Europe is famous for its beautiful romantic cities. Usually, couples choose the most popular European destinations such as Paris, Venice, or Vienna and overlook some less known cities and places that are real hidden gems. If you want to spend your romantic weekend or honeymoon in some romantic non-mainstream place, get ready to explore the following European destinations.

Budapest, Hungary

Romance is already in the city’s name: Buda and Pest, two cities separated by the river Danube, were unified in 1873. Budapest is rightly considered to be a paradise for romantics. The city is filled with history and charming atmosphere. Cobblestone streets, medieval houses, gothic arches, and old bridges are the distinguished features of the Hungarian capital. The Chain Bridge over the Danube River is a perfect place for watching the sunset with your loved one. After an exciting day trip, relax in the city’s thermal baths whose history dates back as far back as the 12th century.

Copenhagen, Denmark

When in Copenhagen, take a walk in the Tivoli Gardens, the city’s iconic spot. It’s different from other theme parks you might have already visited. Typical parts of an amusement park (roller coaster or bumper cars) are harmoniously combined with some quiet places where you can just walk hand in hand and feel that magical ambiance of Tivoli. However, this is not the only attraction in Copenhagen. A colorful 17th-century waterfront Nyhavn with its museum ships and a line of restaurants is an ideal venue for an evening promenade. Copenhagen was once rated as the happiest city in the world, so why don’t you go there and check it?

Portofino, Italy

What makes Portofino such a romantic place is its picturesque location. This small town is often called a gem of the Italian Riviera and for a reason. Guy de Maupassant once described it as a small village that “stretches crescent-shaped along the edge of this calm bay”. Portofino sits on a rocky promontory surrounded by a harbor and the green hills covered with cypresses, palms, pines, and azaleas. The quay is lined with different boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and typical colorful houses. The best views can be caught from the water so take a boat ride along the harbor. Dolphins are frequent guests here so don’t miss the chance to see them in the clear seawater.

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro is gradually gaining its popularity among travelers. It attracts mainly the tourists from Eastern Europe but more and more western travelers come here to contemplate mountainous landscapes and other attractions. There are a lot of picturesque places in this country and Kotor is one of them. This UNESCO-protected site resembles a canyon or fjord but still it’s unique and one-of-a-kind. When you first see this town, either from the sea or from the road, you’ll be impressed. The Old Town is protected by the thick and high walls that are crafted into the natural steep slopes of the hill. Climb the fortress and you’ll be rewarded by a breathtaking view from the top.

Bruges, Belgium

This city became more widely-known after the film In Bruges in 2008. Bruges is known for its medieval architecture and the network of canals. Due to the latter, it’s sometimes called “The Venice of the North”. It’s a small city so it’s possible to walk around on foot without using any transport. Splendid buildings reflected in the water create that special history-soaked atmosphere that will make you forget you’re in the 21st century. There are a lot of chocolate shops so treat your significant other to famous Belgian chocolate.

This article is provided by Ukrainian Site Meet Wife.