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Oh Là Là: Europe's Most Romantic Hoods
One of the many romantic spots in Amsterdam's Jordaan neighborhood.
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Jul 23, 2013 — There's no need for a strike from Cupid's arrow to get in the mood for romance. Every once in a while, even the most frigid guy or gal can heat up to a lukewarm temperature by planning a sentimental evening with their significant other.
European non-romantics need not worry about spending too much time being gushy and creative. There are multiple enchanting neighborhoods across the continent that offer coupled visitors quiet cafés, candlelit dinners, scenic park views, and other ingredients crucial to an amorous experience.
Long walks on the beach are on the menu in Antibes in the French Riviera. The sandy shores beyond the area’s picturesque ancient walls provide a perfect place to recapture an old flame or start a new one. Meanwhile, Jordaan in Amsterdam offers a unique opportunity for a fairytale day featuring strolls past peaceful canals, novelty boutiques, art studios, and a host of swanky wine bars and cocktail lounges.
Over in Madrid, the cobblestone streets and medieval walls characteristic of La Latina and Lavapiés look like set pieces in the next epic romantic film. As if that wasn’t enough, local restaurants like El Ventorrillo – built on a high plateau amid a network of lush green gardens and parks – supply majestic views asking for sweet conversation.
Not much of a Romeo? Don’t sweat the lovey-dovey stuff anymore. Just head to one of these places and let the ambiance do the work.
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Saint Germain - 6eme
The stylish and elegant home to Paris’ bourgeoisie, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, as it is officially known, offers a café lifestyle and boutique shopping. Popular in the 40s and 50s with writer Jean-Paul Sartre and other existentialists, the neighborhood has preserved the cafés where they philosophized and added plenty of new ones that now. . . more -
Antibes
With its ancient stone architecture and laid-back vibe, Antibes stands out from the rest of the French Riviera and offers narrow cobblestone streets full of shops and quaint sidewalk cafés. A stroll beyond the ancient walls reveals sandy beaches and a busy harbor that becomes home to over a thousand yachts every summer. By night,. . . more -
Jordaan
Narrow streets, peaceful canals, and quaint 16th-century quarters make the Jordaan district one of the most scenic areas in Amsterdam. Daytime attractions include novelty boutiques, art studios, and the Anne Frank Huis Museum, while a mix of less touristy bars and nightspots draw a continuous flow of local patrons who prefer the brown bars. . . more -
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a sacred destination, literally. Named for the 3rd Century Christian martyr, the neighborhood is home to the famous Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the largest churches in Florence, which also happens to be the final resting place of several prominent members of the infamous Medici family. History buffs will have a field day. . . more -
La Latina / Lavapiés
Located on the southern edge of historical Madrid just a few blocks from the Royal Palace, La Latina and neighboring Lavapiés are easily some of the most authentic and traditional neighborhoods in the city. The medieval walls and cobblestone streets form a charming labyrinth that confuses even lifelong residents – but of course, getting lost. . . more -
Lehel
A stone’s throw north east of the City Center, Lehel is the oldest Munich suburb; a relatively peaceful district on the banks of the Isar that was officially incorporated into the city grid way back in the 1720s. As such, there’s no shortage of historic buildings to be found within its borders, many of which are home to top museums like The. . . more -
San Polo
The humble neighborhood of San Polo lies just across the Rialto Bridge from San Marco, and although its dense quarters are largely residential and mellow, it does house the bustling Erbaria market area. Now a wildly popular Venice nightlife district, the market’s interconnected squares provide an arena where artsy students and progressive. . . more -
Piazza di Spagna
Very classy and outrageously overpriced, Piazza di Spagna is most notable as the home to the shops of all the major European designers, and as such attracts a daytime crowd of older and more sophisticated residents, travelers, and shoppers. While the area isn’t a hotbed of nightlife, it does offer a few good options. Those looking for a. . . more
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