Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and aside from the flowers and the chocolates what could be better than a weekend city break to celebrate in style in Europe or even here in the UK.

But forget Paris, Venice, Rome and London. Been there, done that and got the huge credit card bill. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover that won’t break the bank but will still have you coming up smelling of (red) roses with your other half.

According to Harry of Travel Counsellors on wedding website Hitched these are the top three city break destinations in 2025 for couples wanting both peace and quiet and good value for money on top of their romance.

He said: “My top three recommendations would be Ljubljana in Slovenia, Europe’s smallest capital city, full of beautiful medieval architecture and located within a beautifully green valley. Slovenia is also highly affordable.

“The second would be Siena in Italy. This Tuscan city has a lot of what both Rome and Florence offer, but without the crowds, and is the gateway to Tuscany.

“Finally, Athens in Greece – a city often overlooked as a stopover before catching a ferry out to the Greek Islands, but it is full to the brim with historical sites and has gone through a huge regeneration and now features beautiful boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants and buzzing nightlife.”

Making up the rest of the Hitched top ten romantic city breaks you might not have thought of are…

Porto

As good city break for couples who are looking for a more relaxing getaway. “The city oozes charm with beautiful architecture and stunning cuisine,” says Harry.

“Explore the many blue and white tiled 19th century churches such as Capela Das Almas and relax on an evening dinner cruise on the River Douro, which runs through the city.Then, be sure to take a tour of one of Porto’s famous wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of the region’s renowned port wine. It’s a great way to indulge in local flavours, learn about the history of the wine and get a little tipsy!”

Vienna

Austria’s capital! Vienna is famous for its artistic and intellectual reputation and is the birthplace of something pretty special: the Sachertorte. Treat yourself to a slice of this incredible chocolate cake at the place of its origin, Cafe Sacher, or pay a visit to the Upper Belvedere Gallery, where you can view Gustav Klimt’s most famous artwork: The Kiss.

Rovaniemi

Looking for the best winter city breaks for couples? Rovaniemi in Finland, which Harry particularly rates if you’re the get-up-and-go type. “I would recommend Rovaniemi for active couples. As the unofficial home of Santa, it’s the perfect place to enjoy husky rides, ice skating and Northern Lights tours, star gazing, and so much more.”

San Sebastián

The foodie mecca in northern Spain has Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, aside from Kyoto. This little city perched on the beach is the perfect place to relax over some Pintos (The Catalan Tapas), enjoy walks on the sand or treat yourself to a boat trip around the bay, according to Hitched. And they do say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Budapest

Packed with incredible architecture, cute cafes and atmospheric bars, Harry rates it as one of the best city break destinations in Europe for couples.

He said: “Budapest is known as the ‘City of Baths’ and is home to over 123 natural springs, with the majority being thermal, so are even more enjoyable in the winter. “My top tip would be a visit to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which feature two outside pools.” It’s a chance to take your clothes off after all! Budapest is far quieter in the winter months, so prices are normally a little cheaper.

Bath

If you don’t want to fly and fancy something closer to home the gorgeous Georgian spa town of Bath might just be the answer. One of the oldest cities in England, Bath (as the name suggests) is a city built around its Roman Baths. A must-see for history-loving couples and if it was good enough for the literary Queen of romance Jane Austen then maybe it will inspire some Mr Darcy/Elizabeth Bennett role play!

York

Another historical gem that won’t break the bank. Steeped in history, no trip to the city is complete without visiting the magnificent York Minster. Its stunning Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for couples who enjoy h breathtaking views – especially if you climb the tower together. You can hold hands if you’re scared of heights. A traditional afternoon tea at the iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms will add some old-fashioned romantic charm to the weekend.