Paris may be Europe's romance city number one, but Prague rivals it in more than one way. The city is famous for cobbled streets, a brilliant river, a hill crowned with a castle, romantic hotels oozing with charm and fine dining on top of a dancing house. The Vltava River begs for a river cruise. And just wait until it gets dark when Prague is even more romantic with its floodlit castle and hundreds of restaurants, wine bars and beer gardens. Plus, Prague is the only city that has a special day for lovers.
View from Petrin Hill — Photo courtesy of Marianne Crone
Romantic Hill
Petrin Hill, once covered in vineyards, is now famous for its look-alike Eiffel Tower offering a bird's eye view of the city. On May Day, young and elderly couples, hand-in-hand, wend their way uphill past trees heavy with blazing pink cherry blossoms. Halfway, they lay flowers at the statue of the 19th-century poet Karel Hynek Macha who wrote Máj, the best love poem written in the Czech language. Then they find themselves a quiet spot to do what lovers do.
Romantic Views
When the Vltava River sparkles like diamonds in the setting sun, it's time to amble across Charles Bridge. The sun's fiery orange colors and Prague Castle stand out against the darkening sky. Walk on to Letna Hill to see a picture-perfect vista of golden spires reaching into the starry sky. Take a rest in the Letna Beer Garden and drink to your lover's health.
Romantic River
The Vltava River flows through the city like a satin ribbon. There is no more romantic way to see the city than by boat. Treat your loved one to a romantic meal and take in the magnificent views of the illuminated skyline. Admire Prague Castle towering high above, sail past golden-crested National Theater, admire Art Nouveau-decorated Cechov Bridge and pass under Charles Bridge, the most beloved bridge of Prague.
Dancing House, Prague — Photo courtesy of Marianne Crone
Romantic Dining
Prague is the only city in the world that has a dancing house. The extraordinary architecture of the house resembles two dancing lovers. The building is made up of two elegant towers of nine floors. He is the rigid tower and she is the graceful swaying tower. The pinch in the middle is her slim waist. On the top floor is Restaurant Celeste. The French chef makes dinner a gourmet adventure. Add to this a sweeping view of the river and Prague Castle and a red rose on each table; this is definitely the most romantic place in Prague.
For the most romantic city views, wait until it's dark. Prague is even more beautiful at night than it is during the day. Spring and summer are the favorite times of year to visit Prague, but the city is also very romantic in winter when the snow on steeples, towers, trees and roofs glistens in the winter sun.
