Iโm not a romantic. But Europe has made me feel romantic.
The right environment can send you to the lofty heights of rapture. There are places that move you from exhilaration to exhilaration, sweeping up everything in your wake, blasting through the town without barely stopping for a breath. There’s no greater feeling. That’s why travelling can become addictive for some people.
That being said, I love having down-time in new places too. For me, this means moving through a place slowly, whether it be lazing under the summer heat, exploring back-streets or simply relaxing in a quiet spot with a good book.
We all know there are many facets to the word โromanticโ, so hereโs my list of Europeโs 5 most romantic cities and why:
Prague
Castles, cathedrals, cobbled streets and colourful houses make Prague one of the prettiest cities in the world. But whilst itโs pretty, itโs also dark and Gothic โ where thereโs colourful pastel houses, thereโs also decorative gargoyles nearby that create an interesting schism between the beautiful and the monstrous. And speaking of monstrous, Hitler was said to love Prague so much that it was spared destruction and ordered that it must be preserved. Surely that nugget of information describes the power of Pragueโs emotive beauty?
To experience the romance of Prague I suggest exploring the city at night too. Take a walk across Charles Bridge and notice how the old-fashioned lamps cast a dim but beautiful light across the cobbled pathway and view of the river Vltava – itโs like youโre walking onto the setting of an old movie.
Further reading: How to Spend 3 or 4 days in Prague โ Perfect Itinerary
Krakow
I remember sitting in Krakowโs main square, people-watching with my boyfriend, surrounded by a feast of elaborate architecture once intended for the aristocracy. Horse drawn carriages trotted past, lovers entwined passed us by, street musicians playing on every corner, and young girls climbed on the monument of Adam Mickiewicz – Polandโs greatest Romantic Poet.
Then the gentle chime of the church clock turned 9 Oโ Clock, and we realised we had been sitting on the bench for an hour and it reminded us that we should already be in a restaurant filling ourselves to the brim with good food, drink and conversation. But, instead the simple pleasure of sitting and watching the world pass us by had filled us with so much contentment that we didnโt want to move. The minutes that passed could have been seconds or even hours, and I would not have been able to distinguish between the two. I guess when youโre so absorbed in the moment, everything else becomes indefinable.
Nightfall with bats swarming above in Krakow’s main square – Europe largest medieval town square.
Further reading: A Weekend in Krakow
London
Londonโs romance lies in its bursting sense of life. No two days are the same, and the possibilities that lie in these days give rise to doing things on a whim โ the romantic movements of impulse. Itโs difficult not to let your imagination run away as you explore the south, east, north and west of London. Some people reading this may not agree that London should be in a list of romantic cities, but just head to Hampstead Heath and imagine John Keats writing one of his lyrical masterpieces, and whilst romancing with one Londoner we should not forget to invite the others – William Blake, Samuel Pepys, Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin and E M Forster.
Explore London at night and head to Hyde Park with a bottle of wine (but avoiding any park drunks). So many romances must have started in this place โ a stroll around the lake and settling down under a weeping willow tree for a sneaky kiss couldnโt be any more idyllic. Itโs surprising that in a capital city of eight million people you can still very much feel like no-one else is around. If your night isnโt over, then head along the Thames and see the sky dressed by city lights. The water, the bridges and the lights really do look pretty, and if youโre feeling decadent then maybe splurge on a river cruise – sometimes clichรฉs really do work the best.
Ok, ditch the wine and swig on beer! Couples enjoy a picnic in Hampstead Heath.
Further reading: A Guide to the Best Parks in South London
Venice
The Venetian Lagoon shimmers like a pearl as it catches the reflection of the moon.
As we begin to walk into the circuit of narrow alleys our pathway is dimly lit by old fashioned oil lamps that lead to a courtyard of cosy looking cicchetti bars. The huge crowds that appeared through the day have completely dispersed. Venice has turned into a ghost town. We huddle closer together and walk over bridges that overlook canals shimmering from the night sky.
How about a romantic gondola ride?
The Italianโs lust for food is only rivalled for their appetite for beauty โ and Venice is no exception. The city has more artistic masterpieces per square metre than any other place in the world. Thereโs a museum dedicated to Leonard Di Vinci, the master of โideal beautyโ if you want to know more.
A trip to Venice explores beauty in all its forms: people, food, architecture, art, history and landscape. So even if you donโt fall in love in Venice, youโll fall in love with Venice.
Further reading: Romantic Getaway in Venice
Paris
Kiss the grave of Oscar Wilde, glide and send your arms swinging to-and-fro down the Champs-รlysรฉes, hold hands under the Eiffel Tower, fall in love with the sculptures of Rodin and weep in the misery of his melancholic relationship with Camille Claudel (I told you I’ve been watching too many French films!).
Further reading: Discover the Literary Locations of Paris โ Alternative City Guide
11 Responses
Think I’d go for Venice, Rome, Bruges, Prague and Edinburgh…
Venice, Rome, Florence, Verona, Pisa, Lake Garda, the Dolomites – I think everywhere in Italy is romantic! I’ve not been to Bruges but its definitely on my ‘list’, along with a million other places! I thought about Edinburgh…. maybe I should have compiled a Top 10 list instead ๐
I think you can find romance anywhere! There is nothing more romantic than being in the beautiful countryside of Bavaria. Those small villages just reek of romance!
You’re spot on Debbie – romance can be found anywhere! I would love to explore Bavaria, and more of Germany in general – and when I do, I’ll know who’s brain to pick!!
I loved this post! Especially all your references to famous writers… I cherish that feeling of walking through areas that were once depicted by a romantic poet ๐
I just had an amazing trip to Prague with my boyfriend this year, so I would definitely agree that Prague at night is one of the most romantic things I have seen so far! I think I will convince him to go to Krakow next ๐
Happy you like the link to famous writers – roaming around looking for the haunts of old writers (and contemporary) give me a real buzz!
Yeh I would love to go back to Prague… still so much more to see! Yes,yes convince your boyfriend to go Krakow, it’s beautiful and quirky – he might like to know that it’s much more affordable than most European cities too!
I absolutely LOVE your choice of cities, especially since you included two of my favorite places on the planet: Krakow and Paris. That main square in Krk is something special, isn’t it?
Ooou I’m happy to hear you approve Pola! I LOVE Krakow, and hope to spend more time there soon – yes the main square is certainly something special, and nearly every street that branches onto it is too!
lol! erm in london you have a picture of tower bridge with the caption of London bridge…..or maybe its a play on the romance of the myth of the american buying the wrong bridge! ๐
Haha what a faux pas! If I said I accidentally wrote London Bridge instead of tower bridge would you believe me? ๐ (I live near it so I do actually know this, I promise!).
Thanks for pointing this out, I appreciate it! (and I guess it could be worse… in another time, in another place it could have been me who bought the wrong bridge :))
Hi Shing,
Very interesting article !
I am sure you will write more about Paris, where I live once you explore its hidden gems and enjoy some off beaten track experiences.