Hoping to put a ring on it? Musement takes a look at ten of the best places to propose in Europe.
Planning to pop the question? The location is critical when going down on one knee. You’ll be telling stories about it for the rest of your life, so it has to be romantic. It has to be memorable. And, of course, you want to hear “Yes!” We’ve chosen a few places to help you say or hear “I do”.
1. Eiffel Tower, Paris
Yes, we know the idea of a proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower is a little bit of a cliche, but how can we resist? You may experience a slight dizziness at the top but that will inevitably mix with the giddiness of your emotions. The City of Light (and romance) is the perfect place to capture this life-changing moment as you take in the views of Paris. Visit after dark for maximum atmosphere and maybe book a table at Le Jules Verne, chef Alain Ducasse’s Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor to celebrate…provided that he or she says yes, of course.
Popping the question on the top of the Eiffel Tower is a bit of a cliche, but how can anyone say no to that?
2. Maze Park in Horta, Barcelona
Time seems to stop at the enchanting Horta Maze in one of Barcelona’s oldest gardens. Inside the maze, you’ll find the statue of Eros, the Greek god of Love, who may just bring you some extra luck. Follow the labyrinthine paths to find small temples built in the Classical style, and remember to stay close together so you don’t get lost among the corners or the crowds.
Propose among the twists and turns in Barcelona’s Maze Park
3. The London Eye
The London Eye is the biggest panoramic wheel in the world, with breathtaking views over the capital. We recommend that you book ‘Cupid’s Capsule’: a special pod where you’ll be served champagne as you slowly rotate. You and your beloved will have 30 minutes alone above the city, but we advise you to time the proposal well – if things don’t go as planned, 29 minutes is a long time to digest “No”.
Get down on one knee in Cupid’s Capsule on the London Eye
4. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Some say that the most beautiful sunset in the world is seen from the volcanic cliffs of Oia on the Greek island of Santorini. Others gather in the early morning to watch the sun come up. Both events are beautiful and serene, adding rose-tinted illumination to your big question. Afterwards, book a table at one of the dramatically located tavernas and ask yourself if you can now afford a dessert.
Propose against the backdrop of the magical hues from a sunset in Oia
5. Venice, Italy
Yes, Venice is another massive cliché, but how cares? Hire a gondola in the wondrous city they call La Serenissima and let the song of the gondolier be the soundtrack to your proposal. If you’d like to avoid the tourist hordes, time your proposal for night-time, when you might find some of the famous bridges briefly empty and the alleys quiet.
Ask your beloved to be yours forever in one of Venice’s fabled gondolas
6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This fairy-tale castle near Munich was the model for the Disney castle and is one of the symbols of Germany. Most visitors experience the castle on guided tours, but you may be able to book an exclusive private experience with a bit of Googling. Alternatively, select the many spires and turrets of the castle as your backdrop for an al fresco (and more economical) proposal. You can be princes or princesses for a day, but without the disappointing medieval living conditions.
Feel like a prince or a princess for the day at Neuschwanstein Castle
7. Trevi Fountain, Rome
The Eternal City has to be a good place for a proposal. The Colosseum, with its history of mass slaughter and martyrdom, may be the choice of cynical suitors, but it lacks some of the necessary romance. The sumptuous Trevi Fountain, however, is famous from its depiction in movies and has the added benefit of a coin-tossing legend. Throw a coin backwards over your left shoulder and you’ll return to Rome, perhaps for a honeymoon!
Throw a coin backwards over your left shoulder and you’ll return to Rome, perhaps for a honeymoon!
8. The Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
This is arguably the best spot in Prague to soak up the atmosphere of Old Prague. With its magnificent view of the Royal Palace and the river, and its sombre Baroque statues standing witness to your love, it’s a prime proposal location. Arrive early morning or late at night to avoid the crowds, the hawkers and the aspiring writers with Kafka fixations.
Let the somber Baroque statues on Charles Bridge stand witness to your love
9. Verona, Italy
According to popular myth Romeo and Juliet played out their ill-starred romance in this delightful historical city. It never happened of course. Someone made it up. Nevertheless, there can be few more romantic places to pop the question than ‘Juliet’s Balcony’ in the center of Verona. You can surprise your love aloft, or shout your question down to the courtyard (in which case, be prepared for multiple responses). Arrive early to avoid swarms of people.
Surprise your love at Juliet’s Balcony in Verona
10. Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
There’s nothing like a bit of Moorish exoticism. The lavish Alhambra Palace and Generlife gardens of Granada are straight out of 1001 Nights, where lovers had assignations among the corridors and foliage. The Court of the Lions is a really great place to whip out the ring, but you’ll also find many ornate palace windows in which to frame your gesture. And if the answer is “No”, at least you’ll have some fantastic photos.
There’s nothing like a bit of Moorish exoticism when you’re whipping out your ring.
Cover Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn via VisualHunt.com / CC BY