Full of old world beauty and charm, European cities are synonymous with romance. Combining scenic views, rich cultural experiences, and indulgent culinary opportunities, couples flock here to cozy up and get away.

If you’re looking for the best places in Europe for couples, check out one of these seven cities, each offering their own unique slice of heavenly love.

Venice

tw_europe-for-couples_venice

Known worldwide as one of the most romantic cities in the world, couples flock to Venice for its intimacy. It is full of narrow streets, bustling piazzas, and winding waterways. Canals cut through the city, creating tiny alleyways that make the perfect photo-op for a picturesque couple’s selfie.

You can take one of the famous gondola rides, complete with serenade or even a meal. It is pricey but worth it. You can also combine it with a walking tour.

Don’t forget to enjoy some wine or a gelato as you watch the sunset from Piazza San Marco. You will probably have the some of the best Italian food here as well.

Afterwards, get all dressed up and see a classical Venetian opera at the Teatro La Fenice or Musica a Palazzo.

Paris

Paris

The city of lights has so much to offer whether, you’re just vacationing together as a couple or basking in the afterglow of your wedding. Visit Paris if you want to inspire or be inspired. You will appreciate the finer things in life and to be stimulated in all senses.

Food in Paris will meet and exceed your expectations no matter you taste or style. Whether it is having a romantic meal at a sidewalk cafe or a indulging in decadent sweets at a neighborhood bakery.

Culture abounds, with world class museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay housing pieces by some of the most famous European artists in the world.

Obviously, a trip up the Eiffel Tower is a must when visiting Paris as a couple. Nothing says ‘best trip ever’ like viewing the city from above while enjoying a glass of bubbly from an onsite champagne bar.

Salzburg

Salzburg’s old world charm and upscale vibe attracts couples looking for a taste of Austria without the crowds seen in Vienna. Here too you can tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, taking in the quaint cobblestone streets full of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Another romantic way to see the city is by taking the funicular up to Hohensalzburg. It is a gorgeous castle fortress that sits atop a nearby hill. There enjoy panoramic views or experience a classical Mozart concert.

A stroll amongst the Mirabell Palace and Gardens also might make you swoon with its blooming flowers, ornate fountains, and statues from Greek mythology. If you’re lucky, you might even spy a bride and groom taking photos there, as the palace’s halls are considered one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

 

Like Venice, Amsterdam is a city of canals. Although beautiful during the daytime, its bridges are even more breathtaking at night when they’re all lit up. Even more mesmerizing as the lights reflect in the water below.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore Amsterdam’s Canal Ring aboard a canal cruise with your honey.

Cruises tour the most historic areas in the city, dating back to the 17th century. Some even include champagne or dinner. Alternatively, you can opt for a more fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Many of them are situated along the city’s waterways.

One of the best Amsterdam points of interest is simply visiting one of the city parks. The parks are perfect for spontaneous picnics, romantic bike rides or strolls. There are even open air concerts that run during the summer.

Seville

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As the birthplace of flamenco, Seville has plenty of seductive qualities that will sweep you off your feet. Orange blossoms and jasmine scents the very air you breathe as trees full of fruit and flowers line the streets.

Since Spain still has a constitutional monarchy, the beautiful palaces in Seville are sometimes occupied by the King and Queen. When they’re not however, you can tour the gorgeous grounds, some of which have been used as filming locations for movies and TV, including HBO’s Game of Thrones.

You too can experience luxury in Seville with a spa treatment at the thermal baths of Aira de Sevilla. There are even opportunities for private flamenco shows like those at the Casa de la Guitarra, which are best followed up some wine and tapas on the rooftop terrace of a local hotel.

Lisbon

Lisbon

Think of Lisbon as the San Francisco of western Europe; it even has a similarly colored suspension bridge that connects with the city of Almada across the Tagus River. In fact, architecture is a major attraction in Lisbon, with its colorful buildings and spectacular gothic Manueline landmarks.

Some of the best viewpoints for couples to enjoy are from the Tower of Belem and Sao Jorge Castle.

Have your fill of traditional Portuguese dishes like Açorda, a bread stew with egg that often includes seafood. Like in Spain, wine and tapas are popular pairings in the evening, particularly at wine bars in the Bairro Alto district. Lisbon truly comes alive at night, when the haunting sound of fado singers echo from bars and clubs across the city.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo

If your idea of the best couples trip ever involves getting treated like royalty, Monte Carlo stands as one of the best. Millionaires make up nearly a third of the population, which means massive yachts dot the harbor and luxury cars line the streets.

You can even rent your own Ferrari or Lamborghini and cruise the French Riviera down the scenic Grand Corniche. At the Hotel Hermitage, you’ll get the red carpet treatment with your own private sundeck, hot tub, and views of Port Hercule.

Going to the beach is a must here. The hotel even has their own private beach with chairs and umbrellas provided. Even if you’re not a gambler, a visit to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo is a must for its shopping, dining, and theater.

But, if you really want to know what it’s like to live like royalty, come visit in March for the annual Rose Ball, a fundraiser for the Princess Grace Foundation, attended by royals, fashion designers, models, and socialites from around the globe.

 

Written by Liana Minassian for Travel-Wise.