Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Many couples will be celebrating this special day in the most romantic European cities; Paris, Rome and Venice. Europe is packed with city spots that could make a perfect romantic destination. Read on to discover the best spots for spending some quality time with your loved one.
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Lisbon: The epitome of a romantic city
Of all Lisbon’s landmarks, the Belém Tower is perhaps the most romantic of them all. The tower stands, solid as a rock, on the northern bank of the Tagus River at the entrance to the city. Surrounded by water, it offers exceptional views of the river, the city skyline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The tower is just a short train ride from Lisbon’s picturesque city centre.
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London: Enjoy spectacular views over the city
Everyone is familiar with the iconic London Eye. However, only few know that you can book your own private capsule to admire the spectacular views in a more intimate atmosphere. If you propose to your loved one on a private London Eye ride, you’re bound to not be turned down!
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Paris: Lock Up Your Love
Many couples have sworn their eternal love on the so-called Lovers Bridge in the French capital of Paris. The bridge crosses the River Seine and offers a breathtaking views of the Notre-Dame cathedral. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to mark a romantic stay in the city of love by leaving a ‘love lock’ attached to the railings of the bridge. The trend of attaching padlocks to bridges has caught on worldwide and you’ll find love locks on many city bridges.
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Madrid: Pop the question at the Crystal Palace
In Madrid, couples can take a leisurely stroll through the Buen Retiro Park. In the peaceful gardens of El Retiro you can easily forget that you are in a big city. The Palacio de Cristal, a magnificent metal and glass structure with a glass dome, is the park’s most extraordinary architectural monument. The steps in front of the palace are perfect for a proposal.
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Barcelona: Love above the rooftops
Enjoy a charming view over the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona from the Montjuïc hill, which towers above the city’s harbour – even during the winter season this is an excellent place to visit. Have a glass of wine with your loved one in the café right in front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
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Rome: A truly lovely place
Even during wintertime, Rome’s largest park, the Villa Borghese gardens, remains a green and idyllic space. A short walk from the Spanish Steps, it offers an ideal hide-out from the hectic sightseeing tours that run all over the Italian capital. At some spots in this beautifully landscaped garden, enamoured couples can enjoy a breathtaking view over the rooftops of the Eternal City.
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Berlin: Find a secluded spot on the outskirts of the German capital
Berlin isn’t generally known as a particularly romantic destination. However, the island Pfaueninsel in the Havel river is a quaint spot near the border with Potsdam and Brandenburg on the outskirts of Berlin. Some extraordinary architecture, such as the Castle, the late Gothic Kavaliershaus and the memorial temple for Queen Luise of Prussia, can be found on this picturesque island.
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Prague: A secluded hideaway in the heart of Prague
Kampa has been repeatedly chosen as one of the most romantic city islands in the world and can be found in the Czech capital of Prague. One part of the island is lined with beautiful parks, whilst the other consists of quaint alleys and medieval houses. A number of dreamy restaurants on the island offer the perfect setting for a candlelit dinner.
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Budapest: Fairy tale fortress above the Danube
Situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, the Fisherman’s Bastion is an impressive building in Hungary’s capital city. The neo-Romanesque bastion features bizarrely shaped parapets and towers and sits enthroned atop the Castle Hill. The perfect place for a romantic evening stroll, while couples marvel at the impressive view of the illuminated Parliament building which lies across the river.
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Venice: Amidst the Adriatic Sea
The Dorsoduro district is probably the most beautiful neighbourhood in Venice. In addition to holding the city’s most impressive architecture, it offers great views over the delta of the Canale Grande and towards La Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore islands which lie on the opposite shore.
