Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in Europe

When it comes to the most couple-friendly destinations in the world, there’s no better place than Europe. With its old world beauty, charming cobblestone streets, quaint alleys with twist and turn, magnificent churches, fairy tale castles, and bustling markets filled with delectable cuisines at every turn, Europe is on every couple’s wish list. Whether you are looking to have a honeymoon, anniversary, or just want to spend some quality time together as a couple, there are many options available.

In this blog I have chosen my favorite most romantic cities in Europe where love is always in the air. This list will include some of your favorites or well-known destinations as well as some unexpected and off-beat travel destinations. From popular places such as Austria and France to lesser-known gems in the Poland and Croatia, each city on this list has its own unique charm that brings out the romance in all of us.

1. Santorini, Greece

Every little corner of this Greek island is filled with tenderness and romance, so it’s no surprise that it has become one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations. The white-washed island is often brimming with couples.

There are several villages and towns on Santorini Island, four of which are perched along the top of the crescent-shaped cliff of the caldera. And our favorite is the picturesque Oia where we spent most of our time. Oia is built on a steep slope of the caldera, providing amazing views. I fell in love with the blue-domed churches and the narrow passageways that winded between the white-walled buildings.

Although it’s not the largest of the Greek islands, there’s still plenty of romance on offer on Santorini. What’s more, the nightly sunsets in the village of Oia are all but legendary for their unique colors, and the island’s beaches follow closely behind.

The amount of classic romantic shots that a couple can take in Santorini is abounding. If you were thinking engagement, proposal, or even pre-wedding shoot, then it doesn’t get better than this Greek island.

2. Cinque Terre, Italy

 Cinque Terre is Italy’s most remote and romantic stretch of the Italian Riviera. This region occupies another of Europe’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stretching across a stunning area of Mediterranean coastline between Genoa to the north and La Spezia to the south, it comprises five villages.

The five sister villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – are 5 towns perched along the cliffside of the Italian Riviera. Each does have its own personality. 

Enjoy the villages, swimming, hiking and evening romance when the skies light up for the sunset. Each village is connected by a hiking trail along the mountain or by train. You can hike (or train) to the five villages to explore them, but I highly recommended the hike! The hiking is fairly recreational, though you will work up a small sweat. Around every turn are beautiful views of water and mountains, and the hike is a great way to take it all in.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is known for its mysterious history, but what is love if not the greatest mystery of them all? From the architecture to the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, everywhere you turn there is romance!

Something about this historic city can easily take your breath away. From its century-old architecture to its horse-drawn carriage rides, this is one city that you should definitely consider for a quick romantic getaway.

There are plenty of things to do in Prague, from visiting the famous astronomical clock and Charles Bridge to wandering through the many gardens and parks.

One of the best places to see the sunrise and the sunset is on the Charles Bridge. It does tend to get crowded at peak hours with tourists, brides, grooms, and lovers trying to catch that perfect photo so make sure you arrive early.

With an incredible city centre full of cobblestone streets lined with beautiful architecture, Prague is a city that’s perfect for couples. It’s also incredibly affordable, which makes it a great option if you’re looking to save some money on your trip.

4. Florence, Italy

There are many who argue that no one does romance better than the Italians. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a fantastic city to celebrate your love.

One of our best couple shots of Florence sunset view is taken at Cemetery San Miniato El Monte. Compared to Piazza Michelangelo, this place offers much more stunning view at the same time we avoided crowds of tourists.

And from Florence you should definitely take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside. The countryside is quite literally covered with vineyards and olive groves that give the rolling hills a deep green color with hints of golden as the sun glints off of the leaves. Just like in a movie!

We spent an entire day exploring the Tuscan countryside, tasting Chianti Classico, enjoying local gourmets, walking up the rolling hills, and just breathing in all that Tuscany can offer!!!

5. Barcelona, Spain

With its colourful buildings and busy streets, Barcelona is a vibrant and lively city that’s perfect for couples. There are lots of things to do in this Spanish gem.

In Barcelona we woke up very early to catch sunrise, strolled around town, and found ourselves get lost in its richness of history, architecture, and romance. We wandered and roamed the town until our feet were exhausted. We love Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, for its nobility, intensity, and charisma.

If sightseeing is your forte, then Barcelona can provide you with ample opportunity to indulge in more traditional Spanish culture. Pay a visit to the spectacular Sagrada Familia, hike up to Park Güell where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the city and ensure that you spend some time in the Gothic Quarter to truly get a feel for the Spanish way of life.

6. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a coastal city in Portugal, best known for its port Port wine production and its unique city centre. The city was built on a hill overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, which provides a perfect backdrop for beautiful sunsets. Porto can be the best romantic destination for couples.

From the very first time we set foot in Porto, we fell in love with this stunning and truly romantic place. From the gorgeous architecture, amazing views, to the vibrant food and wine scene, Porto oozes a real sense of romanticism. With so much to see and do in Porto, it’s the ideal destinations for any couple wanting to embark on that special romantic getaway.

This city is the ideal spot for slow strolls through sleepy winding alleyways, for an afternoon espresso by the riverfront, and for delicious seafood dinners with a white port and stunning view of sunset! Porto is a lovers’ paradise.

7. Athens, Greece

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your special someone, Athens with its age-old Greek ruins and the crimson sunsets is slowly topping the charts of popular vacation destinations and is also one of the most romantic places to visit.

Athens is often overlooked in favor of Paris, Rome and Venice when it comes to romantic cities, but when you think about the array of ancient wonders and the quaint Greek passageways, it really should be higher up the list!

Athens is the historical capital of Europe with a long history. The city’s values, civilization, and a long fascinating history acquired a universal significance.

Sometimes the most romantic thing to do is just get lost exploring a new city with your loved one, and one of the most romantic areas to explore in Athens is the neighbourhood of Anafiotika. You get a slice of the real life of the people of Athens, and it’s a breath of fresh air seeing old neighborhoods.

8. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is the capital of Poland. Some people love it, some hate it. It’s all because the city was almost completely destroyed during World War II and its architecture is quite odd. Due to its uniqueness, there are many romantic things to do in Warsaw for couples.

The moment we fell in love with Warsaw was the moment we arrived to the Old Town Market Square. It is a place to simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.

Looking around on the Market Square and then getting lost in the surrounding narrow streets gave us the feeling we had stepped back several centuries: cobblestone streets, colorful historical townhouses, churches, horse carriages,…There are very few old towns in Europe that are so intact and have this perfect harmony as what we saw in Warsaw’s Old Town!

Our Warsaw journey was blessed to have two different shades of seasons: summer and autumn. One day we had that elegant mosaic of autumn foliage (melancholy, gloomy yes…but quite delightful!). Just soon after that the summer sun decided to fight back and reclaimed this charming medieval town for a little longer.

Our favorite place to take an afternoon stroll was Łazienki Palace – or Palace on the Isle. It’s a beautiful Baroque palace that began as a bathhouse and later it became the summer residence of the last king of Poland. We walked along the edge of the lake, saw different shades of summer and autumn interwined, and breathed in the very first whiff of crisp autumn air.

9. Capri, Italy

The Romantic Isle of Capri!! Capri is an island located off the coast of Naples in Southern Italy. The Isle of Capri is known for luxurious hotels, exquisite shopping, breathtaking views and most definitely romance.

The island of Capri is famous for a reason. Capri’s beauty has made it a dream destination with jaw-dropping views, amazing cuisine, world-class shopping, and an amazing vibe. At Capri, you’ll find a mixture of island simplicity, stunning natural scenery, and a hint of dolce vita from the 1940s and ’50s that never seemed to fade. Enjoy a romantic walk through the winding cobbled streets to the Gardens of Augustus on the far side of the island. With flowers in full bloom and a panoramic view of Monte Solaro and the Faraglioni (three towering rock formations) in the distance, this garden is such a pleasant retreat for lovebirds.

One of the best thing about Capri is its picturesque beaches found across the island. That’s why you need to set aside some time to be at the beach. Capri is home to many different types of beaches most of which are either public or private. The one not to be missed is Marina Piccola. This beach provides clear views to the Faraglioni and are known for their tranquil and almost clear waters.

On our last day in Capri Derek and I made our way to Marina Piccola for a sunrise swim. We just packed a swimsuit and change of clothes and decided to just visit this beach for 2 hours top. To get to Marina Piccola you can take bus from Capri town or get a taxi. We decided to walk through Via Krupp which is a winding pathway connecting Capri to this section from the Gardens of Augustus. We were there around 7am and no one was here but us. We got the whole beach to ourselves. We even got a glimpse of fishermen who went out to the sea on their little boats for their earliest freshest catch.

This beach is the ultimate European summer dream where you can spend lazy and dreamy days by the sea, racking up a glowing tan, and cooling off in the crystal clear waters.

10. Budapest, Hungary

Defined by its rich history and cut in half by the Danube River, Budapest is one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most well-known landmarks. It crosses the Danube River and connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. It’s beautiful any time of a day; however for picture purpose, I have to say the Chain Bridge is the most magical at night time when the bridge, the Parliament Building, and the Buda Castle are all illuminated.

The landscape of Budapest looks tailor-made for romance. One of our favorite places for couple photos is Fisherman’s Bastion around sunset time.

The perks of visiting Fisherman’s Bastion around sunset time are getting the whole place to yourself (very few tourists) and the incredible view with that precious golden light.

11. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is probably one of the best-known tourism destinations in the Mediterranean region. The most popular area is Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Stari Grad, defined by its impressive fortifications and a massive city wall, which is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.

Whether you like to celebrate an anniversary, engagement, wedding or any other occasion or simply spend some quality time with your significant other, Dubrovnik is your ideal choice. With its old town town, dreamy coastline, and lively social scene, it’s no surprise that Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the most romantic destinations for couples.

One of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is walking the old city wall. Dubrovnik’s city walls are open 8am–7.30pm during June and July; 8am–6.30pm during April, May, August and September; 8am–5.30pm during October; and 9am–3pm for the rest of the year. It’s a good idea to get there early or late in the day to beat the worst of the crowds – and the summer heat – and to bring water with you as there’s not much shade up there.

The walls are 1,940 metres long and you can walk all the way around them (it usually takes about 2 hours). Walking the city walls will give you a good idea of the town’s size, layout and breathtaking setting, but it is also one of the most beautiful strolls you can take with your loved ones.

12. Venice, Italy

Known for its winding canals and abundance of bridges, Venice is one of the most renowned romantic cities in the world. It has a small town charm thanks to its narrow streets and numerous canals. It’s a fairy tale destination in Europe.

Venice has so much to offer to the lovebirds of the world. It is famous for its carnival, Gondolas rides and of course the delightful Italian food.

Imagine taking a romantic walk in a historic centre, followed by a superb gondola ride at sunset through the canals, as your gondolier serenades you with sounds of sweet symphonies.

You can also visit the small islands nearby such as Burano, which is full of colorful houses, making it perfect spot to take hundred of adorable photos with your love.

13. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Located in the French Riviera, tourists flock to Monte Carlo for many reasons – from its charming sidewalk bistros to classy restaurants, thriving arts and music scene, bustling morning markets and buzzing nightlife, right down to idyllic spots where you can forget all about the world – the list is endless

Monte Carlo is a part of Monaco’s tiny principality on the beautiful French Riviera that the Prince of Monaco rules. The principality is only two square kilometers in size, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. This is one of the world’s wealthiest areas, one of the most beautiful, and has many famous landmarks.

Monaco is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. From the alluring historic streets of the old town to the glitz and glamour of its big establishments, there’s something for every lovebirds.

14. Rome, Italy

Rome, renowned for its abundant history and remarkable architectural features, is one of the most romantic cities in the world.

In Rome, you get everything – from fine architecture to river cruises – and many piazzas armed with al fresco trattorias and exquisite dining! Rome is an absolute dream to visit as a couple.

With so much to see and do, Rome is perfect for couples who want a mix of culture, history, and romance. You can wander through ancient ruins, explore beautiful churches and cathedrals, and people-watch in some of the busiest plazas in Europe.

Hit the city in search of artistic masterpieces and arguably the best cuisine, and make a pit stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss in three coins that will ensure your return to Rome for romance and marriage.

15. Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria boasts oodles of places, perfect for a romantic date. It has everything from streets that ooze old-school charm to museums, palace gardens, amorous art paintings, candle-light dinners, and operas.

When we arrived in Vienna, we were in awe with so many magnificent and grand theaters, concert halls, and museums at every corner of this graceful and elegant city. In Vienna, music is literally in the air. Although there are concerts and operas performed in so many theaters and concert halls around the city every night, we chose to see the Vienna Mozart Orchestra with internationally renowned singers and soloists – all in magnificent historical costumes and wigs performed at Vienna’s largest and most famous concert halls-Wiener Staatsope.

And we loved to have our breakfast at Michaelerplatz with the perfect view of the historic square and the timeless horse carriages.

16. Madrid, Spain

It’s not difficult to see why Madrid is one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Full of stunning architecture, art, culture, incredible restaurants and numerous rooftop terraces to experience breathtaking sunsets, it is Ideal for a couple’s escape.

Our favorite place in Madrid is Market San Miguel: fresh seafood, delicious tapas, and good beer/cocktails. Lots of vendors selling fresh produce, fish, pasta, meat and even cookbooks in a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere. There are also a number of cafés and mini-restaurants which offer specialty food, from tapas to foreign food at Mercado de San Miguel.

17. Istanbul, Turkey

As a traveling couple, we have a suitcase of romantic memories from around the world, many from one of Turkey’s most fascinating cities – Istanbul.

Istanbul is an incredibly beautiful city of breathtaking scenery, deeply rich history, and amazing food! It is a perfect romantic European destination for any traveling couple, with countless romantic activities to choose from.

It may be the touristy thing to do in Istanbul. However, the first time seeing the Hagia Sofia, Spice Market, or Grand Bazaar are magical moments that live up to all the hype.

We loved exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, constructed in the 1400s! What better way to do so than with your significant other?

Have a romantic date over tea and Turkish treats. Çay (pronounced the same way we pronounce “chai”) is the Turkish drink of choice. It is a black tea brewed in a double teapot and served in small clear tulip shaped glasses. Çay is central to Turkish social culture, and is enjoyed multiple times a day! There is no best place to have çay; you can find it on every street, in every café, and in every home. 

18. Positano, Italy

Just south of Naples, Positano has been hailed as the most enchanting place on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. When it comes to romance, Positano is made for lovers.

The picturesque buildings, blue waters, towering mountains, and stunning views make this village one of the most enchanting locations along the Amalfi Coast. Positano attracts a wide range of travelers; however, the majority of visitors are romantic couples escaping reality for a unique getaway.

The main beach in Positano is called Spiaggia Grande which sits right at the base of the city and is a beach with 360 degrees of phenomenal views. Spending a day on the beach in a rented sunbed is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your partner.

From any place in the city you are blessed with beautiful views of the gorgeous village along with the sea and the lush mountains in the background. Take a romantic walk up the hills and find a place where you have a higher vantage point and finding a seat to sit on with your partner. Here you can share moment that is special to you in an unforgettable location.

19. Berlin, Germany

When it comes to which European city to visit for a romantic weekend, few people think of Berlin. But there are numerous fairy tale experiences for those with romance in their soul in Berlin.

This city has everything a traveling couple can dream of: romantic restaurants, gorgeous parks and architecture, unique places to stay, viewpoints, and many secrets to discover.

We loved to start our day in Berlin with coffee/beer by the river Spree, with accordion for background music, and the spectacular view of the Berliner Dom and just spending an entire day to blend in with the locals: lazily sitting on the steps of the Altes Museum, suntanning on the grass by the Beliner Dom, and exchanging summer kisses.

20. Paris, France

This list of the most romantic couple destinations in Europe wouldn’t be complete without an honourable mention to Paris. Paris is one of the most famous and well-known cities in Europe for being a romantic destination.

The French capital has long been known as the City of Love. The atmosphere in Paris is perfect for every couple. You get beautiful sunsets, amazing architecture that make your walks enjoyable and cute pictures around every corner. 

You can visit beautiful landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. While they tend to be extremely popular during the day, marvel at your own pace and go in the evening for an intimate experience.

These romantic cities in Europe will not disappoint, no matter what time of year you visit! Whether you’re looking for a quintessentially romantic break in Paris or Rome, or some outdoors romantic adventures in Dubrovnik or Positano, it’s no secret that Europe is home to some of the most spectacularly romantic cities in the world. So, create your own love story as you explore the cities on your romantic European holidays

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