A proposal is an unforgettable moment in a couple’s life together, so make it extra special by whisking your loved one away for a destination engagement. Whether you prefer iconic landmarks, historic sights or breathtaking vistas, Europe is full of locations that offer an incredible backdrop for a proposal. Follow our guide to the most romantic places in Europe to to get down on one knee.
The charming city of Florence makes the ideal setting for a picturesque proposal. The best views can be found in Fiesole, a hilltop Tuscan town just outside of the city. After exploring the charming village, tackle the steep walk up to the Monastery of San Francesco, where unbeatable views set a romantic scene that’s particularly dreamy at sunrise or sunset.
Propose against stunning London views at The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building. Book the special proposal package to enjoy 30 minutes of private access to the 72nd-floor viewing platform, with Champagne, chocolates, a dedicated concierge and even a personalised soundtrack to set the right mood. Optional extras are available to make the experience even more exclusive, including flowers and a photographer to capture every moment.
While visiting a city as impressive as Rome, make a bold statement with a grand proposal at the beautiful Spanish Steps. After admiring the Fontana della Barcaccia fountain on Piazza di Spagna, climb the stone stairway to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. As you reach to the top step, surprise your partner by dropping to one knee against the backdrop of the striking Trinità dei Monti church.
Sicily is home to some of the most impressive Roman and Greek ruins in the world. With ancient temples on one side and stunning views over the island and the ocean on the other, Selinunte is an excellent place for a proposal. With the power of the Greek Gods in the air, the courage to pop the question will come easily.
The largest and most important palace complex in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens is not only a picturesque place for a proposal, but it has rich history, too. Built by Frederick III, Elector of Brandenburg for his wife Sophie Charlotte, it’s considered one of the city’s most romantic spaces. Choose a spot in the landscaped gardens for an outdoor proposal that will sweep your new fiancée/fiancé off their feet.
Whether in the snow of winter or the bloom of spring, Peterhof, with its incredible imperial palaces, is one of the most impressive places to propose in Europe. Get down on one knee in front of the Grand Palace, next to the incredible cascading fountains with their decorative gold statues, before celebrating your engagement with a stroll through the romantic gardens in summer or a horse-drawn troika ride in winter.
Make a regal statement with a proposal fit for a Princess, or Prince, at Edinburgh Castle. Towering over the city, the castle is an excellent proposal location for lovers of history. Visitors can hire out the historic Minstrel’s Gallery overlooking the Grand Hall for the occasion, and enjoy 30 minutes of private access with Champagne and roses thrown in to celebrate an engagement.
For the ultimate romantic proposal, jump on a train and head straight to Bruges, a picturesque town an hour outside of Brussels. The town’s scenic canals make a wonderful backdrop for a memorable moment. Choose a spot on the Bonifacius Bridge, which connects a historic church with beautiful Belgian houses, or next to Minnewaterpark De molens, the ‘Lovers Lake’.
Take your proposal into the clouds at Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge, a 53rd-floor restaurant with the most spectacular seats in the city. An ideal setting for culinary connoisseurs, diners can enjoy panoramic views, fine dining cuisine, and a romantic ambience. Book a table by the window at sunset and let the chefs and the views do the rest.
The countryside just outside of Munich is full of fairy tale Bavarian castles. Make an extra special effort and head into the hills to Linderhof Palace, former home of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, which is known for its baroque gardens. Alternatively, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a lavish, colourful hilltop retreat that is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle – an ideal location for a Princess proposal.
You can do a lot in three minutes. Brew a cup of tea. Listen to Golden Slumbers by The Beatles, twice. Or share an unhurried farewell kiss at Waverley Station under the dutiful timekeeping of the Balmoral Clock.
Elegance, beauty and charm have been at the heart of The Balmoral for over a century. The iconic hotel is a staple for romance in Edinburgh and has held many magical proposals.
In October 2023, a very unique and spectacular proposal took place in the hotel, completely themed around Harry Potter.
Flowers have carried hidden meanings throughout history, from playful hints of courtship to surreptitious sentiment. Indeed, they have been used to communicate love for centuries; Robert Burns (1794) famously compared romance to A Red, Red Rose, while Edmund Spenser crafted what would become a quintessential Valentine’s cliché, Roses are Red, as far back as 1590.
