The 10 Most Romantic Cities in Europe

Some of the world’s most rated romantic cities can be found in Europe. From Paris to Prague to Venice, there’s somewhere that provides that special atmosphere which encourages feelings of love and affection. For all of us hopeless romantics, and starry-eyed lovers, it is worth soaking up the vibes in at least one of these cities and experiencing that special add-on effect that so many of us have memories of.

With Valentine’s Day here, I thought it would be quite apt to add a touch of romance to the Girl On The Move. So where are the most romantic cities in Europe? Here are my top 10 picks.

The 10 Most Romantic Cities in Europe

1. Paris

It may seem cliché to start my list with the French capital, but no list like this would be complete without the city of love itself. So, I thought it might as well come first to get the most obvious choice out of the way. Paris still is, and always will be, one of the most romantic cities to visit with your significant other. Take an evening cruise along the Seine, stroll hand-in-hand through the bohemian streets of Montmartre, pop a bottle of fizz under the Eiffel tower or picnic in the Jardin des Tuilleries (or further out in the grounds of Versailles). The city just exudes the sights, sounds and ambience so favoured, throughout history, by famous couples.

2. Vienna

Austria’s capital screams romance with its imperial architecture, horse carriages, chandelier lit boulevards, nights at the opera, day trips to royal palaces. The grandeur of this city cannot fail to impress and spring offers a chance to explore the city centre, with its narrow lanes, cobbled streets and the green oases of the Volksgarten and the Prater, to name just two. Enjoy a stroll along Schönlaterngasse or Domgasse or venture as far as Spittelberg with its beautifully preserved houses from the Biedermeier period.

You can enjoy the sights from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage or take a romantic boat ride on the Danube. Add to such delights the music of Strauss, and perhaps enjoy a waltz or two. Something for everyone! Did you know that one of the most famous pictures of a couple kissing can be found in the Belvedere – Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece “The Kiss”. The perfect place to end a perfect visit!

3. Prague

It might be one of Europe’s most discovered cities, with tourists visiting from all around the globe, but even so Prague is full of bohemian charm. With it, it is easily one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The gothic architecture alone will have you feeling loved up and if you visit in Winter, not only will you enjoy a less-crowded experience, but you may even be caught in a snow flurry – and what’s more romantic than a stroll through the snow with the one you love?

4. Venice

No list summing up romance in Europe  would be complete without a mention of the Italian city of Venice. It has been described as the most beautiful city built by man and one of Europe’s most romantic cities. One of Venice’s most famous sons, Casanova, brings another dimension to this beautiful and beguiling city-state. Take a walk through the many narrow, labyrinthine alleyways and be astounded as you turn a corner and come upon a sun-lit piazza, complete with beautiful church or palace. Take a gondola and explore the hidden waterways of the city and marvel at the elegant frontages of the buildings along the Grand Canal. Venice is also known for its art, architecture and culture. So you’ll never be short of something to do in the “City of Bridges”.

5. Budapest

Having re-visited Budapest at the end of the summer I am totally with anyone who says that the Hungarian capital is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. However it is also one of the most romantic! I’d definitely recommend a trip to Budapest – loved up or single – before the tourist frenzy takes place!

6. Iceland

Iceland has been at the top of my bucket-list for a long, long, time now. I am itching to have the time to get myself there! It may not seem like your usual romantic escape, with the purity of its nature, the breath-taking landscape and snow, I imagine there’s nowhere quite like it. Add to that the chance to witness the magic of the northern lights and you’ve got me.

7. Copenhagen

Copenhagen has snuck its way into my top European getaways – those cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, smiling people wherever you go, and bicycles everywhere – it really is a lovely place. For a magical evening head to Tivoli where you can enjoy a display of twinkling lights and a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

8. Krakow

Krakow is by definition a romantic city. Its beautiful baroque and Romanesque churches, castles and palaces, its gardens and cobblestone streets are an open invitation for romance.

9. Verona

The northern Italian city of Verona is another of Europe’s cities that proclaims to be a ‘city of love’. And rightly so, for it is the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city in which the star-crossed lovers meet, fall in love and tragically end their lives. Indulge in the Italian tradition of passeggiata and stroll through the main streets of the old town and join those embarking of new romances, and maybe re-kindle those amorous feelings.

10. Seville

Nominated as Spain’s most romantic city, Seville just had to make it onto my list. The charming Andalucian city is bursting with beauty – with its magical narrow streets and dozens of orange trees blossoming in an eternal spring, not to mention the gorgeous design and architecture of every single building.

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Other posts that may help you:

• Europe for Less: 5 Reasons to Visit Poland’s Baltic Coast Now
• Undiscovered Europe
• What to do in Heidelberg Germany
• Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Paris’ Outskirts

Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you with a few ideas! If you have any questions, please do get in touch in the comments below.

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Happy exploring,

Love Victoria X