As the gloom of winter reaches its lowest point, it seems there aren’t many things around to bring energy into our lives. The cold rain, mist (and occasional snow) drain us of our motivations, and the early darkness of January is enough to make anybody question why one would live so far north at this time of year.  Both you and your partner need a pick-me-up, and fast.

Fortunately, you two have the perfect excuse to get the bloody hell out of town … Valentine’s Day! Since it is easy as pie to leave your car at short stay parking at Heathrow, a holiday of this nature is well within your reach, even if you don’t live directly within Central London.

Over on the continent, there is no shortage of cities where one can get away at a moment’s notice. Not only do they prove that living in Europe has its advantages at any time of the year, but they also provide a deep bench of romantic destinations where you can have an intimate weekend with your adorable snugglebunny (or whatever pet name that you have for your love).

Today, we will share three cities that are no-brainers for rekindling the spark in your relationship, no matter how dour the weather might be at home.

1) Paris, France

Out of all the cities on our list, Paris is the metropolis that sticks out like a sore thumb, given that “the city of love” is one of its nicknames. There are many romantic attractions that will vie for your attention, but start your day in Montmartre, a district that is set on a hill, for some gasp-inducing views of Paris in all its ageless glory.

Head to the Wall of “I Love You’s”, known in French as Le Mur Des Je T’Aime, to revel in the corniness of that famous phrase, written in 250 different languages. Finally, after a sensuous dinner at Laperouse, a restaurant set in an atmospheric 17th century mansion, go out for an evening of high society entertainment at Palais Garnier, a century-old opera house that was immortalized in Gaston’s Leroux’s seminal work, “The Phantom Of The Opera”.

2) Rome, Italy

The Italians also give the French a run for their Euros in the romance Olympics with their ancient capital, Roma.  After doing the mandatory hand-in-hand stroll past the Trevi Fountains, head up Aventine Hill to give your lover the surprise of a lifetime. At the top, there is a place referred to as the Aventine keyhole, an arch in the headquarters of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, where the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral is perfectly framed between the ivy covered walls of that building.

Afterwards, check out some exquisite art at Villa Farnesina and then attempt to re-create the infamous scene from Disney’s Lady And The Tramp, by getting some plates of pasta at Ristorante Pecorino, located at Via Galvani, 54, a wonderful place to have authentic Italian pasta.

3) Budapest, Hungary

If you want to take your relationship to new places, then head to one of the hottest new places to get away for a romantic city break: Budapest, Hungary. Head to the Fisherman’s Bastion on the River Danube to get a sweeping view of this historic Central European gem, then check out its thermal baths, which are Budapest’s biggest claims to fame.

After a relaxing soak among character-filled bath houses, go to the docks on the Danube, where river cruises are offered.  With a glass of authentic Hungarian champagne each, toast each other for the red hot love that you still share with each other even after all these years.

You may not have time for a proper holiday this winter, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t escape the city of a weekend of quality time with your loved one this Valentine’s Day.  By taking advantage of your proximity to some of the most starkly beautiful metropolises on the planet, you will keep stoking the flames of passion that are key to a successful long-term relationship!