Most romantic city for travelling couples
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Are you looking for a romantic city getaway for you and your lover to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Maybe it’s your wedding anniversary, you’re planning a proposal or just a special date with your sweetheart? Then we have just what you’re looking for. But don’t just take our word for it, we asked some of our favourite travel bloggers where is the most romantic city for travelling couples.
Bruges, Belgium by Lyn of A Hole in my Shoe
Our suggestion for your special romantic getaway is the real-life fairytale city of Bruges. For us it’s impossible not to think of romance, the medieval city is jawdroppingly beautiful with unique architecture, cobblestone streets, picturesque buildings and oh so charming canals. Images come to mind of taking a horse-drawn carriage with your significant other through the narrow, winding streets before you head to one of the intimate eateries or cozy wine bars as the ultimate romantic experience.
Take a stroll hand in hand to Minnewater, the lake of love, pure romance. Together walk across the Minnewater Bridge and according to popular legend you will know eternal love. Enjoy a quiet moment sitting on one of the benches watching the flocks of graceful swans woo-ing the love of your life.
Bruges has to be the most romantic city where the intricate brick cottages and half timber buildings lining the canals look like they’re taken from a postcard. You’ll truly be under the romantic spell of this city as you sample the Belgian beers but nothing melts a heart like sharing the finest Belgian chocolate.
York, UK by Claire of Backpacking Bella
A few years ago, I spent a wonderful Valentine’s break with my boyfriend in the ancient English city of York. Why is York the most romantic city? Let’s start with the chocolate. York has a proud history of chocolate-making, as local families created some of the world’s best-loved brands. Visit York’s Chocolate Story to learn more and taste this famous aphrodisiac.
The 7th century York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. This imposing Gothic building towers over the city, and it has a romantic legend. It is said that if you kiss underneath its enormous Heart of Yorkshire window, your love will last forever. At York Castle Museum, you can read hundreds of heart-warming love stories, dating back to 1797, thanks to its extensive archives of Valentine’s cards.
York’s cobbled lanes, tea houses and historic pubs will charm you, while the nearby romantic, windswept moors inspired the novel Wuthering Heights. So, make a date in York for a Valentine’s Day to remember for a lifetime.
Park City, Utah by Dan of Honeymoon Always
In December we found ourselves in Utah and decided to spend a few days in Park City at the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa. It ended up being a winter wonderland getting 15″ of snow creating a perfect setting for a romantic getaway to Park City. After checking in, we made our way to the indoor-outdoor pool. Since it was early season, we were the only ones in the pool area. We spent time in the heated pool and hot tub as it snowed on our heads. After drying off we went to our rooms and drank hot chocolate with our in-room fireplace keeping us warm.
The next day we spent the day together on the slopes before making our way to dinner. The restaurant was in a cozy lodge where they sat us next to the fireplace to enjoy our meal. What made our trip so romantic was the wonderful light snow that fell most of the time we were there. It was great to enjoy the snow, but it also kept us inside spending great times together and keeping warm in our in-room hot tub. Some other great romantic activities we didn’t have time for this trip but you may want to consider are hot air balloon rides and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Prague, Czech Republic by Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
We visited Prague as a family, but during our stay I couldn’t help but think about how perfectly romantic the city was for lovers. At night, couples can be seen strolling hand-in-hand across the famous Charles Bridge or leaving a love lock on a small railing overlooking a picturesque canal in Mala Strana. Around Prague Castle, you won’t have to look far to see lovers embracing as they watch the sunset over the city skyline.
But perhaps the most romantic spot in the entire city isn’t a scenic overlook, a lover’s bridge, or a cobblestone street. Instead, it is an otherwise ordinary concrete wall spray painted with layers of graffiti. The John Lennon wall, as it is called, is not only a memorial to the popular British singer from The Beatles who coined the song “All you need is love”, it is an international symbol of unity. Regardless of the hour, you’ll find couples stealing a kiss in front of the John Lennon wall or painting a heart or some other symbol of love, peace, and hope onto the concrete. Musicians will sit on the sidewalk playing their guitar and serenading passersby who stop to pose for a photo in front of the colorful landmark. The feeling of love in this iconic setting is contagious, and will make even the biggest skeptic hopeful.
Savannah, US by Rhonda of Travel Yes Please
Savannah’s easy-going atmosphere, charming architecture, and beautiful natural spaces make it one of the most romantic places in the United States.
There’s no better way to enjoy this southern city than by strolling hand in hand with your significant other through the numerous parks and squares. Moss-draped oak trees shade the walkways while water trickles though fountains, creating a calm and peaceful place to sit together. There’s even a good chance a musician will be close by to add to the ambiance. At night, many of the historic homes near Forsyth Park are lit up, further enhancing the elegant and romantic mood.
Another way to experience the romance of Savannah is to make the short trip to Tybee Island and watch the sun set from the beach. Afterwards, gazing up at a star-filled sky above Georgia’s oldest lighthouse is the perfect finish to a romantic day in Savannah!
Hanoi, Vietnam by Claudia of My Adventures Across the World
One of the most romantic things to do in Hanoi is walking along Hoan Kiem Lake, which is also known as Turtle Lake. Though the Vietnamese Capital hardly calls for romance, with all the chaos, noise, traffic and pollution, the lake, which is easily reached from the Old Quarter (the prettiest and most tourist friendly part of the city), is a safe haven: there are no cars, no scooters and the noise of traffic is significantly less. For full romance, make sure to head there around sunset, when the light changes, and stay on until the sun is completey set for a gorgeous view of the illuminated bridge – which takes to a lovely island where the Ngon Temple is located. You can even bike around the lake, even better at sunset!
Saariselkä, Finland by Sara of Our Kind of Crazy
One of our most romantic trips would have to be Saariselkä, Finland. We headed out for a trip in early March, which meant it would still be prime time for the Northern Lights and it would still give us lots of daylight hours as well. Saariselkä exceeded our expectations for a romantic winter getaway. We stayed at the Northern Lights Village, in a glass igloo cabin, where we got to watch the Auroras dance for hours up above us, while snuggled in our warm cozy cabin. We were also able to do some really fun activities in Saariselkä including SnowMobiling, Cross Country Skiing, and Northern Lights hunting. The snow all around us made everything just that much more romantic. When I think of “Winter Wonderland”, I would say Saariselkä is the definition of that. It was so peaceful and beautiful, so many activities and things to do, and being able to experience all of that with the person you love…that’s the most romantic trip!
Algarve, Portugal by Ruben of Gamin Traveler
One of the most romantic city we’ve been to is in Lagos in Algarve, Portugal. One of its main attraction is called Ponta de Piedade, a breathtaking viewpoint with gorgeous sandstone cliffs and a lighthouse. Another tourist attraction you can visit is called Bandeira Fort, it is a restored 17th century structure that was originally built to protect the port. It has scenic views both of you would mostly enjoy. Lagos has a lot of lots of restaurants, bars, cafes and of course, beaches to offer like Praia San Camilo all of which you can explore with your special someone. Picnic on the beach or just enjoy the basking sun while walking hand on hand together. You can enjoy a night out wit your special someone and taste the local food and drinks around the area. Lagos is all about fun under the sun whether it be on its beaches or in its historical sites. You can take pictures to make the visit memorable.
Sorrento, Italy by Renee of Renee the Wanderess
Sorrento is a city on two levels. Most of the city is on top of a cliff, meaning that you can get romantic, sweeping views of the sea wherever you go. You will be able to get affordably priced hotels with ocean views and proximity to many bars and authentic Italian restaurants. The other level of the city is at the ocean, and that is, of course, romantic as well. There are many romantic seaside restaurants with waves lapping up at the edges of the restaurant. Another thing that’s dreamy about this city is the old architecture and cobblestone streets. All of this and it’s within an hour by train from Naples, so it is not too difficult to get there. It would be a good romantic destination that is usually affordable and not too crowded, at a stone’s throw from many other important sites in Italy (such as Pompeii).
Edinburgh, UK by Jessica of Independent Travel Cats
Edinburgh is the capital and second largest city in Scotland, and is probably best known to visitors for its medieval Old Town, perched imposing castle, and Georgian New Town. It is a city with lots of history and is a great city to explore for a bit of romance. My husband Laurence and I moved just south of the city in early 2016 and it has been our first home as a married couple.
There are loads of romantic things to do in Edinburgh, it just depends on your interests and ideas of romance. You might wander the warren of medieval streets and alleys in the Old Town, explore royal attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, warm up with some Scottish whisky, walk hand in hand along the Water of Leith or through the botanical gardens, admire the local art, or grab some spectacular views from Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat. You can even take a romantic walk on the beach at Portobello Beach! In the evening, you might enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of the city’s fine restaurants and a stay in a historical hotel like The Balmoral or The Witchery.
Copenhagen, Denmark by Julianna of The Discoveries Of
Copenhagen is pretty much the most romantic city I’ve visited. Although it’s beautiful in the summer, visiting during the winter is the perfect romantic city break.
Sure it’s dark, and very, very cold, but the Danish know how to make winter cosy and hygge – what more can you want from a romantic escape?
My last visit was a short getaway with my partner and we had an absolutely wonderful time exploring Copenhagen’s beautiful palaces (there are quite a few in the city itself and a few more dotted around in the surrounding areas). We even visited the castle where Hamlet is set (which was a surprisingly romantic spot overlooking the Sound towards Sweden).
After that, we popped into the Tivoli – the oldest fairground in the world. Lit up with Christmas lights, it’s such a gorgeous place and an unforgettable experience. The food hall next door is one of Copenhagen’s best food markets where you can buy delicious sharing platters of tapas and antipasti Danish style.
It was just the perfect weekend – we got to spend time having wonderful shared experiences in one of my favourite cities.
Lake Como by Alan of More Passport Stamps
What could be more romantic than looking out over beautiful Lake Como? A boat ride across the lake itself!
Most people here from locals to tourists regularly use boats for transportation from one point to another, but to truly get a magical feel for Lake Como I recommend hiring a private boat via companies such as Taxi Boat Varenna. For a small fee you have your own private transport and driver, meaning you can spend a truly magical moment with your loved one, in the perfect setting.
Where better to propose than right in the middle of one of the worlds prettiest sights? Once you have ridden to each corner of this breath-taking lake you can cosy up at a hotel with Lake Como’s best view. Lake Como IS romance!
New York City, US by James of Travel Collecting
I met my husband when I was on vacation in New York City, and eventually moved there and got married there, so it is definitely the most romantic city in the world for me. Our crazy two-week whirlwind holiday romance included a trip to the Met. Having coffee in the café in the American wing, with Central Park on one side and the statue courtyard in the avenue is heaven. Having a sangria on the rooftop terrace, with views over Central Park and of midtown Manhattan is also incredibly romantic. Then we crossed the road to the Neue Gallery for hot chocolate and Viennese cake at the Café Sabarsky, which oozes old world European charm. Then back across Fifth Avenue to Central Park, where we rowed a boat together on the lake, before having a romantic lunch at the Loeb Boathouse.
Another day saw us hanging out on one of the piers on the Hudson River that is now a park. Then heading to the nearby restaurant Park, for cosmopolitans and dinner in their large covered garden. I also love the top of the Empire State Building in the late afternoon – the views of Manhattan at dusk and after dark, snuggling with your loved one – this was the perfect courtship.
Several years later, after our wedding, we took a sunset cruise on a sailboat and my love affair with the romance of New York continued. Champagne, sunset, a sailboat, the harbor, then the sparking lights of downtown Manhattan after dark – what gets more romantic than that?!
We still have many more suggestions for the most romantic city for travelling couples from more travel bloggers so be sure to read the next part.
Do you agree, these are some of the most romantic cities right? Can you suggest a city more romantic and charming that was not listed above?
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Agree with most of these. We especially have lovely memories of Sorrento… sitting at the cliff face whilst the sun set and filled the bay with a golden glow. Then wandering those narrow lanes into the night.
I would totally prefer a place with light snow and less crowded environment to walk with my loved ones. Thanks for this list, more to explore this year. 🙂
TravelTear recently posted…Cruising on Ha Long Bay – The “Dragon Legend” Experience!
I met my husband and and got married in NYC, so it’s hard to imagine a more romantic city. So may incredibly romantic places in the city 🙂
James your story does make NYC sound very romantic, we hope to get there one day. Thanks so much for your contribution and comment.
What a great variety of great cities on the list – I would also definitely add Paris and Venice 😉
Jessica Norah recently posted…Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland
Thank you so much for contributing Jessica. There are some great cities on the list and I loved reading about Edinburgh.