Valentine’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to book an incredibly romantic and affordable getaway. With much of Europe’s most beautiful and popular destinations currently in their off-season it’s a great time to visit and take advantage of cheaper airfare and the shortage of crowds. At Sixt, we also have fantastic weekend rates in February so travelling around for your weekend break Here’s some of our top choices for the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend for you and your loved ones.
1. Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary offers some of the most beautiful architecture and romantic views. Resting perfectly on either side of the Danube river, Budapest is the perfect place for a couple to explore. Even with cold weather spots like Gellert Hill, Buda Castle and Danube Promenade are a must-see and still incredibly romantic.
Regardless, Budapest is filled with high-end restaurants offering candle-lit dining experiences on warming Hungarian dishes as well as many other different cuisines. In fact, much of cafes and wine bars are particularly romantic during February with many featuring a dimly lit gothic style aesthetic. Finally, there are a number of thermal baths open throughout the day and early evening perfect for winter days.
2. Nice, France
This gorgeous part of the French Riviera has a number of reasonably priced flights going to it during winter months. The city of Nice enjoys warm weather even in February and mostly clear skies. Couples can still enjoy nice lunches on the beach, or if you really prefer to be inside then enjoy Italian-style hot chocolates or a glass of fine wine in one of the many word-class restaurants and bars.
In particular Old Town offers crowd-free museums, beautiful architecture and artisan shopping with the locals, and on Sunday free orchestral music at the Eglise Notre Dame du Port. Check out affordable flights still available to this beautiful French city.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a city with romance imprinted onto it, boasting it’s famous Little Mermaid statue, who sits on her rock waiting for her love to return. Even in the Thorvaldsen’s Museum one of its signature pieces is the renowned ‘Cupid and Psyche’, a statue depicting the god of desire with bow in hand.
In fact in February many of the restaurants around Copenhagen offer discounted romantic meals for two to celebrate the period of romance that falls over the city. If you’re a couple who love culture then this could be the perfect romantic getaway, have date night in one of the many international cinemas and theaters, explore museums or visit one of the unique museums.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The architecture of this city is straight out of a fairy tale. With a wide river running through, countless cobbled streets lined with statues, a number of parks and fine dining it isconsidered by many to be the most beautiful city in Europe. Of course, with cold weather long walks in parks or by rivers may not seem ideal but with the right attire, Prague is still exceptional for couples.
Main attractions such as Old Town and St Charles Bridge are hauntingly beautiful, some might say even more so in winter with orange glowing lanterns, crisp air and even a chance of snow that blankets the medieval rooftops and statues in a magical white layer. And whether you’re a fan of opera or not any of the three opera houses make for a wonderful experience, whether as a tour or to see a performance. Equally the city’s palace and numerous churches also prove to be romantic sites that should be enjoyed with someone special. There’s still a chance to get a flight at a very cheap rate.
5. Venice, Italy
As it’s been mentioned, the beauty of visiting any of these places is not just the better price but the lack of crowds. This could not be truer for a city like Venice. Being by the sea and filled with canals, it might sound ideal for summer. However, no amount of cold air changes how stunning the scenery is, how delicious the food is, how romantic almost every bar and café looks and how incredible the art is.
The labyrinth of narrow and winding roads, still resembling how they once were in the Renaissance, are all the more enjoyable when it’s just you and your partner void of typical summer crowds. Although colder, you will never have to queue to go on a gondola ride and once on and cosy under a blanket you may find it’s the more romantic way to experience it.
6. Bruges, Belgium
This Belgium city is filled with romantic spots and attractions. It is an iconic place known for its markets, stepped gable roofs, old architecture and secluded inns and restaurants. So, as you can imagine Bruges makes a wonderful destination for a quick romantic getaway.
February in particular has some great offers and even on Valentine’s weekend there’s great rates for accommodation. Popular activities include strolling over Minnewater Bridge, as well as through Minnewater Park, or simply enjoy the sunset by the quays along the Gouden-Handrei, the Sint-Annarei and the Groenerei.
Treat your loved one to a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day with Sixt
No matter where you decided to head to this Valentine’s Day, make sure you can transport them around easily and comfortably by renting a car from Sixt. For a city trip, we reccomend an efficient compact car, hatchback or saloon but for extra special trips, why not surprise them with a premium sports car or luxurious convertible? At Sixt we have a large selection of premium vehicles in cities across the UK and Europe, all which are available for an affordable price.
