Prague named second most romantic city in Europe, beating Paris and Venice

Prague has been revealed as the second most romantic destination in Europe, outranking traditional favorites like Paris and Venice, which failed to make the list, in a new study.

The Czech capital's performance on the index is attributed to its nightlife, historic charm, and a high "romance rating" from international travelers.

Factors like "romance" scores from travel platforms like TripAdvisor were also used to determine an overall ranking.

While Prague is often associated with its beer-soaked stag culture, the report suggests an enduring appeal for couples as well, with breathtaking views from the 14th-century Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle complex earning the Czech capital a reputation as a premier destination for love.

"Prague scored particularly well for its nightlife and romantic reputation among travelers," the report noted, emphasizing that the city offers a balance between energetic social scenes and intimate historical settings.

Madrid took the top spot in the ranking with a score of 86.34 out of 100. The Spanish capital was praised for its welcoming atmosphere and the sunset views at the Templo de Debod.

Lisbon, Barcelona, and Zurich rounded out the top five, while Paris, long considered the world’s capital of romance, failed to make the top 15.

Other cities in the top ten included Amsterdam, Helsinki, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Rome.

The recognition comes as Prague continues to balance its massive tourism appeal with efforts to promote its cultural and historical heritage over its reputation as a party destination.