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The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations in Europe

Forget Paris. Everyone goes to Paris to look for romance. Europe, with its plethora of medieval cities, stunning beaches and old towns, has more to offer than just the famous capital of France. Avoid the crowd at the Eiffel Tower and look for a quieter venue for your intimate escape. Our list of the most romantic Valentine’s Day destinations in Europe covers less-known places that are perfect for a romantic getaway! 

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest romantic guide

Surrounded by gothic structures filled with history, Budapest is the place where you can live your romance.

Take a walk across the River Danube or take a cruise along the river to see the city at its best, the old, gothic buildings alight with the city lights.

Propose underneath the light of the stained-glass windows of Matthias Church or at the Medieval Cloister in the Vajdahunyad Castle. Surround yourself with the light of stars above and the city lights below by taking an evening picnic atop Gellert Hill.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in Europe! Take your partner’s hand and stroll through the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace which is filled with vibrant blooms and walk into the Baroque style summer palace to see how royalty once lived.

After, have your own royal experience by taking a retreat for two at the glamorous palatial interiors of the Palais Hansen Kempinski which has a plush fine dining restaurant and an attractive subterranean spa where the two of you get lavish treatments.

Warsaw, Poland

An impressive fusion of old and new, the city of Warsaw exudes a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples who are looking for an intimate Valentine’s Day European getaway.

Celebrate love as you explore Łazienki Królewskie, a vast green oasis in the heart of the Polish capital. Row a boat for your sweetheart or treat her to a nice lunch at one of the restaurants at the park.

You can also profess your love at the charming baroque castle, Wilanów, where one of the Polish kings, Jan III Sobieski penned several romantic letters to his wife, Marysieńka. Then, bring in the chocolates from E. Wedel Chocolate Store, the best cafe in the city.

Lisbon, Portugal

Hands showing unconiditional love

The perfect European Valentine’s Day destination requires the following elements: amazing weather, stunning sights, and maybe a few glasses of wine amidst a beautiful landscape.

Hop on a sailboat and take a sunset cruise on Lisbon’s Tagus River as you spot its iconic landmarks from the comforts of your lover’s arms or prepare a picnic and spend the afternoon at one of its gorgeous miradouro, scenic viewpoints.

Lisbon has so many of these romantic viewpoints they had to coin a word for it, but the fairest one of all would be the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto, a scenic spot with terraced gardens and fountains.

Have your fill of different wines at the Wine Bar in Bairro Alto while filling your eyes with spectacular views.

Menorca, Spain

Menorca romantic destination Europe

Discover paradise by trekking down a steep hill to get to Cala Turqueta where you will be surrounded by calm, pristine waters and white sand.

As you get to know the island better, explore more secluded beaches like Cala Pregonda on the northern coast of Menorca or Cala Macarelleta, a small beach in a scenic cove, where you can have a lazy afternoon with your sweetheart.

Follow this up with a trip to the old port, Puerto de Ciutadella, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and the seafood available on the island. Here, indulge in the finest aphrodisiacs in the form of oysters and wine.

Milan, Italy

Heart of Milano

If you decide to go to Milan to spend Valentine’s Day in Europe, you won’t regret it. Not only because Italy has some of the best food in Europe but also there are many amazing things to do there!

Head to the fashion capital of Italy where you can smell the romance as you walk through the Art Nouveau structure of Quadrilatero Silenzio to find the Piazza Eleonora Duse which is filled with roses and elegant facades.

Exchange sweet nothings in the small, charming park in Via Sant’Agnese where you are surrounded by delicate white flowers and Roman ruins. Then, have an intimate candlelit dinner at the Shambala Restaurant amidst scarlet curtains and fine dark wood. 

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm by night romantic

The Venice of the north, Stockholm has many waterways that surround the 14 islands that it is made up of. Start your romantic European getaway with brunch or lunch on a cruise ship as you take a 3-hour tour of the city while feeding each other with traditional Swedish specialties.

Head to the Centralbadet for a bit of pampering and enjoy the charm of their beautiful garden courtyard amidst the facade of its Art Nouveau building.

Then, take a walk along the waterways to your romantic dinner at Wedholms Fisk or Bistro Bestick. The best way to get around the city is either by public transportStockholm taxi, or simply by walking.

Venice, Italy

Take a romantic gondola ride for two in the canals of Venice as you gaze in amazement at the baroque and Renaissance buildings towering above you.

Follow the footsteps of Casanova and woo your lady by taking her to the Do Spade bar on Calle de Spade where Casanova met his conquests.

Shop at the markets of Dorsoduro and take the lift up St. Mark’s Campanile bell tower to see the breath-taking view of the maze of red houses and the blue lagoon below.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Hire a rowboat and take your loved one on a cruise around the most romantic lake in the world.

With the breath-taking scenery of snow-capped mountains and verdant greens around a blue-green lake, there is no better place to recite love poems or propose to your loved one.

Near the lake, you will find the dragon-themed baroque capital of Ljubljana, a small, charming town that once held a temple dedicated to Živa, the Slavic goddess of love.

Despite its popularity as a romantic European destination, the city is seldom crowded by tourists, making it a prime destination for an intimate escape.

Prague, Czech Republic

Discover romance in the twisty, cobblestone lanes of Prague’s Mala Strana District as you pass baroque buildings and sprawling gardens.

In the Petrin Hill Gardens, you will find the statue of the tragic Karel Hynek Macha where couples kiss to make their love everlasting.

Cross the Legionnaire’s bridge and be mesmerized by the beauty of the swans gliding over the water underneath. Come early evening, take a walk through the 1,000-year-old Castle courtyard and relive the experience of lovers from bygone times.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam romantic city

A long stroll through tree-lined canals with a good view of colorful buildings and an occasional flock of swans out for a swim in the perfect recipe for romance.

At night, take your date out for an evening cruise on the canal and bask in the glow of the fairy lights that line each bridge.

Then, take your lovebird to Blue Heaven, Ciel Bleu, a Michelin star restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Amsterdam’s Hotel Okura, where you can gaze at each other and the view of the city below.

Valletta, Malta

romantic place Malta

Love is always in the air in the smallest capital city of the European Union.

Sail away into the sunset by taking a ferry to this beautiful city, giving you a good view of its majestic bastions. While getting around Malta on your own is a good way, it’s better to take your loved one on a magical carriage ride to Valletta, the city of love.

Find the perfect quiet spot overlooking the Grand Harbour at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and sneak a smooch. Find your lady something nice at the shops on Republic Street. After all, Valletta is the jewelry capital of Malta.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik in Croatia

Romance is made up of fairy tale castles and charming towns by the sea.

Add the intimate nooks and crannies where your romantic moments will not be interrupted by crowds of tourists and you have the perfect location for your European Valentine’s Day date.

Make your way up the Lovijenac Fortress and take a good look at the city’s coast ortake a cable car on Srd Hill, where you can see a bird’s eye view of the Old City surrounded by the crystal clear the Adriatic Sea.

In the evening, head to the lonely spot of Porporela, a popular place for lovers to be alone.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Fall in love with the everlasting tale of a mermaid who has fallen in love with a human. In Copenhagen, you will find the statue of the little mermaid awaiting her beloved prince on a rock by the Langelinie promenade.

The Rosenborg Castle Gardens set the mood for one’s profession of love and maybe even a proposal. Bring a picnic basket and stroll through its floral gardens and well-manicured hedges. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and explore the Dyrehaven woods spotting some deer on the way. Take in the old buildings and other sights of the city from the comforts of a boat as you cruise the idyllic canals of Copenhagen.

Know what the Danish word hygge means by taking a break in one of Copenhagen’s rustic and cozy boutique coffee shops. In the evening, go stargazing in one of Europe’s oldest conservatories.

Celebrate European Valentine’s Day in style by taking your loved one in one of these fascinating destinations and wander around the best of Europe’s old cities and beaches. 

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2 Responses

  1. Nice list! I’ll probably check for spending few days Vienna which looks incredible! Especially for a romantic weekend … I’m surprised not to see Rome appear, because to me it is THE city of love… Having a romantic night cruise on the Tiber river, or attend an Opera or even a perfect dinner on one of the best rooftop restaurant in Rome… There’s so much to do for lovers there. I’ve shortlisted the best activities there if you’re travelling with your loved one. And also places where to have a drink or where to eat and spend an unforgettable night… And it’s also a great city to travel with kids.
    Thank you for the destinations mentioned!

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We are Karolina, Patryk, and Mia, the lazy traveling family. After spending 5 years as digital nomads, and living in many countries in the world, we decided to make Poland our base.

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