The 7 Most Romantic Cities in Europe You Should Visit

Yes, it’s January and soon is the most romantic month of the year and the special day of Saint Valentine, when you should show all your love to your partner. But no, I don’t mean that you don’t have to do it also every other single day. “Love is in the air!” And yes, I have started to think about some romantic getaways in Europe. Unfortunately, at the moment, because of the pandemic, it’s more complicated to travel to your favorite destination… but still possible. Below you will find 7 of the most romantic cities in Europe to choose from for a holiday with your loved one.

And if you love traveling and select one of these cities to go to on St Valentine’s Day – then great – it could be a special gift for your partner. But this list is always valid.

What is your opinion – what are the most romantic destinations in Europe? Do you love big bustling cities or small countryside villages? Does the place matter, or only the person who you are with?

Let’s see our favorite places for a romantic escape in Europe, not only in February but all year round.

1.I love Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

Sorry Paris, but this is my favorite city. I love Amsterdam so that I will begin with it. All these canals through the city where you can sail and explore all the fantastic spots around are so lovely. Here, you can walk through the beautiful streets in old architecture, hand in hand with your loved one, and feel the romance in the air. Or, why don’t you try a bike tour?

Would you like to go for a night walk – the magic spirit of Amsterdam with all the bridge lights reflecting in the water bring romantic vibes. Book a nighttime canal cruise to enjoy the city nightscape.

Women are gentle flowers, and they love flowers. So make a gift to your girlfriend and go to the largest spring garden in the world – Keukenhof Gardens. You know that The Netherlands is famous, especially for the tulips in April and May. There are so many different kinds to choose from. So why don’t you surprise your wife with a beautiful fragrant bunch of flowers?

2.Barcelona – one of the world’s most visited cities (Spain)

You can’t explore Barcelona only in two or three days. You need a long holiday here so that you can visit all the fantastic sightseeing spots and feel the vibes of this lovely city. Don’t miss one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions – the Magic Fountains offer every visitor an unforgettable experience. The unique show of water and light will really impress you. This magical light show occurs near the Placa Espanya, a fantastic place to visit in Barcelona.

Should we mention The Sagrada Família?! The work of Antoni Gaudi is a one-of-a-kind temple for its origins, foundation, and purpose, which construction continues over 135 years.

Or are you interested in old architecture and would like to go for a walk in Barrio Gotico – the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona. With its narrow streets in gothic style, this Barcelona area offers a perfect opportunity for spending a romantic time. What do you think about a lovely walk to Turo de la Rovira (Bunkers del Carmel)? The city’s highest hill offers a wonderful place to go for a picnic or just to have a breathtaking view of the fantastic Barcelona.

3.The City of canals – Venice (Italy)

Yes, everything in Italy is romantic, but Venice – I can’t miss it. It is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and a popular honeymoon destination with lots of exciting things to do with your partner.

One of the best experiences (and most touristic) is a gondola ride through the canals of the city. It can get even more romantic if you have a serenading gondolier and listen to Italian melodies during the tour.

Do you like city walks? Go through the streets of Dorsoduro in a bohemian vibe with lively pubs, museums, churches, and vintage boutiques. Walk hand in hand around the Gallerie dell’ Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca Rezzonico, San Sebastiano, and Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. This location is stunning, and it is perfect for a short visit during the day. 

Being in Italy and not trying Italian ice cream? It will be a big mistake! Take a creamy, tasty Italian gelato. Try something new and strange from one of the exotic flavors like avocado or ginger. Grab an ice cream from one of the quality gelaterias in the city and find your spot to admire the beauty of Venice.

Are you a foodie like me? Learn more about the traditional foods of Venice on a food and wine tour.

4.Rome full of history (Italy)

As one of the most romantic cities in Europe, I can’t mention all the fantastic spots in Rome that you should visit…maybe not in this post. But let’s see some of them:

The famous massive fountain with its sculptures of Roman gods, tritons, and horses is not to be missed – yes, the Trevi Fountain. Ok, be prepared to share this beautiful place with many tourists as this spot is always crowded. Have you heard the famous legend – you should stand with your back to the fountain and with your right hand to throw a coin over your left shoulder to guarantee a return trip to Rome. A must, especially if you believe in such romantic stories. If you believe in magic, try throwing in a third coin, as it’s said, to help find true love and to lead the way to marriage.

Maybe you like the Renaissance epoch? Take a tour of the Vatican Museums. You can get lost in its galleries (don’t miss the Gallery of Maps – my favorite part), where you can find some of Da Vinci and Raphael’s most significant artworks. Walk down the famous Bramante double helix staircase at Pio Clementino Museum. You can then explore the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s most beautiful 16th-century works – the most notably The Creation of Adam.

If you want to find a quieter place with Rome’s breathtaking views, go to one of the city’s hills. Spots like the Janiculum Hill, Giardino Degli Aranci on the Aventine Hill, Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese park are very romantic places in Rome. You can also head to Monte Mario Hill, the highest viewpoint in Rome called Zodiaco or “Vialetto degli Innamorati,” Lovers’ Walkway.

If you don’t have enough time and can’t go to any of the panoramic viewpoints, admire great city views from one of the high places in the city center: the Terrace of the Vittoriano complex in Piazza Venezia, St. Peter’s Dome, or the upper floor of Castel Sant’ Angelo. I also love the area around the Colosseum at night – beautiful lights and romantic vibes. 

5.The tiny Mediterranean town of Valletta (Malta)

Maybe most of you don’t expect Valletta to be mentioned here as one of the romantic places in Europe. But why not? Have you ever been to Malta? This small country offers a lot of things to do. So yes, it could be a romantic place where you can have different experiences only in a few days. And don’t forget – the weather is warm, even in February. Read more about this lovely city in our article about Valletta here.

6.The gem on the Danube River – Budapest (Hungary)

Yes, I would recommend again taking a cruise down the river to see Budapest at night. You have different variants for boat tours around Budapest to choose from, based on your preferences.

You, the couple in love, do you like the tradition with the love locks? When you travel between both Buda and Pest areas, you will cross some of the bridges. The famous one is the 1800s bridge Szechenyi Lanchid or Chain Bridge (closed at the moment). Many couples come to this bridge to leave their love locks. The city offers love trees surrounded by metal frames and love locks as well.

Don’t miss to explore the city’s most famous historical and cultural sightseeing points during your holiday. Include on your list the most famous Budapest attractions with some fantastic panoramic views around – the Hungarian Parliament, the Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion (my favorite viewpoint), the Buda Castle on top of the Castle Hill, the Citadel, the Liberty Statue, and the Gellert Hill. Of course, Budapest is a fantastic destination in winter as well. Find 10 exciting things to do in Budapest in winter in my post.

7.The City of love – Paris (France)

Let’s finish the list with another phenomenal city. Cliché, but Paris is on our list of the most romantic destinations in Europe, of course. I am afraid of heights, actually, but my favorite view is from the top of the Eiffel tower. You can see the whole city – this amazing view as far as your eyes can see. Maybe the most romantic views that you can experience are at sunset or in the morning so that you can have a beautiful moment watching the city in motion below.

I really love to explore cities by taking a boat tour. Combine sightseeing with romance on a sunset cruise down the River Seine. Taking you through the heart of the French capital, you’ll see some of the most emblematic points of Paris. Prepare your camera and take photos for your Instagram while passing the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. You definitely should visit Paris to experience such unforgettable romantic moments!

Why did I note only 7 cities? 7 is the number of completeness and perfection – and maybe you can find your perfect place for a romantic getaway between the mentioned cities above.

Where do you love being on Valentine’s Day? Do you do something special for your loved one? Do you go somewhere on a short break or do you stay at home preparing a special dinner as a surprise? Or is every day a romantic experience for people in love?

Share your ideas for romantic moments in the comments below.

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