A romantic weekend for two: the best short breaks for couples
Five cities, five atmospheres:
From coffee houses to neighbourhoods, and from the Elbe, the Isar and the Seine, you’ll find the perfect setting for your short break for two.
A romantic weekend isn’t a sightseeing marathon. Nobody gets a medal for the longest to-do list. So you can safely leave that at home. Instead, choose a city that suits you, go for a stroll together, do a bit of ‘side-seeing’ in the side streets, stop to watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious meal.
In this overview, you’ll find five cities that come highly recommended for a romantic getaway for two: Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Paris. Each has its own unique blend of culture, cuisine, walking routes and atmosphere. The linked city guides will then provide you with specific tips – for everything you want to see, experience and perhaps even simply skip.
What makes a romantic weekend?
If you want to make an impression on a romantic getaway, you don’t have to stick to the usual suspects. That’s why, alongside the classics, you’ll find special tips for every city to help you surprise your date – without having to memorise three travel guides.
Whether it’s a romantic park, the best spot to watch the sunset or a cosy little restaurant off the beaten track: this will make your weekend varied, personalised and relaxed – and, at one point or another, quite impressive. You might even hear the question: “How on earth did you know about that?”
Which city suits you best?
There’s no right or wrong here, just five rather good options. Are you looking for big cities? Our short profiles will help you make an initial decision, whilst you’ll find detailed recommendations in the linked city guides. Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. Each of these cities is well worth a romantic trip.
Vienna: coffee houses and imperial charm
For those of you who love a blend of romance, coffee-house culture, art and a rich history. Nestled between Schönbrunn, the Old Town and the Danube Canal, you’ll enjoy romantic strolls, classical architecture and a city that, despite all its splendour, remains pleasantly down-to-earth. Sometimes imperial, sometimes mischievous, always laid-back.
Hamburg: the River Elbe, the Speicherstadt and Hanseatic charm
For those of you who like harbour romance with a bit of a challenge. Hamburg isn’t for fair-weather lovers – after all, the city wears its heart on its sleeve beneath a Friesennerz. Between the fish market, the Reeperbahn and the green parks, you’ll find plenty of variety for a romantic weekend for two.
Munich: beer gardens, the Old Town and Alpine charm
For those of you who like romance combined with Bavarian cosiness. Bussi-Bussi, Busy-Busy – there are plenty of clichés about Munich. The truth is: Munich is really laid-back. Between the Old Town, the banks of the Isar, the English Garden and the beer gardens, it’s one thing above all else: properly cosy and romantic.
Paris: the Seine, street cafés and magical moments
For those of you who love croissants, art and walks stretching for kilometres. After all, Paris is the City of Love – romance is practically a given here. Between the Seine, Montmartre and the bouquinistes, you’ll find plenty of lovely detours. In the evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles and does the rest.
Berlin: Neighbourhood charm and big-city flair
For those of you who love romance with a touch of adventure and prefer to set off together rather than tick off romantic clichés. Berlin combines history, long nights and peaceful moments in the countryside with a wonderful sense of calm. Instead of roses, there’s graffiti, currywurst and sunsets over the Spree.
How do you plan a romantic getaway?
When choosing a city, feel free to let your gut feeling guide you – our tips will help you decide. It’s best to buy tickets for museums and other attractions in advance, as nothing dampens the romance quite as reliably as a queue.
Plan the main stops, but please don’t schedule every minute. Leave room for spontaneous detours, long coffee breaks and anything that looks better on the spur of the moment than the original plan.
Motel One: a stylish hotel base for your short break
Every romantic getaway needs a good starting point. With Motel One and The Cloud One, you’re right on track with your plans, save yourself long journeys and can dive straight into your adventure together. Simply choose the hotel that suits your city, your route and your style of romance.
And if it’s not Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Vienna or Paris this time round: you’ll find Motel One in over 100 hotels worldwide.
Find your now and set off on your next getaway together.
Practical planning tips for your short break for two
- Check the latest ticket information and opening times
Time slots or bookings are advisable for museums, castles, viewing platforms and popular restaurants. Opening times, admission rules and programmes may vary depending on the season.
- Choose a hotel based on your itinerary
The best location is the one that fits in with your last appointment and your evening plans. A short walk back leaves more time for an impromptu drink or a longer stroll.
- Combining walking with public transport
There are plenty of romantic routes to be found between two stops. Take the Underground, S-Bahn, tram, bus or ferry for longer journeys, then explore the neighbourhood on foot.
- Have a Plan B in case the weather turns bad
If it rains, the museum, café, market hall or hotel bar become part of the plan. If it’s hot, you can cover long distances in the morning and spend the afternoon by the water or in the park.
- Don’t take on too much
A major cultural highlight, a distinctive neighbourhood and a lovely evening are often enough to fill a day. Romantic weekends thrive just as much on moments of relaxation as they do on planned activities.
Frequently asked questions about romantic getaways for two
Conclusion: Five cities, five kinds of romance
Whether it’s Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Paris: there’s more than one great spot for a romantic atmosphere. Every city has its own charm – and plenty of scope for things not on the itinerary.
Choose the city that suits you and the time you have available. Our city guides will help you find your way; the rest is down to your curiosity and the odd change of plan.
