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The top 5 most romantic cities in the world

Embrace quality time with your significant other as you explore the unique offerings in these inspiring international cities on your next romantic getaway.

By Cassandra Brooklyn | February 7, 2024

Love is in the air, and we’ve found the perfect excuse for you to escape the ordinary and exchange it for something spectacular. From San Francisco to Savannah and France to Canada, here are five exciting global destinations to celebrate love with that special someone.

Paris

There’s a reason that Paris has long been known as the City of Love. As soon as you step into the French capital, you’ll feel a sort of magic in the air. Start your couple’s getaway in Paris with a stroll through one of the best art institutions in the world: the Louvre Museum, home to famous works such as the “Mona Lisa.” Then catch a performance at the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, which has welcomed guests since 1889. Let love blossom as you walk hand-in-hand along the Seine River before joining an evening dinner cruise that pairs a delicious meal with superb views of the city. Though you could visit the Eiffel Tower any time (touring the surrounding gardens is especially lovely during the day), a nighttime visit offers a completely different experience. Head to the intimate Champagne Bar on the top floor, where you can toast bubbly (and eachother) while gazing out at the city’s glittering lights.

San Francisco

As one of the most inclusive cities in the country, San Francisco is a popular vacation destination for all couples. The Tenderloin and Castro districts are hubs for LGBTQ+ travelers, and home to some of the largest Pride parades and parties throughout the year. Consider catching art exhibits, open mic nights, concerts and other performances at the Museum of the African Diaspora and the African American Art & Culture Complex. In the mood for wine? Then head to the source: Napa Valley, which is a quick 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Spend the day setting the mood for romance with visits to one — or a few — of the over 400 wineries in the area. Meander through the vineyards, sampling award-winning vintages, then head downtown to shop at the boutiques. There are many ways to explore California’s famous wine-growing region, but none are more romantic than the Napa Valley Wine Train, a vintage locomotive that winds through the valley as you and your beloved enjoy wine tastings and a multi-course meal.

Quebec City

Quebec is known for its French flair, and Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best place in the province to soak it up. You’ll find everything from French-Canadian bakeries and restaurants to cultural festivals and museums here. Stay close to one of the most romantic parts of the city at Hilton Quebec. The cozy hotel is just a quick 15-minute walk from Old Quebec, where you can get lost in the quaint cobblestone streets, pop into unique boutiques and art galleries or wander over to the St. Lawrence River for a romantic stroll. If you prefer sailing over strolling, book a five-course-dinner cruise, where you and your love can wine and dine as you take in the city’s lure and lights. To enjoy Quebec from a unique vantage point, book a private helicopter tour over the impressive Montmorency Falls. At about 272 feet tall (83 meters), the waterfall is even higher than Niagara Falls.

Venice

Italy was made for lovers — from romantic Rome and fabulous Florence in the center of the country to the unforgettable city of Venice in the north. With over 400 bridges covering canals that are just begging to be explored, Venice is the ideal choice for a lover’s getaway and arguably one of the most beautiful in Italy. Undoubtedly, gondola rides are the most popular couples’ activity in Venice, and with good reason – what inspires more passion than being serenaded in beautiful surroundings? To sweeten your visit even more, share an overflowing cone of Italian gelato, then watch an opera at the gorgeous Teatro La Fenice, complete with gold leaf paintings and accents. Remember that Venice’s allure is not exactly a secret, so it’s also one of the busiest cities in Italy, especially when cruise ships are docked at the port. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the city at a more relaxed and intimate pace, plan your trip during the winter months, when prices are also a bit lower.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known for its Southern hospitality, phenomenal food and stunning cobblestone streets made for lingering long walks — what more could a couple want for their romantic getaway? Consider a trolley tour for a unique take on sightseeing, then make your way to The Georgia Tasting Room to sample local beers, wines, moonshine and more. For a distinctly Savannah-style experience, hop on a riverboat dinner cruise, complete with live entertainment and Southern home cooking. Stay in the heart of the city’s historic district at The Drayton Hotel Savannah, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 19th-century hotel where you can step right outside to experience twenty blocks of museums, mansions, monuments and more. You’re also only a short walk from Savannah’s romantic waterfront and Telfair Museums, which explore 200 years of art, architecture, culture and history. Not in the mood to go out? Cozy up on the hotel’s rooftop bar for some creative cocktails with a perfect view for two.

Whether you want to stay stateside or venture to a far-flung destination, there is no shortage of cities around the world that will fuel the flames for any pair of lovebirds. From sun and fun in San Francisco and Savannah to European flair in Quebec and Venice, a world of romance is waiting to be embraced.

Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. As the caregiver of a disabled parent - and as a hyper involved auntie of three - Cassandra is especially passionate about accessible, inclusive and multi-generational travel. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal and the United States, and has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast and Lonely Planet, among others.

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