‘Say romantic European cities,’ and you’ll likely picture strolling along the Seine in Paris or a gondola ride in Venice. Yet, beyond these famous scenes, there are other places you can explore with your loved one. We’ve chosen the most romantic cities and destinations in Europe, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day, your honeymoon, or a special anniversary.
17 Most Romantic cities in Europe you need to visit at least once.
1. Florence
Florence is a city where art, history, and breathtaking views combine to create the perfect atmosphere for love. The capital of Tuscany has a rich history, stunning Renaissance architecture, and world-class museums. Walk hand in hand through cobblestone streets and past Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David. Step inside the Uffizi Gallery to admire artworks that have inspired love for centuries. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, where tiny shops sell handcrafted jewellery—maybe even the perfect gift for your partner. When evening falls, head to Piazzale Michelangelo for an unforgettable view over the city’s golden rooftops. From there, watch the city light up as the sun dips below the Tuscan hills. End your day with a candlelit dinner and a glass of Chianti at a local trattoria.
Florence is more than beautiful, it’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
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2. Cordoba
Cordoba is a city for those who love beauty and history without the rush of crowds. This charming city in southern Spain once rivalled Paris and Rome. Today, the city’s magic lies in its mix of three cultures. Walk through the Jewish Quarter in the early morning, when the streets are quiet and the air is cool. Step inside the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral and stand beneath its red and white Moorish arches. This impressive cathedral is a testament to two religions and cultures in Andalusia.
Take a peaceful stroll through the UNESCO-listed courtyards bursting with bright blooms. When the sun gets too hot, cool off inside the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, where shaded patios and fountains create a peaceful retreat. As the evening sets in, take a quiet walk along the Roman Bridge, where the lights of the city shimmer on the water. Cordoba proves that romance is often found in the little details, waiting around every corner.
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3. Rome
When it comes to most romantic cities in Europe, few places come close to Rome. The Italian capital is where love meets history. Rome wraps couples in its beauty—cobblestone streets, golden sunsets, and the whispers of ancient love stories. Start with a morning cappuccino at a quiet café near the Pantheon, then share a plate of Cacio e Pepe in a tucked-away trattoria. Get lost in streets that feel straight out of a romance novel and share a gelato while strolling through Trastevere. Steal a private moment with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Orange Garden, where the scent of citrus fills the air. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, sealing love with a wish, or in the quieter Fountain of Lovers near Villa Borghese. For a sweet ending, stop by a pasticceria and enjoy a freshly made tiramisu under the stars.
Rome is hard to beat, making it a top destination for lovers seeking a mix of culture, history and romance.
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4. Siena
Siena is a city for those who love history and each other. It’s one of the most historical cities in Europe and feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Couples looking for charm without crowds will love this Tuscan gem with UNESCO status. Hold your partner’s hand as you wander through Piazza del Campo, imagining the stories of lovers who have passed through this historic square. Climb Torre del Mangia for the most breathtaking view in Tuscany. Then, walk through narrow alleyways which offer stunning views and visit Siena Cathedral. It’s famous for its Mosaic Floor and the Piccolomini Library, filled with frescoes that tell stories of power. End the day at one of the local trattorias and share homemade pasta with a bottle of Brunello.
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5. Bath
A rare double-inscribed World Heritage Site, Bath feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. Start your morning at the Roman Baths, where steam rises from the ancient pools. Its hot mineral-rich springs have drawn visitors for centuries. Today, they are one of the UK’s finest Roman remains and one of the top attractions in the city. Then, walk through its elegant Georgian streets, where honey-coloured stone buildings shine in the soft English light. Climb the winding staircase of Bath Abbey for a breathtaking view of the city. Cross the Pulteney Bridge—it’s one of the few bridges in the world with shops spanning its entire length. As the day ends, relax in the warm waters of Thermae Bath Spa, watching the stars appear over one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
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6. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the best Mediterranean destinations and a city where love stories write themselves. The city has over a thousand years of history, seaside charm, and UNESCO status. This tiny coastal gem with stone fortresses is full of surprises beyond its famous city walls.
Lose yourselves in Dubrovnik’s winding medieval streets, where every hidden alleyway feels like a secret meant just for the two of you. Walk hand in hand and share a secret moment at the Rector’s Palace. Visit St. Lawrence Fortress and let the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea take your breath away. Want to avoid the crowds? Take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, where quiet coves invite you to unwind. In the late afternoon, take a cable car up Mount Srđ and watch the sunset paint the sea in shades of gold. Alternatively, end your day on a sunset cruise and create the most unforgettable evening.
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7. Verona
Verona is the city where history and romance walk hand in hand. This charming city in the Veneto Region has a rich history and UNESCO status. Yet almost everyone recognises it as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But this Italian city proves that love is about more than just one famous balcony.
Did you know Verona is home to the third-largest amphitheatre in Italy and has the largest concentration of Roman ruins after Rome? Have breakfast in Piazza Bra, where historic cafés offer the best Italian coffee with a side of people-watching. Walk through Piazza delle Erbe, where elegant buildings and lively markets create the perfect setting for a slow afternoon. Visit Basilica di San Zeno, the hidden gem where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet were supposedly married. Don’t leave without visiting Castel San Pietro and the Torre dei Lamberti, which offer stunning views. For a truly unforgettable evening, dress up and experience the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena, where operas have echoed for centuries. Whether you’re sipping wine in a hidden piazza or exploring Roman ruins, every moment in Verona feels like a scene from a classic love story.
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8. Seville
Seville also has all the ingredients for a romantic break. The largest Andalusian city has a rich history and culture, and its warm climate sets the scene for love to blossom. Wander through the streets of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, where narrow streets with charming buildings set the mood for love. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the historic heart of the city. Find the grand Seville Cathedral, where Christopher Columbus rests and climb La Giralda Tower for breathtaking city views.
In the afternoon, walk through the grand gates of the Alcázar and step into a world of Moorish palaces and dreamy gardens. Visit the half-moon-shaped Plaza de España and relax on one of its 48 mosaic-covered benches representing provinces that Spain had at the time. Take a boat ride through its canal, passing intricate tile mosaics that tell Spain’s history. Afterwards, cross the river to Triana, a neighbourhood famous for its flamenco heritage and lively tapas bars. End your night at one of the local restaurants and listen to the distant sounds of flamenco echo through the streets.
9. Venice
It’s easy to see why Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The capital of the Veneto region is synonymous with romance, offering breathtaking views around every corner. Most tourists rush through it, but the secret to romance here is slowing down. Wake up early and wander through an empty St. Mark’s Square, where the morning mist makes it feel like a dream. Start at St. Mark’s Basilica, where 8,000 square metres (86,000 square feet) of gold mosaics shimmer under the soft light. After that, stroll through the labyrinth of streets and discover hidden corners and pretty bridges, including the Rialto. Visit the Doge’s Palace, where secret passageways and hidden prisons hold stories of passion and betrayal.
Then, get lost in the 2,650 winding alleys without a map. That’s the best way to stumble upon secret courtyards and tiny traditional Venetian taverns called bacari. For a unique date, take a Vaporetto to Burano, the colourful island known for its lace-making and bright facades. In the evening, enjoy a gondola ride, serenaded by the gondolier. End your day with a candlelit dinner along a quiet canal from tourist traps because true Venice is found in its silent corners.
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10. Granada
Granada isn’t just romantic—this Andalusian UNESCO-listed city with Moorish influence is a masterpiece of history and passion. The crown jewel is the Alhambra Palace, with its Islamic architecture, intricate courtyards, and flowing fountains. Wander the Albaicín neighbourhood, Granada’s ancient Moorish quarter, where narrow cobbled streets lead to stunning viewpoints. Mirador de San Nicolás is the best sunset spot in the city, with the Alhambra glowing in the distance. For the best-kept secret, climb to Mirador de San Miguel Alto, the highest viewpoint in the city. Then, get lost in the caves of Sacromonte, where flamenco dancers stomp and twirl in passionate, raw performances.
11. Budapest
Budapest might not be the first city that comes to mind for romantic destinations in Europe, but that’s what makes it special. Take your loved one to see the Hungarian Parliament, a gothic wonder that lights up at night like a fairy tale castle. Stroll along the Danube Promenade, where the shimmering Chain Bridge connects two worlds—hilly Buda and vibrant Pest. Hold your partner’s hand and walk up Gellért Hill to the Citadel. Afterwards, head to Fisherman’s Bastion, the city’s fairy-tale lookout, where couples can enjoy the best views of Budapest. For the ultimate couple’s experience, relax in one of the thermal baths. Skip the crowded Széchenyi Baths and head to Rudas Baths, where you can soak in a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. Finally, end your night on a Danube River cruise, watching the glowing Parliament building reflect on the water—a perfect finale to a Budapest love story.
12. Paris
Let’s be honest: no list of the most romantic destinations in Europe would be complete without Paris. France’s capital has a reputation as the City of Love and is a mecca for artists and romantics. With so many incredible sites, galleries and museums, a weekend escape to Paris can quickly become overwhelming. But forget the clichés. There’s more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower and candlelit dinners.
Start your day with a sunrise view from Trocadéro, the perfect spot for an intimate moment with the Iron Lady before the crowds arrive. Then, skip the long lines at the Louvre and head to the Musée de l’Orangerie. Here, Monet’s Water Lilies surround you in a dreamy, romantic embrace. Instead of the crowded Champs-Élysées, walk along Canal Saint-Martin. Lovers picnic along the water and leafy trees grow behind iron gates. For a unique experience, visit the Musée Rodin, home to The Kiss, one of the most passionate sculptures ever created. Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, where artists like Van Gogh and Picasso once found inspiration.
After stopping at Sacré-Cœur, find the hidden vineyard of Clos Montmartre, Paris’s only working vineyard, tucked away from tourists. For an unforgettable evening, cruise along the Seine River on a boat, passing the illuminated Eiffel Tower and other landmarks that feel even more magical at night. You’ll never forget the moment you watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle, wrapped in the warmth of a Parisian night.
13. Prague
It doesn’t take long before you realise Prague offers a perfect setting for a romantic getaway. The capital of the Czech Republic is romantic, artistic, bustling, and quiet, on the other hand. This city of Gothic spires, hidden gardens, and cobblestone streets is where love stories come to life.
Start your journey before sunrise on Charles Bridge, when the statues are bathed in golden light and the crowds haven’t arrived. Stroll through the Old Town Square, where the world’s oldest Astronomical Clock still ticks as it has since 1410. Let time slow as you stroll hand in hand through the square, where lovers have met for centuries beneath Prague’s golden light. But instead of jostling with tourists, step inside the Klementinum Library, one of the world’s most breathtaking Baroque libraries, filled with ancient books and celestial globes. Find Golden Lane, a fairytale street within Prague Castle where tiny houses once belonged to alchemists and writers. Venture up to Vyšehrad or Petrin Hill, where you can climb a mini Eiffel Tower and gaze over the red rooftops. As night falls, sail along the Vltava River, where Prague Castle glows against the night sky.
14. Lisbon
Lisbon is also one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The capital and largest city of Portugal is a romantic haven for lovebirds seeking an unforgettable escape. Start your day in Bairro Alto, a lively neighbourhood, filled with tiled buildings and hidden courtyards. Walk through Rua Augusta Arch and onto Praça do Comércio, a grand waterfront square, where ships once brought treasures from the New World.
Hold hands while discovering the Belem neighbourhood and its UNESCO-listed monuments like the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. In the afternoon, wander up to São Jorge Castle, where the view stretches over Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River. But for even better panoramic viewpoints in Lisbon, head to Miradouro de Santa Catarina. It’s a secret sunset spot where locals gather with wine and laughter. As the night falls, listen to Fado music in a tiny tavern, where melancholic voices and soft guitar notes will make your heart ache in the best way.
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Other romantic destinations in Europe
15. Santorini
Santorini is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, offering more than just stunning sunsets. Thousands of couples come to see the iconic blue-domed churches and whitewashed homes clinging to cliffs. But few realize this island holds ancient secrets beneath its postcard-perfect views of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.
Ever heard of Akrotiri? It’s a 3,600-year-old Minoan settlement, perfectly preserved under volcanic ash—Greece’s own Pompeii. Stroll through time with your partner, walking the same paths as ancient lovers. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, dive into the hot springs of Palea Kameni, created by Santorini’s volcanic heart. Swim in the island’s natural hot springs, where warm waters mix with the Aegean Sea. In the afternoon, skip the crowded viewpoints and sail into the Santorini caldera at golden hour. Watch the sunset from the deck of a catamaran, where the sea turns to liquid gold and the cliffs glow crimson. In the evening, book a table at a traditional Greek taverna, which is a perfect intimate date spot. Try Santorini’s famous Assyrtiko wine, grown in Santorini’s volcanic soil and freshly caught seafood.
16. Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan looks like something from a fairytale. That’s why Richard Burton brought Elizabeth Taylor here numerous times. Once a quiet fishing village, this 15th-century walled island with stone villas is now an ultra-luxurious retreat. The island, linked to the mainland by a tiny causeway, is home to a five-star Aman Sveti Stefan. But even if you’re not a billionaire, you can still enjoy Sveti Stefan’s two public beaches with pinkish sand.
Stroll hand in hand through Milocer Park, a royal retreat once owned by the Yugoslav queen, where towering cypress trees and olive groves create a peaceful setting. Don’t leave without visiting nearby Kotor—a UNESCO-listed medieval town just an hour away. Alternatively, take a boat trip along the Budva Riviera, where hidden caves and secluded coves make for the perfect romantic adventure.
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17. Amalfi Coast
From the moment you arrive, the Amalfi Coast proves why it remains one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. This 50 km (31 mi) stretch of coastline in Italy’s Campania offers gorgeous beaches and balmy weather. With its dramatic coastline, pastel-hued villages, and the scent of lemon groves, it effortlessly earns its place among couples seeking an unforgettable escape.
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Start your journey in Positano, where pastel-coloured houses cascade down cliffs like a painting. Skip the tourist-packed beaches and head to nearby Fornillo Beach, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and fewer crowds.
Looking for a place with history? Capri isn’t just a luxury getaway—it’s where Emperor Tiberius ruled Rome 2,000 years ago from his seaside villas. Take a boat into the legendary Blue Grotto. It’s a glowing sea cave where sunlight turns the water into a shade of blue that seems unreal. Afterwards, take the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, for a view that feels straight out of a dream. And if you want the luxury without the price tag, stay in Sorrento or Salerno, where the same breathtaking views come at a fraction of the cost. Or step off the beaten path to Atrani, Italy’s smallest town, where life moves at a slower, more intimate pace.
Now you know what the most romantic cities and destinations in Europe are!
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