8 European cities to explore as mini moon destinations

A honeymoon straight after your wedding might not be on the cards, and may require some more saving and planning – not to mention annual leave!

City breaks have always been a popular go-to for anyone with the travel bug and a limited number of annual leave day, and mini moons have become quite popular in recent years. Although lots of couples opt to mini moon in Ireland, why not escape abroad for a few days or long weekend to savour that post-wedding, newly-wed bubble before having to land back into the real world.

Check out some luxury mini moon destinations in Ireland, right here.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a great balance of culture, shopping and great eats. The perfect getaway for couples looking to find the middle ground between vintage shopping and beer museums. This city is cool, interesting and perfect for wandering around, in either the winter or the summer.

Hotel Recommendation: Hoxton Amsterdam or for something quirky, the Sweets Hotels
Food Recommendation: Food Hallen

Barcelona

Barcelona is home to some of Europe’s most impressive architectural features like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Gaudí’s Casa Mila, you’ll find interesting buildings on almost every corner. Wander the fruit market, sip handcrafted cocktails in rooftop bars and ramble down La Rambla, Barcelona makes for a great mini moon getaway. Visit during the spring-summer, and you’ll get a good dose of vitamin C.

Hotel Recommendation: Grand Hotel Central
Cafe Recommendation: Funky Bakers

Copenhagen

A fashionable, chic city, Denmark’s Copenhagen is an under-rated getaway. Awarded the title of World Capital of Architecture, there are plenty of stunning and interesting buildings alongside the famous Little Mermaid Statue (she really is very little). As drinking in public is legal, during the summer locals hangout by the Copenhagen Harbour or in parks with friends.

Hotel Recommendation: Villa Copenhagen
Food Recommendation: Reffen Food Market

Dubrovnik

Just under 3.5 hours on a direct flight from Dublin, Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea. Game of Thrones was filmed in the Old Town area using the town’s ancient surrounding walls, cobbled streets and beautiful buildings as a backdrop, and with this in mind its no surprise that this Croatian sea-side town is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Drinks Recommendation: Grab a beer or glass of vino in a bar perched on Dubrovnik’s cliff edge for great views over the Adriatic Sea, our fave is Buža II
Summer Activity: If you visit during the summer, catch a movie under the stars at the open air Jardan Cinema

Lisbon

Lisbon has been on everyone’s city break list for a while now, but it’s hard to deny a spot on this list. Expect quirky coffee shops, endless food options, colourful buildings, incredible street art and rooftop cocktails. The city’s only drawback is the unfathomable amount of hills, but this just makes for the perfect excuse to stop for a beverage break along the way. This is a mini moon that can be as chilled or as busy as you choose.

Cocktail Recommendation: Red Frog Speakeasy
Food Recommendation: Boa-Bao and of course, Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria for custard tarts
Rooftop Drinks Locations: Java Lisboa and Park Lisboa

Malaga

If you’re looking for the option to chill on the beach, shop to your hearts content, or simply wander the streets of a new city, Malaga is a city that usually flies under the radar. The city truly comes alive at night, locals gather on random side streets as tapas and wine nooks open their shutters. Hike the city fortress, discover the history of the city, wander the side streets and discover local hidden gems, there is so much to do.

Food Recommendation: Blossom is a Michelin recommended fusion restaurant in the centre of Malaga
Drink Recommendation: The Mariposa Hotel for chill rooftop drinks

San Sebastian

Just an hour outside Bilbao in northern Spain, San Sebastian sits on the Bay of Biscay. This little beachside town in the Basque region, is known for having some of the greatest restaurants in the world. San Sebastian has more than a dozen Michelin starred and Michelin recommended restaurants, making it the ideal mini moon for foodies. As the area is surrounded by mountains, there are numerous hikes and trails to discover too.

Food Recommendation: Zazpi
Check out the Michelin Guide here

Venice

A city that is set to be underwater in the next 80 or so years, Venice is famous for its gondola filled canals, numerous bridges and classic Italian architecture. Tour the city by gondola or by motorboat as there are no typical roads in the city, or sit and people watch with a coffee or wine in hand at Piazza San Marco.

Hotel Recommendation: Aman Venice
Must Do Activity: Kiss under the Bridge of Sighs; locals say that those who kiss under this bridge will have eternal love.

All images via Pinterest