While Paris is globally renowned as the 'City of Love', numerous urban destinations worldwide offer comparable romantic allure, including two prominent cities within the United Kingdom. With Valentine's Day occurring on a Saturday this year, it presents an ideal opportunity for couples to embark on a memorable weekend escape.
Global Valentine's Traditions and a New Romantic Ranking
Across the globe, the most romantic day of the year is celebrated with diverse and fascinating local customs. In Germany, people traditionally exchange pig-themed gifts as symbols of luck and prosperity. In Romania, couples venture into forests to pick flowers and wash their faces in fresh snow, a ritual believed to bring good fortune. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the popular Kasalang Bayan, or community weddings, are held. These are often free, mass ceremonies conducted on Valentine's Day, enabling hundreds of couples to marry legally without incurring the substantial costs associated with traditional weddings.
With less than three weeks remaining until Valentine's Day, a team of experts at the airport transfer company Mozio has unveiled a definitive ranking of the world's most romantic cities. The analysis meticulously combined data from wedding-related Google searches by city with Tripadvisor metrics concerning romantic restaurants, hotels, and couple-friendly activities.
The Top 10 Most Romantic Cities Worldwide
1. Venice, Italy
Venice claims the crown as the world's most romantic city, achieving an impressive romance score of 9.65 out of 10. The Italian city is searched for weddings more than any other European destination, with over 63,000 annual wedding-related searches—more than double the study's average of 25,000. Venice boasts nearly 149 romantic restaurants and 153 romantic hotels per 100,000 people, alongside more than 100 romantic activities. This means enchanting experiences like performances at the Teatro La Fenice, scenic strolls along the Canal Grande, and intimate candlelit dinners with canal views are perpetually within reach.
2. Florence, Italy
Securing second place is Florence, with a romance score of 7.86 out of 10. This city demonstrates that romance can feel grand and luxurious without being overwhelming. Florence wholeheartedly embraces beauty, art, and indulgence, yet maintains an intimate, relaxed pace. With almost 80 romantic restaurants and 67 romantic hotels per 100,000 residents, it is replete with intimate dining and accommodation options. Couples can enjoy breathtaking sunrise views from Michelangelo Square, often described as offering the best vista in the world.
3. Marrakesh, Morocco
Completing the top three is Marrakesh, scoring 7.5 out of 10. This city introduces a distinct, immersive, and magical kind of romance. It scores exceptionally highly for romantic activities, with over 120 per 100,000 people. Furthermore, it offers more than 123 romantic hotels per 100,000 people—four times higher than the study average of nearly 31. Popular romantic experiences include horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic streets. Establishments like Riad Dar Anika receive high praise from couples for their beautiful settings, warm staff, and delightful pools and rooms perfect for a romantic stay.
4. Rome, Italy & Udaipur, India (Joint)
It is little surprise that Rome secures a position within the top five. The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, alongside spectacular sunset views from hills such as Aventine and Pincio Terrace. Rome masterfully blends ancient history with vibrant modern life, creating a magical atmosphere for couples. There are over 14,120 wedding-related searches annually and 37.5 romantic restaurants per 100,000 people.
In joint fourth place is Udaipur, renowned as the 'City of Lakes' and the 'Venice of the East'. With a staggering 153,000 annual wedding searches—more than any other city on the list—this historic destination offers a blend of Rajputana royalty, stunning lake vistas, and intimate, fairytale atmospheres. Notably, billionaire weddings in Udaipur have attracted A-list international performers like Jennifer Lopez. Key romantic experiences include boat rides on Lake Pichola at sunset, exploring the grand City Palace, and enjoying rooftop dining with panoramic views.
6. Edinburgh, UK
In sixth place is Edinburgh, the first UK city on the list. Known for its gothic architecture, historic cobbled streets, and intimate hideaways, Edinburgh offers a uniquely romantic setting. Couples can walk the iconic Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, discover the hidden 17th-century style garden of Dunbar's Close, and enjoy panoramic city views from Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill. The city is home to more than 55.7 romantic restaurants and 55.1 couple-friendly activities per 100,000 people.
7. London, UK
The poet Virginia Woolf once remarked that London's streets have maps, but 'our passions are uncharted.' The UK's capital, London, is packed with diverse activities for couples. These include candlelit tours of Sir John Soane's Museum, serene boat rides in Little Venice, and live jazz at the legendary Ronnie Scott's. Visitors can also enjoy sunset views from Tower Bridge or take in free, panoramic vistas of the city from the Sky Garden, London's highest public garden.
8. San Francisco, USA
In eighth place is San Francisco, offering a romantic escape defined by dramatic scenic landscapes and intimate, world-class dining. Couples can explore iconic vistas at Baker Beach, enjoy cosy, dimly lit meals in Jackson Square, and take in panoramic, romantic bay views from Coit Tower. Key activities include strolling along the picturesque waterfront and discovering hidden, lush gardens.
9. Paris, France
Naturally, a list of the most romantic cities would be incomplete without Paris. With over 25,900 annual wedding searches, the French capital is frequently described as the ultimate romantic destination. Visitors can enjoy sunset views from the Eiffel Tower, strolls along the Seine River, and wanders through the charming, cobblestoned streets of Montmartre. In the evening, couples can indulge in intimate candlelit dinners in Le Marais and spectacular cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge.
10. Barcelona, Spain & Vienna, Austria (Joint)
In joint tenth place is Barcelona, known for its gothic streets, coastal views, and intimate dining experiences. Top romantic experiences include exploring the Gothic Quarter, visiting Parc del Laberint d'Horta, watching the Magic Fountain show, and enjoying sunset views from Tibidabo or Bunkers del Carmel.
Rounding off the top ten is Vienna, Austria. February represents Austria's low season, making it easier to visit Vienna's top sights without large tourist crowds. The city is home to imperial palaces, charming carriage rides, intimate wine taverns, and iconic art like Klimt's The Kiss. Couples can enjoy private rides on the Giant Ferris Wheel, special concerts at the Musikverein, and dining in historic coffee houses like Café Central, all set against a stunning backdrop of Baroque architecture and Viennese charm.
