12 Most Romantic Cities In Europe For A Dreamy Weekend Away | 2024

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post. However, please note I only recommend products that I have verified and/or personally used.

This post is all about Most Romantic Cities In Europe.

12 Most Romantic Cities In Europe

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, famously known for its beautiful townhouses, picturesque canals, and tulip fields.  

There’s so much to keep you busy in Amsterdam from strolling around the compact city centre and soaking up the wonderful architecture, to visiting the world-class museums including the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum. 

You could even pick up some delicious Dutch cheese and beer for a romantic picnic in Vondelpark, grabbing a stroopwafel for the walk, and in the evening, go for a romantic canal cruise, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective.

Read my 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary to help you plan your trip here. 

Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is one of the oldest cities in the world, steeped in thousands of years of history and culture.   

Athens is the ultimate all-rounder on this list, with many ancient ruins and museums to explore, beaches only a short distance away, gorgeous rooftop bars overlooking the incredible Acropolis and Pantheon which dominates the city skyline, vibrant nightlife and wonderful hot temperatures.

For that extra bit of romance, enjoy a picnic up Philopappos Hill as you watch the sunset, look at the stars from the National Observatory, or catch a show at the Herod Atticus Odeon.

If you can extend your trip, then Athens is a great base to allow you to visit some of the nearby islands including Hydra and Sifnos.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a stunning city in Northern Belgium, carved out by stunning canals, lined with cobbled streets and charming historic buildings.

There's not loads to do in Bruges, but even just walking about this beautiful city and admiring the views is well worth the trip alone.

From taking some time to wonder around the lovely market square and burg square, climbing up the Belfry tower at sunset for panoramic views, going on a canal cruise, and sitting and relaxing in Minnewater lake. This quaint little town makes for the perfect romantic getaway.   

Bruges is only 1 hour 20 minutes from Belgium’s capital city, Brussels, so if you’ve got about 4 days spare, you should try and visit both on your city break. Read my blog post about going on a day-trip from Brussels to Bruges.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city in the south of Croatia, surrounded by the crystal waters of the Adriatic sea, which is led to it being dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’. 

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is encircled in massive ancient stone walls, which were constructed in the 16^thcentury. You can walk the full length of these walls and along the way, will be treated with panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops of the city. 

Dubrovnik is an incredibly romantic city with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, leading to lovely courtyards often with outdoor seating for restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a delicious glass of wine after a day of sightseeing. 

If you are looking for a wee bit more adventure, take the cable car up to Mount Srd for a romantic picnic or go on a sunset kayaking tour which will take you around Lokrum Island as you watch the sun disappear. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is Scotland’s Capital City, and is one of the most beautiful, unique, and romantic places to visit for a city break.

Edinburgh is a city of two halves: a medieval Old Town and a cosmopolitan Georgian New Town. With its cobblestone streets, incredible architecture, and rich history, it really is a place unto its own. 

Explore the famous castle, which dominates the city skyline, walk the Royal Mile, visit the beautiful Circus Lane and Deans Village, or hike up Arthur’s seat or Calton hill to experience the sunset over Edinburgh. 

It doesn’t just stop there, the city also has a fantastic mix of independent shops, restaurants, and bars. So, you definitely won’t be stuck for things to do!

Edinburgh is a place that will stay with you forever!

Florence, Italy

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. It is a truly beautiful city steeped in history and culture, home to world-class museums including the Uffizi, and the Accademia Gallery, and wonderful architecture including one of the most beautiful Cathedrals that I’ve ever seen. 

For the ultimate romantic trip, stroll through the city admiring the beauty of the buildings along the way, watch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers panoramic views over this special city, take a cruise down the River Arno, and go on a wine tour around the Tuscany region. 

Florence is famous for its Florentine Steak and Chianti Red wine – what a perfect combination. It would be rude not to stop off somewhere to try it, it is the culture after all!! 

Read my 7-Day Tuscany Itinerary for an unforgettable trip to Florence, Pisa, Sienna and to the beautiful Cinque Terre. 

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s colourful capital city, known for its rich history, wonderful architecture, and hills… lots of hills! Don’t worry too much about the hills as they have a really good tram system which will get you from A to B. 

Lisbon was recently voted the most romantic city in Europe, beating the likes of Venice, Paris, and Prague to claim the top spot. 

There’s lots of romantic things for you and your partner to do on your city break to Lisbon including going for a picnic up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara gardens or enjoying panoramic views over the city from the Santa Justa viewpoint.

Walk the charming area of old Lisbon (Alfama), go on a wine tasting, cuddle up with your partner as you sail down the Tagus River on a sunset cruise, and then, enjoy a candlelight dinner together.

Paris, France

I couldn’t not include the original city of love on this list. Romance is practically in the air in Paris and oh, boy be prepared for seeing your fair share of proposals on your trip there (I mean I only went for 3 days and saw 7 proposals; each as elaborate as the next). 

For that ultimate romantic getaway, make sure you don’t miss these whilst you’re in Paris including visiting the palace of Versailles and going on a boat trip on the grand canal, strolling along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and taking in the wonders of the Louvre.

Then, have a takeaway dinner or picnic by the Eiffel Tower, cruise down the river Seine, and watch the sunset from the Sacré Coeur. 

Make sure to take their café culture seriously by regularly spotting off for a coffee and a croissant. 

Prague, Czechia

Prague is the unique and vibrant capital city of Czechia, with cobbled streets, gothic architecture, charming squares, and elaborate bridges. 

It is a city steeped in history, from having the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle, to having the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world in the Old Town square. You’ll truly enjoy sightseeing around this beautiful medieval city!

Enjoy the sunset at Charles Bridge and then, go on a romantic cruise down the Vltava River. Don’t forget to pack a padlock for your trip to Prague, so you and your partner can attach it to the famous Lover’s Bridge.  

Whilst you are in Prague, make sure you try the traditional Czech Trdelník, which is a delicious sweet pastry cake. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you are seeking somewhere with adventure, then Reykjavik is the place to go. 

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and even though it is the coldest destination on this list, it certainly makes up for the lack of heat with stunning scenery, dramatic landscapes, incredible tours, and a chance to see the Northern Lights!!

And fear not, if you are freezing then you can even soak in the wonderfully warm blue lagoon to help heat you up.  

To make your trip even more unforgettable, you can go on a whale watching tour, go on a guided glacier hike, or go on a tour to the golden circle. 

Iceland is out-of-this-world – it is a place that will leave you with memories for a lifetime!

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg in Austria looks like it is straight out of a Disney film, with a 900-year old fortress sitting proudly above the historical and architecturally beautiful city centre, with views over to the Eastern Alps.

Salzburg has a couple of claims to fame; the old town has a UNESCO World Heritage Status, the city was also the birthplace of the world-famous composer, Mozart, and it was the filming location for the "The Sound Of Music".

On your romantic trip, walk through the city admiring the architecture, enjoy a Mozart concert and have dinner or drinks at the IMLAUER sky bar for wonderful views over to the fortress.

If you have time to spare, head to the nearby picture-perfect village of Hallstatt. Read my guide to the best things to do in Hallstatt for some inspiration.

Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Spain. This vibrant city experiences lovely warm weather year-round, meaning that it is perfect to visit in any season.  

Treat yourself to a hotel with a pool especially during the summer to allow you to cool off from the scorching sun. 

The city is a mix of narrow cobbled streets and large plazas with incredible architecture. You can expect a colourful, fun city with rich history, flamenco dancing and delicious tapas.  

Make sure you visit the stunning Royal Alcázar of Seville, go for a stroll in the Parque de María Luisa, hire a rowboat at Plaza de España, spend a day relaxing at the beach, and in the evening, head to the rooftops to enjoy a drink overlooking the city. 

Please consider subscribing to my blog to be kept up to date with new posts or sharing it to help others!

Kirsty x

More blog posts you'll love...