In 2026, people are looking for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.
Recent research found that 53% of travellers are conscious of tourism’s impact on local communities, while two-thirds want to leave places better than when they arrived.
As Valentine’s Day approaches — the holiday that celebrates deep and meaningful connections — couples are searching for destinations that are both romantic and authentic. Paris and Venice, we still love you, but everyone knows your tune.
The Metro Travel team brings you the best alternative European city breaks to spend with the one you love (especially if that’s yourself).
Belgrade
For history, nightlife and intrigue around every corner, it has to be Belgrade, Serbia’s buzzy capital.
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The Balkan city is blessed with beautiful riverfronts, rich history, and a gritty, free-spirited charm.
By day, explore the historic Zemun district, known for its distinct blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and cafe culture. With its cobblestone streets and open-air markets, it offers a laid-back vibe compared to the bustling centre.
Skadarlija is Belgrade’s iconic Bohemian Quarter, which in the 19th century was a hub for poets and artists. Today, it’s home to traditional Serbian restaurants (kafanas), strolling orchestras and vintage shops.
At night, walk along the Sava and Danube rivers, or up to the ancient Kalemegdan Fortress, where you’ll catch breathtaking sunsets.
Looking for somewhere to enjoy a glass (or two) or champagne? Check out Belgrade’s floating river nightlife, called splavovi, where you’ll find clubs, restaurants and bars.
Serbia, touted as Europe’s ‘hidden highlight,’ was named as one of ABTA’s’destinations to watch in 2026.’
How to get to Belgrade and where to stay
On Monday, February 9, Wizz Air is flying to Belgrade for £25.14 from London Luton. The journey time is 2 hours 50 minutes.
On the same night, Moxy Belgrade has rooms available for €102 (£83.39) per night.
For something on a budget but still four-star worthy, the Hotel Marshal Garni has rooms available for £66 per night.
Kraków
Poland’s historic former capital has all the ingredients for a good city break.
From its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find flea markets, historic synagogues and traditional restaurants, to its medieval Old Town, Kraków also boasts Europe’s largest market square (Rynek Główny).
Adding more jewels to Kraków’s crown, it was voted Europe’s best city break for the fifth year running by Which? Travel in 2025.
Kraków consistently tops surveys for value, leading the way with affordable food, drink and accommodation — luxury options are cheaper than Paris or Rome tenfold.
The culture is unmatched, too. Wawel Castle is considered the most culturally important site in Poland, home to royals for centuries. The Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica in the Main Market Square is also a must-see.
The walkable city has a buzzing nightlife, where jazz cellars sit alongside traditional ‘milk bars,’ cafeteria-style eateries famed for serving hearty, homemade Polish comfort food.
How to get to Kraków and where to stay
On Monday, February 9, Wizz Air is flying from London Gatwick to Kraków for £21.54. The journey time is 2 hours 20 minutes.
The four-star Ascot Premium Hotel in the Old Town, just 10-minutes from Kraków Main Market Square, has rooms available for £55.
For something more romantic, the boutique Amber Design Residence has rooms for £71.
Bucharest
Bucharest is known as ‘Little Paris’ thanks to its Belle Époque architecture, tree-lined boulevards and trendy cafés.
You know, everything we associate with Paris — just without the overcrowding and steep price tag.
Last year, the Romanian capital was ranked ninth in The Times’ roundup of ‘the best affordable city breaks in Europe,’ while also actively promoting tourism. So, it makes sense to head east.
For architecture, check out the Palace of the Parliament, one of the world’s largest buildings.
Wander the Old Town’s cobblestone streets where you’ll find the breathtaking Cărturești Carusel bookstore and 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery.
Plus, as wellness is another key travel trend this year, where else to relax with your partner than at Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest wellness and relaxation centre?
All expenses paid, where are you going?
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Belgrade
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Bucharest
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Kraków
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Faro
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Palma
The sprawling complex features an urban beach, pools, saunas, and Europe’s biggest botanical collection.
Finally, take a romantic stroll through Herăstrău Park, where green space, lakes and woodlands offer a serene escape from city life.
How to get to Bucharest and where to stay
On Wednesday, February 11, Wizz Air is flying from London Luton to Bucharest for £30.54. The journey time is 3 hours 20 minutes.
Stay in the three-star Zeus Essence Bucharest Central, less than a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, for £63 per night.
Or, the bougie Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town has rooms available for £114.
Faro
After warmer weather? In February, Faro, the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, enjoys highs of 16°C.
Faro offers a less touristy, more authentic Portuguese feel compared to other Algarve spots, making it the perfect place for a romantic city break.
Here, Roman and Moorish history combine — in the Old Town, marvel at Faro Cathedral’s spectacular interior (you can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city), or reflect on life at the 19th-century Bone Chapel.
The Old Town is also home to Cidade Velha, a neighbourhood tucked behind ancient stone walls. Spend time strolling through the maze-like streets, admiring the traditional architecture.
Though it may not be sunbathing weather just yet, explore Faro’s famous barrier islands within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where golden sands and clear Atlantic waters make up the landscape.
Faro and the wider Algarve region are actively promoting tourism in 2026, with sustainability being a key focus.
How to get to Faro and where to stay
On Thursday, February 12, easyJet is flying to Faro from London Luton for £52.49. The flight time is just under three hours.
The four-star Occidental Faro in downtown Faro has an outdoor swimming pool and sauna. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service to its Beach Club in Praia de Faro. Rooms start from £89 per night.
The four-star Roots Hotel is another option, offering aparthotel-style accommodations with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, private bathrooms, a sun terrace and swimming pool. Studio apartments start at £92 per night.
Palma
Palma in Mallorca has long been a popular hotspot for fly and flop travellers. But there’s much more to this stunning Balearic capital, which oozes Mediterranean allure, if you scratch the surface.
With a cosmopolitan atmosphere that blends beach relaxation, history and culture, the island capital is a feast for the eyes.
The Gothic Cathedral, with its iconic rose window, dominates the skyline, while Paseo Maritimo is a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for sunny strolls.
The vibrant Old Town, where you’ll find many other landmarks, is a labyrinth of courtyards, alleys, and charming squares, including Plaça de Cort, known for its 600-year-old olive tree and Baroque buildings.
In Plaça Major, the historic central square, enjoy street performers, weekly artisan markets, and traditional tapas.
History lovers, the Arab Baths are well-preserved 10th and 11th century remnants of Moorish architecture. Meanwhile, Bellver Castle, Spain’s only round castle, was once the residence of the Kings of Majorca.
In need of a sandy beach? Ca’n Pere Antoni is popular with locals and is located just outside the Old Town. For something more vibey, Cala Major and Cala Nova feature authentic chiringuitos (beach bars). And relax…
How to get to Palma and where to stay
On Monday, February 9, Ryanair is flying from London Stansted to Palma for £19. The flight time is 2 hours 35 minutes.
The Brondo Architect Hotel in Palma’s Old Town combines Mallorcan architecture with Bohemian design. Double rooms start from £108 per night.
In need of a pool? The four-star MHOUSE Boutique Hotel Palma, which has a rustic chic design, has double rooms starting from £103 per night.
