Nothing brings romance to mind quite like a trip to Europe, with its historic cities filled with cobbled streets and strolls beneath the shadows of ancient city walls. From chic northern European destinations like Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna, to the balmy summer nights you can spend in Lisbon and Venice, you'll be spoilt for choice with the romantic destinations you can whisk your significant other away to.
Lisbon (in photo)
One of the world's oldest cities, the buildings of pretty Lisbon tumble down cobbled slopes to the Atlantic Ocean. Sip vintage ports in cosy bars after dark, and trundle along the steep sandstone streets on their still operational vintage trams. For truly luxurious accommodation, stay at Palacio Belmonte, a castle dating back to 1449 that hosts ten VIP suites with incredible views over the city. Make sure you stroll over to Pasteis de Belém, where you can find the city's finest Portuguese custard tarts. For a day trip, travel to magical Sintra, a colourful hill town west of the city, and wander around the historic palaces and tumbling gardens, before enjoying a quiet walk in the surrounding woodland.
Paris
Paris is the ultimate romantic destination. After an afternoon spent in the legendary Café de Flore, favourite haunt of literary legends Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and a stop off at Patisserie Pierre Hermé, home of Paris' best loved macarons, choose between the huge array of world-renowned fine dining offerings - perhaps Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, with its menu of innovative natural cuisine, focusing on vegetables and grains - is the best place to start. Stay at Hotel de JoBo, one of the most romantic boutique hotels in the city, with resplendent interiors reminiscent of historic Parisian mansions, but with quirky touches like 20th century antique telephones. Wander around iconic Musée d'Orsay, which displays spectacular early 20th century art in the former Orsay railway station. Then, book a night to remember at the Opéra national de Paris Palais Garnier, an institution dating back to 1890 and in keeping with the old-world style, filled with marble and red satin and hosting lyric opera and ballet performances.
Amsterdam
Criss-crossed with 200 year old canals, cobbled streets and with quaint cafes abound, Amsterdam is a special place to explore with your significant other. For historic charm, stay at Pulitzer Amsterdam, full of secret passageways between the 25 historic canalhouses it's housed in, with beautiful views. Wander around historic museums like the Van Gogh Museum and quaint museum Our Lord in the Attic, where you can wander around a hidden and perfectly preserved church in the attic of a canal house. Shop in historic district Nine Streets, home to chic boutiques like Ace & Tate - for on-trend spectacles and shades - and Love Stories Intimates - a delicate lingerie brand . When you're ready to refuel, visit De Kas, a fine-dining farm to table restaurant set in a row of pretty greenhouses, where you choose between a selection of their organic dishes.
Vienna
Noble Vienna charms you from the get go. Stay at a grand institution like Hotel Sacher Wien, which has housed famous guests from Queen Elizabeth II to John F Kennedy, and has more than a touch of old-world luxury about it, with rooms filled with antiques and original artworks. After a stroll around Vienna's famous landmarks like Hofburg (the Imperial Palace) and the Academy of Fine Arts, located in a stunning historic building, there's no more romantic day out than whirling around on the Riesenrad, an old ferris wheel located in picturesque theme park the Prater. The beautiful 1897 era construction gives you stunning panoramic views of the city and the Danube. Make sure you stop off in one of Vienna's grand coffeehouses, the meeting places for influential novelists, artists, philosophers and musicians for centuries. Café Central, a beautiful 19th century building, has hosted notable figures like Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud, and still serves the same classic Viennese dishes, like crispy Wiener Schnitzel with parsley potatoes.
Venice
Venice is most romantic in spring, when its canals, ornate bridges and magnificent palaces are juxtaposed perfectly with balmy weather and blooming flowers. Stay at Ca Maria Adele, a chic 12 room hotel with secret themed suites like “The Doge's Room,” an opulent nod to traditional Venetian style. Dine at Locanda Cipriani, located on the stunning island of Torcello, a relaxed country restaurant with soulful renditions of traditional Venetian food like Sampietro fish “alla Carlina,” a fresh fish dish made with homegrown tomatoes. For a view over the city, visit Campanile di San Marco, a historic bell tower with views across the winding canals, and don't miss Basilica di San Marco, with multitudes of mosaic covering every inch of the vast cathedral's interior.