There’s nothing like a romantic escape for couples. Europe is one of the best places in the world where you can do this. With their deep-rooted history, traditions, old towns, cities with rivers, and perfect nature, European cities are among the ideal addresses for those who want to spend a romantic holiday. Even if you want to have a romantic holiday in Europe, you may need help deciding where to go. Here are the best romantic cities in Europe.
Paris, France
Nothing is more ingenuous than Paris being the first place that comes to mind when talking about a romantic city in Europe. Paris, the most popular honeymoon destination in Europe, is the correct address for a romantic escape. The language, cuisine, and architecture of Paris, which is called the City of Lights, in short, everything is covered with romance. At sunset, you can buy delicious desserts from the famous bakeries of Paris and spend romantic moments in one of the street cafes under the view of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, you can have an unforgettable picnic in the city’s green parks or have a wonderful meal with wine at world-famous restaurants. Regardless of what you like on vacation, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. If you decide to spend a romantic time in Paris, don’t forget to see the Louvre Museum, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, Musée d’Orsay, and Disneyland Paris.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most romantic cities not only in Europe but also in the world. With its rich history, canals, and romantic gondola tours, it is among the most visited cities by couples. With the preserved historical structure of the city, it is possible to experience what it felt like to have love in the Renaissance period in Venice. Moreover, the world-famous Italian cuisine and wines are also a significant addition. If you want to take a romantic city trip, you can explore the city by gondola. You won’t be able to understand how time passes as you tour the city together in narrow and long canals. It would be best if you visited St. Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari, and Doge’s Palace.
Barcelona, Spain
Another of the best places you can choose for a romantic holiday in Europe is Barcelona. There is love and passion in every part of the city, from its architecture to its food. On a romantic Barcelona escape, you can see world-famous Gaudi works, such as the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batllo, or visit the city’s ancient Roman old town, famous for its gothic architecture. If you are visiting Barcelona in summer, you can enjoy the deep blue Mediterranean under the scorching Spanish sun at Barceloneta Beach. Barcelona is also the center of world-famous Spanish cuisine. At a romantic dinner, you can try tapas and Spanish wines or try the delicious seafood Paella. Barcelona is one of the best European vacations for couples. You should definitely visit Park Güell, Casa Mila, the Cathedral of Barcelona, La Rambla, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
See also: Best Places for Christmas in Europe
Vienna, Austria
With its perfect nature, rich history, and famous cuisine, Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. If you visit the city, which is located next to the Alps, you can try winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding during the winter months. You can have a wonderful dinner with mulled wine in front of the snowy landscape of the Alps. In the spring, visiting the vineyards in the Danube Valley will offer an unforgettable holiday experience. However, Vienna has six national parks and more than 60 nature reserves. Having a picnic against the natural beauties of Vienna and enjoying the view will be a wonderful experience for couples. Don’t forget to visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, Vienna Operahouse, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, and the House of Music in Vienna.
Budapest, Hungary
When you visit Budapest, you will realize that you are actually visiting two different cities. You can spend a romantic holiday in a city without losing its old texture. In the Buda part of the city, you can discover the past of the region and witness its romantic architecture. Pest is the modern side of the city. Here you can visit romantic restaurants where you can taste important delicacies from Hungarian cuisine. Unforgettable moments await couples under the view of Buda Castle. Budapest might be one of the underrated cities on the continent. Still, it is definitely one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Gellert Thermal Bath, Central Market Hall, and Hungarian State Opera must-see places in Budapest.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is among the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague, which is among the most important cities of the Middle Ages, is a city that has not lost its historical texture and importance. While walking on the city’s cobblestone streets, you will feel that you have stepped into a different time. In Prague, which is one of the most preferred cities by couples, you can try various local beers and taste excellent examples of Czech cuisine. Prague is amongst the most romantic places in Europe for honeymoon. If you are around the city, you should visit Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Dancing House, and the Vrtba Garden.
See also: Where to stay in Prague?
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is also considered the cultural capital of Europe. You can explore the region’s past with its Gothic churches, enormous cathedrals, and many essential structures from the Middle Ages. If you are a couple who likes to shop, the 19th-century shopping street is where you must go. Chocolate is one of the most important factors that attract couples to Brussels. You can have an extremely sweet holiday with Belgium’s world-famous chocolates, waffles, and other sweets. Brussels is one of the most lovely and romantic cities in Europe. Suppose you’re a couple visiting the city; you must see Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Choco-Story Brussels, National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, and Brussels Park.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The whole country is a romantic destination, and its capital, Amsterdam, is the pinnacle of it. Taking a romantic evening walk by the canals that wrap around the city, experiencing the colorful nightlife, and visiting the country’s symbol tulip gardens are just some of the best options for couples in Amsterdam. Deserving the title of Venice of the North, Amsterdam’s canals and preserved 17th-century buildings with romantic architecture will dazzle you. Mixing with the city’s inhabitants and exploring the hidden corners of Amsterdam by bike is one of the must-do things. Amsterdam is one of the best Europe vacations for couples. If you are a couple who are looking to do things in Amsterdam, start visit to Rijkmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Jordaan, Royal Palace Amsterdam, and the medieval center De Wallen.
See also: Where to stay in Amsterdam?
Porto, Portugal
Porto is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Europe, and there are solid reasons for that. The fact that it was one of the most important ports of the continent during the Roman period, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Duoro River on the other, the legendary Portuguese cuisine, and the world-famous port wine are just some of the things that make the city attractive. The old city section is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, adorned with buildings with Baroque architecture, where you can spend the most romantic moments in Porto. You can have a romantic meal accompanied by Porto wine at the famous restaurants on the banks of the Duoro River. If you are in the city, add your must-see places list to Clerigos Church and Tower, Porto Cathedral, Bolsa Palace, Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Parque de Serralves, Jardim do Morro, Monument Church of St Francis and Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves.
Rome, Italy
It’s no surprise that there is more than one city in Italy on the list of must-see romantic towns in Europe. Being the most important center of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, there are many places that couples must see in the country. Moreover, considering Italy is a Mediterranean country, Italy is one of the most preferred places for couples who love history and culture and summer and sea holidays. Rome comes first in Italy. Rome, the capital of an empire that influenced Europe, Africa, and Asia, is a frequent destination for couples. If you love Rome and want to revisit it, don’t forget to toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Love. Because according to legend, those who toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain revisit the city. It is one of the most romantic places in Europe. It is pretty challenging to finish counting the places you must see in Rome, but if you come to the city, do not return without visiting the Pantheon, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City and many more.
Santorini, Greece
With an increasing number of tourists in recent years, Santorini is rapidly becoming one of the most visited cities not only in Greece but also in Europe. It is one of the couples’ favorite places on their honeymoon with its breathtaking view, nature, and beaches. Santorini is the result of one of the most significant volcanic eruptions the world has ever seen. This gives the island a breathtaking nature. With its white buildings, unique blue-domed churches, excellent sea restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and spectacular beaches, Santorini is one of the most romantic European cities. It would be best if you didn’t miss visiting Oia, Ancient There, Akrotiri, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Kamari Beach, Therasia, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Megalochori, and Pyrgos Kallistis in Santorini.
Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the romantic elements is the castles, where love comes out of the books, and Edinburgh is one of the first cities that come to mind when it comes to castles in Europe. Edinburgh, also known as the Athens of the North due to the philosophers, poets, and scientists who grew up in the city, is one of the great cities for couples. Although the city is known for its history, it is actually one of the places that stand out with its shopping, dining, and nightlife. Suppose you’re tired of the crowds and looking for a romantic getaway. In that case, Edinburgh is an interesting but also one of the suitable options. Spring and summer are the best dates to visit Edinburgh. Otherwise, prepare yourself to get wet in heavy rain. You can lie down on the stunning greenery, enjoy the breathtaking castles at sunset, or have a delicious picnic. Edinburgh is the perfect place to relax and be together. It is absolutely amongst the most romantic places to visit in Europe. It would be best to visit Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Holyrood Park, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
See also: Where to stay in Edinburgh?
Dubrovnik, Hungary
Dubrovnik is one of the cities where everything is packed with its natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and rich culture. You can explore the past of Dubrovnik between the city walls and enjoy the deep blue sea on its breathtaking beaches. Dubrovnik is a city that has received a lot of visitors in recent years, as it is one of the cities where the Game of Thrones series that swept the world was shot. If you like the Game of Thrones series as a couple, Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik can be a fun alternative for you. Watching the sunset over city walls is an unforgettable experience for couples. Thus, it is one of the most romantic places in Europe. If you enjoy the city, you should definitely visit Stradun, Lopud, Franciscan Church and Monastery, Walls of Dubrovnik, Trsteno Arboretum, Fort Bokar, and Gradac Park.
See also: Where to stay in Dubrovnik?