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If you’d like to whisk your partner off for a romantic weekend but don’t have a huge amount of cash, then what should you do? Well, there are a host of good romantic overseas destinations that are easy to get to and not too pricey.
Even if your destination isn’t the cheapest when you actually get there, then the savings you can make by taking advantage of some of the offers available through the budget airlines can mean your romantic trip need not cost you the earth. We have selected some of the best romantic places to head for where your trip can be cheap yet still provide a great time for you and your loved one.
Paris breaks
Known as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most romantic destinations. It is home to some of the best cuisine – and there’s certainly no shortage of top restaurants, bistros, cafes and bars to suit all budgets. The French capital overflows with heritage, culture and art, with so many notable landmarks to see such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
Romantics could view the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and follow this up with a boat trip on the River Seine. There are scores of art galleries and museums including the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre to explore by day, and theatres and concert halls and cafe-bars and clubs to entertain you by night – all of which need not be too expensive if you plan well.
Nice holidays
An alternative French destination is the south of France. Its location means you can take a romantic walk along the Mediterranean and enjoy the sun-kissed streets and its buzzing cafe culture. More importantly, it’s one of the most affordable places on the French Riviera, despite its reputation as the place where the rich and famous meet. Being on the budget airline list of destinations means it caters for everyone, whatever the size of their pocket. There are a variety of shops that have every price range, and the markets are also fun to explore – plus even some of the more upmarket boutiques are worth visiting for a spot of window shopping.
Warsaw holidays
Warsaw has finally appeared on the budget tourist map as cheap flights are now more readily available. The place itself is essentially a modern city, but the Old Town was meticulously rebuilt after the Second World War and is the most romantic and attractive part to visit – plus it’s mainly closed to traffic. The Old Town has quaint, cobbled streets and unique old architecture, and the heart of the area is the Market Square with its unique traditional Polish restaurants, cafes and shops. Surrounding streets feature old architecture such as the City Walls, the Barbican and St. John’s Cathedral. Also, Lazienki Park is one of the most romantic parts of Warsaw to go to, and is one of the favourite places to walk around for locals and tourists alike – plus it’s free!
New York breaks
You might not think of New York as an affordable option but flights to and from here can be had for under £200. If you allow yourself one indulgence, though, it could be to take a romantic carriage ride through Central Park. Despite its hustle and bustle, New York City is a romantic city – so why not take your loved one to the top of the Empire State Building (especially at night when the city is aglow)? You could also go window shopping at Tiffany’s, explore the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and the Brooklyn Promenade for free, or even try a spot of ice skating on the rink at the Rockefeller Centre. Another cheap option would be to take the free Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park City, in order to get great views of the harbour and the Statue of Liberty.
[Related feature: Cheapest places to visit right now]
Prague breaks
Prague offers a fairytale setting for a romantic break, and is known as the ‘city of a hundred spires’. There are ancient squares here in which to relax, as well as stunning and diverse architecture (most of which escaped damage during the Second World War), and medieval cobbled streets to stroll along hand-in-hand. Charles Bridge – Prague’s oldest stone bridge, built over 600 years ago – is as romantic a location as you could find, and this leads to the Mala Strana, which has beautiful architecture and many gardens to experience for free. And don’t be put off by thoughts that your romantic vision will be spoiled by hoardes of stag dos roaming the streets, as these groups are mainly confined to specialist bars and clubs – so they’ll be kept well out of your way.
Barcelona holidays
A romantic travel destination rich in architectural heritage and full of dynamism and cosmopolitan flair. Barcelona’s old city (La Rambla) is where you will want to head, with its small streets and shops being the place where everyone comes together. After wandering around you will want to take the weight off your feet at one of the many terraces, and in the evening the Barri del Raval area is a great place to find many cozy, affordable restaurants and night bars. The Placa Sant Felip Neri is considered by most locals to be the most romantic place in the city, but you should also check out other places to take a stroll such as the ancient style Freean Street, the Plaza St. Jaume and the cathedral.
Lisbon holidays
Lisbon is historic, romantic and colourful, and will provide you with fine shopping and dining at very affordable prices. Built on seven hills, there is plenty of hard work to put in if you want to get around on foot, but taxis and public transport are plentiful and cheap. The capital of Portugal is steeped in history, and you can explore the labyrinthine streets by walking or taking up the option of a romantic ride on a horse-driven carriage. Well worth a visit is the breathtaking Pena Palace – after which you could explore some of the exquisite shops and sample Lisbon’s exciting nightlife, all for reasonable prices. Also, the Eiffel Tower-like Santa Justa Elevador is a romantic way to discover the city, as it provides a beautiful view from high above the streets.
Venice breaks
The watery city of Venice easily lives up to its romanticized image, and despite the crowds is well worth a visit. The Piazza San Marco is the hub from which you can access all of the famous landmarks such as the San Marco Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale, and San Marco’s beloved 100m-tall brick bell tower – which is well worth a climb for a great view of the city. However, the best impressions of Venice can be gained by exploring its backwaters, where you will find more affordably-priced places. The city is easily navigable on foot, so travelling around can be free – or you can take a water taxi as an inexpensive alternative. If you allow yourself the quintessential romantic experience of a gondola ride, though, then be prepared to push the boat out and pay around over £40 for a 50-minute ride.
Budapest breaks
Budapest is divided into two halves by the Danube and gives you the option of two distinct experiences. Two thirds of the city contains the area known as ‘Pest’ – which is home to famous swimming/spa baths and is the place to head for some pampering – while the remaining third of the city, ‘Buda’, is the place to head for to experience some culture. However, one thing that both sides have in common is their exceptionally low prices! Eating out and enjoying a drink will prove so cheap that you probably won’t know when to stop – and the shopping is the same, with even the upmarket shops on Vaci Utca or the Nagy Korut proving to be far cheaper than at home.
Vienna holidays
The city of Vienna is one of the most interesting and beautiful capitals in the world. Its wide boulevards, avenues, fairytale palaces, gardens, parks and churches, opera houses, theatres and museums all add to the romance of the city, and can be experienced for reasonable prices. Vienna is famous for its music, and so no visit would be complete without taking in an opera or concert – plus other places to go to include St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Spanish Riding School, and you could even see the city by romantic horse-drawn carriage. At night, head for the giant Ferris Wheel or the Danube Tower to get some great views of the city.
A final tip on budget romantic breaks…
Before you decide where to go for your romantic break, try checking out what cheap flights some of the low budget airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair have on offer for when you’re planning to travel. A budget romantic break need not mean denying yourselves everything – after all, that’s not particularly romantic! – and savings can easily be made in how or who you travel with, or alternatively by opting for a location that is particularly cheap when you get there.
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