Most romantic European cities for a honeymoon or couples getaway

My partner and I are finally planning our long-overdue honeymoon and we want to spend it somewhere truly magical in Europe. We are looking for a destination that offers a great mix of historic charm, incredible food, and cozy spots to just walk around and take in the views without being suffocated by massive tourist crowds. Which European cities do you think are the absolute best for romance, and what specific neighborhoods or hidden gems would you recommend checking out?

Congratulations on finally planning your honeymoon! I cannot recommend Bruges enough. It feels like stepping straight into a fairytale, especially at night when the crowds thin out and the street lamps reflect on the canals. Definitely check out the Rozenhoedkaai and wander around the quiet Beguinage.

If you want to avoid the massive crowds of Paris or Rome, look into Verona, Italy. It has all the romance without the overwhelming hustle and bustle. The Castelvecchio Bridge at sunset is incredible. Plus, if you love great food, you might also want to check out this guide on the top 10 best cities for street food in Europe for some amazing culinary tips.

Check out Seville, Spain! It is vibrant, historic, and incredibly romantic with its orange-scented plazas and stunning architecture. Spend an evening wandering through the winding alleys of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and catch an intimate flamenco show.

We went to Ljubljana, Slovenia, for our anniversary and it completely stole our hearts. It is charming, incredibly green, and much quieter than other European capitals. You can take a lovely boat ride on the Ljubljanica river and just enjoy the relaxed pace.

For a truly magical honeymoon, consider Salzburg, Austria. The old town is gorgeous, and if you want to make the journey there even more memorable, you should definitely read about Europe's most scenic train journeys for some breathtaking route recommendations.

Porto in Portugal is an amazing alternative to Lisbon. It is steep, romantic, and full of historic charm. Grab a bottle of local wine, head down to the Cais da Ribeira at dusk, and watch the lights twinkle across the Douro river.

If you are watching your budget while still wanting total romance, you should look into best budget-friendly cities to visit in Europe this year for some gorgeous Eastern European spots like Krakow or Budapest that offer incredible luxury experiences for a fraction of the cost.

Colmar in France is another hidden gem that feels utterly romantic. The Little Venice district is breathtakingly picturesque, and it is the kind of place where you can just wander hand-in-hand without worrying about being rushed by huge tour groups.