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Thinking about whisking your partner away for some quality time together? Well... nowhere does romance quite like Europe – with its charming cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and dreamy landscapes – you simply can’t go wrong with a trip to this incredible continent!

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring most of the places on this list, so you’re getting first-hand recommendations. Whether you’re after a sun-soaked getaway, a cultural city break or a cosy retreat somewhere cold, there’s a spot on this list that’s perfect for every couple!

And if you’re looking for even more ideas tailored to the seasons, don’t miss my Best Places to Visit in Europe in Spring and Best Places to Visit in Europe in Summer blog posts!

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to swoon-worthy European cities that are ideal for your next romantic getaway. 

This post is all about Most Romantic Cities In Europe.



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12 Most Romantic Cities In Europe


Amsterdam, Netherlands

Delicious Stroopwafel overlooking canals, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Delicious Stroopwafel overlooking canals, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Amsterdam is ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape. With its network of canals, picture-perfect townhouses, and vibrant tulip fields, it feels like you’ve wandered into a real-life fairytale.

This compact, walkable city is packed with things to do. A typical day in the city looks like strolling hand-in-hand through its stunning streets, marvelling at the gorgeous architecture, and immersing yourself in world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

If you're in the mood for a romantic picnic, grab some of the Netherlands’ famous cheese and beer, and head to Vondelpark – don’t forget to pick up a stroopwafel for your walk!

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Recommended Activities For Amsterdam:
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For the perfect evening in the city, hop aboard a canal cruise to experience Amsterdam from the water. Watching the city's twinkling lights reflect off the water is nothing short of unforgettable.

Are you looking for some help planning your trip to Amsterdam? Then, check out my 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary for the ultimate romantic getaway guide!

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Recommended Accommodation For Amsterdam:
★★★★ Boutique Hotel The Craftsmen, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Set in Amsterdam, less than 1 km from Royal Palace Amsterdam, Boutique Hotel The Craftsmen features views of the city. The property is around 1.
★★★★★ Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park - Small Luxury Hotels, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park - Small Luxury Hotels is located in the Oosterpark in a former monumental university building, next to…
★★★★★ The Dylan Amsterdam - The Leading Hotels of the World, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Boutique hotel The Dylan is set along the Keizersgracht canal, in the heart of Amsterdam. Dam Square is a short walk away.

Athens, Greece

Overlooking the Acropolis at night, Athens, Greece.
Overlooking the Acropolis at night, Athens, Greece.

If you're looking for the perfect mix of history, beauty, and romance, Athens has got you covered. Being one of the oldest cities in the world, it's literally brimming with thousands of years of history and culture.

With ancient ruins and fascinating museums to explore, stunning beaches just a short hop away, and rooftop bars with jaw-dropping views of the Acropolis and Pantheon, it’s hard to beat. Add in the great nightlife and warm, sunny days, and you’ve got an unforgettable romantic getaway.

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Recommended Activities For Athens:
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For that extra romanticism, pack a picnic and head up Philopappos Hill to watch the sunset, stargaze at the National Observatory, or enjoy a show at the Herod Atticus Odeon.

And if you can extend your stay, Athens makes a fantastic base for exploring nearby islands like Hydra and Sifnos—perfect for a day trip or two!

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Recommended Accommodation For Athens:
Altar Suites, Athens, Greece
Well located in Athens, Altar Suites provides an à la carte breakfast and free WiFi.
★★★★ Niche Hotel Athens, Athens, Greece
Set in Athens and with Acropolis Museum reachable within 200 metres, Niche Hotel Athens offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free…
★★★★ MiraMe Athens Boutique Hotel-House of Gastronomy, Athens, Greece
Featuring a terrace, a restaurant as well as a bar, MiraMe Athens Boutique Hotel-House of Gastronomy is located in the centre of Athens, 400 metres from…

Bruges, Belgium

Overlooking the canal from Rosary Quay, Bruges, Belgium.
Overlooking the canal from Rosary Quay, Bruges, Belgium.

With its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and stunning historic buildings, Bruges is a dream destination for couples!

There might not be a ton of things to do, but honestly, just wandering around this beautiful city and enjoying the views is enough to make it worth the trip. Whether it’s exploring the lovely Market Square and Burg Square, climbing the Belfry Tower at sunset for those epic panoramic views, cruising along the canals, or just chilling by the serene Minnewater Lake, Bruges has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic escape!

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Recommended Activities For Bruges:
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And the best part? Bruges is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Brussels, so if you’ve got a few days to spare, why not visit both cities on your trip? Check out my blog post on how to do a day trip from Brussels to Bruges.

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Recommended Accommodation For Bruges:
’t Hartje van Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
Located in the centre of Bruges, ’t Hartje van Brugge is a sustainable accommodation, which provides soundproof rooms.
★★★★ Boutique Hotel De Castillion - Small elegant family hotel, Bruges, Belgium
Hotel de Castillon is a small and elegant hotel in Bruges with a central location.
★★★★★ The Notary, Bruges, Belgium
A bed and breakfast nestled in the centre of Bruges, The Notary features private parking, free WiFi, an infinity pool and garden.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The view over the Old Town from the city walls, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The view over the Old Town from the city walls, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is a real treat. It is surrounded by massive 16th-century stone walls that you can walk the entire length of, offering stunning panoramic views of the city’s iconic terracotta rooftops and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

The city is made up of charming cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways that lead to beautiful courtyards, often filled with cosy outdoor restaurants and cafes – the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine with your significant other.

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Recommended Activities For Dubrovnik:
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If you're craving a bit more adventure, hop on the cable car up to Mount Srd for a romantic picnic with a view, enjoy a sunset kayaking tour around Lokrum Island, or escape to one of the nearby islands for a more laid-back vibe.

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Recommended Accommodation For Dubrovnik:
★★★★ Bota Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Situated in the centre of Dubrovnik, Bota Palace features accommodation with free WiFi in a historic building.
★★★★ Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fully renovated in the summer of 2013, Stari Grad is one of only 2 hotels within the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik.
★★★★★ Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Located on the doorstep of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik boasts an indoor pool and a wellness centre with…

Edinburgh, Scotland

View over the city from Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland.
View over the city from Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh is hands down one of the most beautiful, unique, and romantic spots for a city break. With its winding streets, stunning architecture, and fascinating history, it’s got an aesthetic and backstory that is distinctly its own.

This city is split into two: the medieval charm of the Old Town and the stylish elegance of the Georgian New Town. Both areas are packed with independent shops, quirky restaurants, and cool bars, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

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Recommended Activities For Edinburgh:
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Make sure you take time to explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle and wander down the iconic Royal Mile, or simply chill out and enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens. If you’re after a breathtaking view, hike up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for an unforgettable sunrise or sunset over the city.

For a budget-friendly getaway, be sure to check out my blog post on free things to do in Edinburgh!

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Recommended Accommodation For Edinburgh:
Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments, at Holyrood, Edinburgh, UK
Located on the grounds of Holyrood Palace, Abbey Strand Apartments, at Holyrood offers self-catering accommodation.
★★★★★ Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Featuring a fitness centre, a restaurant as well as a bar, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is located in the centre of Edinburgh, 300 metres from The Real Mary…
★★★★★ Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, UK
Featuring a fitness centre, a terrace as well as a bar, Gleneagles Townhouse is set in the centre of Edinburgh, 400 metres from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Florence, Italy

The beautiful duomo in Florence, Italy.
The beautiful duomo in Florence, Italy.

Steeped in history and culture, Florence is home to world-class museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery, plus jaw-dropping architecture, including one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve ever seen!

For the ultimate romantic getaway, take a leisurely stroll through the city, soaking in the beauty of the buildings around you. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, offering panoramic views over the city – it’s pure magic.

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Recommended Activities For Florence:
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For dinner, don’t miss what Florence is famous for—its mouthwatering Florentine steak paired with a glass of Chianti red wine. Afterwards, wind down with a cruise along the River Arno—the perfect way to end a perfect day.

If you’re looking to extend your trip, I’ve got a 7-day Tuscany itinerary that takes you through Florence, Pisa, Siena, and the stunning Cinque Terre. It’s the exact itinerary I followed a couple of years ago, and it made for an unforgettable holiday!

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Recommended Accommodation For Florence:
★★★★ Hotel Calimala, Florence, Italy
Featuring a fitness centre, a terrace as well as a bar, Hotel Calimala is located in the centre of Florence, 800 metres from Santa Maria Novella.
★★★★★ Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione, Florence, Italy
Set in a 19th-Century historical palazzo in the centre of Florence, Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione is 5 minutes’ walk from the Duomo and…
★★★★★ Hotel La Gemma, Florence, Italy
Situated conveniently in Florence, Hotel La Gemma offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking and room service.

Lisbon, Portugal

Gloria Funicular in Lisbon, Portugal.
Gloria Funicular in Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon is known for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful sights! But it's also very hilly, don’t let that put you off though as the city has an excellent tram system that’ll whisk you from A to B in no time. It's all part of the Lisbon charm!

Recently crowned the most romantic city in Europe, Lisbon outshone iconic destinations like Venice, Paris, and Prague to claim the top spot. While this might surprise some, Lisbon offers plenty of romantic experiences to back up the title including going for a picnic in the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara gardens or taking in panoramic views over the city from the Santa Justa viewpoint.

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Recommended Activities For Lisbon:
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It doesn’t stop there—strolling through the charming Alfama district, embarking on a wine-tasting adventure, cuddling up for a sunset cruise along the Tagus River, and ending the evening with a candlelit dinner are just a few more experiences that make Lisbon the perfect romantic escape!

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Recommended Accommodation For Lisbon:
Casa Balthazar, Lisbon, Portugal
Located a 3-minute walk from the Restauradores and Rossio metro stations, Casa Balthazar offers modern, self-catering units with free WiFi.
★★★★ Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
Boasting a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel is situated in the centre of Lisbon, 100…
★★★★★ Altis Avenida Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
The 5-star Altis Avenida Hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Lisbon city.

Paris, France

Takeaway pizza sitting by the River Seine in Paris, France.
Takeaway pizza sitting by the River Seine in Paris, France.

I couldn’t possibly leave out the original city of love from this list! Romance practically fills the air in Paris, and trust me, you’ll see your fair share of proposals while you’re there (I only spent three days in the city and witnessed seven – each one more elaborate than the last!).

When you visit Paris, make sure you tick off a few must-sees including visiting the stunning Palace of Versailles and taking a boat trip down the Grand Canal, strolling along the famous Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and losing yourself in the wonders of the Louvre.

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Recommended Activities For Paris:
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The most magical evening I had in Paris was grabbing a takeaway pizza and wine, and sitting along the River Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower – it was unforgettable! You can also take a cruise down the Seine (try to time it for the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights) or catch the sunset from the Sacré-Coeur. And don’t forget to embrace Parisian café culture – savour every chance to enjoy a delicious coffee and croissant!

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Recommended Accommodation For Paris:
★★★★ Les Rives de Notre-Dame, Paris, France
Situated in the Latin Quarter facing Sainte-Chapelle, Les Rives de Notre-Dame offers traditional Parisian style accommodation in the romantic centre of…
★★★★ Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris, France
Located in the Marais district of Paris, Hotel du Petit Moulin is a boutique hotel entirely decorated by Christian Lacroix.
★★★★★ Hôtel D’Aubusson, Paris, France
This 17th-century private mansion is set in the Latin Quarter, just 350 metres from Odéon Metro Station.

Prague, Czechia

View over the Old Town Square, Prague, Czechia.
View over the Old Town Square, Prague, Czechia.

Prague is bursting with gothic architecture, charming squares, and stunning bridges. From the world’s largest ancient castle, Prague Castle, to the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world in the Old Town Square, you’ll be blown away by the sights and the stories this city has to tell.

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Recommended Activities For Prague:
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For the ultimate romantic getaway, catch the sunset over Charles Bridge, then hop on a romantic cruise down the Vltava River. And don’t forget to bring a padlock with you – attach it to the famous Lover’s Bridge as a sweet token of your time together.

While you’re there, make sure you try the traditional Czech Trdelník – a delicious pastry cake – sure to make your trip that little bit sweeter!

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Recommended Accommodation For Prague:
★★★★ MOSAIC HOUSE Design Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Set in Prague, 1.4 km from Charles Bridge, MOSAIC HOUSE Design Hotel offers accommodation with free bikes, private parking, a garden and a restaurant.
★★★★★ Andaz Prague - a Concept by Hyatt, Prague, Czech Republic
A luxury lifestyle hotel, Andaz Prague is located on Senovážné Square, in the heart of the historical center of Prague.
★★★★★ Golden Well, Prague, Czech Republic
The boutique Golden Well hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Prague, with Prague Castle right next door, 7 minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge and 3…

Reykjavik, Iceland

Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland.

If you're after a bit of adventure, Reykjavik is the place to be. Iceland's quirky capital may be the coldest destination on this list, but it more than makes up for it with jaw-dropping scenery, dramatic landscapes, and the chance to catch the Northern Lights – how romantic is that?

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Recommended Activities For Reykjavik:
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For even more unforgettable experiences, you could go whale watching, take a guided glacier hike, or explore the stunning Golden Circle! And don’t worry about the freezing temperatures – you can always warm up by soaking in the toasty Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is otherworldly – leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime!

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Recommended Accommodation For Reykjavik:
Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Reykjavík, Iceland
Set on a square behind Reykjavík Cathedral and the Icelandic Parliament, this hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi access and Nespresso coffee…
★★★★ Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton, Reykjavík, Iceland
This hotel is located about 5 minutes’ walk from Harpa Concert Hall.
★★★★ Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, Reykjavík, Iceland
Located next to Hlemmur Square, this hotel is just off Laugavegur, the main shopping street in Reykjavík. It offers a view over the city and Esja Mountain.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Cathedral, Austria.
Salzburg Cathedral, Austria.

Salzburg is like stepping straight into a Disney movie. With its 900-year-old fortress towering above the city’s stunning historic centre with panoramic views of the majestic Eastern Alps, Salzburg is as picturesque as it gets!

Salzburg has a few cool claims to fame too. The Old Town is UNESCO-listed, it’s the birthplace of the legendary Mozart, and it was also the filming location for The Sound of Music (cue the sing-alongs).

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Recommended Activities For Salzburg:
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While you're there, take the funicular to the incredible fortress, wander through the Mirabell Gardens, and enjoy a Mozart concert. For unbeatable views, head to the IMLAUER Sky Bar for a sunset drink or dinner.

And if you’ve got a bit of extra time, make sure to visit the beautiful village of Hallstatt nearby – my guide to the best things to do in Hallstatt has everything you need to know about a trip there!

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Recommended Accommodation For Salzburg:
★★★★ Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse, Salzburg, Austria
The Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse occupies a 14th-century building located in a pedestrian area in the heart of Salzburg’s historic Old Town.
★★★★★ Hotel Sacher Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
Opened in 1866, the privately owned Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a grand, historic hotel which combines timeless elegance and tradition with highest standard…
★★★★★ Hotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
Situated in the famous Getreidegasse in Salzburg’s Old Town, Hotel Goldener Hirsch - a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg is directly opposite the Festival…

Seville, Spain

Plaza de España, Seville, Spain.
Plaza de España, Seville, Spain.

Seville is hands down one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Spain. With its lovely warm weather year-round, it’s the perfect place to visit no matter the season.

If you’re heading there in summer, treat yourself to a hotel with a pool to cool off as it can get particularly warm during this season.

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Recommended Activities For Seville:
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Seville is a gorgeous mix of narrow streets and grand plazas. The atmosphere is lively, colourful, and brimming with culture, flamenco dancing, and – of course – delicious tapas.

While you're in Seville, don't miss the stunning Royal Alcázar, meander through the beautiful Parque de María Luisa, and hire a rowboat at the iconic Plaza de España. You can also spend a day at the beach or, when the sun sets, head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for a cocktail with a view.

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Recommended Accommodation For Seville:
★★★★ Los Seises Sevilla, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Seville, Spain
Set in a historical 16th-century building and part of the Archbishop’s Palace, Los Seises Sevilla, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is just 150 metres from…
★★★★ Vincci Molviedro, Seville, Spain
Vincci Molviedro features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Seville.
★★★★★ Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla, Seville, Spain
Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a terrace and restaurant in Seville.

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This post is about Most Romantic Cities in Europe. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, it’s much appreciated!

Kirsty x


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