Proposing marriage to your partner is one of the most memorable things you will possibly do in your entire life. People love a good proposal story. One of the first questions they will ask is “Where did you pop the question?” Location is key and nothing screams romance more than getting down on one knee in any of these stunning European destinations.
# 1 Amsterdam
Amsterdam may not be the first European city you think of when it comes to romance. The atmosphere in this capital city is a relaxed one. Couples quietly stroll through the intimate streets, hand-in-hand along the canals, gazing up at those historic, narrow buildings. There are countless museums you can visit to learn more about the city but there is no better way to soak up the culture than taking a romantic stroll along the canals.
With over 100 kilometers of canals, 90 islands, and 1,500 bridges, it is quite easy to see why they call Amsterdam the “Venice of the North”. The best place to experience the magic of the city is at twilight. Wait until the sun sets and that midnight blue sky appears just as the street lamps and bridge lights start to turn on. Whether you decide to propose on a bridge overlooking the canals or on a quiet bench, the enchanting backdrop of this historic city will sweep any person off their feet.
#2 Cliffs of Moher
As one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, the Cliffs of Moher provides a stunning location for any marriage proposal. However, the key to making your proposal absolutely perfect is to check the weather beforehand! While torrential rain and wind is certainly memorable, it might not be what you want your fiancé to remember about the day.
If you are lucky to visit on a clear day, you are sure to be capitvated by one of the most stunning views of the Atlantic coast, stretching for an incredible 8 kilometers. Imagine enjoying a dramatic sunrise at the highest viewing point, 214 meters above sea level, standing next to the love of your life. It certainly is an unforgettable place.
#3 Neuschwanstein Castle
If you are looking for a fairytale proposal, look no further than Neuschwanstein Castle. This picturesque castle was built in the 19th century and belonged to Bavarian King Ludwig II. It is quite a steep hike up to the castle but, thankfully, you can rent a carriage to take you up. Yes, an actual horse-drawn carriage! If that does not scream romance, I don’t know what does.
#4 The London Eye
London is an incredibly special city. From its famous royals, gorgeous architecture, and expansive parks, there is something for everyone to love. While there are many intimate places to get down on one knee in London, this city certainly does hold back and neither should you.
Take a ride on the London Eye, an incredible ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, and brace yourself for jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city. This is not just any ferris wheel you would find at a local carnival. Each capsule holds up to 20 people and moves very slowly, allowing you to soak up the experience for about a half hour. However, for special occasions, you can rent an entire capsule just for the two of you, while enjoying champagne and chocolates. It is called “Cupid’s Capsule” for a reason!
#5 Santorini
Idylic white houses, dramatic cliffs, and a deep blue sea perfectly describes the Greek Island of Santorini. It is almost impossible to take a bad photo of this place and even more impossible to pick a bad spot to propose. You can try one of the cozy restaurants looking out onto the sea or maybe even charter a small boat to admire the island from the water. Either way, you will be easily swept up in the romance and beauty of Santorini.
#6 Cinque Terre
When planning a trip to Itay, it is all too easy to get caught up in visiting the major, historic cities such as Rome and Florence. But if you are looking for an ideal place to pop the question, look no further than Cinque Terre. Just under 3 hours by train from Florence, you will find these centuries-old seaside villages that create the most colorful and charming atmosphere.
You know you are in a romantic place when there is an actual “Love Walk” or “Via dell’Amore” that leads you around the cliffs, offering up the best views of the Italian Riviera coastline.
#7 Paris – not just the Eiffel Tower!
This list would not be complete without mentioning the City of Lights. Paris is a city that inspires love and its romantic atmosphere is hard to deny. The places to propose are truly endless. Strolling along the Seine River, enjoying the views from Sacre Coeur at sunset, or gazing up at the Notre Dame are just a few ideas that would be more than ideal.
However, the Eiffel Tower is hard to ignore and for good reason. The views from the top are breathtaking, making it one of the most famous places to propose in the world. If you do not want to be too cliché, another alternative would be having a picnic on the green lawn of the Champ de Mars, looking up at the famous tower. Once the sun goes down, every hour on the hour, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles for five minutes. If you can peel your eyes away from this magical sight, those five precious minutes will be the perfect time to propose!
