Dreaming of escaping to a foreign city this autumn?

Philip Garlick, from travel money provider H&T, shares four destinations that are perfect for a romantic city getaway.

If you’re keen to jet off with that special someone this year, there’s no doubt that autumn can be a very romantic time of year to head off on a city break. The weather is crisp, the leaves are golden, and the summer crowds are long gone, meaning you’re free to explore Europe’s most beautiful cities in peace. Whether it’s a moonlit walk along the canals in Amsterdam or getting pampered in the thermal baths in Dubrovnik, there’s a city break to suit every couple. Just read on to discover my top four picks for a romantic autumn getaway.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a famously green city, with lots of parks and tree-lined avenues, and in the autumn months,

this leafy landscape turns a blazing shade of golden red. The fall colour is at its best in October and early November, so these months are the ideal time to travel.

The city also boasts a thriving restaurant and bar scene, so it’s a fantastic destination for a spot of romantic wining and dining — be sure to split a bottle of Slovenia’s famous orange wine. If you really want to immerse yourself in the city’s food and drink scene, then visit during the Feast of St. Martin, a celebration of Slovenia’s wine culture which starts on November 11^th and runs for a week or so.

In terms of local currency, you’ll be able to use a credit or debit card for bigger transactions (like hotel stays or meals in restaurants), but cash is still king for smaller payments and taxi rides. While you’ll find exchange bureaus in hotels and train stations throughout the city, the rates can be notoriously high, so stock up on Euros before you travel.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is at its best during the fall season, when the city’s parks and green spaces put on a stunning display of autumn colour. Wrap up warm and take a stroll through the King’s Garden, before stopping off in one the many cosy independent coffee shops that line the city’s cobbled streets. If you’ll be visiting around Halloween (and you and your paramour are feeling brave), you’ll definitely want to visit the Tivoli Gardens theme park, which is transformed by spooky pumpkin-themed décor.

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Copenhagen, but you’ll usually be offered a choice between paying in the Danish Krone, or in British Pound Sterling. The vendor may charge a pricey fee for exchanging the currency back to Sterling (sometimes called the ‘dynamic change rate’), so always opt to pay in the local currency when making card payments.

Dubrovnik

If you’re looking for a destination with a warmer climate, Dubrovnik could be the ideal city break for you. It’s located on the sunny Adriatic coast, and the average temperature in October is a balmy 22°C, so it’s certainly a great place to soak up the last of the summer sun.

Not only is Dubrovnik a safe bet for some pleasant weather, but there’s also plenty to see and do. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it boasts some of Croatia’s most stunning medieval architecture: the towering stone walls which circle the city are a must-see. There are also lots of traditional thermal baths, where you and your partner can enjoy a pamper session together after a long day of sightseeing.

Despite being one of Croatia’s most popular tourist cities, the cost of living is still much cheaper than here in the UK, according to Numbeo. And, as autumn is considered an off-season for tourism, you could benefit from lower rates on flights and hotels than you’d pay during the summer or spring.

Amsterdam

With tree-lined canals, quaint cobbled streets, and lots of pretty bridges lit by twinkling fairy lights, picturesque Amsterdam is a lovers’ paradise. The city usually floods with tourists during the summer and around Christmas, so autumn is a good time to visit if you’d prefer your holiday to be a little quieter.

The city isn’t just stunning to look at: you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to visit, too. Couples with a taste for art and culture will love the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, where you’ll find some of the most famous artworks by the Old Masters. Beer-lovers won’t want to miss the PINT Bokbier Festival, which takes place during the last weekend in October, and where you can sample over fifty different types of beer. There are also plenty of cosy cafes and charming restaurants, so it’s a great spot for romantic dining.

If you’re dreaming of getting away this autumn, then any of these cities will provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic holiday with that special someone. Each destination offers lots to see and do, so you’re sure to be in for a fantastic time. 

Philip Garlick