Paris has long worn the crown of most romantic city in the world, but sometimes love needs a new view. The City of Light deserves its fame, yet there are a lot of other romantic places worldwide that can win your heart--often with fewer costs and crowds than along the Seine. I have always believed romance isn't confined to a particular city, no matter how enchanting its cobblestone streets may be. But after so many years of writing about travel and having so many conversations with couples who are trying to find their dream trip, I have learned the most unexpected times are often the most romantic. If you're celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or merely trying to reconnect with your significant other, here are five vacation types that can rival the magic of the City of Love:
a. The Fairy Tale Streets of Bruges, Belgium
Bruges feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, complete with a moat surrounding the old town.
Unlike Paris, where you'll fight crowds for that perfect Instagram shot, Bruges offers intimate moments around every corner.
The medieval architecture here isn't just impressive—it's wonderfully preserved and surprisingly accessible.
The cobblestone pathways were built for slow, hand-in-hand walks.
I recall how every couple stops at each bridge—not out of necessity to let tourists pass through, but because the scenes are truly breathtaking.
The canal boat rides here give what Paris cannot: absolute privacy as you glide through the waterways that have remained unchanged for centuries.
What really sets Bruges apart is the food scene.
While Paris has its famous patisseries, Belgian chocolate shops here feel more personal.
Many are family-run businesses where the chocolatier will explain each creation.
The local restaurants serve hearty Belgian cuisine perfect for sharing—think rich stews, fresh mussels, and, of course, world-class beer that pairs perfectly with romantic conversation.
Bruges feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, complete with a moat surrounding the old town.
Unlike Paris, where you'll fight crowds for that perfect Instagram shot, Bruges offers intimate moments around every corner.
The medieval architecture here isn't just impressive—it's wonderfully preserved and surprisingly accessible.
The cobblestone pathways were built for slow, hand-in-hand walks.
I recall how every couple stops at each bridge—not out of necessity to let tourists pass through, but because the scenes are truly breathtaking.
The canal boat rides here give what Paris cannot: absolute privacy as you glide through the waterways that have remained unchanged for centuries.
What really sets Bruges apart is the food scene.
While Paris has its famous patisseries, Belgian chocolate shops here feel more personal.
Many are family-run businesses where the chocolatier will explain each creation.
The local restaurants serve hearty Belgian cuisine perfect for sharing—think rich stews, fresh mussels, and, of course, world-class beer that pairs perfectly with romantic conversation.
b. Magic of Prague's Golden Hour in Czech Republic
Pure magic in Prague during golden hour: castle views from the Charles Bridge create romantic backdrops that top anything you'd get from any Parisian sunset, though with a fraction of the tourists elbowing for space.
The baroque architecture here tells stories of romance across centuries, and unlike many European capitals, Prague still feels like a discovery, rather than a tourist destination.
The wine cellars and traditional Czech taverns offer an intimacy that's hard to find in Paris.
These underground spaces, carved from medieval foundations, provide natural conversation starters and cozy atmospheres.
The Czech Republic's wine culture is having a renaissance, and sharing a bottle of local Moravian wine in a 14th-century cellar beats any overpriced Parisian wine bar.
Perhaps the best part about Prague is the value for money.
Boutique hotels in historic buildings cost less than basic accommodations in Paris, yet offer more character and personal service.
You can afford to splurge on experiences rather than just trying to cover basic expenses.
Pure magic in Prague during golden hour: castle views from the Charles Bridge create romantic backdrops that top anything you'd get from any Parisian sunset, though with a fraction of the tourists elbowing for space.
The baroque architecture here tells stories of romance across centuries, and unlike many European capitals, Prague still feels like a discovery, rather than a tourist destination.
The wine cellars and traditional Czech taverns offer an intimacy that's hard to find in Paris.
These underground spaces, carved from medieval foundations, provide natural conversation starters and cozy atmospheres.
The Czech Republic's wine culture is having a renaissance, and sharing a bottle of local Moravian wine in a 14th-century cellar beats any overpriced Parisian wine bar.
Perhaps the best part about Prague is the value for money.
Boutique hotels in historic buildings cost less than basic accommodations in Paris, yet offer more character and personal service.
You can afford to splurge on experiences rather than just trying to cover basic expenses.
c. The Coastal Beauty of Cinque Terre, Italy
What Cinque Terre offers that even Paris cannot provide is dramatic coastal scenery with a dab of Italian romance.
These five colorful villages sit perched on cliffs, with homes providing natural hiking trails that connect romantic destinations.
Each town has its own personality, so couples find multiple romantic settings within a small area.
Private vineyard tours here are intimate affairs, usually given by the family or descendants of the family that have been making wine for many generations.
Wine tasting over the Mediterranean memories lasts far longer than any Parisian café experience.
The terraced vineyards themselves tell stories of generations working in unison—a magnificent metaphor for lasting relationships.
The solitary beaches and secret inlets reachable only by hike or by boat offer a seclusion impossible to find in tourist-teeming Paris.
A swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, followed by fresh seafood on a tiny beach, is worlds away from crowded Seine-side picnics.
What Cinque Terre offers that even Paris cannot provide is dramatic coastal scenery with a dab of Italian romance.
These five colorful villages sit perched on cliffs, with homes providing natural hiking trails that connect romantic destinations.
Each town has its own personality, so couples find multiple romantic settings within a small area.
Private vineyard tours here are intimate affairs, usually given by the family or descendants of the family that have been making wine for many generations.
Wine tasting over the Mediterranean memories lasts far longer than any Parisian café experience.
The terraced vineyards themselves tell stories of generations working in unison—a magnificent metaphor for lasting relationships.
The solitary beaches and secret inlets reachable only by hike or by boat offer a seclusion impossible to find in tourist-teeming Paris.
A swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, followed by fresh seafood on a tiny beach, is worlds away from crowded Seine-side picnics.
2. Tropical Paradise: Island Escapes for Couples
a. Santorini's Sunset Romance in Greece
The Santorini sunsets are indeed legendary, but it is the across-the-board romantic feel of this Greek island that carries it through.
Whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches are picture-perfect in frame, yet most importantly, they provide a timelessly beautiful setting that amplifies intimate moments.
The cave hotels carved into volcanic cliffs offer privacy and luxury unmatched by standard Parisian hotels.
Many feature private infinity pools where couples can enjoy sunsets without having to share the moment with crowds.
The unique architecture means each accommodation feels special and personalized.
Wine tours across ancient vineyards add a cultural feel to the romantic experience.
Distinctive wines are produced from Santorini's volcanic soils, while the vineyard views that spill over the Aegean Sea create natural settings of romance.
Discussion of 3,500-year-old winemaking traditions while sharing tastings adds meaning to the romantic experience.
The Santorini sunsets are indeed legendary, but it is the across-the-board romantic feel of this Greek island that carries it through.
Whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches are picture-perfect in frame, yet most importantly, they provide a timelessly beautiful setting that amplifies intimate moments.
The cave hotels carved into volcanic cliffs offer privacy and luxury unmatched by standard Parisian hotels.
Many feature private infinity pools where couples can enjoy sunsets without having to share the moment with crowds.
The unique architecture means each accommodation feels special and personalized.
Wine tours across ancient vineyards add a cultural feel to the romantic experience.
Distinctive wines are produced from Santorini's volcanic soils, while the vineyard views that spill over the Aegean Sea create natural settings of romance.
Discussion of 3,500-year-old winemaking traditions while sharing tastings adds meaning to the romantic experience.
b. Bali Rice Terrace Resorts Tropical Paradise
Bali merges tropical beauty with spiritual depth, thus creating romantic experiences that stir both heart and soul.
Temple visits turn into shared spiritual experiences that can bring a couple closer in ways that typical activities of tourism can't match.
In addition, the Balinese Hindu culture puts great stress on harmony and balance—perfect principles for romantic getaways.
Couples spa treatments consisting of traditional methods of Balinese healing offer a place to relax and bond.
These are not ordinary massages, which are considered cultural events full of local traditions and ingredients from nature.
Most resorts boast spa pavilions surrounded by rice terraces for privacy.
Private villa accommodation amidst rice terraces and tropical gardens offers total seclusion and contact with nature.
Being woken up by gamelan music and tropical bird songs is way better than any Parisian street noise; day-long romantic settings are created by private pools with emerald rice fields.
Bali merges tropical beauty with spiritual depth, thus creating romantic experiences that stir both heart and soul.
Temple visits turn into shared spiritual experiences that can bring a couple closer in ways that typical activities of tourism can't match.
In addition, the Balinese Hindu culture puts great stress on harmony and balance—perfect principles for romantic getaways.
Couples spa treatments consisting of traditional methods of Balinese healing offer a place to relax and bond.
These are not ordinary massages, which are considered cultural events full of local traditions and ingredients from nature.
Most resorts boast spa pavilions surrounded by rice terraces for privacy.
Private villa accommodation amidst rice terraces and tropical gardens offers total seclusion and contact with nature.
Being woken up by gamelan music and tropical bird songs is way better than any Parisian street noise; day-long romantic settings are created by private pools with emerald rice fields.
c. Maldives Floating Restaurants Crystal Clear Lagoons
The Maldives offers the next level of tropical romance, with overwater bungalows providing direct access to the ocean.
Such personal options really mean the unique possibility to snorkel right from your room or just enjoy complete privacy surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons.
It gives the couple once-in-a-lifetime romantic memories; dinner while fish swim around them adds adventure to romance, totally impossible for land restaurants.
The novelty creates natural conversation and shared wonder that strengthens couple bonds.
Sunset dolphin cruises and private beach picnics on uninhabited islands offer romance with adventure.
Many resorts can arrange completely private experiences where couples feel like they're the only people in the world.
This level of exclusivity and natural beauty creates romantic moments that far exceed what's possible in any city, including Paris.
The Maldives offers the next level of tropical romance, with overwater bungalows providing direct access to the ocean.
Such personal options really mean the unique possibility to snorkel right from your room or just enjoy complete privacy surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons.
It gives the couple once-in-a-lifetime romantic memories; dinner while fish swim around them adds adventure to romance, totally impossible for land restaurants.
The novelty creates natural conversation and shared wonder that strengthens couple bonds.
Sunset dolphin cruises and private beach picnics on uninhabited islands offer romance with adventure.
Many resorts can arrange completely private experiences where couples feel like they're the only people in the world.
This level of exclusivity and natural beauty creates romantic moments that far exceed what's possible in any city, including Paris.
3. Adventure Romance: Active Getaways for Couples Who Explore Together
a. Cozy Mountain Lodges Winter Romance Packages
New Zealand's South Island offers adventure romance for those couples whose bonding is over shared experiences.
Scenic helicopter rides over glaciers and mountain ranges have breathtaking shared moments of natural adrenaline, enhancing the threads of romance between loved ones.
The dramatic landscapes set up backdrops against which every moment feels epic and memorable.
Wine country tours through Marlborough and Central Otago combine adventure with a sense of relaxation.
These regions yield many of the world's best wines against stunning settings, and many tours include helicopter or bike transport between wineries.
Wine tastings after adventures create perfect romantic balance.
Thrill-seeking couples find activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving very bonding.
Sharing fears with one another and making it through, then celebrating afterward, strengthens relationships in a unique way.
The cozy mountain lodges provide perfect romantic recovery spaces with fireplaces, hot tubs, and stunning mountain views.
New Zealand's South Island offers adventure romance for those couples whose bonding is over shared experiences.
Scenic helicopter rides over glaciers and mountain ranges have breathtaking shared moments of natural adrenaline, enhancing the threads of romance between loved ones.
The dramatic landscapes set up backdrops against which every moment feels epic and memorable.
Wine country tours through Marlborough and Central Otago combine adventure with a sense of relaxation.
These regions yield many of the world's best wines against stunning settings, and many tours include helicopter or bike transport between wineries.
Wine tastings after adventures create perfect romantic balance.
Thrill-seeking couples find activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving very bonding.
Sharing fears with one another and making it through, then celebrating afterward, strengthens relationships in a unique way.
The cozy mountain lodges provide perfect romantic recovery spaces with fireplaces, hot tubs, and stunning mountain views.
b. Icelandic Geothermal Pools Midnight Sun Season
Iceland offers romance for couples who find beauty in dramatic, otherworldly landscapes.
Aurora borealis viewing from private hot tubs and glass igloos creates magical romantic moments impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.
A combination of light shows and intimate settings simply creates unforgettable experiences.
Romantic walks on black sand beaches and dramatic waterfalls offer natural adventure and beauty.
Iceland's landscapes are so unique that every walk feels like an exploration in itself.
The dramatic contrast between volcanic black sand and white foam forms striking backdrops to tender moments and photography.
The geothermal spa experiences go beyond the famous Blue Lagoon to include secret local spots with natural hot springs.
Soaking in naturally heated pools while surrounded by snow or under the midnight sun offers romantic experiences that combine relaxation with natural wonder.
Iceland offers romance for couples who find beauty in dramatic, otherworldly landscapes.
Aurora borealis viewing from private hot tubs and glass igloos creates magical romantic moments impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.
A combination of light shows and intimate settings simply creates unforgettable experiences.
Romantic walks on black sand beaches and dramatic waterfalls offer natural adventure and beauty.
Iceland's landscapes are so unique that every walk feels like an exploration in itself.
The dramatic contrast between volcanic black sand and white foam forms striking backdrops to tender moments and photography.
The geothermal spa experiences go beyond the famous Blue Lagoon to include secret local spots with natural hot springs.
Soaking in naturally heated pools while surrounded by snow or under the midnight sun offers romantic experiences that combine relaxation with natural wonder.
c. Glamping Sites Under Starry Skies
Costa Rica offers eco-adventure romance through zip-lining in cloud forests and tours of wildlife spotting-one filled with shared excitement and wonder.
The incredible biodiversity of the country means that each day brings new discoveries to be shared and discussed between partners.
The beach-to-mountain diversity provides multiple romantic settings within one same trip.
The couples will enjoy sunrises on Caribbean beaches and sunsets in mountain cloud forests all in one day.
Variety keeps the romantic energy fresh and offers different moods for different moments.
Sustainable eco-lodges combine intimacy with nature while sustaining luxury and comfort.
Most of the eco-lodges have private platforms in the forest canopy where a couple can hear howler monkeys and tropical birds while dining or just hanging around.
The mix of adventure and intimacy creates perfect romantic balance.
Costa Rica offers eco-adventure romance through zip-lining in cloud forests and tours of wildlife spotting-one filled with shared excitement and wonder.
The incredible biodiversity of the country means that each day brings new discoveries to be shared and discussed between partners.
The beach-to-mountain diversity provides multiple romantic settings within one same trip.
The couples will enjoy sunrises on Caribbean beaches and sunsets in mountain cloud forests all in one day.
Variety keeps the romantic energy fresh and offers different moods for different moments.
Sustainable eco-lodges combine intimacy with nature while sustaining luxury and comfort.
Most of the eco-lodges have private platforms in the forest canopy where a couple can hear howler monkeys and tropical birds while dining or just hanging around.
The mix of adventure and intimacy creates perfect romantic balance.
4. Cultural Immersion: Destinations with a Heavy History and Tradition
a. Lake House Rentals Peaceful Waterfront Views
Japan houses cultural romance through traditional ryokan accommodations with tatami mats, where the couples get to share in authentic Japanese hospitality and culture together.
Sleeping on conventional futons and enjoying elaborate kaiseki meals metamorphoses into a shared cultural adventure where understanding and connection are deepened.
Cherry blossom seasons and the meditation of zen gardens add an air of spirituality to naturally romantic settings.
It is natural to feel romantic, walking through gardens designed for contemplation while pink petals fall, and it is also culturally significant and beautiful.
The tea ceremony experiences evoke intimate shared learning moments, times almost standing still in a mindful connection.
Such traditional Japanese ceremonies offer precision and beauty for meditation to provide romantic experiences that are very much at variance with typical vacation activities.
Japan houses cultural romance through traditional ryokan accommodations with tatami mats, where the couples get to share in authentic Japanese hospitality and culture together.
Sleeping on conventional futons and enjoying elaborate kaiseki meals metamorphoses into a shared cultural adventure where understanding and connection are deepened.
Cherry blossom seasons and the meditation of zen gardens add an air of spirituality to naturally romantic settings.
It is natural to feel romantic, walking through gardens designed for contemplation while pink petals fall, and it is also culturally significant and beautiful.
The tea ceremony experiences evoke intimate shared learning moments, times almost standing still in a mindful connection.
Such traditional Japanese ceremonies offer precision and beauty for meditation to provide romantic experiences that are very much at variance with typical vacation activities.
b. Desert Oasis Resorts Sunset Dining Experiences
Morocco blends exotic culture with romantic luxury through private riad accommodations that have rooftop terraces overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
These traditional houses offer intimate spaces complete with local craftsmanship, turning romantic settings into cultural narratives.
Couples' cooking classes in traditional Moroccan cuisine create fun, hands-on romantic experiences while learning about local culture.
Working together to prepare a tagine or pastries provides a natural bonding activity and delicious reward for shared effort.
Desert excursions, overnighting in style in luxury Berber camps, offer romance with adventure under some of the world's clearest night skies.
Camel riding to private desert camps where a couple can dine under the stars creates once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences impossible in any city.
Morocco blends exotic culture with romantic luxury through private riad accommodations that have rooftop terraces overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
These traditional houses offer intimate spaces complete with local craftsmanship, turning romantic settings into cultural narratives.
Couples' cooking classes in traditional Moroccan cuisine create fun, hands-on romantic experiences while learning about local culture.
Working together to prepare a tagine or pastries provides a natural bonding activity and delicious reward for shared effort.
Desert excursions, overnighting in style in luxury Berber camps, offer romance with adventure under some of the world's clearest night skies.
Camel riding to private desert camps where a couple can dine under the stars creates once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences impossible in any city.
c. Safari Lodges African Wilderness Adventures
Converted palace hotels in India offer regal accommodations and service that make one feel like royalty. Staying in real palaces with private courtyards, marble pools, and services of a personal butler create luxury romance with a bit of historical significance and cultural depth. From shared learning experiences on private tours of historic forts and architectural marvels to exploring centuries-old architecture while listening to royal love stories, these provide a parallel to romance and conversation points that bring them closer as a couple. Imagine golden hour, where romantic boat rides on lakes in palaces mix nature's beauty with the beauty of architecture. Most palace hotels offer an array of private boat dinners where the couple enjoys traditional cuisine while the sun goes down, reflecting off the palace walls to create an unforgettable, cherished moment of romance.
5. Hidden Treasures: The Ultimate Places for Romance that People Know Little About
a. Azores, Portugal: Volcanic Island Romance
The Azores offer natural hot springs and crater lakes where couples can relax in settings that truly feel like undiscovered and special haunts.
These volcanic islands assure experiences that are romantic, full of dramatic natural beauty, and very few crowds-so every moment feels private and exclusive.
Whale watching tours and swimming with dolphins form shared adventure and natural wonder that bring couples closer together.
The Azores offer some of the best marine wildlife viewing in the world, providing thrilling shared experiences in stunning Atlantic settings.
Farm-to-table dining experiences featuring fresh local seafood and volcanic wine create romantic meals with stories.
Many restaurants are family-run businesses where owners share the history of their ingredients and cooking methods, making dinner into cultural and romantic experiences.
The Azores offer natural hot springs and crater lakes where couples can relax in settings that truly feel like undiscovered and special haunts.
These volcanic islands assure experiences that are romantic, full of dramatic natural beauty, and very few crowds-so every moment feels private and exclusive.
Whale watching tours and swimming with dolphins form shared adventure and natural wonder that bring couples closer together.
The Azores offer some of the best marine wildlife viewing in the world, providing thrilling shared experiences in stunning Atlantic settings.
Farm-to-table dining experiences featuring fresh local seafood and volcanic wine create romantic meals with stories.
Many restaurants are family-run businesses where owners share the history of their ingredients and cooking methods, making dinner into cultural and romantic experiences.
b. Best Vineyard Hotels Wine Country Romance
Georgia offers ancient winemaking traditions and cave wine cellars that provide romantic experiences steeped in history.
This country had invented the art of winemaking some 8,000 years ago, and most of these cellar tours include tastings directly from clay vessels buried underground-a truly intimate and unique romantic experience.
Mountain village stays with panoramic Caucasus Mountain views offer a romantic setting of dramatic natural beauty and culturally real experiences. Small family-run guesthouses offer personal service and home-cooked meals that create intimate, authentic romantic experiences.
The thermal springs and historic sulfur baths of Tbilisi create added relaxation and unique cultural experiences during a romantic getaway. Traditional treatment in historic baths, where couples can learn about and experience local customs that have been used for centuries.
This country had invented the art of winemaking some 8,000 years ago, and most of these cellar tours include tastings directly from clay vessels buried underground-a truly intimate and unique romantic experience.
Mountain village stays with panoramic Caucasus Mountain views offer a romantic setting of dramatic natural beauty and culturally real experiences. Small family-run guesthouses offer personal service and home-cooked meals that create intimate, authentic romantic experiences.
The thermal springs and historic sulfur baths of Tbilisi create added relaxation and unique cultural experiences during a romantic getaway. Traditional treatment in historic baths, where couples can learn about and experience local customs that have been used for centuries.