There is nothing quite like celebrating Valentine’s Day with that special someone in your life, especially if that involves popping the question! If you love Europe or want to plan a trip, there are some gorgeous places to propose. We’ve got 18 romantic places in Europe to propose this Valentine’s Day (or any time of year).
February 14th is a time of love and a reason to tell that person exactly how you feel about them. However, how do you go about showing them and celebrating Valentine’s Day? If you have an engagement ring in mind, going away with your partner is a lovely way to make Valentine’s Day doubly special.
But where should you go? Don’t worry!! We have you covered. Here are some of the most romantic places in Europe to propose marriage to the one you love. So exciting!
Romantic Places in Europe to Propose
1. Venice, Italy
Italy is a such romantic country. Additionally, there are a few different romantic places in Italy to propose. However, of all of the cities, Venice is gorgeous and has such a loving feel to it.
For starters, it is a city that sits upon 100 small islands within a lagoon. You can include how your love is larger than 100 islands in your proposal speech.
One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. As a result, taking a ride on a traditional gondola could be one of the best things you do when you are there. Plus, there is an abundance of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.
2. Rome, Italy
Another fantastic city filled with romance in Italy is Rome. It is one of the more well-known cities with some of the most iconic attractions, including the Vatican and the Colosseum. You could even hire a proposal photographer and get down on one knee with the Colosseum in the background on February 14th.
Afterward, take a tour around the city. That way you can experience some of the beautiful churches and pieces of art dotted around Rome. Finally, head to the Trevi Fountain and make a wish for a long life together.
3. Naples, Italy
Heading to the south of Italy you will find the picturesque town of Naples, which is a perfect place to get engaged. Known for its fabulous food and authentic style, Naples is a lovely place to visit.
Close by is Mount Vesuvius which is an active volcano. You can hike around the suburbs of the city or enjoy some of the bustling bars and restaurants within the city center. It’s such a fantastic location that is a little outside of the box for proposing to your significant other.
4. Mont Saint-Michel, France
France is well known for being a romantic country to visit. However, there’s one place, in particular, that must be mentioned: Mont Saint-Michel. It is a tidal island and forms part of the mainland of Normandy.
The island itself lies approximately 1 km off the mainland, making it feel like a hidden treasure of seclusion and tranquility. It’s an ideal place to present an engagement ring and promise your love to your partner.
As a result, it’s also a perfect location to enjoy a romantic weekend. While the island may be small, there is still plenty to keep you occupied. If you are a Harry Potter fan, then it will feel like you are right there in Hogwarts.
5. Paris, France
Of course, it goes without saying that Paris is one of the most romantic places in Europe to propose. Therefore, we can’t be discussing romantic locations in Europe without giving a mention to the famous city of love.
Paris, France has always been recognized as a romantic location for proposals, weddings, and honeymoons. The iconic Eiffel Tower is elegant, the Louvre is filled with stunning art and creativity, and a stroll along the River Seine at dusk will fill you with emotion and give you goosebumps.
The ultimate city of love is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants to keep you occupied the entire weekend of your engagement.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is full of mystery. Known as the city of a hundred spires, the old town is where you will find feelings of love. Therefore explore the streets and squares dotted around this romantic city.
The old town square is at the heart of this city’s history. With colorful baroque buildings, gothic churches, and elements of medieval times throughout, it certainly will give you the wow factor. It would be a fabulous backdrop to ask your partner to marry you and start planning your wedding day.
For couples, you can enjoy walking hand in hand. Do so while witnessing the beautiful architecture. You will also find a hidden treasure trove of bars and restaurants down cobbled side streets.
7. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of Greece’s most picturesque locations. You will find views of white-washed buildings, blue skies, and crystal blue seas in every direction you look.
This Greek island is suitable for couples who love to explore. There are twists and turns of cobbled streets and pathways up and down. Consequently, Santorini also has an abundance of Greek Tavernas and local bars. It’s a relaxed location that has decent weather on February 14th and beyond.
8. Hallstatt, Austria
In Austria, there are many stunning locations where you can plan a proposal. However, Hallstatt is a hidden gem and one of the quieter locations. It’s one of the most romantic places in Europe to propose and is perfect for couples looking to reconnect.
Hallstatt is a village on Lake Hallstatt’s in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Everywhere you look you will spot 16th-century Alpine houses with stunning backdrops of mountains and greenery.
There is also an abundance of little alleyways waiting to be explored that are home to cafes and shops. It’s the perfect place to wander and find a quaint place to propose to your love and start your life together.
9. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a very unique city that is situated in the northwest part of Belgium. As a result, it is most well-known for its canals, medieval buildings, and plenty of cobbled streets for walking.
In the city center, you will find Burg square, the 14th-century Stadhuis city hall, which has an ornately carved ceiling. Nearby Markt Square also has some iconic architecture as well as plenty of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy.
Bruges is a lovely city to walk around and admire. It’s filled with surprises – and possibly a surprise proposal with a yes answer!
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a coastal city that has a lot of sass and sophistication. Known as Portugal’s hilly city, Lisbon really is a lovely place to visit. Plus, there are lots of cobblestone streets and fabulous locations to get down on one knee and propose.
There is color everywhere you turn from the pastel shades of buildings to brightly colored patterned tiles on the walls. Additionally, there is an array of shops, bars, and restaurants for you to enjoy as well.
Lisbon truly is a lovely location in the south of Portugal. It is perfect for couples and even better to schedule your engagement so you can finally pop the question.
11. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a beautiful and picturesque town in Portugal close to Lisbon. Therefore, it should definitely be on your wish list of destinations to visit while in Europe. Plus, it’s one of the most romantic places to propose in Europe — especially on Valentine’s Day!
Hidden amongst the pine-covered hills, you will find this town that has an air of magnificence to it. From palaces and stunning buildings to ruins to explore, there is certainly plenty to see.
When you have grown tired of exploring the history of the town, enjoy a traditional Portuguese feast in the many local restaurants. You can get engaged in front of one of the palaces or at a vantage point with a lovely view. It’s time for your significant other to say yes!
12. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is Spain’s central capital. While Barcelona is a popular coastal city, folks know Madrid for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks.
This Spanish city is perfect for taking a stroll with your loved one. The city is also home to some incredible European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
13. Barcelona, Spain
While on the topic of Spain, another fabulous city to visit and propose in is Barcelona. Consequently, it is a city that gives you the beach and coast, and there is so much to see and do.
The streets are beautiful and colorful. There is also such an ambiance and positive vibe. Capitalize on that, and choose it as the perfect place to get engaged.
There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. Plus, it also houses some of Europe’s most gorgeous boutique hotels.
14. Berlin, Germany
While there is much history attached to Germany’s capital Berlin, it is still a city that gives that air of romance. It is famous for its turbulent history dating back to WWI.
However, Berlin is also known for its art scene and modern landmarks like the gold-colored, swoop-roofed Berliner Philharmonie, which was built in 1963.
In the evening the city comes alive with lots of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. Eat dinner, and then have your waiter help you propose to your sweetheart.
15. Opatija, Croatia
Opatija is a Croatian coastal town on the Adriatic Sea and an ideal place to visit as a couple. It is known to be a fashionable resort with stunning architecture dating back to the 19th century.
All around the town you will see elements of the Habsburg-era villas. The Lungomare is a promenade that snakes along the coastline perfect for couples to take a stroll, offering views of the town and neighboring islands. Of course, it’s also a unique and somewhat private location to get engaged.
16. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is a city in Switzerland that lies at the southern tip of the expansive Lake Geneva. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc making it one of the most breathtaking places you may visit in Europe.
It’s also an ideal Swiss location to visit during the winter months. You have the snow-capped mountains offering great views as well as the opportunity to try your hand at some winter sports.
Once you have had your fun, enjoy a cozy evening in front of the fire with your loved one. Then surprise your partner by asking them to marry you. How exciting — and, of course, romantic.
17. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital. Additionally, it is one of the most iconic places to visit in what is possibly the world’s happiest place. Copenhagen sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. Indre By is the city’s historic center which contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace.
Denmark is known as one of the happiest places in the world because the Danes practice Hygge. This is a lifestyle that focuses on coziness, warmth, relationships, and friendships. Hygge is all about the simple things in life.
Consequently, nothing can be simpler than the love you have for each other and taking the opportunity to spend the rest of your lives together.
18. Dublin, Ireland
Finally, Ireland — the Emerald Isle — has a fabulous capital city: Dublin. It’s a city is full of life with plenty to see and do. From a tour of the Guinness factory to enjoying some of the famous bars and restaurants, you will find that it is a lovely place to visit.
Conversely, if you venture out of the city, you are never too far away from the countryside Ireland is famed for. There are plenty of castles and beautiful, coastal vantage points perfect for stopping for your engagement day.
Getting engaged? Save our romantic cities in Europe!
Hopefully, these suggestions will help you decide which romantic places in Europe to propose you want to make your plans. Of course, you can go on Valentine’s Day or any time of year, but finally getting engaged so you can plan your big day is exciting.
Your special day is started with your proposal as you pop the question and spend your life together.
Photos: Anna Pou, Chepte Cormani, Oleg Magni, Ellena McGuinness, Aldo Loya, Je Shoots, Je Shoots, Aleksandar Pasaric, Dimitry Anikin, Despina Galani, Andre Lergier, Daniel Frese, Alex Azabache, Daniel Corneschi, Niki Nagy, Danijel Durkovic, Daniela Turcanu, Nick Karvounis, Diogo Palhais