You’re looking for romantic destinations and want to know what are the best European trips for couples. When it comes to the most couple-friendly destinations in the world, there’s no better place than Europe. With its vast amount of stunning buildings and intriguing architecture, delectable cuisines at every turn and some of the most romantic sights in the world, it’s no wonder that Europe is on every couple’s wish list.
Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway or want to drive across Europe, you will find so many beautiful cities ideal for you and your partner. Walk hand in hand on cobbled streets, admire ancient sites, see all attractions in a beautiful city or just cuddle up on sandy beaches. This is Europe and here are the best romantic destinations in Europe.
Budapest
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday, then Budapest is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. Stay in a stunning hotel overlooking the Danube, take a river cruise, eat incredible food and sip great cocktails in a rooftop bar.
Budapest is the perfect destination for couples as the Hungarian capital looks incredible, especially at night when the Orszaghaz (Parliament Building) lits up at night. The centre is full of shops and indie boutiques selling local wines and crafts. Hungary has amazing vineyards, so the capital is great for wine tasting. Try the Tokaji Aszu, sometimes dubbed as the wines of the Kings!
Cross the city’s 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects the hilly Buda with the lively Pest. Take the funicular to Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town and take incredible couple’s photos at the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views of Budapest.
If you want to see a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, look no further, as Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue are all listed. A romantic getaway full of history, great food and extraordinary architecture.
There’s ample romantic eateries, bars and cafés situated around the city centre, and you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere that didn’t offer a gloriously romantic backdrop for your evening. Don’t forget to check out this Budapest itinerary and where to stay in Budapest to complete your trip.
Venice
This list of the most couple-friendly destinations in Europe wouldn’t be complete without an honourable mention to Venice. Imagine taking a romantic walk in a historic centre, followed by a superb gondola ride at sunset through the canals, as your gondolier serenades you with sounds of sweet symphonies.
Enter the labyrinthine alleyways, where you’ll find a smorgasbord of incredible al fresco dining ventures, complete with Venetian wine and nibbles.
Venice has rich culture and rich history but also incredible food. Sit down with a proper Italian meal and enjoy the views. Take a taxi ride Bond style and stay in one of the beautiful hotels by the canals.
Known for its perfect pastel pieces of architecture, winding canals and abundance of bridges, Venice is one of the most renowned romantic cities in the world. It has a small town charm thanks to its narrow streets and numerous canals. It’s a fairy tale destination in Europe.
While of course, Venice is not the quietest city in Europe by any means, due to its incredible sights such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica, it does offer a unique and refreshingly romantic charm that couples of all ages can enjoy. Venice is a popular destination, so make sure to book where to stay in Venice well in advance. Don’t forget to check what to do in Venice.
Prague
Typically cited as a city that’s better suited towards younger couples, Prague is often referred to as one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
Prague’s up-and-coming nightlife scene provides young couples with the opportunity to explore a unique perspective of Prague’s culture. A trip to Prague Castle or to the top of Letna Park will provide you with a stunning vantage point of the city below.
Prague is also known for its delectable cuisine, including hearty soups, pancakes and plentiful pork dishes. A foodie couple is sure to be in their element in the Czech capital, as there’s something new to try on every corner.
Known as the ‘city of spires’, Prague is home to so many beautiful structures of architecture and world-famous sights such as the Castle, Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock.
You will find many romantic places all around Prague but make sure to book in advance where to stay in Prague to get the hotel of your dreams. If you want to stay a little longer, there are plenty of day trips from Prague you should take with your loved one, to see even more of the country. After all, the Czech Republic is one of the European best destinations.
Oslo
If you’re looking for honeymoon destinations with a twist, then Oslo is your place. Oslo is a couples’ paradise in any season. The winter months provide couples with ample opportunity to cosy up in one of the many coffee shops and enjoy breathtaking snowy walks around the city.
A romantic stroll through Vigeland Sculpture park wouldn’t be complete without an accompanying hot chocolate, or a freshly made picnic in the summer.
The warmer months are also when it becomes more acceptable to take a dip in the sea; though many Norwegians encourage ice-cold dunks followed by a retreat in the sauna during the winter. Whether you’re an outdoorsy couple or not, Oslo can provide you with so many incredible things to do and see.
If you’re more of a history and museum buff kind of couple, Oslo can cater to your cultural needs with its many museums and galleries including the Fram museum, the Viking Ship Museum and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. There are so many hidden gems awaying in Oslo.
Oslo might be a romantic city in a traditional sense with cobbled streets or grand boulevards, but it is a perfect destination for modern couples.
And if you want to venture out of Oslo, don’t forget to check out this roadtrip itinerary for Norway.
Paris
Paris sure is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Couples come to this romantic city from all over the world to lock their love on The Pont des Arts or to propose.
A traditionally romantic city, Paris is the ‘city of love‘ and one that never disappoints. Whether it’s your first visit as a couple to the French capital, or you’ve been dozens of times before, Paris can offer you something new and unique each time you go. We recommend at least 3 days in Paris.
From sharing a box of macarons while you sit by the river Seine, to exploring the characteristic charm of the Louvre, to ascending all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the city below, Paris sure deserves to be called a most romantic destination.
The food you’ll eat in Paris is sure to be some of the greatest cuisines you’ll ever taste, and Paris has something to offer every kind of culinary palate. From crunchy baguettes shared with an assortment of cheese on a picnic in the park to sampling some of the greatest dishes at any authentic Parisian bistro, the city of love can cater to not only your romantic needs but to your culinary needs too.
Paris is very popular, so make sure to select where to stay in Paris well in advance. We also recommend prebooking your visits to important historic sites. Once you’ve walked hand in hand on those superb cobblestone streets, consider seeing the rich history of France by taking day trips from Paris.
Bring back the best souvenirs from Paris from the most romantic weekend in the city.
Tip: want to visit but you’re on a budget? There are many great times to visit Paris to save money, but we recommend winter in Paris as there’s plenty to see and do.
Tromsø
The city is located in the Arctic Circle and is known for its beautiful scenery and its unique location. The best time to visit Tromsø is during the winter, when the snow-covered landscape and the northern lights are at their most spectacular.
There are many ways to try and see the Northern Lights, but one of the most popular is to go on a Northern Lights safari. These safaris usually take place in a minibus or coach, and will take you away from the city lights for the best chance of seeing the lights. Some even include a stop for a traditional Norwegian meal or a visit to an ice hotel.
There are a number of things to see and do in Tromsø, including visiting the Arctic Cathedral, taking a cable car ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen, and going on a dog sledding adventure.
If you’re visiting Tromsø in the summer months, you can experience the Midnight Sun. This phenomenon occurs north of the Arctic Circle, and means that the sun never sets below the horizon. There are many ways to enjoy the Midnight Sun. One option is to go on a Midnight Sun cruise, where you can sail under the Midnight Sun and enjoy a breathtaking view.
Rome
The second Italian city to make its way on this list is Rome, the eternal city, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Renowned for its abundant history and remarkable architectural features, Rome is an absolute dream to visit as a couple. We recommend enjoying a 3 day itinerary in Rome to begin with.
With its many piazzas armed with al fresco trattorias, Rome provides couples with a plethora of exquisite dining opportunities.
Visit during the summer for delightfully warm temperatures where you can enjoy a glass of vino on your hotel’s terrace and then head out into the city for an evening of spectacular culture.
Rome’s resplendent architecture and archaic buildings make it one of the most famous historical cities in the world. Even if you and your partner are not history buffs, you’ll struggle to resist the calling of Rome’s many amphitheatres, cathedrals, ruins and of course famous romantic sights such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the European city that charms, seduces and welcomingly invites couples into its arms. Ride a bike on the romantic canals, purchase tulips from local vendors, and people watch with a cup of coffee. There are many things to do in Amsterdam and sure is one of the most romantic cities for young couples who love its charm.
Whether you enjoy the more eclectic nightlife that Amsterdam offers, or you want to visit purely for the plethora of fascinating museums and cultural aspects it has to offer, Amsterdam is a city that captivates thousands of couples every year.
The seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam is on the UNESCO world heritage list so expect them to get fairly busy, especially during the warm season. It’s best to find the best places to stay in Amsterdam before they all get too expensive of fully booked.
The best time to visit Amsterdam for couples is during the spring, when the flower markets and tree-lined canals are in full succession.
Barcelona
While Madrid and Seville may be more commonly known as the romantic cities in Spain, Barcelona also deserves a spot on this hit list of romantic destinations in Europe.
Barcelona is a vibrant city with great food and wonderful places to visit. Walking along the beach at sunset can be enjoyed by everyone, as can sampling some of the finest tapas dishes you’ll ever eat.
Indulge in an eclectic combination of flavours when you devour the likes of jamón ibérico, patatas bravas and a hearty offering of cheese and cured meats, all washed down with the finest local red wines. When it comes to having a delicious dinner with a view in one of Barcelona’s vibrant restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.
If sightseeing is your forte, then Barcelona can provide you with ample opportunity to indulge in more traditional Spanish culture. Pay a visit to the spectacular Sagrada Familia, hike up to Park Güell where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the city and ensure that you spend some time in the Gothic Quarter to truly get a feel for the Spanish way of life. Don’t forget to check where to stay in Barcelona.
Reykjavík
Home to some of the most vastly dramatic landscapes in Europe (if not the world), Iceland is a romantic city for outdoors lovers. You’ll see picturesque villages, you’ll enjoy romantic natural thermal pools and you’ll drive to the most magnificent beaches on the island.
Its capital city, Reykjavik, is a central hub for couples who want to explore more of one of the most remote places in the world while remaining based in a somewhat bustling city.
Be surrounded by superb landscape and take an active trip with your loved one. If you both love adventure, road trips and hiking, the Iceland is the place to be.
Reykjavík is an excellent place for couples to set up base during their time in Iceland, as it provides plenty of opportunities to venture further out. Make sure you take a tour to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Reykjavík is an expensive destination so make sure to check where to stay in Reykjavík in advance and book all your accommodation for this romantic getaway.
Conclusion
As you can see, Europe is absolutely teeming with a vast selection of cities that can offer you pure romance. The best romantic destinations await to be discovered by you and your loved one.
Whether you’re looking for a quintessentially romantic break in Paris or Rome, or you want to some outdoors romantic adventures in Reykjavik or Oslo, it’s no secret that Europe is home to some of the most spectacularly romantic cities in the world.
Leave a Reply