Europe’s Most Stressful Proposal Spots & Peaceful Alternatives
With National Proposal Day fast approaching on 20th March and data revealing that one in two Brits get engaged in a different country, now is the perfect time to get planning your perfect proposal ahead of the European summer.
Image Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash
For those wanting to pop the question away from the crowds, global car hire company Avis has analysed Google search and TikTok hashtag data to identify Europe’s busiest and stressful places to get engaged – and the quieter, underrated locations just a short journey away.
Swap the Eiffel Tower for the Temple of Love, Paris
Distance: 30-minute drive apart
The most popular proposal spot destination in Europe is the Eiffel Tower, with over 650,000 Google searches worldwide and 657,000 TikTok hashtags. The iconic landmark situated in the capital is a busy destination for tourists and couples alike, making it a stressful location for those wanting a peaceful proposal.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful place to propose, swap the hustle and bustle of the city centre for the tranquil gardens at the Temple of Love in Versailles, which has only 700 searches. It’s just a short 30-minute drive from Paris, and the Temple of Love offers a secluded, fairytale setting. For just €12, you can enter the park and gardens surrounded by the 18th century marble temple featuring a statue of Cupid – a fitting backdrop to pop the question. Both locations are nearest to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), meaning a short trip to getting down on one knee.
Swap the Canals of Venice for Verona
Distance: One-hour drive apart
With 484,000 global searches and 7,515 TikTok hashtags, Venice ranks as Europe’s second most popular proposal destination. However, a Venetian gondola ride can set you back 90 euros and the inconvenience of heavy crowds.
For a more intimate experience, opt for Verona, home of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The city's historic gardens and romantic architecture, including the Giardino Giusti garden, provides an equally meaningful setting. Entry costs just €14, and with only 1,600 Google searches, you’ll feel more intimate and secluded at this destination. It is a short 20-minute drive in your hire car from Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN).
Swap the Amalfi Coast for the Cilento Coast
Distance: Three-hour drive apart
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its stunning scenery and is crowded during peak summer time. It's no surprise that it has over 466k Google searches and 37,000 TikTok hashtags, but it will be an extremely busy spot to pop the question.
Further south, after a three-hour drive in your hire car, you’ll find the Cilento Coast, a more peaceful alternative. Protected as a natural park, peaceful, untouched beaches and an authentic village make it ideal for an intimate proposal. From boat trips on the Alento river to outside the Church of St. Peter the Apostle, there are many spots on the coast to propose. The nearest airport to both coasts is Naples International Airport.
Swap the London Eye for the Jubilee Gardens
Distance: One-minute walk apart
With 347,000 global searches, the London Eye is the fourth most popular proposal location, with proposal pods starting from £1,390 upwards.
For couples seeking a more relaxed proposal without sacrificing London's iconic views, opt for a short walk to the Jubilee Gardens just moments away. This peaceful garden space sits along the Thames with the view of the London Eye, but far more secluded without any queues, time limits or hefty price tags.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Quarter Of Brits Have ‘Never Revealed This Secret To Their Partner’
Swap Edinburgh Castle for Craigmillar Castle
Distance: 15-minute drive apart
Edinburgh Castle, overlooking Scotland's capital, is the fifth most popular spot for a proposal, with 238,000 Google searches and 38,700 TikTok hashtags. Costing £24 to enter, this is a lively destination for couples who love historic fortresses.
Just three miles from the city centre is a far quieter experience, offering the same spectacular views of Scotland. Often described as Edinburgh’s hidden castle, Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle that has just 5,800 Google searches. Costing just £7.50 to enter, this location is far better for a quiet and intimate proposal. If travelling by hire car, the nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
Swap Park Güell for Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Distance: 14-minute drive apart
Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Barcelona’s most visited attractions, receiving 179,000 Google searches and 15,600 TikTok hashtags. The park receives a large number of visitors each day and a general ticket costs €18 to enter.
For a calmer alternative to propose, just a short 14-minute drive away is Parc del Laberint d’Horta, which only has 2,600 Google searches and 67 TikTok hashtags. This park features tranquil 18th and 19th century gardens, fountains and a neoclassical hedge maze. It's the oldest of its kind in the city and is perfect for a romantic, crowd-free proposal away from the city’s busiest tourist routes. If travelling in a hire car, the nearest airport is Barcelona El Prat (BCN).
#PoppingTheQuestion #ProposalTips #IndexDigital
