Say romantic cities in Europe, 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
There are many reasons to head to Florence, and we are not just talking about its world-class museums and beautiful Renaissance architecture. The capital of Tuscany is rich in history and has mind-blowing architecture and stunning views. Florence creates a perfect backdrop for love, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escape in Europe.
As you stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, you will discover charming piazzas with cosy cafes – perfect for intimate moments. Stunning art, like Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, adds a touch of magic to every corner. Walk along the Arno River and admire the historic Ponte Vecchio with melting gelato in your hand. Later, snuggle up to watch the sunset together at the Piazzale Michelangelo – you can feel the romance in the air. And what is more romantic than visiting a vineyard for the day, tasting wines and eating bread with olive oil and also cheese? In summer or winter, Florence has many lovely corners and is one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
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2. Cordoba
When you plan a romantic city break, don’t overlook Cordoba! This charming city in the southern Spain once rivalled Paris and Rome. Today, this city of three cultures is a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Begin your romantic journey at the Jewish Quarters, where flower-filled streets whisper tales of history. Explore the impressive Mosque-cathedral, a testament of two religions and cultures in Andalusia. After that, find the UNESCO-listed courtyards filled with blooming flowers. Seek refuge from the summer heat in Cordoba’s Alcazar of the Christian Monarch, in on of the patios with Islamic design.
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3. Rome
When it comes to most romantic cities in Europe, few places come close to Rome. The Italian capital takes centre stage because it offers an ideal blend of everything romantic. It has ancient ruins, beautiful churches and lively piazzas, which set a perfect stage for love to flourish. Imagine tossing a coin together, sealing love with a wish. Stroll hand in hand through charming streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood and enjoy intimate dinners at cosy trattorias. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from places like Gianicolo Hill or St. Peter’s Dome at the Vatican. Rome is hard to beat, making it a top destination for lovers seeking a mix of culture, history and also romance.
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4. Siena
Siena also claims its place among the most romantic cities in Europe. This pretty Tuscan city with UNESCO status is one of the most historical cities in Europe. Siena’s pretty streets create an atmosphere that whispers love in every corner. It’s an ideal place for couples looking for a romantic getaway. And the best part? Siena is as gorgeous as Florence but without the tourist crowds!
Stroll along the beautiful shell-shaped Piazza del Campo square, where time seems to stand still. Stop for a gelato and enjoy intimate moments in the café while relaxing in the Tuscan sun. Afterwards, climb the Torre del Mangia for gorgeous views of romantic landscapes. You can even see Siena’s Cathedral from here. It’s one of the greatest cathedrals in Italy with valuable works of art.
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5. Bath
Bath in England is a rare double-inscribed UNESCO site. Not only entire Bath is a UNESCO site, but they also added this city between the Great Spa Towns in Europe.
Did you know Bath is also a perfect getaway for romance? This English city with honey-coloured architecture and mineral-rich hot springs is an ideal setting for a romantic escape. Picture strolling hand in hand romantic streets, exploring the Roman Baths – one of the UK’s finest Roman remains. Later, head across the street and visit Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s only natural spa with thermal mineral waters. Don’t miss the honey-coloured cathedral and Georgian architecture like the Royal Crescent, which adds a touch of elegance to your romantic getaway.
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6. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik also deserves a spot among Europe’s most romantic getaways. Croatia’s capital has over a thousand years of history and is one of the best Mediterranean cities. This tiny coastal gem has charming stone fortresses, holds a UNESCO status and offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Stroll hand in hand through a labyrinth of narrow streets and try local delicacies in intimate cafes in hidden corners. Afterwards, walk the impressive city walls and witness centuries of history. And the fantastic part? The walls of Dubrovnik offer beautiful views of the preserved Old Town. Before the sun dips below the horizon, take a cable car to the top of Mount Srd. It’s one of the best sunset viewpoints, which offers a perfect setting for romantic moments.
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7. Verona
If you are looking for a quiet and romantic getaway, we recommend you visit Verona. This charming city in the Veneto region is one of Italy’s most romantic cities. Verona has a rich history, yet almost everyone recognised it as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Lovebirds flock here to see Juliet’s balcony and take a picture with her statue, even though the balcony is fictional.
Enjoy a romantic afternoon at a traditional trattoria after your stroll along the river. Feel the magic of love in the air as you explore pretty piazzas and well-preserved Roman architecture. Did you know Verona is home to the third-largest amphitheatre in Italy and has the largest concentration of Roman ruins after Rome?
Put on your best outfit and visit the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena, hosting the Verona Opera Festival. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, listening to classical singing here is very romantic. Don’t miss landmarks like Castel San Pietro and also the Torre dei Lamberti, offering stunning views perfect for intimate moments. Get ready to fall in love with Verona. This City of Love has numerous attractions which promise romantic experiences.
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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. Seville’s narrow streets and charming buildings of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood are deeply romantic. The charming Plaza de España and the grand cathedral also add a touch of magic to your visit.
Beyond its historical significance, the passionate rhythm of flamenco adds a romantic vibe to the city’s evening. Traditional tapas bars provide the perfect setting for couples to enjoy each other’s company. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets while the scent of orange blossoms fills the air. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves with a touch of old-world charm will help you to create lasting memories together.
After visiting the famous Alcazar and its gardens, find the Plaza España. This half-moon-shaped square with a canal has gorgeous azulejos tiles. Couples often come here to relax on one of 48 mosaic-covered benches representing provinces that Spain had at the time. They also come here to sail through the canal.
9. Venice
It’s easy to see why Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and the world. The capital of the Veneto region in Italy is synonymous with romance, offering beautiful views around every corner.
Start your journey by exploring the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, where 8,000 square metres (86,000 square feet) of mosaics cover walls and vaults. After that, stroll through the labyrinth of streets and discover hidden corners and pretty bridges, including the Rialto Bridge. Make sure you have a detailed map, as you can easily get lost in one of the 2,650 alleys!
Enjoy a romantic gondola ride serenaded through the winding canals in the early evening. Let the gondolier guide you under the pretty bridges while you enjoy stunning views. As the sun sets, have a candlelit dinner in one of the canal-side restaurants, tasting authentic Venetian cuisine. For a unique experience, take a Vaporetto ride to Burano – it’s the most colourful island in the Venetian Lagoon.
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10. Granada
Granada in Spain is also a hidden gem of romance. This Andalusian city with Moorish influence creates an ideal atmosphere for couples seeking a romantic escape. Charming Granada is like a romantic painting come to life. Its cobblestone streets whisper tales of love, and the Alhambra Palace, with Islamic architecture, is its centrepiece. Stroll along the streets of the Albaicín neighbourhood and hide in the narrow alleys. As the sun sets, go to the Mirador de San Nicolas and enjoy lovely views of the palace and the vibrant colours across the sky.
11. Budapest
Budapest may be overlooked as a romantic destination in Europe, but it overflows with love. The capital of Hungary is the city of surprises for everyone who wants to explore beyond the obvious. Imagine strolling together along the Danube Promenade, where the famous Chain Bridge and Buda Castle create a perfect setting for love. Wander through the Fisherman’s Bastion, where the fairy-tale architecture and stunning views set the stage for romance. After a romantic cruise on the Danube River, relax in the famous thermal baths like the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths. Budapest’s mix of history, architecture, and thermal spas creates an ideal haven for lovers, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating.
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. Instead, take a different approach: don’t hurry and enjoy the city as Parisians do.
Start your romantic date at the iconic Eiffel Tower and travel to the top. It’s not the cheapest visit, but you can enjoy together breathtaking views. Wander hand in hand along the Seine’s riverbanks and find landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. Afterwards, stop at a quaint Parisian café, sip coffee and soak in the romantic atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore Montmartre on the city’s steepest hill. This pretty neighbourhood was once a mecca for Europe’s greatest artists, including Picasso, Dali and Van Gogh.
In the evening, book a boat cruise along the elegant Seine River, where the city’s lights twinkle and reflect on the water. This romantic experience offers a unique perspective of the Eiffel Tower and other attractions.
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. Its Gothic and Baroque architecture gives the city a fairy-tale-like appearance, creating a romantic backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Stroll hand in hand across Charles Bridge with baroque statues during the quiet hours of dawn or dusk. Get your timing right and witness the world’s oldest working astronomical clock (ticking from 1410). Explore the Old Town and visit the historic Prague Castle on the hill. Don’t miss Petrin Hill and Vysehrad Hill – both offer gorgeous city views.
One of the highlights is also a boat cruise along the Vltava River. It passes under the iconic bridges while the city lights dance on the water and create a reflection. Prague has many stunning attractions – just take it easy and enjoy an unforgettable romantic experience.
14. Lisbon
One of the most romantic cities in Europe is also Lisbon. The capital and Portuguese largest city is a romantic haven for lovebirds seeking an unforgettable escape. Explore charming neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto and Baixa and stroll hand-in-hand through the narrow streets of the Alfama district. The riverside area of Belem offers a romantic setting for a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. This gorgeous neighbourhood is home to UNESCO-listed monuments like the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. As the sun sets, head to São Jorge Castle or other viewpoints in Lisbon for romantic vistas. Find a cosy café and listen to Fado Music, which adds a touch of nostalgia to your evenings.
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Other romantic destinations in Europe
15. Santorini
Santorini is arguably one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. This iconic Greek Island with blue-domed churches and white buildings is synonymous with love. No wonder it is one of the best honeymoon destinations on the continent.
Santorini has so much beauty in a small space that visitors flock here in their millions. They come here to watch the sunset over its red, rocky landscape. Charming villages like Oia and Fira have narrow winding streets and cosy cafes, perfect for intimate strolls and shared moments. Couples can enjoy romantic dinners at traditional Greek tavernas and try Santorini’s famous wine and feta cheese. Experience a romantic getaway unlike any other in Santorini, where you can relax on black sandy beaches or enjoy stunning views from infinity pools.
16. Sveti Stefan
For a touch of romance, add Sveti Stefan in Montenegro to your romantic getaway plans. This small fortified island, linked to the mainland with a charming causeway, sits near medieval-walled Budva. What makes it special? Sveti Stefan has two idyllic beaches and a pinewood park, providing couples a secluded haven. Its 15th-century stone villas are now home to a luxury Aman Resorts, which is a canvas for shared memories. Also, explore the nearby attractions like the Bay of Kotor and its UNESCO-listed Kotor town.
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17. Amalfi Coast
Like many other places in Italy, the Amalfi Coast is also one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. This 50 km (31 miles) stretch of coastline in the Campania Region has more to offer than just pretty beaches. Balmy weather, azure waters and charming villages with dramatic cliffs make it a haven for couples searching for romance.
Pastel-coloured houses cascading down cliffs in Positano and Ravello attract lovers to wander narrow alleys. Lovebirds also often take a quick ferry ride to romantic Capri Island, where the world’s elite come to spend their holidays. It is so pretty here that even the Roman Emperor Tiberius moved here 2000 years ago and governed the Roman Empire from his villas. But if you don’t want to spend your life savings, stay in smaller towns like Salerno, Atrani or Sorrento.
Now you know what the most romantic cities and destinations are!
What are your favourite romantic destinations in Europe? Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below. If you like our post, save it also to Pinterest.
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