Whilst Iโm not really one to fawn over grand romantic gestures, I’ve taken up the challenge to highlight the most romantic cities in Europe.
Whether you’re looking to whisk away a loved one, or simply want to treat yourself to somewhere special, here’s where to go to experience that lovinโ feelinโ!
Despite my lack of romantic tendencies, I can definitely get caught up in the romance of exploring new cities and the possibilities of the unknown. I often find myself in some of these unfamiliar places thinking, โWouldnโt it be nice to share this moment with somebody?โ. For me, and for others, romance lies heavily in discovering new things and forging memories together.
Whatever youโre into; Gothic architecture, classic literature, sumptuous cuisine, art galleries, grand palaces or tiny little pubs, thereโs so much romanticism to found in Europe.
1. Edinburgh
Scotlandโs capital city is the very picture of romance with its castles, fine-dining, elegant architecture and Arthur’s Seat, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as โa hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold designโ. In other areas of the city, youโll find a myriad of cobbled streets lined with pretty stone buildings, medieval tenements and cosy-looking bars. If that were not enough, the Scottish accent will surely make you swoon for more.
Read more: 10 Fabulous Things to do in Edinburgh
2. Venice
Few places can compare to Venice, a city surrounded by water and submerged in so much beauty it could make an old dog weep. Make waves on a gondola ride through the canals, walk hand in hand down one of the many hidden-away bridges, enjoy a stroll down the piazzas and St Markโs Square, or experience world-famous art at the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Basically, anywhere in Venice is perfect for romance!
Further reading: A Romantic Getaway in Veniceย
3. Valencia
Not the most obvious choice when we have Barcelona, but thereโs something incredibly charming about Spainโs 3rd largest city, Valencia. A place where historical buildings merge beautifully with modern architecture, and where the heart of this city truly lies in its appetite for good food. In a city thatโs considerably overlooked, itโs easy to feel like youโve stumbled across something that has just been created for the two of you. Make sure you try out a cosy taberna for dinner.
Read more: Food, Glorious Food! A Gastronomic Tour of Valenciaย
4. Krakow
I remember sitting in Krakowโs main square, surrounded by a feast of elaborate architecture once intended for the aristocracy. Horse drawn carriages trotted past, lovers entwined passed me by, young girls climbed on the monument of Adam Mickiewicz โ Polandโs greatest Romantic Poet โ and took photographs whilst a man playing his guitar could be faintly heard. The simple pleasure of sitting and watching the world pass by filled me with so much satisfaction I didnโt want to move. If you come here on a romantic getaway, youโll end up enchanted with Krakow even if youโre not enchanted by each other!
Read more: A Weekend in Krakow
5. Paris
A list of Europeโs most romantic cities without Paris wouldnโt be a list worth reading, right?ย A city where so many poets and artists have been inspired and called their home. Where you can kiss the grave of Oscar Wilde and give Victor Noir a rub or two with your hand, cruise along the river Seine, dance under the Eiffel Tower, stride hand in hand down the Champs-รlysรฉes, admire Rodinโs sculptures and shed a tear for Camille Claudel. But perhaps the best thing to do in Paris is just relax and watch the world go by over a glass of red wine.
You might also like: Discover the Literary Locations of Paris
6. 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 pretty pastel houses sit side by side with decorative gargoyles – creating an interesting schism between the beautiful and the monstrous. Speaking of monstrous, Hitler was said to have loved Prague so much that it was spared destruction and instead its preservation was ordered. Surely that nugget of information describes the power of Pragueโs emotive beauty, eh?
7. Stockholm
Stockholmโs old town, Gamla Stan is a picturesqueย neighbourhood, perfect just to wander around whilst imagining the likes of Greta Garbo pottering around from a bygone era. Donโt miss the chance of getting a panoramic view of the city from one of its vantage points. You could climb up the spiral staircase of the bell tower by the City Hall to see Stockholm in her entirety, brimming with bridges, water and bold Baltic architecture.
8. London
Londonโs romance lies in its bursting sense of life. No two days are the same. Thereโs always something to see and do, which gives rise to doing things on a whim โ the romantic movement of impulse.
Head to Hampstead Heath and imagine John Keats writing one of his lyrical masterpieces, potter through the winding alleyways of Soho which was William Blake’s old haunt, or the French House where Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon used to head for a drink.
At night venture to South Bank and walk along the Thames. Take in city lights and bask in the romantic atmosphere.
Further reading: Discover London’s Literary Locations
9. Vienna
Located in the heart of Europe is the imperial city of Vienna. It is famous worldwide as one of the most romantic cities in Europe because of its trotting white horses, imperial palaces, lush gardens, chandelier-lit coffeehouses, and fine wines. A city where Gustave Klimt and Egon Schiele hang from the walls, showcasing human emotion in its rawest sense, often naked and exposed for the audience to see.
Read more: Vienna – the Definition of Elegance
10. Budapest
Budapest is often mentioned as the Paris of the East, but it holds its own among Europeโs most well-loved cities. Indeed, the 19th century elegant architecture, the bustling city life, dimly-lit restaurants, streets lined with cafes, the house of Parliament in all its Gothic glory, and last but not least, the sights of couples holding hands along the River Danube ensure you’ll get swept up in the romance of Budapest.
11. Lisbon
Stunning views, quaint promenades, charming architecture and crumbling tiled facades will take you back in time when visiting Lisbon. Its combination of beautiful architecture and little cafes and cosy restaurants ย really make Lisbon stand out as a city filled with romance. If time permits, catch the 45-minute train journey to Sintra where youโll find several palaces in various architectural styles, and which Lord Byron lamented โpalaces and gardens rising in the midst of rocks, cataracts and precipices; convents on stupendous heights . . .”
12. Amsterdam
While you might associate it with a rather spicier type of โamourโ, Amsterdam certainly has a softer side that can be found as you explore the city on foot or bicycle (what’s more romantic than journeying through a new city by bike?). With its boutique hotels, romantic restaurants, canal-side strolls, heaps of cheese and wine, as well as its cheeky side, Amsterdam is the city to go to for unlimited amounts of fun together.
13. York
Growing up in Yorkshire, this city has had a reputation for being romantic for as long as I can remember. Itโs a place you go when youโre dating or want to treat your partner to a special day out. Few cities in the world can rival York for history and charm, with a picturesque river, huge cathedral and medieval city centre encircled by a stretch of ancient walls. Don’t miss The Shambles (pictured) known for its timber-framed buildings dating back from the 14th century.
14. Rome
Rome overwhelms from the moment you step foot in the city. Some of the world’s oldest and most dramatic sights are part of the city’s fabric – the Pantheon, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Lest not forgetting Vatican City with its Sistine Chapel and that famous spiral staircase…
15. Riga
My first impressions of Riga, Latviaโs capital city, were certainly good. Beautiful, walkable, affordable, cultural, historical โ whatโs not to love?ย You simply need to look up and youโre spoilt with an eclectic mix of styles, from fanciful motifs found in art nouveau style to ascetic wooden architecture found in surprising abundance, plus thereโs the medieval appearance of the Old Town with its spires, gables and the colourful buildings of the ‘Three Brothers’ (picture above).
16. Kyiv
Filled with huge churches and commonly referred to as the ‘City of Domes’. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kyiv featured in any list of Europe’s most romantic cities, but I was so blown away by its beauty my only wish was that I could have shared it someone – but alas ย I was travelling alone!
17. St Petersburg
18. Ghent
With its castle, canals, gothic cathedral and cobbled streets, I found Ghent to be incredibly romantic. I was debated whether to put Bruges in the list, but Ghent is less touristy so it get my vote. Itsย well-preserved medieval castle with its towers and moat adds a touch of drama to the cityscape. It’s a great spot for a romantic walk and offers fantastic views of the city from its ramparts.
Whether you’re taking a boat ride along the canals, savoring Belgian chocolates, or exploring historic sites hand in hand, Ghent provides an enchanting backdrop for a romantic escape.ย
You might also like: How to Visit Ghent, Bruges & Antwerp by Tain
10 Responses
I’m currently planning a trip through the U.K. I can’t believe I almost left York out of my plans! After reading your list I did a bit of research and have now added York as a “must see!” Thanks for sharing these wonderful places! ๐
That’s wonderful to hear Benji! Happy I was able to expand your list! I’ll try and write up a piece about York over the next few weeks – though it depends if I can find my photos! ๐ If time permits, other places in Yorkshire that are definitely worth visiting are Fountain’s Abbey (UNESCO world heritage site) and Bolton Abbey or you could also catch the train to Haworth which was home to the Bronte sisters! If you want to hit a bigger city then head to Leeds (though it’s not as cultural as York but still plenty to see and do especially if you enjoy eating out! It’s about a 45 m train journey from York and worth a day trip) http://www.theculturemap.com/things-to-see-do-and-eat-in-leeds/) If you have any questions, just give me a shout!
Thank you so much for all the tips!!!! I’m soooooo glad I found your blog!!!! =D
Hi Shing,
This is an amazing list of destinations. Prague was surely in the list. However, after reading your article, Krakow also seems to be a must visit.
Thank you for sharing about all of them here. Take care and have a great day, everyday ๐
Hi Deepa, glad you approve of my choices! With its medieval buildings and cobbled streets, Krakow oozes romanticism. And you’re right, Prague never fails to be on these type of lists!
I can definitely vouch for most of those cities. We arrived back from Venice today (magical). But we also spent 3 days in Verona, which I would add to your list. Here are our thoughts: http://wp.me/p7ezGr-2ez
Hi Nigel and Jane! I’ve been to Verona and you’re right, it is a great city and the homage to Romeo and Juliet does lend itself to romanticism! Hmmm you may just have inspired me to add it to this list ๐ Glad you enjoyed your time there too.
Great list!
We are going to Prague tomorrow and I am really excited for the third time – I really love it there!) , and I also visited Budapest, Vienna, Krakow, Riga ๐ I would add Brugge to this list, I discovered the city last year and it has some charm.
I’ve not been to Brugge but I bet if I had it would be included in this list – I need to plan a trip pronto! Have a fabulous time to Prague Danijela!
Hey Shing,
Thanks for sharing that list.
I intend to visit Spain to visit the sets where the scenes of the Game of Thrones were shot. I can enjoy and meet Valencia with my wife, I’m sure she’ll be delighted.
I’ll find out more about the city. Thank you so much for sharing this content with us.