There’s no denying that this is a particularly “tacky” time of year, but if you’re at a period in your life where you want nothing more than to celebrate your love with someone, here are six destinations where you can enjoy a fantastic “pink” getaway:
-
Mysterious VENICE
They say it’s the most romantic city in all of Italy. So, if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, what better time than Valentine’s Day? You and your partner can stroll hand-in-hand along any of the city’s 150 canals and be blown away by many of its 400-plus bridges.
Nothing, however, will be sweeter and more romantic than taking a gondola ride over Venice like the ones you’ve seen in the movies.
Lose yourselves in the maze of streets and canals, framed by magnificent Baroque and Renaissance buildings, before enjoying a glass of wine with a view of the fantastic Rialto Bridge, where the famous author Giacomo Casanova seduced his lovers, or take in a beautiful sunset from Saint Mark’s Campanile and watch as day slowly turns into night.
This fantastic city, built upon an archipelago of 118 small islands bordering the Adriatic Sea, offers mystery and romance for you and your partner around every corner.
-
Enchanting PRAGUE
You’ll fall in love with the city’s charming narrow passageways and the mesmerising walk from Prague’s Castle District to the Old Town Square. If you and your partner are the type of people who value finer architectural details and appreciate authentic cuisine, Prague will leave you spellbound during your visit.
There are hundreds of pop-up market stalls, where you can treat your loved one to a memorable gift; a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars where you can try the local food and choose from a selection of good beers.
The Moldova river splits the city in two, meaning you will have to cross it to discover Prague’s different points of interest, such as the Golden Lane, Charles Bridge, the supersized Prague Castle and the Old Town – one of the most beautiful open spaces in Europe, dating back to the 8th century – making this one of the most romantic trips possible in Europe.
Be sure to visit the New Town and Wenceslas Square, which was the site of several milestone events in the recent history of the Czech Republic.
-
Palatial VIENNA
One of our favourite lovers’ getaways is one of the most beautiful European capital cities, Vienna. While Vienna is one of the World’s main music capitals, it offers a great range of artistic heritage away from the music halls.
On the shore of the Danube, Vienna is a city with a series of palatial buildings that will make you and your partner feel as if you were in a fairy tale. One of the most famous is the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which housed the Habsburg dynasty rulers for more than 600 years and is currently the most popular tourist attraction in Vienna.
You should also make time to visit the State Opera building and stroll down the Ringstrasse, one of the main boulevards in the city, where Franz Joseph I and Empress Elizabeth of Austria – nicknamed “Sisi” – could be seen openly displaying their love for one another.
Bring your visit to a sweet end by trying an authentic Sacher cake in the city of its origin. It’s worth considering, however, that while the Sachertorte was first sold in 1876 in the Hotel Sacher, it can now be found in a wide range of establishments in which the recipe has continued to be refined over the years.
-
Elegant PARIS
If you are asked to think of a romantic city, the first one to come to mind is always Paris: a city in which all aspects emanate elegance. It’s architecture, cafes and streets – with their fascinating corners – each have their own story to tell, which unquestionably make Paris the perfect destination to celebrate your love with someone.
You and your partner can enjoy a sightseeing tour that ticks off all the famous spots, including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Panthéon, the Grande Arche de la Défense and the Palais Garnier opera house, which also passes by some spots with a less ‘sophisticated’ atmosphere, like Montmartre.
This district is a city within a city, populated by street artists and lined with cabaret venues such as the famous Moulin Rouge, which give a bohemian feel to the area. From here, you can also enjoy breath-taking views over the city of Paris from the foot of the magnificent Sacré Cœur Basilica.
If you are also an art enthusiast, the French capital has over 150 museums including the Musée d’Orsay, the Pompidou and the magnificent Louvre – the most visited museum on the planet – where you can marvel at some of the most prominent pieces in the history of art.
-
Surprising BUDAPEST
Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube, is a city of infinite beauty. Its streets and classical buildings are incredibly charming yet unmistakeably influenced by Soviet and German architectural styles, and the city boasts an exciting yet troubled past.
It is split into two contrasting parts – Buda and Pest – with the latter being the heart of the city. In fact, it is commonly said that those who sleep in Buda, live in Pest.
You should find time during your visit to admire the Hungarian Parliament building, which is the most representative structure of the capital city, as well as the Royal Palace (commonly referred to as Buda Castle), one of the most frequently photographed landmarks in the city. Another ‘must’ is to stroll across the Chain Bridge, which is the oldest of the city’s many bridges.
-
Racy AMSTERDAM
If there is to be a single ‘racy’ capital city for a fun couple’s getaway, it’s Amsterdam. More than 75 kilometres of canals and 1000 bridges why it is known as the Venice of the North.
Founded around the 12th century and originally a small fishing village, Amsterdam has since developed into the largest city in the country and is now home to vast amounts of cultural and financial activity.
The best way to get from district-to-district is by bike, as you can make quick pit-stops at its famous pubs or the odd coffee shop, in which it is legal to consume small amounts of marijuana.
One thing you must tick off your list is a visit to the Red-Light District: an area dominated by this colour, in which the building fronts and window displays are flooded in red light, where prostitutes legally show themselves off and exercise their trade.
