The trend of golden hour portraiture is still standing strong and is the reason why people travel to certain places and take pictures at certain hours. The golden hour pictures are one of a kind because of the soft light that enhances your features and the warm color tones that are flattering on any person. So, if you are curious about how these pictures would look, here’s a brief list of the cities that are worth visiting for such a photoshoot, and we’ll tell you the when and the how next.

Paris

Paris, also known as the city of love, is one of the most romantic places you could take your significant other to. From going up the Eiffel Tower to visiting the Louver Museum, there’s plenty of things to see and experience. Still, Paris is a pretty crowded city, so traveling here is best during the off-season.

This also applies to the best time of day to take photographs to catch the golden hour, which is usually right after sunrise or before sunset. One particular place we like for these pictures is the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in front of the Arc de Triomphe. If you’d like some French memories with less stress and more professionalism, you can book a local photoshoot with Smiler photographers who will find the best location for you and will make sure to create the best pictures in the city of love.

Venice

Venice is another romantic city to bring your spouse, but here the uniqueness comes from the possibility to navigate by boat, or a gondola. The Grand Canal is one of the most worth-seeing streets in the world, especially at night, but besides this, the museums, artisan experiences in Murano and Burano, and the food make the city seem like a dream.

The perfect time for the golden hour in Venice is a tad earlier than Paris, as the ideal time in the morning is between 6 and 7 AM, and in the evening you must catch the windows between 7 and 8 PM. The specific locations for a photoshoot can be Punta della Dogana, San Giorgio Maggiore, and Riva degli Schiavoni.

Rome

All roads lead to Rome, and yours should too because history geeks thrive here. The architectural jewels in the Vatican Museums and the Temple of Caesar are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you can escape the crowds and the noise by strolling around the less popular streets in the city. The golden hour timeframe is similar to that of Venice, and the spots we like the most include Piazza Navona (for sunrise pics) and the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for the sunset.

Santorini

Greeks know what they’re doing when attracting tourists with the blue-domed white buildings and magical waters in Santorini, which is a city worth the hype. The small island has unique places to see, like the Red Beach or the village in Emporio, and there’s plenty to discover at the Akrotiri archaeological site. For the golden hour pictures, you should check out the Oia Castle, the Firostefani Castle, and the Profitis Ilias point, and make sure to research angles because the white buildings and the island's elevation, facing west, make the spot truly special in comparison to other European locations.

Barcelona

Spain’s Barcelona is often thought of as overrated, but the Catalan capital is worth seeing for its modern and cultural blend. You can explore the Gothic Quarter and discover the works of Gaudí (La Sagrada Família), or simply stroll around the cobblestone streets in the city. Compared to other cities, the golden hour here happens quite early, so waking up at 5:30 AM for the perfect picture is not a joke. Or, you can catch the sun in the evening between 4:30 and 5:30 and go to Bunkers del Carmel, Montjuïc Castle, or Barceloneta Beach.

Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a less warm city to visit, Amsterdam is best. You can bike anywhere, and public transportation is affordable. While here, you must definitely go to the museum district, Museumplein, or the Albert Cuyp Market for the original Dutch experience. Here, golden hour starts at around 6:26, and the evening window is between 8 to 9 PM, and the most photogenic spots include canal rings of Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht.

Milan

Another Italian gem on the list, Milan is home to one of the best cuisines in the world, and the art scene here is overwhelming, with Miuccia Prada’s art collection and an overall artwork of Italian Renaissance art everywhere. It’s easy to get around and unmissable, especially in the morning between 6 and 7 PM, and in the evening from 5 to 6 PM for the best golden hour pictures you can get at the Duomo Rooftop Terrace, the Piazza Gae Aulenti, and the Navigli District.

London

London is a wonder of the world, especially due to its history; you can discover the British Museum. The buildings and neighborhoods contribute to the posh feeling of being in a Harry Potter novel, and the diversity of activities is also great. Golden hour here starts at around 6:30 and lasts until 7:30, and in the evening between 7:30 and 8:30. You can capture the best pictures here at the Golden Jubilee Bridges, the Alexandra Palace, and Richmond Hill.

Prague

Finally, Prague will offer you a nostalgic atmosphere like no other city, as it has the largest ancient castle in the world, the unique John Lennon wall, and lots of medieval restaurants. Golden hour here also starts early, somewhere between 6:50 and 7:50, while in the evening it’s between 7:20 and 8:20. For sunrise, we recommend the Strahov orchard or Petřín Tower, while sunrise is best in Letná Park and Vyšehrad.

Ready for a golden European trip?

Taking advantage of the golden hour for taking pictures is one of the best strategies for getting unique pictures during your European trip. The nine cities we recommended are among the most unforgettable for capturing memories, and with a bit of luck and proper scheduling, you too can have the photoshoot of your dreams.