-sealed base and waterproof lining and features padded handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap made of coated cotton.
There are also pockets on the inside and outside for storing valuables or items that need to be within easy reach, and the 32L capacity means there’s plenty of room for everything you might need for a weekend getaway.
Our tech editor, Simon Cocks, says Stubble & Co's Hybrid backpack is fantastic for a long weekend getaway. It opens like a suitcase for packing, and the 30L capacity allows you to fit a lot in.
It weighs just 1.5kg and has smart features like a dual-access top pocket, a padded laptop and tablet compartment, and water-resistant zips. It might be a little bulky if you're travelling light, but if you've got a lot to carry, it's a comfy all-in-one travel backpack.
Aspinal of London's classic Boston holdall is handcrafted from fine, full-grain leather with a gorgeous pebble finish, for a quality, durable finish that should last a lifetime.
Its soft shell and beautiful printed silk lining, paired with sturdy handles and a detachable strap, make it a both a practical and stylish choice.
How we choose the best weekend bags
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, looks after all the Good Housekeeping Institute’s tried and tested luggage guides, so she knows what to look for in the ultimate weekend bag.
She spent weeks trying out many of the bags featured above, including taking two of them with her to Glastonbury this year. Others have been recommended by the frequent travellers in Team GH. We were looking for practical, durable, lightweight and stylish designs that could fit everything we needed for a weekend away. We also paid close attention to standout features such as suitcase sleeves, separate shoe compartments and extra pockets for easy access.
How big should a weekend bag be?
The ideal weekend bag size depends on where you're going, how you’re travelling and the length of your trip. For example, if you're travelling by coach or train, we highly recommend something that’s lightweight with a generous capacity, such as the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack (15 x 30 x 45 cm).
However, for the airport, you'll want a design that fits everything and has easy-to-access pockets for holding your passport and boarding pass. We love the Kono Travel Duffel Bag with Cosmetic Bag, which also has a sleeve so you can safely attach it to the handle of your suitcase.
More GHI Approved luggage to shop
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