Valentine’s Day is here, and what better way to celebrate the day than with an article on love and travel? Sure, there’s pleasure in traveling solo or with family and friends, but there’s something quite special about sharing adventures with a special someone. Near or far, traveling with a romantic partner offers the opportunity to make long-lasting memories that will, in time, strengthen the love in the years to come.

My partner and I are coming up on two years together, and so far, we’ve traveled to a few places, especially within California. We hope to go on more trips as time and money allow it, as traveling together has helped us discover more about our habits, travel styles, and overall about each other. I’ve been enjoying our trips together, and I wish for more!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’d like to share some of the most-romantic cities I’ve visited in the world…and no, I’m not including Paris, popularly-known as the “City of Love.” I want to share other cities which are just as romantic as Paris and offer that wistful and dreamy atmosphere for the ultimate couple’s trip. Without further ado, here they are!

5 Most Romantic Cities in the World (except Paris)

1. Rome

Rome is the place where dreams are made of (if you’ve watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie, that is). Rome is steeped in thousands of years of history with Roman ruins, but it also has many small, intimate streets to wander and get lost in, especially in the Trastevere neighborhood. There’s nothing quite like the two of you losing yourself in the streets away from the exhausting crowds, to discover a random passage that leads to a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant which serves the best homemade pasta and wine either of you have had in your life. And there’s something about time stopping as you do all of this before making a wish at the Trevi Fountain to remain eternal in this “Eternal City.”

2. Buenos Aires

Paris is Paris, but Buenos Aires is the “Paris of South America.” Strolling the streets, you and your partner can’t help but admire the Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture that permeate the city, inspired by the influx of Europeans (notably from France and Italy) who immigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries. There’s elegance and there’s also passion, a fervent energy that pulses through the arteries of every street of Buenos Aires that are made apparent with street tango performances on Florida Street or La Boca. Give in to the melancholic, yet passionate tempo of the tango, maybe a dance with your loved one. Buenos Aires is the place to be, to feel the heart of its Parisian-inspired core and to share it all with your person.

3. Prague

Prague is the “City of a Hundred Spires,” and no matter where you turn, you’ll come across a church or cathedral that seems to stretch to the sky. It’s also the views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle that are sure to take your breath away and, especially during low season in fall and winter, it’s the perfect spot to walk hand-in-hand along the bridge and admire all of the Baroque architecture around you. Or regard the colorful Old Town Square with its blend of Gothic and medieval: you and your loved one can climb to the top of the Old Town Hall for an all-encompassing view of the square, perhaps share and enjoy a trdelník (chimney cake). Prague is nothing short of dreamy, with plenty of views and memories that the two of you make together.

4. Seattle

The US Pacific Northwest conjures up images of rain and gloomy skies for much of the year, but there’s a sort of a pensive beauty to it. The Puget Sound hugs the shores of Seattle, offering breathtaking views of the water as far as the eye can see. Even in the worst of the rain, you can spend an entire day at Pike Place Market on a food date (definitely get lobster rolls and chowder), even cozying up with coffee. The day isn’t complete without a ride up the Space Needle to see all of Seattle, especially at night when the lights come on and the city comes to life. Seattle may be somber, but it’s also bustling with things to see and do that, in turn, it’s full of life to share the adventures with your partner.

5. Tokyo

The Japanese capital is beautiful all year-round, but it especially shows its romantic side in the spring, when cherry blossoms are in bloom. There’s something to be said about meandering underneath the sakura bloom, as well as over the soft-pink carpet from where the blossoms fall. It’s also about getting lost in the big-city bustle (and potentially lost in translation) with the high rises and countless opportunities to eat, drink, and shop. For a more-intimate experience, head off the main roads to the yokocho, which are small alleyways crammed with hidden eateries and bars away from the crowds. Enjoy a beautifully-crafted meal and/or a drink afterwards, and to revel in each other’s company in a city bigger than life.

Which city do you find the most romantic? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

— Rebecca

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Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

64 thoughts on “5 Most Romantic Cities in the World (except Paris)”

  4. While I haven’t been to any of the cities on this list, I must say I’m most intrigued by Buenos Aires. But of course, I wouldn’t say no to the other four! Personally, I found Sydney and Istanbul quite romantic as well.

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    1. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, with Parisian-inspired architecture and tango all around…I agree with you that Istanbul’s a romantic city, too, with its mosques and minarets inspiring a love beyond corporal. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Bama!

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    1. Exactly, Elle! Paris has consistently ranked as the most-romantic city in the world for so long that other cities tend to get overlooked. I hope you get to visit these cities very, very soon!!

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    1. Venice is a solid contender! Looks like I’ll need to make a Part 2 to this post for the following Valentine’s Day! Seattle is a lovely city in the US Pacific Northwest, with its brooding, pensive coastline that has inspired rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle!

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  8. Interesting - I’ve visited all those cities (and all with my husband) but with the exception of Prague wouldn’t have picked any of them as romantic! Give me Bologna over Rome, Kyoto over Tokyo, Quito over Buenos Aires… 😃

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    1. It’s all subjective, but I do agree with you that Kyoto is another solid choice for romantic cities! I’ve yet to visit Bologna and Quito, but I hope in the next few years to confirm their romantic-ness! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sarah. 🙂

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  10. Happy Valentine’s Day, Rebecca. I personally think that adventure is one of the best gifts you can give somebody and if that comes with a good company as an added bonus then you got something pretty close to perfection in my eyes.

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  15. For me… Lima…..When I was 24, I was just passing through on my continuing journeying. On my second day in Lima I met my future wife. After staying in Lima a couple of months, I escaped to continue my travels. Loads of expensive phone calls, and I found myself back in Lima again. We were married for twenty-five years, living in both England and Peru. Alas, we parted our ways. Ironically, she now lives in England and I live in Peru. Years have passed but I still think Lima is a romantic city. It must be…..I am still here!!!!

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    1. Lima has a soft spot for you, that’s for sure! I’ve been before, and I agree it’s a charming city. I’ve been reading your adventures there, and it seems like you’re not stopping any time soon! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

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  20. This must have been a fun article to write and plan out. It sparked a conversation between Sladja and me about the most romantic cities we’ve visited. For me New York and Venice perhaps take the top spots. Though I wholeheartedly agree on Tokyo since ‘Lost in Translation’ is in my opinion the greatest romantic movie of all time. For Sladja, Lisbon, Kyoto and Edinburgh come to mind.

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    1. All wonderful choices! NYC, Venice, Lisbon, Kyoto, and Edinburgh are solid options. I’ve been to them all, and I agree they’re wonderful. Thanks for sharing your favorites, Leighton and Sladja!

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    1. Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Central Europe! Never been to the Maldives, but it’s definitely a romantic, honeymoon destination. Can’t wait for you to experience Tokyo soon!

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  24. Hi Rebecca! Nice to meet you. Though Paris was the first European country where I went with my life partner, I found Switzerland the most romantic one for me. Having said that, Rome, Prague and many other European countries are definitely in my list for this year. I hope, I get to explore America as well.

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  28. Loved these, and your take on them. Having been to them all, I have to vote for Prague (where I lived for 2 years) and Tokyo (for 3 years), especially during sakura season. Although I was glad to see Buenos Aires on you list, too!

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    1. You’ve been all over! Not just for visiting, but also for living as an expat. Prague and Tokyo are some magical places, and it’s so cool you got to live there and experience the customs ad traditions distinctive to their cultures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stopping by!

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  30. Such a wonderful post, Rebecca! I completely agree with you for Rome and Prague, and also Tokyo, especially in spring! I have never been to the other ones, but I can imagine how the French and Italian influence in Buenos Aires makes it a romantic city too!

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