5 Romantic Anniversary Destination Ideas in Europe

Celebrating an anniversary is a beautiful excuse to pack your bags and whisk you and your partner away for an unforgettable trip to Europe. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, culture, or all of the above, the continent is brimming with destinations perfect for deepening your relationship. While I love spending as much time as possible in one place to truly soak it in, I think a minimum of four days at each destination is a good starting point for planning your anniversary getaway.

Here are my top anniversary destination ideas for Europe and tips to make your trip truly special.

1. Paris, France: The City of Love

Paris is synonymous with romance, and it’s an obvious choice when it comes to celebrating love. Imagine strolling along the Seine, sharing a croissant at a quaint café, or standing hand-in-hand under the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at night. It doesn’t get much better than that.

What to Do:

Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame (which has now reopened!), and the Champs-Élysées. These spots are perfect for capturing memorable anniversary photos.
Museums: For art lovers, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Rodin are must-sees. If you the two of you are into modern art, check out the Centre Pompidou.
Shopping and Dining: Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant such as Epicure, L’Ambrosie, or Alleno. Or choose to wander the charming streets of Le Marais, known for its boutiques and hidden gems.

On my last trip to Paris, my husband and I absolutely loved walking around Montmarte and Sacré-Cœur in the rain. We enjoyed going out to restaurants but also sitting quietly together in some of the many Parisian parks while we shared a baguette and some pastries.

2. Scotland: Castles, Landscapes, and Legends

Scotland offers a mix of rugged beauty and historic charm that makes it an ideal anniversary destination. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or venturing into the countryside, there’s something enchanting about this corner of the world.

What to Do:

Cities: Spend a day or two in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, and indulge in Scottish whisky tastings.
Countryside Adventures: Venture to the Outer Hebrides or drive through the Highlands to see rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious lochs.
Castles: Scotland is famous for its castles, and they’re as romantic as they are historic. A popular favorite is Eilean Donan Castle.

Scotland is a wonderful country to explore and appreciate for its nature and history. Its charm and beauty make it a perfect place to celebrate your love and create cherished memories.

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3. Bavaria, Germany: A Storybook Setting

Bavaria is straight out of a fairy tale, like Rapunzel from Tangle which just so happens to be my favorite Disney movie. It’s a destination that offers both charm and adventure. From quaint towns to breathtaking castles, visiting here for an anniversary will feel like stepping into another era.

What to Do:

Historic Towns: Wander the cobblestone streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Munich: Visit Marienplatz, explore the bustling Viktualienmarkt, and raise a stein at one of Munich’s legendary beer halls.
Castles: Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, is a must-visit. It’s perched on a hill surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
Nature: Explore Berchtesgaden National Park, where you can hike, rent a boat for two on Königssee Lake, or take in the stunning views of the Bavarian Alps.

On our last trip to the region, we walked up the path to Neuschwanstein Castle but there were several horse drawn carriages going up and down to the castle. It looked like a romantic and old-fashioned way to enjoy the castle.

If you can, try to time your visit during the fall for vibrant foliage or during the winter for a beautiful snowy experience.

4. The Black Forest, Germany: Outdoor Adventures

The Black Forest offers a mix of serene nature and unique cultural experiences, making it a great choice for couples who love outdoor activities.

What to Do:

Canopy Tours: Go ziplining or take a treetop canopy walk for a bird’s-eye view of the forest.
Freiburg: Explore Freiburg im Breisgau, a charming university town known for its cathedral and cobblestone streets.
Museums: Visit the Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof (Black Forest Open Air Museum) to learn about the region’s history, or check out one of the car museums in Schramberg.
Cuckoo Clocks: The Black Forest is the birthplace of the cuckoo clock. Stop by a local shop to pick up a handmade keepsake.

We spent a day hiking through the Black Forest and went zip-lining which was so much fun! We were the only two who didn’t speak German but our guide was amazing and we had a blast!

We also loved walking through the streets by Freiburger Münster (Freiburg Minster) and having lunch at Schloss-Cafe Lorettoberg which had delicious food and a lovely view.

5. Venice and Rome, Italy: A Tale of Two Cities

Italy is always a good idea for an anniversary trip, and whether you can combine Venice and Rome into one trip or you choose to explore just one gives, you really can’t go wrong. Each city has its own charm, history and beautiful places to explore.

What to Do in Venice:

Gondola Rides: No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the canals.
Landmarks: Admire the Ponte di Rialto and Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Exploration: Wander the narrow alleys and discover hidden squares and quiet cafes like Caffè del Doge or Pasticceria Dal Mas.

What to Do in Rome:

Historic Sites: Visit the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum.
Trevi Fountain: Take photos or toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Piazzas: Sit at an outdoor café in Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori and watch the world go by.

I’m quite simple. My favorite part of Venice was eating gelato and watching the sun reflect off of the water while boats gently floated by. The city full of canals truly is a unique experience to behold.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Love with an Adventure

Europe offers endless possibilities for a romantic and memorable anniversary trip. Whether you’re exploring the romantic streets of Paris, the rugged beauty of Scotland, or the timeless charm of Bavaria, each destination promises unique experiences you’ll cherish forever.

The best part? Each of these locations is stunning year-round. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, enjoying fall foliage, or experiencing the magic of Christmas markets, you can’t go wrong.

Where will your anniversary adventure take you? Let me know in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear about your plans!