It’s no secret that Europe holds the key to many memorable romantic moments, experiences, AND charming places to visit. If you are looking for the most romantic things to do in Europe, you will find dozens of romantic destinations that are perfect for young couples, honeymooners of any age, babymoon parents, as well as anniversary and milestone celebrators.
Discover romance and adventure in Europe with popular experiences as well as off the beaten path moments as you explore with your special someone. Enjoy picnics in the South of France under the sycamore-lined roads, hike above the colorful Cinque Terre villages, find the most romantic places in Europe to propose, or plan empty nester romantic getaways for the weekend.
Ready to make your romantic European vacation extraordinary?
40 Charming & Romantic Things to Do in Europe
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1. Add YOUR Love Lock
While I can’t guarantee that your “love lock” will remain once you have attached it in a meaningful place, you might have fun looking for the best spot to add your love lock. Want to commemorate a meaningful moment such as finding one of the most romantic places in Europe to propose? A love lock engraved with the date of your proposal will live on in your memories forever.
2. Arrange a Gondola Ride in Venice
Can you go to Venice and not enjoy an iconic gondola ride along the canals? Well, maybe if you are traveling with your children…you will say “Next time I visit,” and add the experience to your bucket list. Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe where you can:
- Enjoy a gondola ride along the canals
- Spend the day exploring the islands of Burano and Murano
- Share a gelato in Piazza San Marco
- Take dozens and dozens of photos
- Eat a margarita pizza
3. Attend a Christmas Market
Experiencing Christmas Markets in Europe is definitely on my Christmas list. Chris and I visited the South of France at the end of November and missed the beginning of the market in Aix-en-Provence by one day! On one of our next empty nester romantic getaways, I am going to plan a trip to…anywhere in Europe that has a Christmas Market.
We do attend the Christkindl Markt in Denver at Christmastime each year and love the festive ambiance.
4. Be Mesmerized by the Northern Lights
I am not a cold weather loving person even though I live in Colorado and grew up in Canada, but I would brave the chill in Finland, Iceland, or Norway to witness a spectacular Northern Lights show. Magnificent skies, midnight, and my sweetheart…what could be better to discover adventure AND romance in Europe?
5. Be Spontaneous on Couples or Empty Nester Romantic Getaways for the Weekend
There is something wonderful to be said about the spontaneity of being an empty nester or young couple without children and having the freedom to take off for the weekend on a romantic getaway. If you still have kids at home, you might have to do a little more planning and find child care, but a couples weekend getaway is just what you need to keep the romance alive.
If you have ever studied the 5 Love Languages, you know that people give and receive love in a variety of ways. Planning romantic getaways can definitely fill your “quality time together” love language. You can also argue that getaways for couples to romantic cities in Europe could fill ALL FIVE of the love languages:
- Quality Time Together – Enjoy a trip together.
- Acts of Service – Plan a surprise getaway along with a couple’s massage while you’re away.
- Giving and Receiving Gifts – Surprise your special someone with a romantic getaway.
- Words of Affirmation – “Wow, sweetheart. Getting away together is really awesome!”
- Physical Touch – Hold hands as you stroll along the beach at sunset.
One thing that I have learned after more than 27 years of marriage is that making your relationship a priority is an everyday endeavor.
6. Book a Mediterranean Cruise
I haven’t done all of the things on this list of romantic things to do in Europe, however, taking a Mediterranean cruise is on my bucket list! What could be better than cruising, exploring new ports of call every day in the romantic cities in Europe, and enjoying time together with your sweetheart?
7. Dine at a Michelin-Rated Restaurant
Whether you are in Florence, Paris, Rome…or anyplace in Europe, you’ll find Michelin star restaurants with amazing food and an ambiance topped by none other. Splurge a little and enjoy the experience.
8. Discover the Most Romantic Places in Europe to Propose
After 27 years of marriage, my proposal days are long past. But when you and I think of one of the most romantic places in Europe to propose, the Eiffel Tower in Paris might just top your list. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Annecy, France
- Bruges or Ghent, Belgium
- Mdina, Malta
- Colmar, France
- Hallstatt, Austria
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Monterosso al Mare, Italy
- Segovia, Spain
These are a few of the charming old European towns where you can find a delightful romantic ambiance. Of course, there is also Zurich, Venice, Florence, the Algarve region of Portugal, or Amsterdam. The options are endless.
9. Drive the Romantic Road in Germany
Road trips are another romantic way to explore Europe together. Have you ever heard of the Romantic Road in Germany? It stretches approximately 220 miles (350 km) from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south where you can explore medieval towns, charming castles, and stop at some of Germany’s most beautiful natural wonders along the way.
10. Eat at a Small Restaurant Off the Beaten Path
Chris and I have a rule when looking for authentic places to eat, especially if you are in the popular romantic cities in Europe: walk at least five blocks away from the busiest tourist areas and you will begin to find the quaint cafes and restaurants where the locals like to eat. You may not find English menus, but you will love the ambiance, the food and the authenticity.
11. Enjoy a Food Tour or Cooking Class Together
There are a variety of food tours all over the world. Viator is one of my favorite resources for finding tours of any kind. Discover how to make pasta, pastries, or pizza from a local chef or even gnocchi from an Italian grandma! (Click the Viator pic below to start exploring.)
12. Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
If I am being honest about wanting to discover adventure AND romance in Europe, a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia in Turkey tops my bucket list! This magical moment offers a bird’s eye view of one of Europe’s most interesting landscapes. As you soar across the sky, you’ll spy cave dwellings, rock formations, other hot air balloons, and fairy chimneys.
Be sure to bring your camera or iPhone for some of the most amazing Instagrammable photos.
13. Explore a Fairy Tale Castle
If you haven’t had the chance to explore castles that are reminiscent of a fairy tale, you need to add this adventure to your bucket list. Many of the romantic cities in Europe feature castles that are simply fun to explore. Some have even inspired Disney fairy tales.
14. Find a Windmill
Chris and I happened to be driving along a country road in the south of France when we spied this windmill on the side of the road. Of course we had to stop. The windmill is one of the iconic symbols of Europe. Kinderdijk, the most famous windmill village in the Netherlands, has 19 magnificent windmills, with many still in use today. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Europe with a theme, plan a trip to see as many windmills as you can.
15. Hike Together
Chris and I enjoy hiking and can be found hiking in the mountains close to our home all year long. We even enjoy finding hikes around the world as we travel. Hiking down from Mt. Bre in Switzerland was the perfect way to add a little exercise to our day, appreciate vistas, and talk together as we hiked.
16. Marvel at a Sunset or Sunrise
I love a good sunrise or sunset. More often on vacation I am enjoying the sunset as I try not to get up quite so early for the sunrise. Whether you are on the top of Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland, walking along the beach, enjoying a harbor cruise, or standing on the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to watch the sun set, the amazing colors in the sky add to the ambiance of your empty nester romantic getaways.
17. Meander Through an Old Town
One of my favorite things about the romantic cities in Europe are their old towns. I love the cobblestone streets, the quaint shops, the views, the architecture. It is fun to sit on the patio of a cafe and watch people meander through the streets.
18. Explore Wineries
Wineries dot the landscape of Europe and offer wine tasting experiences, tours, and beautiful views. Treat your taste buds and your sweetheart on your romantic escape to Europe. Some of the best destinations include:
- Tuscany, Italy
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Bordeaux, France
- Catalonia, Spain
19. Glide Along on a River Cruise
One of the romantic things to do in Europe is to book a river cruise. This may be a weeklong cruise or simply a sunset river cruise.
20. Paraglide
If you are feeling brave and adventurous, how about paragliding off a mountain? Chris and I did this off of Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland and it was epic. Be sure to book your adventure through a reputable company.
21. Photograph the Views
One of my favorite things about traveling anywhere is taking pictures. I love the architecture, the old towns, the rolling hills of Italy, the small villages in France, and the beaches along the coast of Portugal. Taking a few selfies along the way of you and your special someone is the perfect way to capture your memories forever.
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22. Plan a Massage or Spa Day Together
Chris is awesome about finding places around the world for us to have a couples massage. We’ve enjoyed massages on Boracay (Philippines), Papeete (Tahiti), and Malta recently. Pamper yourselves with a relaxing treatment.
23. Pose at the “I Love You” Wall in Paris
If you haven’t found the “I Love You” Wall in Paris yet, you may want to add this as a quick stop. It isn’t too far from Montmartre. Nothing says romance better than “I love you.” The exact address for Google Maps is: Square Jehan Rictus, Place de Abesses, Butte Montmartre 75018 Paris
24. Relax at the Beach
Chris and I have become “relax at the beach people” in the past couple of years. Our vacations are often go go go where we are trying to see and do as much as possible, but when we took the time to simply relax, we became addicted to this type of slow travel. Besides allowing you to slow down in your travels, relaxing at the beach or in overwater bungalows also gives you the time to really connect as a couple and enjoy romantic moments.
25. Rent a Car for Scenic Coastline Drives
Are you planning a visit to some of the most romantic cities in Europe? You may find them connected by scenic coastlines. Rent a car, book a driver or join a tour so you can enjoy the view and find some amazing Instagrammable locations along the way.
26. Ride Bikes
For an adventure on two wheels, consider renting bikes and enjoying a bike ride. Chris and I rode bikes along the Danube River in Austria. Not only are the views outstanding as you bike through charming villages along the way, but you also have the freedom of stopping for a picnic lunch along the way, enjoying gelato at a local shop, or stopping on a whim to take selfies as you discover adventure AND romance in Europe.
27. Ride the Bernina Express in Switzerland
The Bernina Express, a fantastic scenic rail journey in Switzerland, chugs through the heart of the Swiss Alps. You’ll marvel at the beauty of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, the sparkling lakes, and charming alpine villages through the modern panoramic cars with windows spanning from the floor to the ceiling. Chris and I both highly recommend it!
TIP * You can book different carriages on the Bernina Express train that allow you to view the same scenery with the option of lowering windows for optimum picture taking.
28. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
European countries offer a variety of treats and pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider croissants and macarons in Paris, chocolate anything in Switzerland, apple strudel in Germany, baklava in Greece, churros and hot chocolate in Spain, tiramisu in Italy, pastel de Belém (custard tarts) in Portugal, or stroopwafels in Amsterdam. Is your mouth watering yet?
29. Schedule a Photoshoot for Two!
One of our favorite family photoshoots took place while we were on vacation at the beach. Chris and I would love a photoshoot for just the two of us as our focus is always on our girls and family. What could be more romantic than photos taken as you stroll through an old town, walk along the beach, or visit popular landmarks in Europe?
30. Snorkel
Have you had the chance to try snorkeling? Europe has golden opportunities in Sardinia (Italy), Crete (Greece), the Azores (Portugal), Gozo (Malta), and Norway. Blue Gym, a UK-based project, shares recent studies observing “that individuals living near the coast are generally healthier and happier than those living inland.” My take? If you don’t already live close to the ocean, be sure to plan a vacation to the ocean and have a little snorkel fun while you’re at it!
>> Related: 25 Pros and Cons of a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Tropical Snorkel Spots
31. Soak in Thermal Springs
If you are snorkeling in Norway, you may also want to find the nearest thermal springs for a relaxing soak. Chris and I have discovered a lot of hot springs in our home state of Colorado, but we need to be more diligent about finding them while we travel abroad.
Hot springs can be a fun adventure and one of the romantic things to do in Europe. You may want them to be a relaxing escape as well as a place to simply “soak in the scenery“. Learn how to enjoy the hot springs anywhere in the world responsibly. Some hot springs are often fragile ecosystems, so learn the essential hot springs etiquette.
32. Soar to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was designed for the Paris World Fair of 1889 by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel. In the beginning, Parisians were skeptical about this imposing iron monument, but it is impossible now to imagine the Paris skyline without it!
Due to its size, you can see the Eiffel Tower from almost every corner in Paris. The climb up to the summit comes with gorgeous views of the city, especially at sunset. What says romance more than the Eiffel Tower? It is perhaps THE most iconic of the romantic things to do in Europe!
33. Speed Along the Amalfi Coast on a Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento where you might just find some of the most romantic places in Europe to propose. (*Wink!) Once you reach the end of the peninsula and turn toward the Amalfi Coast your skipper may pull into quiet coves along the way to allow for swimming, snacks, and drinks. Enjoy stops along the way in Amalfi and Positano where you can explore or simply find a spot along the beach to relax.
34. Stay Overnight on Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland
Staying overnight at the Hotel Pilatus Kulm was a bucket list item for Chris. If you are planning an overnight stay, you will easily travel up the mountain in a gondola with your luggage in tow. Deposit your bags and backpacks in your room before stepping out to marvel at the amazing views of the Swiss Alps. The views at sunset are second to none.
Check dates & availability at Hotel Pilatus Kulm
35. Stop for a Picnic Under the Sycamores in the South of France
When Chris and I visited the South of France, we loved driving along the sycamore-lined roads as we explored. We spotted a random picnic table and decided it called for a stop for a picnic lunch. That’s one of the great things about empty nester romantic getaways: your schedule is your own for a quick stop on a whim.
36. Take a Walking Tour
I highly recommend that you book a walking tour with a knowledgeable tour guide when visiting romantic cities in Europe. These tours are one of the great ways discover the history of many iconic landmarks within a city.
Put on some comfortable walking shoes as you set out to explore Paris. Your guide will bring to life the rich culture of the city and the history of iconic landmarks. Walking tours offer a perfect introduction to a city for empty nester romantic getaways as well as for young couples and any age in between.
Note * If your walking tour is advertised as a “FREE” walking tour, please note that tips are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Your tip may be based on the length of the tour, the number of people in your party, and the quality of your experience. Usually $5 per person or $10 per hour is a baseline, but you can always adjust the amount of your tip based upon how knowledgeable and personable your guide is.
37. Tour a Chocolate Factory
Chris and I may have taken advantage of the samples offered during our tour and ate our admission tickets worth in samples. We spent about 2.5 hours at the factory, picked up a few chocolates to take home and then walked to the train station for our next adventure.
Tour the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Switzerland
38. Try a Canal Tour in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the popular tourist destinations around the world. One of the romantic things to do in Europe is to book an intimate canal tour to discover colorful row homes that have inspired illustrations that imitate the Dutch buildings and skyline. You’ll find these iconic canal houses between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square.
Once you visit Amsterdam, be sure to add the colorful tulip fields of the Netherlands to your bucket list as well.
39. Visit a Lavender Field
If visiting a lavender field in Europe is your goal, timing your visit just right is essential. You should know that the vibrant purple fields are best seen in the middle of summer in most places. You won’t be disappointed if your visit includes any of these destinations:
- Provence, France
- Cotswolds, England (not technically Europe)
- Piedmont, Italy
40. Wander Through Mont Saint Michel
Wouldn’t a romantic overnight stay at Mont Saint Michel be amazing? Check Booking.com for places to stay in Mont Saint Michel.
Mont Saint Michel is uniquely located on a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy surrounded by the waters of the sea during high tides. You’ll enjoy seeing:
- The view from the west terrace
- The cloister gallery and its architectural details
- The refectory (where the monks ate)
- The monks’ walkway
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most romantic cities in Europe?
Cinque Terre, Italy
Prague, Czechia
Paris, France
Santorini, Greece
Venice, Italy
Budapest, Hungary
Lake Como, Italy
What can you do to keep the romance alive?
A few ideas include buying flowers for your sweetheart, taking them on weekend getaways to romantic cities in Europe, buying them their favorite chocolate, walking along the beach together, preparing a candlelit meal for them, or writing them a heartfelt letter.
Which city is the “Love Capital” of Europe?
Paris, France—also known as the City of Love—has been attracting lovebirds for centuries. It has long been considered one of the most romantic places in Europe to propose.
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Final Thoughts on 40 Charming and Romantic Things to Do in Europe
Prepare to be seduced by iconic romantic things to do in Europe. Whether you are planning empty nester romantic getaways or searching for the most romantic places in Europe to propose, Europe does not disappoint.
Discover the top things to do on your romantic vacation in Europe with ideas on things to see, experience and embrace. These enchanting adventures and activities are perfect for couples of all ages with something that is sure to interest everyone. You’ll love your intimate experiences—perfect moments to celebrate a special occasion of any kind.
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So many wonderful romantic activities in Europe! Mont St. Michel and fairy tale castles are both very high on my bucket list.
Wow! This is an incredible list of romantic things to do in Europe. I have had a chance to do several things on the list, but at the top of my bucket list is to see the Northern Lights. One day soon, hopefully!
There really are so many romantic things to do. I would love to do a hot air balloon ride in Turkey.
I’ve done quite a few of the romantic things on your list – I guess I’m more romantic than I realised!
So many wonderful places to explore.. My fav would be the Lindt Chocolate factory or any food related spot!
So many amazing and romantic things to in Europe! I’d love to take a hot air balloon ride anywhere, but especially in Cappadocia… talk about a bucket list item.
So many good ideas! I plan to visit the Mt St Michel soon but the weather in Normandy is scary even during summer, haha!
There are indeed so many romantic things to do on a visit to Europe. I checked “done” for a bunch and have added others for a return visit. We got lucky in Venice to get a gondola ride when the vaporettos were on strike and the waters were quiet. Otherwise I am not sure most people would think this is always romantic!
Love these ideas! Our favorites are visiting Christmas markets, and also wandering through old towns, getting off the tourist track, and stumbling on a small local restaurant.
We have so many romantic places here, even our villas (in Italy) are perfect for a dinner.
As a couple based in Europe we’ve done about 70% of these and absolutely agree !!!
Such a great list! Europe is full of beautiful spots for a romantic getaway. A gondola ride in Venice and a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia are definitely on my bucket list now. Thanks for the inspiration!
It is such an awesome list, so many bucket list ideas. I am so desperate to see the northern lights