City breaks for couples

This heritage-steeped city on the Baltic coast is a stroller’s paradise

Don’t miss: The straight-from-a-fairytale Old Town. Wandering down its cobbled streets between turreted buildings is about as quaint as it gets.

Famous for... Gaggles of lads in matching T-shirts drinking very irresponsibly. At least it used to be – thankfully, the stag crowd has mostly moved on from the Estonian capital in recent years, meaning this Unesco World Heritage city is now yours to explore without the risk of being flattened by a wayward beer bike.

Flight time from London: Three hours from Heathrow.

The hilly Portuguese capital is famously photogenic

Don’t miss: A bellyful of pastéis de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart (although, given their ubiquity, it’s difficult to miss them). Manteigaria in Bairro Alto serves them warm and fresh out of the oven throughout the day.

Famous for… The colourful tiles that lines the walls of the city’s hilly streets. Learn more about their history with a visit to The National Tile Museum, which is way more enjoyable than an afternoon in Topps.

Flight time from London: Two hours, 40 minutes from Heathrow.

The UK’s northernmost city is surrounded by stunning scenery

Don’t miss: Famous monster hideout Loch Ness is hikeable from the city, or there are plenty of organised tours and cruises to sign up for – some with on-board Nessy-spotting
sonar.

Famous for… Being the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, meaning it’s got some of the most stunning natural beauty in all of Europe right on its doorstep. Use it as a base to explore Cairngorms National Park and Ben Macdui, its imposing peak.

Flight time from London: one hour, 40 minutes from Heathrow.

The environmentally friendly Danish capital is big on beer

Don’t miss: The city’s craft beer scene is one of the most exciting in Europe, with many a weekend break lost to the taps of metal-themed brewpub Warpigs, among others.

Famous for… Being one of the greenest cities in the world, partially thanks to its legion of bicycles. Needless to say, a two-wheeled tour is a great way to see the sites, and bike hire is widely available.

Flight time from London: Two hours from Heathrow.