Have you been putting off your Honeymoon, or had to settle with one a little closer to home than you had originally planned? Well, with vaccines being distributed and the world slowly reaching towards herd immunity, you may be able to start imagining your dream honeymoon again, and have a do-over in the coming year or two!

Some of these destinations still are restricted right now, but that is no reason you can’t start planning and daydreaming now. For something a bit more out-of-the-box for your honeymoon, consider these underrated but beautiful romantic cities!

Aix-en-Provence, France

The bustling cafés of Aix en Provence (Shutterstock)

The twisting medieval alleys of Aix en Provence are a delight for couples. Each corner reveals an interesting sight — a grand mansion, a solitary fountain – and an atmospheric café complete with outside tables where you can sit and people watch is never too far.

Art lovers will especially enjoy this charming city because Paul Cézanne, the famous French artist, lived and painted here. The city inspired his highly characterised style and a walking trail celebrates his ties to the Aix, including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cézanne.

Bergen, Norway

The colorful houses of Bryggen (Shutterstock)

Surrounded by fjords and mountains and with houses straight out of a fairytale, Bergen is the ideal romantic getaway. Wander around the cobbled lanes and the colorful wooden buildings of Bryggen, cozy up for a coffee by an open fire, or catch the Fløibanen Funicular for exciting hiking trails and a panoramic view of the city.

This city is also the gateway to Norway’s famous and awe-striking fjords. Cruises to Osterfjord and Mostraumen leave from Bergen harbour, situated right next to the famous fish markets. Cuddle up for fjords, mountains and waterfalls in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The view from Arthur's seat (Shutterstock)

Compact and perfectly formed, the Scottish capital makes for an impossibly romantic city, especially for whiskey lovers. The cobbled streets and grand stone buildings are a joy to wander around, even without a destination in mind. Finish the night with a warming dram served in a cozy pub, a traditional drink for locals and visitors alike.

When the weather clears, head for Arthur’s Seat. After an invigorating climb, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and the opportunity to spot new corners of the city to explore.

Verona, Italy

The beautiful Ponte Pietra bridge (Shutterstock)

Well known as being the setting for Shakespeare’s famous romance of Romeo and Juliet, Verona was chosen for a reason. One of Italy’s most romantic cities, it boasts pretty piazzas and cobbled lanes galore. The city is a compact and affordable combination of Florence, Venice and Rome, so it really is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway.

For literary lovers, however, the Shakespearean associations are irresistible. Visit Juliet’s house and call out to Romeo from the balcony. Tuck your very own message into the wall on Valentine’s Day and profess your undying love. But rest assured that your love story will have a happier ending than Romeo and Juliet’s.

Vienna, Austria

A horse and carriage outside the Hofburg (Shutterstock)

Vienna is a city for sophisticated lovers, a place of imposing coffee houses, stately palaces and grand city parks. Wander the baroque streets of the Austrian capital, and you can’t help but feel moved by the forces of Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud who walked these paths before you.

Each day starts with a strong dark coffee and a pastry in a high-ceiling coffee parlor, followed by a romantic stroll along the Danube, or a visit to a gallery to enjoy the work of local artists like Gustav Klimt. A night at the Vienna State Opera is the perfect end to a glamorously decadent weekend.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana in the sun (Dreamstime)

Slovenia’s gorgeous capital seems like it has been designed for lovers and you'll feel like you've stepped straight into a storybook. Soak in the city via the glass cable car up to the medieval Ljubljana castle, which offers panoramic views of the city. Then enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, guaranteed to get hearts fluttering.

The river is also lined with quaint cafés and restaurants, each one sophisticated and understated, and perfect for a candle-lit, romantic meal.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges' canal during winter (Shutterstock)

If chocolate is the food of love, then the tiny medieval city of Bruges is its capital. An intricate layout of cobbled streets and canals, the city is full of chocolate shops and artisanal chocolatiers, as well as a museum that celebrates this cherished confectionary.

One of the most perfectly preserved cities from pre-motorized Europe, Bruges is best experienced by foot or by boat along its beautiful canals. At night, you’ll have the tiny peaceful squares and cobbled streets to yourself, with the only sounds of your footfall and the occasional tolling of a melodic church bell.

Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash