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Sky Travel's Editor takes you to some of the world's most romantic cities you should visit this Autumn
By Kevin Ashbridge
Been shot by Cupid's arrow? I have. I've been thinking about where in world I'd love to to spend time with my sweetheart. So, here's my pick of the world's most romantic cities, counting down to my personal #1.
London
London is perfect for a romantic stroll at sunset, head out to the Docklands at dusk.
Right in our own backyard is a city packed with classy bars, top restaurants and superb sightseeing, making it a top date.
A cruise on the Thames at twilight is a romantic way to see the city, especially with a glass of champagne in hand.
Alternatively, you could take a 'flight' on the London Eye to see the city lights from on high, before heading off to dinner.
→ See our London Destination Guide
→ Next Page: London once the sun sets
London at night is simply stunning and is jam packed with great romantic haunts.
A West End show is another opportunity not to be missed, a more thoughtful choice than a movie.
Do have a look, too, at some of the smaller playhouses around London's Theatre district. There are some excellent plays staged in more intimate surroundings.
My tip: Get a black cab as you take your date from place to place, it's much more romantic than the tube!
→ See our London Destination Guide
→ Next Page: City on the Danube
Budapest
Budapest, a city that shines at night, perfect for some romance.
Budapest is a grand city on the banks of the Danube.
Architecturally, it reminds me a lot of Vienna, but with the more exotic feel of the Hungarian culture.
There are innumerable restaurants tucked away among its ancient streets, and plenty of music venues catering for a variety of music tastes.
It's quite easy to find the perfect place, but ask the concierge at your hotel for some suggestions.
→ See our Budapest Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Pamper your partner
Find the spas within this city, which is full of character and charm.
The Hungarians are well into spa treatments and you'll find some excellent spas around the city. Male and female facilities are often separated, so there may not be much chance of a soak and a chat here.
However, if you're in Budapest for a romantic few days, your partner will love being sent off for an hour or two of pampering.
→ See our Budapest Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Café Culture
Prague
What better way to spend time together? With a coffee you can watch the world go by.
Prague is another impressive city, yet with a smaller feel to it than most.
Indeed, getting around on foot is rather easy and there are a myriad of coffee shops to duck into along the way.
It's this cafe culture that I loved the most about Prague.
The cafes themselves are quite intimate spaces, no one rushes you, and you can simply spend time with your date while the city flows past your window.
→ See our Prague Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Pick up a bargain in Prague
The city is full of places to see. The Vitus Cathedral is stunning by day or night.
If you are up for some sightseeing, Prague castle is well worth a visit.
It overlooks the city from the highest vantage point and there are some lovely views to take in.
Shopping in Prague is quite good and the prices are much cheaper compared to back home.
→ See our Prague Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Hot love Spanish style
Barcelona
Dine with locals in the huge choice of Barcelona's great Tapas restaurants.
There's a reason Barcelona was voted the number one city break destination last year, it's utterly cool!
You can certainly enjoy the incredible buildings and park created by Antonio Gaudi, and the shopping along La Rambla is sure to put a big smile on your partner's face
Ask me, though, and I'd have to say that it's the nightlife that makes Barcelona such a top choice for romance.
→ See our Barcelona Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Late nights for love
This romantic city sparkles once the sun sets
It doesn't get started until quite late in the evening - indeed, many Barcelonans are just tucking into their suppers at about 10 p.m. - but, what an atmosphere.
The streets, tapas bars and clubs are thronging with people, not simply with tourists, but with the locals themselves.
You can expect to be enjoying yourself in Barcelona well past your bedtime.
→ See our Barcelona Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Shopping with the Stars
New York
Allow yourself to be swept up with the magic of Times Square.
Big, brash, busy - and loving it.
New York is all about energy, with high octane shopping, superb sightseeing and a nightlife that's second to none.
Eating out is an absolute joy, with top class establishments nestled alongside tiny family-run eateries. New Yorkers expect the best in taste, freshness and service, and plenty on your plate.
→ See our New York Destination Guide
→ Next Page: The Big Apple's shops and shows
Shop by day and enjoy the city by night, hand in hand.
Knees weaken at the names of irresistible shops - Macy's, Tiffany's, Sax - and pulses quicken at the lure of those famous places - 5th Avenue, Central Park, Times Square.
The stars come out at night, too, not just in the sky, but treading the boards on the stages of Broadway.
If you want a chance to see a Hollywood star, you'll see one here.
It's a fantastic city to enjoy together.
→ See our New York Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Italian Art
Florence
For culture and romance, you won't be disappointed with Florence.
Take the best of Italian art and culture and place it in some of the most gorgeous rolling countryside.
That, to me, is Florence.
The history of Florence, and indeed of the whole of Tuscany, shapes your thoughts and feelings when you come here.
Everywhere is beautiful, whether it be tiny balconies poking out above narrow cobbled streets, or the vast marbled glory of the Florentine churches.
→ See our Florence Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Culture and kisses
Piazza Della Signoria illuminates the night sky in Florence.
The artworks of the famous names, such as Michelangelo, pepper the city squares.
There's good food, of course, and some very chic shopping available.
Florence is a city that will lift your time together up a level in cultural appreciation, and that's got to be worth an extra snog or two...
→ See our Florence Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Roman Romance
Rome
Step back in time to Ancient Rome with a visit to the world famous Coliseum.
Sightseeing. Sightseeing. Sightseeing.
And, the thing I love most about Rome is that everything you want to see is either within walking distance, or just a short bus ride away.
You've got the vast Coliseum, where you'll find it hard to comprehend the scale of the 'entertainment' that went on here.
→ See our Rome Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Experience the romance of the Ancient city of Rome
Rome at dusk. St Peter's Cathedral lights up the skyline.
The Ancient city - the heart of the Roman Empire - lies in ruins today, yet I couldn't help but feel a tangible air of power still emanating from the broken marble.
I highly recommend a visit to the Vatican, too. Not only can you see the Sistine Chapel for yourself, but St Peter's Basilica is an awesome experience. It's craftsmanship and sheer size will leave you spellbound.
If you want to take your sweetheart to a city that will impress, Rome is that place.
→ See our Rome Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Can Can Kisses
Paris
Enjoying a recent renaissance in the 'Da Vinci' tourist trail is the Louvre Museum.
Chic fashion, shopping, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, the lazy River Seine.
All of these are the core experiences of Paris, but when it comes to romance the city seems to take on a particular allure.
Perhaps it's the impressive buildings that line every street, echoing the sense of the majesty it once was.
It could be the famous names we've all known since childhood; the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Moulin Rouge...
→ See our Paris Destination Guide
→ Next Page: What makes this city so special
It's hard not to be bowled over by this romantic city, day or night.
Personally, I think it's the Parisians themselves.
They are chic without being showy, busy without being stressed. There's an inimitable style that pervades the Paris streets and cigarette-smoked cafes.
To arrive in Paris is to know you've come somewhere special.
Where else, then, would you take your special someone?
→ See our Paris Destination Guide
→ Next Page: #1 Romantic City...
Venice
Venice by night. A trip down the Grand Canal will be an experience you'll never forget.
Yes, Venice is my personal Number 1 city to take my Valentine.
We were speechless the first time we came here, pushing through the doors of the train station and out into the City on Water.
Here, right in front of us were the canals and gondolas we had seen on TV, and... they were real.
My sweetheart and I have had some of our most romantic holidays in this storybook city.
→ See our Venice Destination Guide
→ Next Page: Fall in love in Venice
Stroll around Venice and you'll soon see why couples head to this city of love.
We have walked the narrow back streets and alleyways, eaten at tiny family-run restaurants, and toasted with drinks overlooking the Grand Canal.
We braved a hurricane of pigeon's in St Marks Square, laughed as the Gondolier started to sing, and shared an Aperol with blue-rinsed Venetian ladies at afternoon tea.
Experiencing this together is to experience Venice at its best.
It's no wonder we fell in love here...
→ See our Venice Destination Guide
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