The Most Romantic Cities in the World

Paris is the quintessential city of love, a timeless destination that retains a character and ambience all its own. Here you can stroll along the Seine, snack on delectable pastries at a sidewalk café, visit the Louvre and the aptly named Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) or go for a picnic in the leafy Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. When it comes to romantic vacations for couples, there’s no destination more iconic than the French capital.

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy – which is saying a lot – Venice is a maze of canals, islands and picturesque palaces. A gondola ride through the waterways is an essential activity for couples, passing beside ornate buildings and beneath arching bridges. After this incredibly romantic tour of the city, there’s plenty of authentic Italian food to be savoured; many local dishes highlight freshly caught seafood from the Adriatic Sea.

Buenos Aires is often compared to the grand capitals of Europe thanks to its stately boulevards and historic buildings. But this sprawling capital also has its own style, blending cutting-edge culture with beloved traditions like tango and the distinctive flavours of Argentinian cuisine. You and your partner can head to a late-night tango show or milonga to try out the steps together, sip some of the world’s finest malbecs and explore the city’s thriving culinary scene.

For a couples trip that feels straight out of a fairytale, there’s no better destination than Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic is a treasure trove of historic architecture, soaring spires and medieval streets. Art and music lovers will find plenty to love, from classical concerts and the Lobkowicz Palace Museum to traditional puppet shows and revolutionary street art. Take a sunset boat trip on the Vltava or enjoy a private wine tasting at the nearby Mělník Chateau.

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Along with phenomenal food and wine, fascinating cultural sites and world-class hotels, the city is blessed with some of the most spectacular natural scenery imaginable. Take it all in on one of South Africa’s best hikes to the top of Table Mountain, where you and your partner can gaze out at the rocky coastline and sea illuminated by the setting sun.

Lively, multifaceted and altogether enchanting, Marrakesh is a city of contrasts. The labyrinthine medina and energetic Jemaa el-Fnaa square are juxtaposed with tranquil and opulent riads, where you can retreat to a rooftop terrace with a pot of traditional mint tea. Our favourite romantic vacations here include a balanced blend of street food tours, open-ended exploration, relaxing spa treatments at luxury hammams and perhaps even a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Udaipur is one of the main cities in Rajasthan, known for its glassy lakes and elegant palaces. Step aboard a small boat to glide across Lake Pichola at dusk or take a private tour of the gorgeous City Palace, complete with a champagne toast. The most romantic place to stay is undoubtedly Taj Lake Palace, set right in the middle of the lake. Here you can enjoy unbeatable views, private dining experiences and the one-of-a-kind Jiva Spa Boat.

Perhaps best known as the setting of the classic film The Sound of Music – not to mention the birthplace of Mozart – Salzburg is a wonderfully historic city surrounded by scenic peaks. You and your partner can wander through cobblestone streets and follow in the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapps, or see where Austria’s most famous composer once lived and performed. If you’re craving a bit of adventure, head outside the city for an Alpine excursion.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than watching the sunset from the cliffs of Santorini with a glass of local volcanic wine in hand. This is both one of the most romantic destinations in the world and one of the most well-known Greek islands for good reason, and the town of Oia is where you’ll find its most emblematic views. Stay in a cliffside hotel like Canaves Oia, where you can enjoy a private candlelit dinner on the Panorama Balcony.