The 20 most romantic places in the world

Swoon. There’s something about magical Montreal that really sets it apart from other cities in North America, something that screams ‘romance’ and promises to never let go. It could be the curious combination of Canadian confidence and European elegance, or it could be the tangible history that sparkles from every corner of the city’s historic heart. In truth, it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as whatever ‘it’ is keeps on shining. Seek out one of the many rooftop bars in the Old Town and soak it all in.

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You knew Venice would pop up in this list somewhere. No city on the planet encapsulates the idyllic concept of romance quite like Venetian capital. Beauty lurks around every corner here, from sunrise to sunset and beyond, with narrow canals and Renaissance architecture transporting visitors to a rose-tinted wonderland. The romantic restaurants don’t hurt, while the many, many bridges seem tailor-made for proclamations of passion. All this without mentioning the inherent romance of a gondola ride? Venice is a city for lovers, old and young.

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Ah, Marrakech. The colours, the smells, the sounds, the sights. This is the sort of place that reawakens the senses; a cacophony of excitement that manages to be forthright and wistful all at the same time. Marrakech is a dizzying destination that is perfect for the passionate, but it also happens to be known as the City of Luxury, with all the ornate palaces and life-giving spa and wellness options anyone could need. 

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Tokyo’s vast urban sprawl might catch most of the crowds, but if you’re looking for a Japanese city for romance, Kyoto is your best bet. Japan’s historic and cultural capital, Kyoto’s choc-full of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional ryokan and stately gardens. But it’s more than just history: the food is some of Japan’s finest, the people are welcoming and the scenery, in a bowl of mountains, is spectacular. This is Japan at its most romantic – it's no wonder Kyoto has become such a proposal hotspot in recent years.

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The City of a Hundred Spires seems to have been built with romance in mind. Can there be a more loved-up moment than looking over the Czech capital from Letna Hill, a beer in one hand and your beloved in the other? Prague is a city of stories, a famous old wonder that has inspired authors and artists for centuries and will continue to do so as the years fly by. The Old Town gets most of the attention, but don’t be afraid to explore further afield; each district has its own unique feel, from the modern stylings of Karlin to the grandeur of Vinohrady and beyond.

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Zanzibar’s dazzling beaches have long made it a popular honeymoon destination, but there is more to the island than the natural beauty of where sand meets sea meets sun. Traditions are important here, and that makes for a more sedate pace of life in the very best way. Zanzibar is a place where couples can step back and fall in love with what they have all over again, complete with shimmering coral reefs and all the spices the palate can handle. 

The Honeymoon Capital of the World? That’ll be Niagara Falls. The world’s most famous waterfall is a take-your-breath-away sight if ever there was one, and isn’t that one of the great experiences of love? The thrilling moments of realisation that this person is the one, the sort of experience that always hits different when backed by 3,160 tons of water rushing by every single second. It might not be the most original of honeymoon spots, but who cares about originality? After all, it’s the heart we’re talking about. 

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With the heart in its name and wine flowing from every corner, Herzegovina remains one of Europe’s final hidden treasures. The use of the word ‘hidden’ isn’t entirely accurate, of course, as any summertime visitor to Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls or Medjugorje will attest, but the passionate southern portion of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful region filled with romance-friendly adventures for lovers of all shapes and sizes. From exploring wild rivers by kayak to the shimmering allure of the Tekija in Blagaj, Herzegovina is a destination defined by the heart. If the sight of Počitelj doesn’t make you fall head over heels in love, you might want to check your pulse. 

Hoi An’s famous lantern-lined streets are an idyllic spot for twilight walks and candid conversations, backed by well-preserved historic Vietnamese architecture that tells plenty of stories. The town’s lantern boat rides are the thing of romantic dreams – a tremendous combination of natural delicacy and impressive confidence – while Hoi An also has one of the best cocktail scenes in the country.

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Iceland can feel like another world: one filled with thrilling geysers, moon-like craters and the achingly gorgeous Aurora Borealis. There’s nowhere quite like it, and it’s that unique atmosphere that brings lovers here in search of something special. The eccentric side of capital Reykjavik is also plenty romantic in its own right.

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Tanzania calls it Lake Nyasa and Mozambique refers to it as Lago Niassa, but the body of water known commonly as Lake Malawi is an absolute stunner, no matter what you call it. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, the shores of the water are lined with gorgeous lodges that make the perfect romantic getaway. The paradise-like Nkwichi Lodge stands out; it’s a secluded slice of serenity in a quite incredible part of the world. 

Is it possible to put together a selection of the world’s most romantic cities without mentioning Paris? Is it even legal? We’re not taking any chances, and the City of Love remains as alluring today as it has been at every stage of its history. That nickname isn’t for marketing purposes, by the way; the French capital buzzes with romantic confidence that might convince you that love was first discovered here.

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Much like a few other places on this list, the key to understanding why the Maldives is so romantic involves nothing more than looking at it. Is there a more gorgeous spot on the planet? That comes down to preference, beauty being in the eye of the beholder and whatnot, but it’s difficult to argue against the crisp white sands and cerulean seas, especially when you find yourself snorkelling in the latter and watching blood-orange sunsets from the former.

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Okay, the tongue is firmly in the cheek here, but there must be something about Vegas that convinces couples to get married on a whim, right? It might be the excitement, it might be the devil-may-care attitude of the place, but it could also be that the bright lights bring out the naive romance in even the most hardened of hearts. The City of Lights turns into a dream once the sun goes down, and there is more for couples to do here than while a night away on slot machines and cards. If getting married seems like a good idea while in Vegas, so be it. You can deal with the consequences in the morning.

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Slovenia has built an entire tourist industry off being the only country with ‘love’ in its name, so it stands to reason that its picture-perfect capital has a name that loosely translates as ‘beloved’. Ljubljana is an alluring collection of narrow streets and grand architecture made for strolling hand in hand, while the splendour of nearby Lake Bled almost speaks for itself. Ljubljana also does a fine line in romantic restaurants, from the skyscraper views of Nebotičnik to the old fashioned charm of Marley and Me.

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The place where tropical dreams come true. Hawaii has long been seen as a utopia among travellers, and they aren’t a million miles away from the truth. After all, the Aloha State is often used as a byword for paradise, and visitors will find endless sandy stretches accentuated by some of the most verdant scenery imaginable. The whole thing is brimming with potential romantic adventures, from watching the sun rise in Haleakela to seeing it set on Kauai.

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Like Iceland, but green. Wait, no, like Iceland but icy? Yes, Greenland was so named as to attract people to go and settle there, so you can only imagine the would-be settlers’ shock at the icy tundra they arrived in. If that doesn’t sound too romantic, get ready to have your expectations blown out of the (frozen) water. Greenland is one of the most sparsely populated places on the planet and as such carries an inherent air of authenticity, the sort of atmosphere that brings feelings to the surface and puts life into perspective. It is shatteringly beautiful, constantly surprising and occasionally difficult. A lot like love, really.

Several of our choices have focused on the serenity and tranquillity offered up by beaches. And, well, it doesn’t get any better than this. Bora Bora is as close to paradise as you’re going to find; it’s a stunningly isolated island in French Polynesia that will make couples feel as though the entire world has stopped – maybe even because of their love. It hasn’t, obviously, but the seclusion and beauty offered by Bora Bora make it a romantic favourite all year round.

Rajasthan’s Udaipur is often singled out as the most romantic place in India. Royal grace seems to shine from every corner, and the combination of shimmering lakes and incredible food make it a magnet for couples looking for something special. After all, what is more special than love? With palaces, lakes, views and sunsets, Udaipur has everything you could want for a most marvellous romantic getaway. Devigarh is a 45-minute drive to the north, and that place is an absolute stunner as well

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Where better to end a romantic rollercoaster than in one of Europe's most magnificent destinations? Lovely Lisbon is a real something-for-everyone destination and has become increasingly popular with couples over the years, with more and more lovers looking to envelop themselves in the city’s glittering array of restaurants and attractions. Lisbon is for lovers, and lovers will find themselves wide-eyed in wonder at the gorgeous mixture of history and culture that informs the city streets. Lisbon might not be as classically gorgeous as Vienna or Amsterdam, but it’s the blemishes that make it beautiful. Every love is unique, right?

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