St. Valentine’s Day is approaching and you just start thinking about how to impress your other half? Then maybe gift them a super romantic trip to one of these five most romantic cities in Europe and Asia?
All these five romantic cities are recommended by this hotel deals website, and they will blow your mind. Some of them are widely known as capitals of love, as some of them are not primarily associated with romance, but all of them are beautiful and just perfect for a short (or long!) romantic getaway with your beloved one.
Paris
We can’t talk about love and the city and not mention Paris! Romance is all around here, and there are hundreds of places with unique love stories too.
For example, feel the spirit of Victor Hugo’s novel “Notre Dame de Paris,” which tells the love story of the beautiful Esmeralda and humpback, wandering in narrow streets of the Latin Quarter. Or visit the famous Notre Dame Cathedral!
Take a slow stroll at Luxembourg garden in the center of Paris, or get a water tour in river Seine (definitely do that during the night, then all lights are on!). In addition, do not leave Paris before you visit Montmartre district and again vow your love on Arts Bridge.
Barcelona
Barcelona is just as unpredictable as in Woody Allen’s film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” pictured love story. So all those lovers who were inspired by this movie can definitely hit the same road as Vicky or Christina!
That will include the amazing Park Güell, the old residential area of Barcelona and the beautiful island of Oviedo. While other romantic nomads and aesthetics lovers are recommended to find dancing and illuminating the Montjuic fountains or just walk around and admire the beauty of this city.
By the way, although St. Valentine in this town is very popular, the Catalans have their feast of love too — St. George’s day on April 23. The local call it Rose (El Dia de la Rosa) or books (El Dia del Librare) day because during this day lovers exchange gifts – roses and books. Therefore, if you can’t get to Barcelona on Valentine’s Day, try to visit it in April and enjoy romance all around again.
Prague
Prague is as charming as Paris. Do not believe? Just take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, the Vltava river dock and then visit one of the world’s critics-praised restaurants all in the same fantastic town. Just one day – it is all that it takes to fall in love with Prague.
There is no need to climb to the very top of the hill or visit the hall of mirrors in the castle, but you just have to stop at the park, where the monument to Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Macha is standing. This poet actually created a love story about robber Vilém and Jarmila, which is considered to be the Czech version of Romeo and Juliet.
Thanks to this poet Czechs have two love days. One is on March 1st, which is celebrated in honor of Macha, and another on February 14th that refers to the Valentine’s Day as well.
London
There are tons of romantic places in London too! London invites you to try each other’s courage and admire the panorama of the city from a bird’s view – in London there is the highest running sightseeing wheel in Europe called the London Eye.
You can have a romantic cruise down the River Thames. Visit Victoria and Albert Museum, which tells the dramatic Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s love story. For romantic walks, choose the route full of architectural heritage sites like Tower Castle, St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Palace and Abbey and many others. London is full of love for sure!
Istanbul
If you want to spend this Valentine’s Day in Istanbul, it is the perfect choice for those who desire a little bit of something different and less crowded. Unlike in summer, in winter, the city is not overcrowded with tourists, and this is why it is so great to visit it!
Go for a swim in Bosporus Strait connecting two continents; admire views of the spectacular palaces and villas all scattered on amazing Asian coastal horizon. Visit Basilica’s cisterns (Yerebatan SARNIÇ) a perfectly preserved Constantinople water storage. Also, visit the local spice bazaar where herbal scents stimulate the senses and invite you to purchase some real aphrodisiacs!
Explore 200 years of history by studying one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the St. Sophia mosque, bringing together two beloved ones described in Mikka Waltari’s the novel “The Egyptian” and fall in love again in this fantastic Asian city even more!
What city do you find to be the most romantic?
I spent mine in Mumbai 🙂 I wouldn’t say it was romantic, but there are some romantic spots around the city I’ve visited before.
Author
That sounds really fun and exotic! I like how you’re able to find romantic spots in a city thats not known as a romantic city – the experience is uniquely yours! 🙂
Everyone always has Paris on their listen of romantic cities, and honestly, I just don’t see it! Maybe because I’ve been there so many time. I do, however, think Prague, and Barcelona are. And as a Londoner, I do think the city has a romantic charm depending on where you are 🙂
Author
It really depends where you go. To be honest, I find places like the Eiffel Tower to be one of the most overrated and least romantic spots in Paris, because it’s full of tourists and random people trying to sell you things. But there’s lots of hidden gems in the city, like in cute cafes and parks, where you definitley fall in love with the charm and intimacy of it all 🙂 I agree that Prague and Barcelona are really romantic as well!
I spent Valentine’s Day a year ago in Paris and I really enjoyed it. It’s such an inspiring place to walk around. This year I stayed in Amsterdam and it was also nice. Barcelona is the winner though! 🙂
Author
Yes I agree, I def think Barcelona takes it as the most romantic city! 😀 Amsterdam seems like a great way to spend Valentines as well!