10 Best Cities for Romance

Many romantic cities exist in hidden regions of major metropolitan areas, including bustling environments like New York and Paris. Whether you are looking for a special occasion romantic getaway or just want to treat your loved one to a surprise adventure, any of these 10 best cities for romance will do the trick.

Key West in the Lower Keys, Florida

When I first started planning a trip to Key West I assumed that the popular Florida destination was going to be full of swank hotels. Instead I ended up with a surprisingly romantic escape loaded with charming elegance. The Marquesa Hotel provided a quiet cottage akin to a town home that invoked feelings of what it would be like to actually live there.

Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, New Zealand

Nothing screams romance more than a remote woodland setting filled with exquisite foods. My romantic trip to New Zealand included a world-class stay at the Matakauri Lodge, a retreat full of breathtaking views of Queenstown's mountain ranges. The best part? The private gourmet dining experience that made me truly feel like royalty.

Maui, Hawaii

While all of Hawaii is certainly magnificent, Maui offers the very best for those searching for romance. Rather than stay at one of the well-known hotel resorts, I opted for a condo rental. The secluded 8 room setting supplied a private beach and was a far more romantic option than the main coast.

Niagara Falls, Canada

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers a fun and highly affordable getaway for lovers young and old. Upon arrival, the first thing I did was make reservations at the famed Revolving Dining Room to ensure I was able to get a table. Although the unique dinner experience was exciting, the most romantic event of the trip was definitely the Maid of the Mist boat ride.

Paris, France

The hype of visiting what is known as the most romantic city in the world contributes to placing Paris on this list of the 10 best cities for romance. Dining at the top of the Eiffel Tower is thought to be the ultimate romantic dining experience by many, myself included. The Jules Verne restaurant not only added romance to my dinner, but also made me feel like I was in a real-life movie.

Tilaran Mountains in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

What could possibly be more romantic than lazily walking along a beach to watch the sun set before retiring to your very own rainforest hotel room? Outstanding waterfalls and superior scenery are what makes Guanacaste one of the 10 best cities for romance. My favorite moments while staying at the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel were waking up every morning to the peacefully romantic sounds of nature just outside my window.

Times Square in New York City

With all the hustle and bustle, Times Square may not seem like the most romantic location for a trip. Nothing could be further from the truth. Clinging to your loved one while you work your way down the busy streets only brings you closer together, and the options for dining are exceptional. Go down the side streets to find a real local meal instead of getting stuck in a trendy tourist trap.

Turtle Island in Fiji

Turtle Island in Fiji offers a tremendous amount of luxury for just 14 couples at a time. Quite pricey but well worth the trip, Turtle Island was the perfect honeymoon experience. I felt as though my partner and I were the only two people in the world, and we were treated as such by all the staff of Turtle Island.

Venice, Italy

Besides the gorgeous historical locations available for viewing in Venice, the famed gondola rides really are as romantic as they say. Although they are quite costly, the gondola ride was the ideal romantic adventure during my trip to Italy. If you're as lucky as I was, you might even a singing gondolier to serenade you along the way!

Yunak Evleri in Urgup, Turkey

Probably the most romantic hotel I've ever stayed in, Yunak Evleri in Turkey really is in a class all by itself. Carved out of rock, the cave dwellings provide one of the most romantic environments in the world. To add to the romance, I took an amazing hot air balloon ride with my partner which gave us a bird's eye view of this astounding romantic city.