So, Valentine's Day is coming up and you're planning to pop the question.
Congratulations! No pressure at all. Just a life-changing moment that will be recounted for decades to come.
Better make sure it's extra memorable.
And that you do it in an off-the-charts special place with a top-notch drink to calm those nerves.
14 European Rooftop Bars to Propose from this Valentine's Day
If you're stuck for location ideas your future fiancé will remember for all the right reasons, how about getting down on one knee in one of the best rooftop bars in Europe?
I've picked 14 sky bars where you can pop the question in style, safe in the knowledge that there's a breathtaking backdrop there for moral support.
Plus, I've visited most of them myself on my own travels and can verify that the views, surroundings and drinks are all spectacular.
These are truly some of the most special, memorable and atmospheric spots on the continent. Because you're worth it.
From sunset rooftop bars with golden cityscapes to high-energy spots for those who like an audience, I present you with something for every romantic, or mildly panicked, proposer.
Skip to:
Hamburg, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Tirana, Albania
Berlin, Germany
Athens, Greece
Madrid, Spain
Skopje, North Macedonia
Bucharest, Romania
Bilbao, Spain
Lisbon, Portugal
Stockholm, Sweden
Paris, France
Berlin, Germany
Dubrovnik, Croatia
1. 20UP, Hamburg
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Kicking off with something that has it all is Hamburg's incredible 20UP Skyline Bar at the city's Empire Riverside Hotel.
This sleek, uber-glamorous sky bar boasts a panoramic view of Hamburg like no other.
From 20 floors up, you'll see landmarks such as St. Michael's Church and the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall decorating the cityscape, making the perfect backdrop to your proposal.
Blending Hamburg's world-famous waterfront with nighttime city views gives it a dynamic, romantic vibe.
Especially at sunset, when the Elbe River and the city lights start glittering.
And don't worry if your nerves are sky-high. 20up has sensational signature cocktails to help you stay calm.
And for that celebratory toast afterwards, of course.
2. The Duchess, Budapest
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Hailed as Budapest's best-kept secret, you'll need to study your map closely to find the elusive Duchess.
Oh and you'll also have to find the concierge once you arrive, who will guide you to the elevator and escort you skywards.
Yep, that's the level of exclusivity you're looking at here.
Concealed from mere mortals at street level, the Duchess lounges glamorously on top of Budapest's luxe Matild Palace Hotel.
This uber-luxurious hotspot is adorned with lavish soft furnishings, lit by candlelight and features a glass-encased terrace.
Attentive service, a sophisticated cocktail menu and an ambience to die for make this a top-tier spot to propose.
If they don't say yes at the Duchess, it's them, not you.
3. Sky Club, Tirana
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If you want to get a rep for being an ahead-of-the-curve traveller and like the idea of proposing in an up-and-coming European hotspot, this is the city for it.
And here to answer your location needs is Sky Club Tirana - a rotating rooftop bar offering a 360-degree view of this underrated Balkan city.
Each slow turn of the bar reveals another angle of Albania's glowing capital.
Whether it's the Dajti Mountain in the distance or seas of colourful lights stretching out across the city.
Either way, your marriage is sure to start on the best footing if you choose this unique gem to pop the question.
4. Monkey Bar, Berlin
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Busy, buzzy and always full, Berlin's painfully cool Monkey Bar is perfect for extroverts who want a beautiful crowd to cheer when they propose.
You can't make reservations and may have to queue for say 30-45 minutes to get up there, even on quieter nights.
But that just builds the anticipation of this top-notch spot. And once you're in, it'll be worth it.
Monkey Bar has a clubby feel - choose from a list of cutting-edge craft cocktails while listening to some of the hottest guest DJs around.
If you're planning a romantic, sophisticated proposal, Gallery Rooftop Bar might be more up your street.
But for a big-bang scene in an unforgettable and lively atmosphere, Monkey Bar is the one for you.
Top tip: The bar's terrace is a slightly quieter, more romantic spot and boasts unbeatable views of Berlin's ruined Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
5. Stork Rooftop Bar, Athens
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Views of the Acropolis? Check. Lycabettus Hill? Check. Romance levels through the roof? Oh yes.
Stork Rooftop Bar on top of Athens' Niche Hotel ticks all of the boxes for an unforgettable proposal.
As the sun sets and the Parthenon lights up around the Grecian landscape, it's hard to imagine a more spectacular setting to ask one very lucky person one very important question.
The ambience, enhanced by the uber-stylish decor and soft lighting, will all add to what will (hopefully) be a magical moment.
6. La Terraza de Óscar, Madrid
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Nestled among the terracotta rooftop tiles of Madrid, La Terraza de Óscar is a chilled-out hotel bar and a truly stunning spot as the sun begins to set.
Relaxed yet glamorous, it offers a panoramic view of Madrid's most iconic landmarks.
Gran Vía, the Almudena Cathedral, the Metropolis Building and even the Royal Palace stretch out below, with the mountains framing the city in the distance.
There's even a swimming pool that non-guests can book, making this a fantastic day-to-night spot.
Perfect for a laid-back, sun-soaked proposal with a Spanish twist.
Enjoy some afternoon sun, grab a mojito and pop the question just as the sky turns pink over the city.
7. Sky Bar, Skopje
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If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-track proposal in an up-and-coming city, Skopje is an ideal choice.
The city's skyline, with its much-discussed mix of brutalist, neoclassical and Ottoman architecture, makes for a breathtaking proposal backdrop.
And you'll get top points for originality and a truly unique trip.
There are few better spots in Skopje to pop the question than the Sky Bar at the city's Hotel Panoramica.
The bar itself is stylish and contemporary, offering a fantastic menu of drinks and a peaceful, romantic setting for a heartfelt proposal.
8. NOR Sky, Bucharest
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If you've chosen Bucharest as the scene of your proposal, you'll get maximum points for originality.
As a city break destination, it's shockingly underrated. But it's unlikely to stay that way for much longer.
Sitting 136 metres above it (for context, the same height as the London Eye and the BT Tower), NOR is a high-end, sleek rooftop bar with an unbeatable view of the Romanian capital.
The elegant décor and extensive cocktail menu offer a luxe experience and the ideal environment for popping the big question.
Top tip: After toasting your engagement at NOR, head to the amazing Therme Spa to take the edge off with a rest under the palm trees.
9. The Rooftop by The Artist, Bilbao
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Perched above the frankly fantastic Basque city of Bilbao, the rooftop bar on top of the Artist Hotel is a prime location with an unbeatable view of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum.
As the sun sets, the Guggenheim's chrome curves reflect shades of gold and orange, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
With a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, it's the ideal spot for a proposal that blends art, culture and romance into one special moment.
Top tip: Take advantage of its incredible wine list and take a liquid tour of Spain - from Rioja and Valdeorras to Rias Baixas - without leaving the rooftop.
10. Chapitô à Mesa, Lisbon
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For a dreamy Portuguese proposal, head to Chapitô à Mesa at sunset.
You'll be treated to sweeping views over Lisbon's terracotta rooftops and glistening lights twinkling over the Tagus River as it flows out to sea.
The outdoor terrace is the ideal spot for a golden hour proposal, with the city bathed in warm, inviting hues.
The relaxed, bohemian atmosphere makes it feel especially intimate and unique.
Top tip: For the magic to work, make sure to request a seat looking out over the river.
11. Gondolen, Stockholm
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Gondolen is a legendary sky bar floating over the Swedish capital and keeping its A-listers in cocktails and fine dining since 1935.
Sitting 11 stories above the Söderström river, which cuts through Stockholm, the bar-restaurant is literally unmissable from the ground.
To get there, you have to take a lift, walk across a footbridge (talk about building suspense) and step into what is essentially a hanging dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Pop the question as Stockholm glows below before toasting to your future with some of the best cocktails the capital has to offer.
12. Georges Restaurant, Paris
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Yes, proposing in Paris is a bit of a cliché.
But if you do it, you might as well do it big and answering that call is the Georges Restaurant on top of the Pompidou Centre.
This is the rooftop bar with a view that even the most proposal-weary Parisians would approve of.
From here, you'll see the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance while surrounded by the avant-garde architecture of one of the city's most iconic cultural hubs.
But it's probably best to pop the question asap, because after September 2025, the Pompidou Centre will close for five years for renovation.
On the plus side, you've got a built-in anniversary trip planned for 2030 when it reopens. Très romantique.
13. Gallery Rooftop Bar, Berlin
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Berlin might be known for its techno scene, but it also has some of the best rooftop bars in Europe.
The Gallery Rooftop Bar is a quieter alternative to the loud and crowded Monkey Bar.
In a prime spot overlooking the Spree River, it offers panoramic views over the East Side Gallery and Berlin's iconic skyline.
And unlike some Berlin rooftop bars where queuing for ages is the norm, you can actually book a table here.
Pretty essential if you're planning to make your proposal the perfect night - which, let's be honest, you should be.
With its sleek décor, sensational cocktails and chilled-out atmosphere, it's a foolproof choice for an uncomplicated but unforgettable proposal.
Top tip: If you fancy celebrating with a 12-hour techno party, the world-famous Berghain is just a block away.
14. Wildcard: Buža Bar, Dubrovnik
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Okay, so this one's not technically a rooftop bar.
But it is a bar perched on the cliffside walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town, overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
If your partner prefers a little sunshine and sea over glitzy rooftop lounges, Buža Bar might just be the perfect spot.
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It's tucked away, rustic and pretty darn romantic, to say the least.
You'll watch boats glide past, hear the soft splash of kayakers below and maybe even spot the odd cliff diver doing their thing.
And if a sunset rooftop bar is all about breathtaking views, Buža Bar delivers.
Ready to Pop the Question? Don't Get Caught Offline
Whether you're FaceTiming the family, navigating Google Maps to find your rooftop bar or live streaming your proposal (wow, that's brave), Airalo's eSIMs for Europe will give you one less thing to worry about on your big trip.
Install and activate your eSIM before you travel and you'll be set for your big moment.
And all the impulsive wedding and honeymoon planning that's sure to follow.
Congratulations again! And good luck - you got this.
