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Europe is not just the go-to place if you want to explore culture and art - many of the cities here are famous for being the dream destination for lovers. The architecture, the ambience, the... |
Europe is not just the go-to place if you want to explore culture and art – many of the cities here are famous for being the dream destination for lovers. The architecture, the ambience, the language, the food, the music, the culture and even the little nooks and crannies here can present limitless possibilities for romance and love. Here are some of the best picks for a romantic European holiday destination:
Paris
It’s probably no surprise that the City of Lights is the very first holiday destination mentioned here. Paris is the city of art, culture and romance. For some reason, the way the city has been designed to look makes you feel that it’s Valentine’s Day everyday.
Instead of hurrying up from one destination to the next, try to give way a little to your lazy side. Spend a day in one of the city’s lovely parks, take a stroll in Montmartre or walk the streets in the St. Germain des Pres. Don’t forget the Latin Quarter and the Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Or you could take your place in one of the many cafes that line Rue de Buci. You could spend hours and hours on end here seated across the table talking. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is unforgettable at sunset and well into the hours of the night when darkness hangs over the lights of Paris.
Just a warning, though: like love, Paris can be overwhelming for the overly enthusiastic and over-indulgent. Try to keep the romance down a notch and you’ll both be able to explore the city and get to know each other better.
Venice
As one of the most romantic cities in the world, the city of Venice offers you one of those few opportunities to explore its major attractions from a vantage point that showcases it best: the water. Instead of taking a walk during your first day, go and hire a gondola so you and your significant other can glide across the water in relative peace.
If the gondola isn’t an option (during certain times of the year, the waterways can get congested with them), try the vaporetto. It’s a small boat that is capable of transporting groups of people across and along the water. The ride, while public, can be very romantic, as long as you choose your route well. Get on the ground at certain stops for a sip of cappuccino or for lunch.
Go ahead and wander – Venice is supposed to be explored that way and it can be particularly romantic. At sundown, when it’s time for dinner, make sure you head to the Rialto, where some of the city’s best restaurants are located.
Rome
One of the most romantic Hollywood movies was inspired by this city (Roman Holiday starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn), so there really is no reason why you shouldn’t find your own romantic Roman holiday here.
Rome is a city built for lovers – the tables at its cafes are designed for intimate exchanges, its wines are heady and the market is alive with blooms. You could even make a wish and hope for it to come true with a simple toss of a coin. And yes, you could pledge forever (or hope for it) with the Bocca dela Verita or Mouth of Truth.
When in Rome and looking for romance, don’t go for the obvious. Seek out the city as you would a mystery and since there are two of you, who knows what sorts of discoveries you will be able to find? This favorite European holiday destination has plenty to offer and won’t run out of anything soon.