The Most Romantic Cities in Europe

The word "romantic" is about as closely associated with Europe as the word "historic" and "fairytale". While storybook villages in the countryside and castles beside a misty lake may be the first thing that comes to mind when many people think of European romance, the cities of the continent have plenty of allure as well. Whether you're already planning for next year's Valentine's Day or are just looking for a dreamy place to visit during your next trip, the following cities-both world-famous and unheralded-are some of the most romantic places in Europe. Click on the slideshow to be taken on a romantic tour of the continent.

Set on the shores of the Rhone River, the skyline of Avignon is like nothing else in France thanks to the picturesque Palace of the Popes, a building that serves as a reminder of the short period of time this city was the seat of the Papacy. Visit the Palace, stroll on the medieval Pont d'Avignon Bridge at sunset and then stay (or at the least stop in for a drink) at the swish Hotel La Mirande and you'll be swept off your feet. Being located in the region of Provence, Avignon is also a great base from which to explore the surrounding area, which in summerfeatures fields filled with lavender.

A small city in the heart of Spain, Segovia sends heart aflutter with its combination of enthralling history and enchanting streets. Many people make the trip here from Madrid for the day, but those who spend the night will quickly be seduced by the city's charms. Didn't think an aqueduct could make you "ooh" and "aah"? Well, then one gander at Segovia's famed Roman relic will change your mind and if the town's castle (the Alcázar of Segovia) looks familiar, that's because it is said to have been one of Walt Disney's inspirations for his theme park palaces.

The largest city in Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, Lugano sits on the shores of namesake Lake Lugano and feels much more Mediterranean than Alpine. Head into the hills that surround the town to see traditional villages and for views that will take your breath away before retreating to the plazas, parks (Parco Civico is especially fetching) and terraces of the city to live a little La Dolce Vita.

Even if the word "love" wasn't kinda-sorta in the name of this storybook Czech town, it would be a shoo-in for the list. Home to a castle and cobblestoned squares all while being encircled by the scenic Vlatva River, Cesky Krumlov is about as fairytale as it gets. Sit beside the river to enjoy a meal or drink in the sun or-if you're there in summer-take to the water to do some floating.

It doesn't matter that it's occasionally overcrowded, Venice and its atmospheric canals and bridges still have the power to make you sigh every time. Especially at night, when with every hour, the crowds get thinner and the street lamps get even more atmospheric. Don't leave without having a meal or a spritz at Gran Caffè Quadri on San Marco Square or taking a spin on a gondola, as the latter may be a cliche, but it's an experience you'll never forget.

Home to a series of waterways, Gothic buildings, moving works of art and the moody Castle of the Counts, Ghent is every bit as pretty as neighbor Bruges. The city truly comes alive after dark though when a renowned lighting scheme bathes Ghent's streets, squares and monuments in shadow & light that accentuates the city's romantic architecture perfectly.

One look at the rosy sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle standing tall over the town and the Neckar River and you'll know right away why Heidelberg was a favorite among the writers of the Romantic movement. Spend and few days here exploring the castle and crossing the Old Bridge at dusk and you may just be penning odes to the town yourself.

Laid out of a series of hills, Portugal's capital possesses one of the most fetching settings on the entire continent and the city is filled with lookout points called miradors which are perfect for savoring the sweet views. Spend your afternoon at one of them, breathing in the romantic city laid out before you, before heading out for an evening of listening to fado-the city's signature soulful, melancholy music.

The capital of Slovenia owns a dreamy setting on the banks of the Ljubljanica River and is looked over by an imposing-yet-inviting castle. This makes for the most evocative of settings, which is perfect for spending days just sipping wine at riverside cafes. Then, take the short day trip to nearby Lake Bled and its famous island chapel-a favorite among Slovenian newlyweds-for the ultimate romantic experience.

Home to one of the largest medieval town squares in all of Europe and the wonderful Wawel Royal Castle, history and romance are around every turn in Poland's historical former capital. Take a cruise on the Vistula River to see Krakow's fine spire and dome-filled skyline from the water, a sight that is sure to take your breath away.

Treat yourself to a dip in one of Budapest's renowned thermal baths and you'll feel refreshed and ready to embrace all the romance of this Central European metropolis. Head to the top of Gellert Hill to take in the sweeping view of the city and the Danube River, then take to the river at night for a cruise, when the bridges and buildings of Budapest are bathed in atmospheric light.

You may have to work a little to find an empty bench beside the canals, but once you're sat at one and lights are twinkling on the water, you'll be romanced by Amsterdam. You can also find romance here on a canal cruise, a visit to the nearby tulip fields in spring or by cozying up by candlelight at one of the city's characterful historic bars like Cafe t'Smalle.

Home to cobblestone streets and pastel half-timbered facades, Colmar looks about as close to a starry-eyed vision of a European city as you can get. The star of France's bucolic Alsace region, in Colmar you can tour vineyards in the surrounding region by day and then spend your evening walking along the city's waterways-the most evocative section being dubbed "Little Venice".

Jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is a romantic dream come to life. Walk the city walls admiring the lovely tiled roofs of the Old Town before heading inside the town itself to get lost in the back lanes. Then, head to Buza Bar-a tiny watering hole that clings to the cliffs just outside of the city wall- to watch the sun sink into the sea.