When it comes to cosmopolitan pizzazz, Europe may have it all — art, history, fashion, gourmet food — but much too often, all that comes at a high price. With fluctuating exchange rates between the dollar and the Euro (not to mention the even more walletbusting British Pound), and the inflated prices typical to any tourist hotspot, a chic European jaunt can end up taking a big bite out of your bank account. Luckily, there are a few spots that offer all the style, elegance and good eats Europe is renowned for, at prices that are a bit more budget-friendly.
Croatia: Dubrovnik
With a spectacular coastline, charming hilltop towns, world-class food and wine along with plenty of style, it’s no wonder Croatia has emerged as one of the world’s most popular wallet-friendly vacation spots. Start exploring in beautiful, relaxed Dubrovnik, a historic, visitor-friendly city set on the shimmering Adriatic Sea.
Photo Credit: Adriatic Luxury Hotels
To do:
Between the well-preserved Old Town and the sun-dappled water, it’s hard to know where to look in photo-ready Dubrovnik. Start with a walking tour of the historic center (Dubrovnik Walking Tours offers one-hour strolls for 12 Euros, approximately $16) to explore its narrow alleys, picturesque squares and famous sites, like the Baroque cathedral and the oldest pharmacy in Europe.
Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize much of the town, as parts of the show are filmed here. Don’t miss a walk along the Old Town fortress walls (tickets are about $10), then take the electric cable car up the mountainside for the best city and sea views. For about $9, you can take a 15-minute boat ride to Lokrum Island, a small, UNESCO-protected island popular with locals for its relaxing shores and great views; in the summer, boats leave every half hour.
Where to stay:
Set about three miles from Old Town, the 308-room Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is spread out on a picturesque peninsula, with views of the outlying Elafite Islands. You’ll get a taste of the Adriatic life here thanks to the private beach, PADI diving center, three outdoor pools and scenic walking paths (room rates start at about $230 a night and include breakfast and WiFi; alh.hr).
Closer to town, sister hotel Grand Villa Argentina Dubrovnik also has water views and a beach, plus spectacular gardens. Don’t miss a meal at the Victoria Restaurant & Lounge Bar, whose executive chef, Thierry, was one of the cooks at the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William (room rates start at about $250 a night and include breakfast and WiFi; alh.hr).
Photo Credit: Adriatic Luxury Hotels
Where to eat:
Though the vibe in Dubrovnik is relaxed, there’s no skimping on beautifully presented gourmet meals. With tables scattered atop old city walls and in cozy, candlelit nooks, 360 by Jeffrey Vella offers a heaping serving of romance with its Mediterranean fine dining. Note: It’s open seasonally. Surrounded by views of the blue-green water and old medieval fortresses, Nautika is a local icon, with its fresh, regionally-inspired fare; the terrace is a particular favorite with visiting VIPs. For something different, dine aboard a 16th-century wooden boat during Karaka’s sunset dinner cruise.
Sunset sip:
Translated to hole in the wall, Buza Bar is a long-time local favorite — and thanks to its hidden-away location within a gap in the old city walls, you’ll probably have to ask a local to help find it. Once there, enjoy spectacular water views. Come early to snag a table for sunset.
More Romantic Places to Visit in Europe:
Budapest, Hungary ►
Istanbul, Turkey ►
Bologna, Italy ►
Porto, Portugal ►
Hungary: Budapest
Elegant but edgy, historic but vibrant, Budapest is a mainstay on lists of the Most Beautiful Cities in Europe. The Grande Dame city is separated into two unique sections — Buda and Pest — by the Danube River, with islands floating in between the two sides. Spread throughout are UNESCO World Heritage sites, notable museums, authentic food, and over 80 geothermal hot springs, making there plenty to experience in this jewel of a city.
Photo Credit: About Hungary
To do:
Pedestrian-friendly Budapest is a great place for walking tours, which can be tailored to your interests and will help reveal some hidden gems. Tour operator Unique Budapest features some outings covering topics like architecture, design, music, castles (Buda is the castle quarter), the famous Jewish neighborhood and one that showcases the city nightlife.
On your own, explore the banks of the Danube and walk across Chain Bridge, the first to link Buda with Pest. Stroll along mansion-lined Andrassy Avenue and to Hero’s Square Memento Park (filled with statues from the communist era). Then take a tour or catch a performance at one of the city’s top attractions, the stunning opera house. There are also numerous museums worth a visit (despite the name, the Terror Museum is a must).
In the evening, walk Vaci Street — considered one of the best pedestrian-only streets in the world — to explore the cafés, trendy restaurants and designer shops. The Budapest Card gets you unlimited use of public transport (the tram system is a snap to navigate) and discounts at museums, restaurants, river cruises and more.
Where to eat:
Hungary’s cuisine is known for flavorful specialties like salami, goulash, dumplings and paprika—the latter used to spice up a wide array of dishes. You can get a home-cooked taste of many of them, accompanied by live gypsy music, at Fakanál Restaurant, on the second floor of the Central Market Hall. Enjoy views of Buda Castle and gourmet dishes at Spoon Café & Lounge, set on a docked boat on the Danube, then sample palinka (traditional fruit liqueurs) and chocolate bonbons at BARbar Café on Vaci Street. Start or end the day lingering at one of Budapest’s historic coffeehouses, like Central, which opened in 1887.
Where to stay:
A 19th-century former nobleman’s house is now the Hotel Palazzo Zichy, a centrally located spot with 80 rooms, a lobby bar and breakfast buffet served in a glass-roofed restaurant (room rates start at about $100 a night and include breakfast and WiFi; hotel-palazzo-zichy.hu).
In the more residential embassy neighborhood, the Bauhaus-style Mamaison Hotel Andrassy has 68 comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and an art deco restaurant with a terrace overlooking famous Andrassy Avenue (room rates start at about $119 a night and include WiFi; mamaison.com).
Hot history:
With more than 80 hot springs in the area, Budapest has a long history of wellness, with locals and visitors alike still making regular use of the mineral-rich waters. It was officially dubbed “Spa City” in 1934. You can fill up on mineral water at taps around town, or soak the day away at one of the classic spa complexes.
On the Buda side of the city, the Gellert Bath and Hotel, opened in 1918, has several indoor mineral pools and beautiful domed facilities, while on the Pest side, the sprawling Szechenyi complex, built in 1881 and later expanded, has areas for medical and therapeutic treatments, indoor water circuits and several outdoor pools where where you will spot all ages enjoying the healing waters, steam rooms of varying temperatures, jetted pools — or even playing chess on one of the built-in boards.
More Romantic Places to Visit in Europe:
Dubrovnik, Croatia ►
Istanbul, Turkey ►
Bologna, Italy ►
Porto, Portugal ►
Turkey: Istanbul
With grand palaces and ancient ruins, exotic bazaars and sweeping water views, Istanbul is a city that takes your breath away. It’s also a heady mix of Europe and Asia (the city straddles both continents, with the Bosphorus Strait in between), as well as old world and new, with trendy boutiques and lively nightclubs existing alongside traditional daily life. A honeymoon here promises to be filled with romance and splendor — and plenty of tasty meals.
Photo Credit: Go Turkey Tourism
To do:
Don’t miss the city’s signature sites — the Byzantine St. Sophia church and museum, the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque (topped with six minarets and filled with blue tiles) and the Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman emperors for more than 400 years (and now, excellent jewelry, porcelain and costume museums).
Get swept up in the tangled alleys of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market (don’t forget to bargain!); at night, head to the Taksim area for intimate live music clubs and rooftop bars with sweeping views. Honeymoon specialist agencies like Travel Atelier can help arrange Bosphorus cruises, complete with seaside lunches and visits to the charming villages on the Asia side.
Where to eat:
Savor fresh, authentic seafood dishes at the moderately priced Cinar Alti Restaurant, a local fave set in a Bosphorus-side square; reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights. To experience the famous Turkish meze (an endless amount of shared smallplate dishes), head to Haci Baba, a traditional eatery in the Beyoglu neighborhood, where the menu also includes grilled kebabs and specialties like lamb steaks and eggplant stuffed with lamb. For the most authentic experience, ask for a table on the terrace.
Also in Beyoglu, Galata Restaurant offers a convivial, nostalgic atmosphere and live fasil (Turkish folk) music every night but Sunday. Top it all off with some potent traditional Turkish coffee, boiled in a small copper beaker.
Where to stay:
One of the city’s newest upscale properties, the Marti Istanbul features a lovely East-meets-West style incorporating both traditional and contemporary design elements, along with a great location in Taksim, a lively neighborhood for shopping and culture. The 270 rooms come with perks like pillow menus, the 11th-floor spa offers locally inspired treatments and has four marble hammam (traditional steam baths) rooms with private attendants. On-site dining ranges from a relaxed brasserie/grill and an in-house sweet shop to a restaurant outfitted with an Ottoman tent (room rates start at $390 a night; martiistanbulhotel.com).
Hammam haven:
Turkey’s ancient culture of hammams is still wildly popular. And Istanbul is home to some of the country’s most historic bathhouses. Built in 1584, and in continuous use ever since, the dome-topped Cemberlitas Hammam is both traditional and visitor-friendly, with separate sections for men and women offering self-service and full-service options.
In the former, you can steam in a variety of temperatures on smooth marble platforms and wash off on your own, while in the latter, attendants will give you a massaging body scrub and cleansing. Reflexology and head massages are also available.
More Romantic Places to Visit in Europe:
Dubrovnik, Croatia ►
Hungary, Budapest ►
Bologna, Italy ►
Porto, Portugal ►
Italy: Bologna
Parmesan, tortellini, Ferrari, Fellini — many quintessentially Italian things come from the country’s north-central Emilia- Romagna region. Bologna, the region’s capital, is a stylish town celebrated for its vibrant culinary, art and music scenes. The University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world (it was founded in 1088) gives the city a lively atmosphere.
Photo Credit:Photo Credit: Italia
To do:
Bologna is famous for its elegant porticoed passageways, so the best way to get a feel for the city is to wander its avenues and alleys. In the historic center, you can learn about the city’s past at the recently opened Museum of the History of Bologna, set in a stunning palazzo, then wander the arch-topped sidewalks to check out the cafés, designer boutiques and artisan workshops.
Don’t miss the grand Piazza del Nettuno square, with its ornate Neptune fountain, and the adjacent Piazza Maggiore, watched over by three historic palaces and the Basilica of San Petronio.
Where to eat:
The Quadrilatero neighborhood is packed with specialty food shops and markets. Lunch at La Baita, a historic deli/restaurant famous for its incredible cheese selection, then pop into nearby stalls to pick up freshmade tortellini and tagliolini, local wines and mortadella cold cuts.
For dinner, book a table at Cantina Bentivoligo, a traditional osteria (informal eatery) featuring live music. Or get a taste of authentic regional delicacies through the HomeFood program, which invites you to dine in a private home, hosted by an approved cesarina (home cook).
Where to stay:
The Bologna Art Hotels offer six hotels in the city, at various price points and locations. The intimate, four-star Hotel Corona D’Oro is a sure bet for its central location, understated charm and homemade buffet breakfast, while at three-star-plus Hotel Orologico, you’ll find classic Old World decor and views of the Piazza Maggiore (room rates start at about $183 a night and include breakfast; bolognarthotels.it).
Day tripping:
From Bologna it’s an easy hop to some of Italy’s best-preserved historic towns. Ravenna is home to stunning Byzantine mosaics and, in the summer, a world-famous music festival, and Modena is best known for its traditional balsamic vinegar houses. In Ferrara, you can rent a bike to peddle through the quaint center, through the parks and atop the wide, ancient city walls.
Just 30 minutes from Bologna, Motor Valley is home to the HQs of Ducati, Lamborghini and Ferrari; all three have excellent museums. Ducati and Lamborghini can arrange for production line visits, too.
More Romantic Places to Visit in Europe:
Dubrovnik, Croatia ►
Hungary, Budapest ►
Istanbul, Turkey ►
Porto, Portugal ►
Portugal: Porto
Home to vibrant cities, a beach-lined coast, and a top-notch food and wine scene, Portugal is finally starting to get the tourism recognition it deserves. For a trendy scene, head north to Porto, the country’s second largest city and one of the oldest in Europe. Located on the Douro River, Porto (also known as Oporto) boasts a beautiful historic center with a wealth of painted, tile-covered buildings. Porto is also famous for its liquid gold — namely, award-winning red, white and port wines made in the nearby Douro Valley.
Photo Credit: Emilia Romagna Region Tourist Board
To do:
Get a feel for the city by strolling though Old Town, taking in the famous tiled facades and the unique mix of architectural styles; stop at the Ponte Luis I bridge for the best views over the Douro River. Top visitor sites include the Cathedral de Porto, the San Bento Railway Station (with its stunning tiled walls), the Torre dos Clerigos tower, and the Solar do Vinho do Porto, an 18th-century manor house where you can learn about port wines (and sample a few, along with snacks).
Available at hotels and tourist information centers, the 1-, 2- or 3-day Porto Card offers free access to museums, unlimited use of public transportation and discounts for shops, dining, events and river cruises. Soak up the sun and sea at the free beach at Matosinhos, accessible from the city by metro.
Where to eat:
Sample the best Portuguese specialties — fresh seafood dishes and the regional favorite francesinha (a decadent sandwich combo of bread, four types of meat, melted cheese and a thick tomato-and-beer sauce, served with fries).
Join locals at spots like the casual Café Aviz, where you can get everything from toasted sandwiches to full meals (fillet of sea bass and a glass of wine will run you around 10 Euros or about $13), and Restaurante Zé Bota, with raucous atmosphere and affordable traditional plates like duck with rice. The Galeria de Paris street is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants serving inexpensive lunch buffets, many set in cool converted warehouses and former shops.
Opened in 2010, The Yeatman offers both style and comfort, with 82 rooms with Douro River or Old Town views and free WiFi, plus stunning pools and a pampering Roman-inspired wellness complex on site. The hotel also stocks the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world; the cellar is open daily for sommelier-guided tours, and the bar serves over 80 vintages by the glass (room rates for the wedding night package start at about $435 a night and include an in-room spa service, late checkout, access to the wellness complex and breakfast; theyeatman.com).
Local liquid:
While the Douro Valley is home to some of Portugal’s best vineyards, you don’t have to leave Porto to sample the bounty. In the Gaia neighborhood, just across the river from Old Town, there are more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms where you can learn about the wine and port-making process, see the aged wooden barrels where port is aged and enjoy a free taste or two.
More Romantic Places to Visit in Europe:
Dubrovnik, Croatia ►
Hungary, Budapest ►
Istanbul, Turkey ►
Bologna, Italy ►