Most romantic city for travelling couples – Part Two

Jetting off to the most romantic city in the world with your significant other is something a lot dream of for a special occasion. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching many travelling couples are finalising plans for a romantic city getaway and we wanted to offer up some suggestions. So we asked some of our favourite travel bloggers and it seems there are so many, we have had to split it up over at least three parts.

Paris, France by Sherrie of Travel by A Sherrie Affair

Everything about the city of Paris wraps you in romance and love.  It is no wonder that it is considered the most romantic city in the world by so many.  A perfect time to enjoy this romantic atmosphere is of course Valentines week and my husband made sure we experienced it all! Beginning with staying at the Paris Ritz hotel.

The Ritz and Paris just go together.  Located in the famous Place Vendôme begins our hint to how magnificent and special the week will be. Escorted inside through the brass incased revolving door, our breath is taken away at the opulence of the lobby, restaurants, tea room and our suite.  The courtyard was decorated all in lights which gave it such a romantic feel.  Awaiting us was champagne and a Ritz Teddy bear holding a red heart shaped balloon, the entire bear was made of chocolate and dusted in eatable gold.

Our week was filled with sightseeing; Eifel tower, Saint-Chappelle, Museum d’Orsay, Notre Dame and eating at Michelin Star restaurants L’Atelier Saint Germain de Joel Robuchon and Antoine.  Finishing the week with a little surprise shopping at Chanel’s jewelry in the Place Vendôme.  An all-inclusive week of romance in the most romantic city.

Verona, Italy by Linn of Pack Up and Wander

Verona is also known as “The city of love”. The Italian city is home of Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s well-known drama. Millions of tourists visit the house of Juliet that finds place in the city centre.

However, Verona is not only being known for the most renowned romantic story in history. The ancient architecture makes it a pleasure to walk around hand in hand looking for a charming typical Italian restaurant for pizza and wine.

There are various Roman rests in the city as well. To mention a couple, Verona Arena is frequently used for concerts, and even houses the massive Arena Opera Festival every summer. Further, Teatro Romano has been reconstructed in later years to function as a cultural center in summer.

The viewpoint on the other side of the river has astounding views over the city during sunset. And what could possibly be more romantic than a colorful sky when the sun goes down over an idyllic Italian city?

Melbourne, Australia by LC of Birdgehls

As a relatively young city, Melbourne may not spring first and foremost to the mind when you consider romantic destinations around the world. Yet, there are plenty of date options in the city that will suit people of all ages.

The city is renowned for its bars – ranging from classy to trendy (I like Berlin Bar for the novelty factor and The Lui Bar, for its sweeping views of the city). You can have a picnic in the Botanic Gardens, grab a bite to eat at the Queen Vic Night Markets, catch a flick at the Astor Theatre in St Kilda, or peruse the latest exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Then there are the more quirky date options in Melbourne, which will probably suit a younger crowd, such as playing glow-in-the-dark golf at GlowGolf, squishing grapes to make wine at Noisy Ritual, the city’s first urban winery or taking a ghost tour in Williamstown in the city’s west. If things get a little spooky, you can always hold hands.

No matter what your age or preference, you’ll find something fun and romantic to do in Melbourne.

Calistoga, California by Christine of Don’t Forget to Move

For love birds looking for a romantic getaway, we always recommend a weekend in Calistoga, a small town in California’s wine country. Calistoga is extra special to us because we got engaged there, but we know any couple would find it just as romantic. This quirky little town is much smaller and less touristy than nearby Napa. There’s no shortage of amazing local wineries and the best part about Calistoga is that you don’t have to drive! The free shuttle will pick you up at most hotels and drive you to nearby wineries so you can taste as much as you like. Then you can head back into town for a romantic mud bath heated by Calistoga’s natural hot springs and grab a delicious meal at some of their world class restaurants. There are plenty of romantic bed and breakfast’s in town, including our favorite the Brannan Cottage Inn, which was owned by the founder of Calistoga, Sam Brannan. If you stay, make sure to book their gorgeous suite with the fireplace in the room! There’s nothing more romantic than snuggling up with your loved one in front of the fire every evening.

George Town, Penang by Marco of Penang Insider

George Town, a UNESCO-listed historical city on the island of Penang in northwest Malaysia, is one of Asia’s most romantic cities. Its timeless beauty reflects in a grid of old, compact lanes filled with decadent colonial buildings. George Town, indeed, was an entrepot of Asia, port city, and former colonial center of the British, who made it India’s Fourth Presidency. That legacy still survives in the architecture, which blends with a modern, vibrant and hip art scene: Penang has indeed put itself on the travellers’ map thanks to its street art, international festivals such as the George Town Festival, and way too many hipster cafe that cater to any comfort food cravings, including cakes and Mexican tortillas. And did I mention that the local Penang food is among Asia’s finest, prized by Lonely Planet in 2014 as the best foodie destination in the world?

Imagine taking an early morning stroll to a market to enjoy a bowl of steamy noodles while rickshaw peddlers still swarm on the street behind you. Walking and soaking the timeless atmosphere of George Town is as romantic as waiting for the sunset: observe the sun dunk like a purple fireball into the sea from the Chinese Jetties on Stilts located along Weld Quay Jetty, and then have an authentic Baba-Nyonya (Chinese and Malay mixed heritage) dinner in town.  At last, the series of high-end boutique hotels, all refurbished from old buildings into lavish retro rooms, are just the cherry on top of the cake for your romantic getaway.

Dubrovnik, Croatia by Jan of Budget Travel Talk

Entering the city of Dubrovnik at dusk when bulk cruise ship passengers are gone and the street lamps on the 300 metre long Stradun glow golden, is enough to get any traveller’s heart fluttering.

You have to love the lustrous blue of European skies at this time of night and the shining stone buildings here in Dubrovnik, compliment it beautifully. Nowhere does a seductive night better than this old walled charmer.

High above Swallows swoop excitedly, while on ground level we lean against age old stones in an Adriatic lane, seduced by soft lazy saxophone notes. We linger for a while, letting the magic soak in.

Delicately lit Buza bars cling to the rocks, surrounded by deep blue water and starry-eyed couples. Tables for two squeeze beside impossibly high walls and back lanes beckon for an after dinner stroll.

Surely life is meant for romantic moments like these, when all we can do is succumb and enjoy.

St Petersburg, Russia by Jo of Lifestyle Fifty

Although it’s had it’s fair share of blood, gore and revolution, for me St Petersburg in Russia is the most romantic city I’ve ever visited.

The former capital of Imperial Russia, home of the Tsars, and domicile to some of the most stunning architecture, St Petersburg smacks of intrigue as well as mystery.

In the two short days I spent there I found it all so glamorous, beautiful, exotic, mysterious, enticing, a little dangerous and exciting – all the things that romance conjures up for me.

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 it lies on the banks of the Neva River and the Gulf of Finland, and is known as the Venice of the North, due in part, because of its many canals and bridges. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and full of astonishingly beautiful palaces, the most stunning being the Winter Palace.

I was fascinated by the influence of Rasputin on the Russian Royal family and his romantic liaisons prior to his bloody death and I was transfixed by The Hermitage Museum which has on show the world’s largest collection of art including work by Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci and other romantic old masters and impressionists that I love.

Monte Carlo, Monaco by Justin & Tracy of A Couple for the Road

Monaco, and in particular the capital city of this tiny country, Monte Carlo, is among the most idyllic places in Europe – and certainly one of the most romantic. The streets retain a feeling of old-world Paris, the dreamworld lined with quaint cafes and music leaking out of dim, warm, corner boutiques. Strolling these streets, with Mont Agel as your backdrop and the Ligurian Sea staring back at you, is as charming a feeling as any couple could have in Europe.

Monaco begs romance, which made it such an ideal place for us to spend a day  on our 10-year anniversary. Arriving from Nice, we stayed perched high along the hillside with a breath-taking view of Port Hercules – the ships and sailboats flowing in and out like the tide. The sun rising above Agel, we made no plans, but rather got lost in a place that requires it. Don’t plan in Monaco. Just walk. Enjoy the stunning beauty. Let the pathways take you high to the Prince’s Palace – the castle compound that overlooks Monte Carlo. Enjoy conversation and a cool breeze beating off the coast. Wind your way to the Port – casually strolling as gulls and tourists both flock to the incredible setting. Sit across from each other, and share a laugh and bottle of wine over a candlelit dinner that overlooks one of the most scenic places in Europe.

Monaco is so ideal for couples, and gave us a unique experience in Europe. It lacks the bustle of other European cities, and has a feeling that at times the streets and cafes are uniquely yours. From the famous Casino Monte Carlo where you’ll share a laugh and a gamble, to the views where you’ll share stunned silence, Monaco is a must-see location for couples traveling in Europe.

Cambria, California by Lance & Laura of Travel Addicts

The most romantic city we ever visited is Cambria, California.  City really oversells it.  This is a small town at nestled between the rugged Big Sur mountains and the Paso Robles wine region.  But what Cambria has more than anything else is the world’s best sunset.

The perfect romantic evening includes spending the late afternoon strolling along Moonstone Beach, where you can pick out semi-precious moonstones from amongst the sand.  And climb the bluffs above the beach to see a perfectly framed sunset over the Pacific Ocean.  After, retreat to one of the nearby restaurants for a candlelit seafood dinner while discovering one of the thousands of local wines.

When we think about a romantic weekend getaway, Cambria does it for us!

Victoria, Seychelles by Laurence of Finding the Universe

The city of Victoria in the Seychelles is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. However, it’s small size doesn’t make it any less romantic, as the Seychelles is such a romantic destination.

A visit to the Seychelles is always going to be a romantic experience, with the country a top destination for honeymooning couples. There are fantastic beaches to visit, including some of the best beaches in the world. Think powdery white sands and palm fringed warm turquoise waters, with plenty of romantic luxury hotels to choose from.

There are many romantic experiences to be had in the Seychelles. From walking along a moonlit beach, to exploring the souvenir shops in Victoria, to dining against the sound of crashing surf, to just spending time relaxing and being pampered with your significant other. It’s a wonderful place to escape the fast paced world, to truly get away from it all and spend time together. See our guide to spending a week in the Seychelles for itinerary ideas.

Barcelona, Spain by Wendy of Empty Nesters Hit The Road

Last November my husband, Jason, and I spent a week in Barcelona. I knew there would be plenty of historic sites to see and great Spanish food to enjoy, but what I wasn’t prepared for was how romantic this city was. Several times we found ourselves meandering down narrow cobblestone streets lined with tapas bars while strings of lights hung above, and I thought to myself, “this might be the most romantic place we’ve ever been.” If someone wanted to film a love story in Barcelona, there would be no limit to the places where romantic scenes could be staged.

One night, as we were wandering around looking for a dinner spot, we discovered a small Christmas market in front of the Gothic Cathedral, closed for the evening, but bathed in lights showing all of its glorious detail. Time and time again we found scenes like this, especially at night, that were so romantic. Sometimes we try to plan romance, and other times it just happens. Barcelona was a lovely surprise for us, sort of like Valentine’s Day in November.

Venice, Italy by Dhara of Not About the Miles

Is it even possible to think about romantic destinations to visit over Valentine’s Day and not have Venice pop into your mind? The beautiful city of canals can be crowded, but for a very special experience, just head out of the main tourist areas for a romantic arm-in-arm stroll through the little back streets of Dorsoduro and Canareggio. If you come upon a pretty square featuring a café with outside tables, sit down and enjoy a drink and some quality conversation. Share a gelato from Grom, known for its great quality and fun flavors. Enjoy a gondola ride (you can’t leave Venice without being serenaded by a gondolier!). That weekend is Carnavale in Venice, so wear some fun masks and get into the spirit of the festival. And to cap your romantic experiences in the Queen of the Adriatic, wake up early and visit St. Mark’s Square at sunrise. It’s magical at that time, with very few people and lovely views across to the little island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Whatever you choose to do in Venice, you’ll have a fabulous time!

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

While some people think of Amsterdam as just a bachelor party destination, it’s so much more than that; in fact, it’s the most romantic city I’ve ever been to. With its crooked canal houses and arching cobblestone bridges, Amsterdam is the perfect location to stroll around, hand-in-hand, and get lost in the city’s charm with your partner. My husband and I recently had the most magical date night here, so take a page out of our book- reserve a canal cruise at sunset, so you can watch the sky turn fiery shades of pink and orange together and marvel at the golden hue cast on the city. Soon enough, the twinkling lights of the bridges will flicker on, which brings a whole different kind of magic to the city. Once you’re back on land, wander from one centuries-old, candlelit pub to another, trying different spirits of the Netherlands along the way, like genever (Dutch gin) and Bruidstranen (a liqueur made from cardamom, cinnamon, and anise). By the time you’re done exploring this fairytale city, there’s no doubt you’ll be even more in love with your partner (and, of course, Amsterdam).

Positano, Italy by Katy of Untold Morsels

With its colourful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the azure blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Positano wins the prize for most romantic place in the world if you ask me. This small city south of Naples is a favourite with honeymooners and lovers from around the world, attracted by its steep cobbled streets draped in wisteria and beautiful vistas. In Positano you can have breakfast on your balcony with your partner looking out to the island of Capri in the distance. Then, hand in hand, take a leisurely stroll down to the beach for a dip in the sea. Take a private boat to Da Adolfo for a secluded seafood lunch before heading back to town to freshen up for dinner. Le Sireneuse is the place to stay in Positano. This dreamy hotel boasts some of the best views of the coast and a terrace restaurant where you can sip champagne while watching the sun sink below the horizon, light bouncing off the majolica tiled roofs below. Now what could be more romantic than that?

We’ve got another part in the pipeline, but before you rush off, be sure to check out the suggestions for the most romantic city for travelling couples from more travel bloggers in the first part of this series.

Do you know of other cities that could be considered the most romantic city? Which city do you think tops the list so far?

Since you’re already here we have a small favour to ask and that is to please share this post or leave a comment below. If you like this post and want to read more like it why not subscribe to our Newsletter? We won’t spam you or share your personal details. If you’re not doing so already, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or click the Mix, Flipboard or other social media buttons below to share this post with others who might enjoy reading it. If you want to come back to this post again, pin the photo below using the Pinterest button. What are you waiting for?