Six romantic city apartments

Few things beat a city break with someone special, but after a day exploring you might want to retreat from the world and enjoy some quality time à deux. Step forward our collection of self-catering boltholes for 2, set in some of the world’s most enchanting cities. Here are a few of our favourites…

For die-hard romantics: Verona Boutique Apartment, Verona

Where better to whisk your loved one than the city of Romeo and Juliet itself? It’s packed with fountain’d piazzas, fresco’d mansions and excellent restaurants – and it’s home to this gorgeous hideaway, which overlooks the Adige river in the trendy district of San Zeno. Inside you’ll find a stylish mix of custom-made wallpaper and vintage mid-century furniture, together with state-of-the-art technology (a Sonos sound system, Apple TV with Netflix) and a marble bathroom in a funky glass cube.

City photo by Jakob Hallun

For wine buffs: Boutique Apartments Porto, Porto

A visit to Porto and its historic port lodges is a must for oenophiles, but the heart of this Unesco-listed city can be rather raucous. Basing yourselves a short tram ride away at these slick apartments, which sit on the wave-lashed seafront where the Douro meets the Atlantic, is the perfect solution. All are cool and contemporary, with designer furniture and pieces by up-and-coming Portuguese artists; many have ocean views. Start your day with a gourmet breakfast delivered to your door; end it by cooking up a storm in your well-equipped kitchen, then sipping some of the city’s finest (you get a free taster for booking through i-escape) as you listen to the breakers outside.

For design lovers: Hotel Droog, Amsterdam

Don’t be fooled by the name: this isn’t a hotel, but a seriously hip and utterly unique penthouse apartment for 2. Set above the Droog design emporium in Amsterdam’s historic heart, it has an open-plan living area and kitchen, a bedroom and a wet room, all drenched with light and furnished with signature Droog pieces and colourful prototypes. The floors beneath are home to a concept store, gallery spaces and an arty café serving lazy brunches, lunches and cakes; there’s even a fairy-tale garden with giant toadstools and a mix of real and faux plants, which you have to yourselves come evening.

For bohemians: Vinohrady Boutique Apartment, Prague

Set in the elegant Vinohrady district, this beautiful apartment is owned by a well-travelled interior designer and photographer. The decadent sitting room and master bedroom have stucco cornicing, deep red curtains, carved Indian mirrors and glass chandeliers, and a double-ended tub awaits in the bathroom. The kitchen is kitted out with everything you need for whipping up a romantic feast, and there’s even a cabinet stocked with fine wines and Champagne. When you want to venture out, the nearby tram will whisk you into the city centre in minutes.

For water babies: Boutique Houseboat, Berlin

This serene river retreat is perfect for those seeking tranquillity in a buzzing capital city. Moored on the outermost pier of Rummelsburger Lake marina (a quiet inlet of the River Spree), it has a sleek interior dominated by polished concrete and natural pine, with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise views of the water. In winter, snuggle up by the wood-burner and gaze over the frozen river to the Berlin skyline; in summer, lounge on the wraparound deck with a bottle of wine. Come morning, there’s nothing but the gentle quacking of passing ducks to wake you from your slumber.

For sun-drenched seduction: StayCatalina, Palma de Mallorca

Opened in 2015 in a former ironmonger’s shop, this cluster of studios and apartments radiates coastal chic, with white-washed floors, wicker furniture and harbour views. They sit in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, to the west of Palma’s historic centre and just 15 minutes from the airport. All have well-equipped kitchenettes, plus sun-trap terraces where you can unwind after a day spent strolling along the promenade or exploring the sights. Palma’s oldest and best market lies nearby, but if cooking sounds like a chore you can have breakfast delivered to your door.