Ditch the boring honeymoon! This year, jet set with your bae to Europe, the OG continent of romance. Imagine waking up to epic castle views whispering tales of love, strolling hand-in-hand through cobbled alleys, and getting charmed by cute towns and cafes. Europe is basically an Instagram filter for your love story. So, without further ado, let's unveil the 15 best romantic getaways in Europe for your next trip with bae. Read on!
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is like a scene straight out of a movie: fancy coffee shops, steaming thermal baths, and dinner cruises down the Danube River. It's got glitz and glam in spades, but a past marked by WWII that adds a layer of depth. This city is pure romantic charm, and you can visit any time of year. But if you're still feeling all those honeymoon vibes, December is pure magic. Budapest gets all dressed up for Christmas, with markets and decorations that will make you feel like you're living in a fairytale.
Best time to visit: March - May and September - November
Must-visit places in Budapest: Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the quaint cobbled streets
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Peppered with fairy dust, Edinburgh, a charming city in Scotland where every corner screams romance, is known for its magical landscapes, cobblestone cottages, highland cows, and age-old castles. Couples can easily spend a day here exploring the quaint city, sampling local whiskies, or perhaps settle in for a delicious dinner with their sweetheart at one of the romantic restaurants like 1600's Prestonfield House.
Best time to visit: June - August
Must-visit places in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Museum of Edinburgh, Princes Street
3. Krakow, Poland
In a city whispered about by travel-worn troubadours, Krakow beckons with a magic that's perfect for sharing with your own special someone. One of Europe's most affordable gems, Krakow isn't just a place where time seems to clip-clop by in horse-drawn carriages. It's a place where the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of color, painting the skyline in a masterpiece you won't soon forget. (For the truly smitten, a climb to the Akademia Muzyczna will unveil the most breathtaking views.)
Craving a taste of something truly Polish? W Starej Kuchni beckons with tables eager to host your romantic rendezvous. Let the whispers of violins and the clinking of glasses be the soundtrack to your evening. And when the moon takes center stage, bid farewell to the night in style at Piec Art Acoustic Jazz Club. Let the sultry sounds of underground jazz weave a spell that will linger long after you leave this city straight out of a storybook.
Best time to visit: May - September
Must-visit places in Krakow: Wavel Castle, Main Market Square, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Cloth Hall, Kazimierz, Vistulan Boulevards
4. Paris, France
Ah, Paris, the city where hearts dance in the streets. Honeymooners flock here, captivated by an allure as enchanting as a whispered sonnet. Is it the murmur of conversation in cozy cafes, the melody of the French language itself, or perhaps the endless flow of wine and cheese that sets the mood for love? Whatever the spark, Paris ignites it with hidden gardens like secret whispers, grand churches reaching for the heavens, and architecture so beautiful it takes your breath away.
Craving a touch of Parisian chic? Let the Marais district, with its trendy boutiques, tempt you. Or perhaps a romantic stroll down the Champs-Elysees, the most famous avenue in the world, is more your style.
Best time to visit: February - April
Must-visit places in Paris: Disneyland, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and Palace of Versailles
5. San Sebastian, Spain
On the cusp of Spain's northern coast, San Sebastian shimmers like a hidden gem – a place that whispers its magic rather than shouts it. Also known as the Basque Country, this region is a captivating blend of sun-kissed surf vibes, food that explodes with flavor, and a touch of modern swank. And get this – San Sebastian boasts the most Michelin stars per square meter in all of Europe! It's a paradise for culinary adventurers.
You can either dive into a decadent seafood feast or explore the labyrinthine cobbled alleys, popping into pintxo bars along the way. These aren't your typical stuffy fine-dining establishments – think of them as tapas bars on steroids. Pintxo bars are known to offer bite-sized food, perfectly paired with local wines, all enjoyed amidst the infectious buzz of music, the sizzle of grilling chorizo and the happy chatter of locals, punctuated by the clinking of glasses.
Best time to visit: June - September
Must-visit places in San Sebastian: La Concha, Monte Urgull, Parque de Cristina Enea, San Telmo Museum
You May Also Like To Discover These 3 Enchanting Postcard-Perfect Towns for Your Euro-Trip Itinerary!
6. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, a jewel nestled in Austria, weaves a spell on honeymooners with its timeless charm and rich history. Imagine a fairytale brought to life, where cobbled streets wind through a city steeped in music for millennia. Operas, musicals, and concerts will serenade your hearts, filling your honeymoon with joy.
Wander hand-in-hand through the 17th-century Schloss Mirabell, a luxurious haven for romance and home to the famed Marble Hall, renowned as one of the world's most exquisite honeymoon destinations. For breathtaking panoramas, ascend to the peak of Festung Hohensalzburg, a magnificent medieval castle that crowns the city. As twilight paints the sky, lose yourselves in the sparkling tapestry of city lights below, a memory forever etched in your hearts.
Best time to visit: September - October
Must-visit places in Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's Birthplace, Mirabell Palace & Garden, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains, Museum of Modern Art
7. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges offers more than just a picturesque backdrop. For an unforgettable romantic experience, indulge in the city's decadent side. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of Belgian waffles dusted with powdered sugar, or sip on a unique Lambic at a charming village pub, the clinking glasses adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
Immerse yourselves in the city's rich artistic heritage. Admire the vast collections of exquisite Flemish artworks, each masterpiece a testament to the region's artistic brilliance. As you stroll along the misty canals, hand-in-hand, the gentle fog creates an air of intimacy, etching unforgettable memories that will forever be bound to this captivating city.
Best time to visit: June - August
Must-visit places in Bruges: Basilica of The Holy Blood, Salvador Dali's Exhibition, Burg Square, Canals of Bruges
8. Malta
How about Malta for a hot minute? If sailing to the Blue Lagoon with your bae is all you dream, then Malta might be the perfect destination for you! This charming island in the Mediterranean boasts a unique culture and thrilling adventures, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Explore charming towns, bustling harbors, and soak up the atmosphere that hums with romance.
Best time to visit: June - September
Must-visit places in Malta: Gardjola Gardens, the historical Main Gate, Fort St Michael and St Julians Church, Popeye Village
9. Kotor & Perast, Montenegro
Montenegro, a hidden gem, offers a visual banquet for the weary traveler. Its stunning fiord vistas are a sight to behold. Unmarred by the throngs of tourists and surprisingly affordable compared to its European counterparts, it’s an idyllic retreat. For couples who revel in the thrill of hiking and the serenity of swimming, Montenegro presents the perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor escapades.
Best time to visit: May - October
Must-visit places in Kotor & Perast: Sveti Đorđe (St. George) and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), Kotor Old Town, Church of St. Luke
10. Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy, is totally a top pick for a lovey-dovey honeymoon. You and your other half can zip around the city in a water taxi or kick it old school with a gondola ride, cruising under the oh-so-famous Bridge of Sighs. Don’t miss out on chugging down some classic hot chocolate at Cafe Florian and soaking up the chill vibes of a city that’s car-free.
If you’re hitting up Venice for the first time, you’ve gotta check out Murano. It’s this cool little island nearby that’s all about that fancy glass art. And if you’ve been to Venice before, just get lost on purpose. Find some hidden gem where you can munch on pizza and catch an epic sunset bouncing off the canals.
Best time to visit: April – June
Must-visit places in Venice: Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Basilica Si Dan Marco, Piazza San Marco, and Gallerie Dell'Accademia
Why not ditch the clichéd destinations? And hop on to these lesser-known European towns perfect for your honeymoon this 2024!
11. Seville, Spain
Seville, Andalucia’s jewel, is a lovers’ haven that glimmers as a premier honeymoon spot on the global stage. Draped in the lilac hues of jacaranda and the citrus whispers of orange trees, its cobbled lanes weave a spell of romance, crowning it as a top amorous retreat for newlyweds.
As dusk drapes Seville in a golden embrace, landmarks like Torre Del Oro bask in an otherworldly glow. Mingle with the locals at open-air eateries, feast on the celebrated Jamon Iberico paired with a carafe of cool sangria, and savor churros dipped in luscious chocolate under the starlit sky.
Best time to visit: March - May
Must-visit places in Seville: Plaza de España, Real Alcazar de Sevilla, atedral & Giralda, and Museo de Bellas Artes
12. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra’s got this dreamy vibe that totally pulls at the heartstrings. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale with all its quirky castles and cool, shady woods. And don’t get me started on Quinta da Regaleira—it’s like an open invite to a magical world where time chills out and love is literally in the air.
Best time to visit: March - May and September - October
Must-visit places in Sintra: Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio de Monserrate
13. Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Imagine chilling with your other half in the chill vibes of the Swiss Alps. Gimmelwald is the perfect low-key spot for lovebirds. You guys can wander through cool alpine fields, breathing in that fresh mountain air. With killer views all around, it’s like the mountains are cheering on your romance. It’s just you two and the great outdoors, making memories that’ll stick around way longer than your phone battery.
Best time to visit: June - August
Must-visit places / things to do in Gimmelwald: Chässpycher Cheese storehouse, Try The Village’s Award-Winning Beer (Schwarz Mönch), Sprutz Waterfall, Lauterbrunnen Valley
14. Porquerolles, France
Get ready to ditch the map and dive heart-first into Porquerolles, France’s best-kept secret on the Riviera. It’s a lovers’ hideout with beaches so pure, you’ll think you’ve stepped into a dream. The pine forests are like nature’s own perfume, setting the vibe for those lazy, hazy strolls where only your heartbeats do the talking.
Hop on a tandem bike and pedal into the sunset, chasing hidden nooks and Insta-perfect vistas that’ll have your feed buzzing with heart-eyes emojis.
Best time to visit: May - June or September - October
Must-visit places in Porquerolles: Plage Notre Dame, Plage d'Argent, Plage de la Courtade
15. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar, a jewel amidst the Adriatic’s cerulean waves, cradles an enchanting old town within its embrace. This quaint town’s cobblestone alleys are a canvas of history, painting stories of yesteryears that kindle the spirit of amour.
Stroll, intertwined fingers with your beloved, through this delightful maze, as whispers of lavender from nearby fields mingle with the breeze, crafting an aromatic sonnet of passion. Meander through the island’s vineyards where clusters of grapes bask in the sun’s glow and sea’s breath, crafting elixirs that serenade your taste buds with their lyrical essence.
Best time to visit: July - August
Must-visit places in Hvar: Tvrdava Fortica, Pakleni Islands, Cycle through Stari Grad Plain, Malo Zarace Beach
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