Whilst I’m 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 loving feeling!
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, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to share this moment with somebody?’
I know for me, and I’m sure for others, romance lies heavily in discovering new things and forging new memories together, or even by yourself.
Whether you’re into Gothic architecture, classic literature, sumptuous cuisine, art galleries, grand palaces or tiny little pubs, there’s so much romanticism to found in Europe.
Here’s my list of the most romantic cities in Europe:
1. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city is the very picture of romance. Castles, fine-dining, and elegant architecture fill the streets.
Arthur’s Seat, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as ‘a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design’ invites visitors to climb it well-trodden paths in seek of sprawling vistas.
In other areas of the city, you’ll 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, or experience world-famous art at the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Basically, anywhere in Venice is perfect for romance!
Further reading: A Romantic Getaway in Venice
3. Valencia
Not the most obvious choice when we have Barcelona, but there’s something incredibly charming about Spain’s 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 that’s considerably overlooked, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stumbled across something that has just been created for the two of you. Make sure you try out a cosy taberna for dinner.
Find the best foodie spots: Food, Glorious Food! A Gastronomic Tour of Valencia
4. Krakow
I remember sitting in Krakow’s main square as dusk fell upon the city and basking in the sweet romance of it all.
The magnificent architecture highlighted by soft flood lights, horse drawn carriages trotted past, lovers entwined passed me by, and young girls climbed on the monument of Adam Mickiewicz, Poland’s greatest Romantic Poet. They 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 didn’t want to move. Krakow is nothing short of enchanting.
Want a quick escape? Read: A Weekend in Krakow
5. Paris
A list of Europe’s most romantic cities without Paris wouldn’t be a list worth reading, right? A city where so many poets and artists have been inspired and called their home. A place where you can kiss the grave of Oscar Wilde or and give Victor Noir a rub or two.
Take a scenic cruise along the river Seine, dance under the Eiffel Tower, stride hand in hand down the Champs-Élysées, admire Rodin’s sculptures and shed a tear for Camille Claudel.
Perhaps most of all, however, 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.
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 been so taken by Prague, he spared its destruction and instead ordered its preservation. Surely this describes the power of Prague’s emotive beauty, eh?
7. Stockholm
Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan is a picturesque neighbourhood, perfect just to wander around whilst imagining the likes of Hollywood siren, Greta Garbo pottering around from a bygone era.
Don’t miss the chance of getting a panoramic view of the city from one of its vantage points. 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
London’s romance lies in its bursting sense of life. No two days are the same. There’s always something to see and do, which gives rise to doing things on a whim – 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 grab a drink at the French House where Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon used to hang out.
At night venture to South Bank and walk along the Thames. It’s the best place to take in the 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 all to see.
Find Vienna’s most beautiful spots: Vienna – the Definition of Elegance
10. Budapest
Budapest is often mentioned as the Paris of the East, but it holds its own among Europe’s most well-loved cities. Indeed, the 19th century elegant architecture, the bustling city life, dimly-lit restaurants, cafe-lined streets, and the house of Parliament in all its Gothic splendour truly delights.
Lastly, the ever-present sight of couples holding hands along the River Danube, is a sure sign that romance in Budapest is well and truly alive.
Discover: The Most Beautiful Buildings in 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 really make Lisbon stand out as a city filled with romance.
If time permits, catch the 45-minute train journey to Sintra where you’ll find several palaces in various architectural styles, and which Lord Byron lamented “palaces and gardens rising in the midst of rocks, cataracts and precipices; convents on stupendous heights . . .”
Must read: 12 Reasons to Fall in Love with Lisbon
12. Amsterdam
While you might associate it with a rather spicier type of “amour”, Amsterdam certainly has a softer side.
Experience the freedom of exploring the city on foot or bicycle. Really, 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 the North, York has had a reputation for being romantic for as long as I can remember. It’s a place you go when you’re 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 assaults the senses 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…
Rome is also filled with hidden treasures and lesser-known sites. Explore the Keats-Shelley Memorial House dedicated to preserving the work of England’s most prominent Romantic poets.
Also read: Unusual & Quirky Things to Do in Rome
15. Riga
My first impressions of Riga, Latvia’s capital city, certainly exceeded my expectations. Beautiful, walkable, affordable, cultural, historical – what’s not to love?
You simply need to look up at the architecture to fall in love with the city. You’re spoilt with an eclectic mix of styles, from fanciful motifs found in art nouveau style to ascetic wooden architecture found in surprising abundance. Adding to this is the medieval appearance of the Old Town, complete with 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. Alas, I was travelling alone!
17. St Petersburg
St Petersburg, a city so beautiful it’ll make you weep. At one point in my life, I may have given the title of Europe’s most beautiful city to Venice or Paris, but I couldn’t possibly say that now I’ve been to St Petersburg.
Elegant yet statuesque, if St Petersburg were a woman she’d bring even Casanova down onto his knees. Steeped in mysticism, the city transports you to another world belonging to some of the most dramatic periods in European history. The sense of grandeur left behind from the Tsar Empire is omnipresent, for Catherine the Great was a woman of high extravagance. She made it one of her life’s missions to project St Petersburg as a sight of intense beauty, and it’s safe to say she succeeded alright.
18. Ghent
With its castle, canals, gothic cathedral and cobbled streets, I found Ghent to be utterly charming. I was debating whether to put Bruges in the list, but Ghent is less touristy and with more things to do so it get my vote.
Ghent’s 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.
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! 🙂
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! 🙂 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) https://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 🙂
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 😉 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 🙂 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.