Now that summer is gone, travelers are already planning on what to do during their winter time but… how about the fall? The fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Europe. As long as you time your visit right, you can enjoy nice weather and the magic of low season as tourists go home and only locals remain on the streets.

Here’s a guide to the top 5 romantic European cities to visit during the fall. Tell your loved one and start booking those plane tickets now!!!

Top Romantic European Places to Visit this Fall #01: Paris

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “How cliched, of course Paris is number one on the list”. And yes, Paris is often considered as the city of love, but the problem is that most people visit it during the crowded summer and it’s near impossible to enjoy a quiet calm time in the main city center. Not only is Paris a wonderful place to visit with your loved one, but can be a great city to meet a new romantic partner as well.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “How cliched, of course Paris is number one on the list”. And yes, Paris is often considered as the city of love, but the problem is that most people visit it during the crowded summer and it’s near impossible to enjoy a quiet calm time in the main city center. Not only is Paris a wonderful place to visit with your loved one, but it’s also a great city to meet a new romantic partner as well.

In the fall, however, you can have all of the romantic parks to yourself plus the advantage of taking a cruise on the Seine river without the bad smell that accumulates during the summer and the spring. The breeze of the wind will actually make things more romantic as you hold the hand of your loved one to fight the cold. Top it off with a cup of mulled wine and you’re set to enjoy Paris to the max.

Top Romantic European Places to Visit this Fall #02: Venice

Most people have a love/hate relation with Venice since they probably visited it during high season and were constantly facing the mass crowds of day trippers and cruise tourists. However, if you visit during low season and stay overnight you will find deserted streets and empty canals that transport you back to a time long ago.

Isn’t it unbelievable that St. Mark Square is completely empty after 21 o’clock during the low season? Take a romantic stroll through Venice’s bridges this fall and enjoy the true Italian romance.

Top Romantic European Places to Visit this Fall #03: Bratislava

Wait, what? Bratislava, really? Yes, this often-forsaken European capital is home to incredible parks, magnificent castles and breath-taking views of the Danube river. Don’t let the fear-mongers put you off, Slovakia is actually a very safe country filled with such a rich cultural history.

Conveniently located one hour away from Vienna by bus or train, Bratislava is a very romantic city where you can take a romantic boat trip on the Danube river to visit the legendary Devin Castle, an impressive rock fortification on a perched cliff. Who said you cannot find romance on the off beaten path?

Top Romantic European Places to Visit this Fall #04: Wroclaw

This Polish city is visited mainly by German day trippers due to its proximity to Berlin, however it’s a booming city with unique charm. If you’re looking to see the real Poland, don’t go to Krakow or Warsaw, go to Wroclaw. With unique medieval buildings and quirky sculptures of 300 dwarfs, this is a city that will always leave you wanting for more.

Climb the cathedral to get amazing views of this colorful town and walk along the cobble streets trying to find the many sculptures of dwarfs hidden around the city. Always remember to kneel down to see them but be careful because otherwise your loved one might think you’re proposing! And speaking about proposals…

Top Romantic European Places to Visit this Fall #05: Cappadocia

Last but certainly not least, we have a destination that is actually located a little bit outside of Europe: Cappadocia, Turkey. Located some hours east of Istanbul, Cappadocia is a destination that will enchant all of your senses all year round, from dramatic rock formations to rivers and gorges.

The most romantic part? A hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia valley. If you’re looking for the best time to propose and pop the question, this is the most ideal place of them all. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Are you in the mood for love mood? I hope these 5 destinations have inspired you to book those tickets and enjoy the European romance this fall. Until next time!

Raphael Alexander Zoren is a world traveler who overcame the chains of the local economy and started to earn a global income while traveling. His main goal is to explore all of the cultural and natural wonders that the world has to offer as well as to engage in all sorts of crazy adventures. A perfect day for him includes exotic animals, ancient pyramids, breath-taking waterfalls and tasty tacos. Lots of tacos.

You can follow him at his blog A Journey of Wonders and also on Facebook and Twitter.

Looking for some more great reads?

• The most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe
• Where to get away from the crowds in Europe this summer
• Jaw-Dropping European Road Trips for Your Bucket List

The truth is, you don’t need to pay a fortune to find a romantic place to stay.

Whether you’re staying in a hostel in Budapest or one of the great budget hotels in Paris, it’s entirely possible to have a romantic night without emptying your wallet.

We’ve scoured our memory and done some hard core research to find you eight of the most romantic places to stay on a budget.

Hôtel Taylor, Île-de-France, France

Paris is known as the city of love for a reason. The Hôtel Taylor is a short ten minute walk from the Marais district, and close to attractions like the Place des Vosges, the Bastille and Canal Saint Martin. The closest station is Jacques Bonsergent which is only a few minutes walk away. A buffet breakfast is also available in the small dining room.

Your room: A superior or classic double with private bathroom

Cost: About $110 USD for a classic double, breakfast not included

Riad Lakhdar, Marrakech

Marrakech’s lovely riads are known as an oasis of quiet in the bustling city, and Riad Lakhdar is no exception. The Riad Lakhdar is known for the quiet splashing of fountains and warbling of birds and quiet courtyard close to restaurants and main attractions.

Your room: A twin with private bathroom

Cost: About $55 USD

Portus House, Istanbul

One of our favorite cities, Istanbul is a vibrant mixture of European and Arabic culture. Portus House is close to the Galata Port, making it a great base for checking out Istanbul’s great attractions within easy walking distance. On a quiet street, Portus House is known for it’s fresh, clean decor and comfy rooms.

Your room: Deluxe double with private en-suite

Cost: About $70 USD, breakfast included

Blue Hostel, Rome, Italy

Blue Hostel bills itself as a hotel on a hostel budget. It was refurbished in 2011, and has cosy, clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and wooden floors. Rooms overlook a quiet courtyard, tucked away from the busy streets of Rome.

Your room: Deluxe double with a garden view

Cost: About $80 USD

Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth, Israel

The Fauzi Azar Inn is a 200 year-old Arab mansion converted to a guest house in the heart of the city. The courtyard and main hall are great places to relax and enjoy the views.

Your room: Deluxe double with private bathroom

Cost: About $120 USD, includes breakfast

Maverick Hostel & En-suites, Budapest, Hungary

The Maverick Hotel is a former royal mansion built by the Habsburg dynasty is right in the heart of Budapest. Luxury ensuite double rooms have TVs, and the hostel has mosaic windows and a free library too.

Your room: Double with private bathroom

Cost: About $65 USD

Aonang Phu Petra Resort – Krabi, Thailand

Overlooking Aonang Beach in Krabi, Thailand, the Aonang Phu Petra is a 4 star hotel with great amenities like a swimming pool, cooking classes and massage.

Your room: A hillside villa with private bathroom

Cost: About $120 USD

Crusoe’s Retreat, Coral Coast, Fiji

Crusoe’s Retreat is a tropical resort with a sandy beach and lagoon. Rooms are in individually decorated Fijian-inspired Bures, and include complimentary activities like snorkeling, sea kayaking, and a kava ceremony.

Your room: Sea view bungalow with private bathroom

Cost: About $90 USD

Our criteria for this list

To make this list, all rooms had to have that special something that makes them romantic. In some cases, old world charm and a cozy bedroom was enough. Others made the list because of their location next to a gorgeous beach or because they happen to be in a romantic city.

No matter what, to be truly romantic, all rooms need to be private, be special in their own way and come with a private washroom.