Top 10 Most Romantic Cities in Europe

Europe’s Old-World beauty has long since been revered, but its breathtaking cities eternally promise travel that’s timeless. Quaint alleys twist and turn with no rhyme or reason in a labyrinth of discovery, and charming cobblestone streets expose magnificent churches, fairy tale castles, and bustling markets filled with some of the freshest food you’ll ever taste. Whether or not it's your first time there, It’s easy to lose yourself in the romanticism of it all...but we encourage you to get lost with the one you love in these best cities to visit for romance in Europe.

Prague

The Czech Republic’s capital mesmerizes with a beauty that rivals Paris but an atmosphere that’s uniquely its own. This city has been relatively untouched and undamaged for centuries, and its medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles have been well preserved. From the breathtaking views of Prague Castle to strolling hand-in-hand over the 14th-century Charles Bridge in search of Old Town Square’s famous and intricate Astronomical Clock, you’ll find that Prague is a work of art. Be sure to head to a pub for a pint of what many consider the best beer in the world.

Florence

There are many who argue that no one does romance better than the Italians, and with a passion for superb food, an elegant language, and a country that was the home of St. Valentine, we’d say they make a pretty strong case. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a fantastic city to celebrate your new beginnings on your honeymoon. But couples at any stage of their relationship will be mesmerized by its quaint alleyways, delicious wines from nearby Tuscany, and great works of art from Michelangelo and Botticelli. When you spend an evening in the Oltarno district watching the sunset over jaw-dropping views of the city, that’s amoré.

Bruges

Nothing says love like chocolate, so why not travel to the country that’s the world’s number one exporter of this “food of the gods”? The quaint Belgium village of Bruges is perfect for popping in and out of aromatic chocolate shops, and footbridges over a labyrinth of canals and cobblestone streets lined with adorable almshouses make Bruges seem like it appeared right from the pages of a storybook. Belgium is another country that’s world-famous for beer, so pick a pint from over 110 different styles.

Santorini

O.K., technically this isn’t a city, but islands are always romantic. Add hilly layers of white Cycladic houses and the orange glow of sunsets and sunrises on the Aegean Sea and Santorini inspires love on a whole new level. This Greek island is routinely voted among one of the world’s most romantic, and it’s about time you discover why. Spend sun-soaked days on the beach, afternoons sipping wine at vineyards and tavernas, and mornings stepping into the past at the Akrotiri archeological site, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement.

Paris

This wouldn’t be a true list of best romantic cities to visit if we didn’t include Paris. The “City of Light” has grandeur around every corner. From its variety of intricate architecture that displays centuries of styles, to its decadent food, to the iconic Eiffel Tower dominating the Parisian sky, this city was made for enjoying life’s pleasures, especially with the one you love. Don’t be surprised to see open displays of affection here, as Parisians admire and revere declarations of love, even if it’s as small of a gesture as holding hands. It’s no secret that Paris has some of the most renowned art museums in the world. While they tend to be extremely popular during the day, marvel at your own pace and go in the evening for an intimate experience.

London

What could be more romantic than the land of Shakespeare and Jane Austin? Prepare to be swept up in the magic of London. Cozy up with a warm cup of tea while feeding each other bite-sized finger sandwiches and crumpets. Famous sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are always worth a visit, but be sure to spend some quality time exploring the mews, quaint little alleyways lined with pretty carriage houses.

Budapest

You’ll discover two cities in one when you visit Budapest – the old hills of Buda with its awe-inspiring views from the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the flat streets of Pest with its beautiful architecture, from Art Nouveau buildings to the stunning Neo Gothic-style Parliament. Budapest is split by the mighty Danube River, connected only by intricately detailed bridges that offer amazing photo opportunities as you cross between the sides. Natural hot springs under Pest gave rise to ornate Turkish Baths, which are still open to the public today, and are perfect for soaking tired muscles after a day of exploring together.

Barcelona

Long walks on the beach are always romantic, but strolling on the sand next to the Mediterranean Sea is an epic date. The seaside city of Barcelona was made for lovers. From candle lit tables at quaint restaurants serving fresh seafood paella to the awe-inspiring creations from Antoni Gaudi – the Sagrada Familia is a MUST-SEE – couples can really unwind in the city’s laid-back vibes.

Rome

Another Italian city has made it on the list. Shocked? Neither are we. Rome has an adventure around every corner. Hit the city in search of artistic masterpieces, ancient history, and arguably the best cuisine, and make a pit stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss in three coins that will ensure your return to Rome for romance and marriage. There’s no better feeling than sharing a gelato at a corner café after conquering this exciting city together.

Vienna

Sweet scrumptious strudel and musical notes from world-famous compositions await you in Austria’s capital. The Kaffeehäuser (coffee house) culture reigns supreme here, so sip on some renowned Viennese coffee while watching the world go by on cobblestone streets. Revel in imperial architecture, and catch a concert featuring the works of Mozart and Beethoven. Plus, there’s no better place to steal a smooch than in front of Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere Gallery.

Europe was made for lovers, and there’s nothing better than getting lost in the quaint alleyways, secret streets, and bustling markets of its cities. Delve into one of these lovely destinations on a Synergy International Travels CITYbreak with the help of a City Insider, a local guide who will reveal the local hotspots and best-kept secrets of the city they live in and love. These personalized packages also include exclusive perks, such as priority access to our 24/7 assistance center and a $150 future travel credit. Talk to your Synergy International Travels consultant today to begin your romantic retreat to Europe.