Robert HardingWith old-world city streets steeped in history, blossoming gardens, relaxed cafe culture and mouthwatering cuisine – these European cities have everything you need to inspire the art of seduction.
Paris
The legendary city of romance comes into bloom in early spring and the weather is pleasantly mild. Feed your loved one coloured macarons from one of Paris’ perfect patisseries, bathe at the Paris mosque’s hammam – a lesser known gem – then sip mint tea together in the courtyard while flowers blossom and birds flutter around you. Sunday’s a great time to enjoy a leisurely brunch in trendy neighbourhood Le Marais before strolling through the charming jewish quarter – or wandering the atmospheric streets of Montmartre to the grounds of the Sacre-Coeur where you can snuggle on the steps overlooking the city. Or if you’re feeling lazy, how about seeing the sights from the comfort of a convertible 2CV? A knowledgable driver will pick you up at your hotel with a bottle of bubbly.
Bar in Le Marais, Paris, Ile de France
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Coffee, milk and croissants, Paris
Patisserie, Stohrer, Montorgeuil District, Paris
Paris Mosque, wisteria flowers
Bar in Le Marais, Paris, Ile de France
Florence
One of the world’s most beautiful cities, Florence inspires passion in culture lovers, wine fanatics and foodies alike. Avoid the crowds by taking an early visit to ogle Botticelli’s Venus Rising at the Uffizi or Il Duomo’s intricate fresco, followed by an intimate lunch in a cosy side street restaurant and a gelato shared in one of the city’s piazzas. Stroll along the river or climb the hill to the Piazzale Michelangelo to take in amazing views of the city, with the hills of the Tuscan countryside beyond. Wine tasting opportunities give you the perfect excuse to try the region’s best Prosecco and Chianti, and if that inspires you, you can easily take a day trip to the vineyards of Chianti itself, whose terrain of soft hills, valleys and olive groves have been likened by many to paradise.
Florence, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Italy, Tuscany, Florence, Ponte Vecchio
Chianti Farmhouse and vineyards near Panzano, Florence
Olive groves and vineyards near to Radda in Chianti, Tuscany
Seville
Soaked in flamenco inspired passion and Andalusian sun, stunning Seville makes the perfect getaway for lovers. Lose yourself in the city’s intriguing passageways and while away the hours in street cafes, people watching over jamon and a glass of sherry. When you’re done, experience the exotic romance of the Alcazar palace – recently used as a set for Game of Thrones Series 5 – that will transport you to another world. Continue the moorish theme with a massage in the Baños Arabes, then explore Seville’s atmospheric flamenco clubs – like La Carbonería – by night. If you visit during April, the vibrant Feria de Abril transforms the streets with music, dancing and spectacular horse parades. The fair takes place two weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week) and is an opportunity for locals to dress in their best flamenco costumes and be seen out on the wonderfully decorated streets.
The Feria de Abril, Seville Fair, horse and rider ready for the parade
Skyline of Seville with a view over the Cathedral and the Maestranza
April Fair, couple in a traditional costume on a horse, Seville
Tapas, plate of ham and manchego cheese, Seville
Alcazar, Unesco World Cultural Heritage, Seville
Hotel Alfonso Xlll, Seville, Andalucia
Lisbon
Old-world romance, beautiful views, delicious pastries and fairy-tale gardens abound in Lisbon, immersing you in a thousand years of history. Head through gardens with peacocks and artist’s stalls to the Castle of St George for amazing views of the city and the River Tagus. Eat pasteis de nata (their speciality custard tarts) in the Antiga confeitaria de Belem and drink port in little bars brought to life with live music. A half hour train-ride away is the hilltop city of Sintra, the ultimate romantic destination filled with fairytale castles, manor houses and winding cobbled streets. Take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through the hilltop forests of Pena Park, returning to Lisbon in the evening to share plates of fresh seafood followed by passionate fado music in one of the intimate bars in the moorish neighbourhood of Alfama’s narrow alleyways.
Viewpoint of Porta do Sol in Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal
Pasteis de Belem at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem, Lisbon
Cathedral of the Se and Alfama quarter overview from la Gloria Terrace, Lisbon
Bica cable car in Bairro Alto in the evening, Lisbon
Prague
Springtime is the perfect season to wander hand in hand down Prague’s cobbled streets, taking in its mysterious gothic beauty without the noisy distraction of hen and stag parties. Often used as a film set standing in for the romantic streets of Paris, the old town centre is an intriguing maze of cobbled lanes dripping with unspoilt Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The city comes into its own at night, when a romantic walk across the lantern-lit Charles Bridge, past street performers and artists affords gorgeous views of the river and castle. As it gets chilly, cosy bars and cafes beckon, time to sample the city’s traditional hearty fare of goulash or roast meats by a roaring fire, before diving into Prague’s buzzing music scene, whether it be a sophisticated jazz bar or a classical concert.
View from Town Hall tower of Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Accordion player in the old town of Prague, Czech Republic
Charles-Bridge and Prague Castle in evening light, Prague
