While Paris has a reputation of being the ‘city of love’, there are plenty of cities offering the same romantic appeal as the French capital – including two in the UK.
And with Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, it’s a perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway.
Across the world, the most romantic day of the year is celebrated with diverse traditions and local customs.
In Germany, people exchange pig-themed items and in Romania, couples head to forests to pick flowers and wash their faces in snow for good luck.
In the Philippines, Kasalang Bayan (community weddings) are popular, often free, mass ceremonies held on Valentine’s Day, allowing hundreds of couples to marry legally without the high costs of traditional weddings.
With less than three weeks until Valentine’s Day, a team of experts at Mozio has revealed the world’s most romantic cities.
The airport transfer company analysed wedding-related Google searches by city, then combined that with Tripadvisor data on romantic restaurants, hotels, and things to do.
Read on to find out which cities make the top 10, including the spot where you’re most likely to see an A-lister.
Venice, Italy
Venice in Italy takes the crown of the most romantic city
Fancy a romantic dinner for two? Dining out in Venice often involves a canal view
The city which took the top spot is Venice with a romance score of 9.65 out of 10.
It is searched for weddings more than any other European city, with more than 63,000 wedding-related searches each year – more than twice the study average of 25,000.
The city has nearly 149 romantic restaurants and 153 romantic hotels per 100,000 people, alongside more than 100 romantic things to do.
That means shows in the Teatro La Fenice, scenic strolls along the Canal Grande and candlelit dinners are never far away.
Florence, Italy
Couples can watch the sunrise in Florence from Michelangelo Square, described as ‘the best view in the world’
In second place is Florence, which received a romance score of 7.86 out of 10.
Florence proves that romance can still feel grand without being overwhelming.
This is a city that fully leans into beauty, art, and indulgence, yet keeps everything close enough to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
With almost 80 romantic restaurants and 67 romantic hotels per 100,000 residents, Florence is packed with intimate places to eat and stay.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Horse-drawn carriage rides are a popular way for tourists to see Marrakesh’s historic streets and landmarks
Rounding off the top three is Marrakesh.
Scoring 7.5 out of 10, Marrakesh brings a different kind of romance to the table, one that feels immersive and a little bit magical.
The city scores especially highly for romantic activities, with more than 120 per 100,000 people.
There are also more than 123 romantic hotels, four times higher than the study average of nearly 31 per 100,000 people.
One of these includes Riad Dar Anika, which couples have described as ‘a beautiful place with warm, welcoming staff. The pool and rooms are cool and delightful and perfect for a romantic stay.’
Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, in Rome, Italy, is pictured
It comes as little surprise that Rome has secured a space within the top five.
The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum, as well as sunset views from hills like Aventine and Pincio Terrace.
The city blends ancient history with vibrant modern life, creating a magical atmosphere for couples to explore together.
There are more than 14,120 wedding-related searches each year and 37.5 romantic restaurants per 100,000 people.
Udaipur, India
Lake Pichola is a man-made lake and a central feature of Udaipur, often called the ‘City of Lakes’
In joint fourth place is Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and ‘Venice of the East’.
With a staggering 153,000 annual wedding searches (more than any other spot on the list), the historic city offers a blend of Rajputana royalty, lake vistas and intimate, fairytale atmospheres.
Billionaire weddings in Udaipur can draw A-list international performers like Jennifer Lopez.
Key experiences include boat rides on Lake Pichola at sunset, exploring the grand City Palace and enjoying rooftop dining with panoramic views.
Edinburgh, UK
What a view! The Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill is pictured
In sixth place is Edinburgh, known for its gothic architecture, historic streets and intimate hideaways.
Couples can walk the cobbled Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, explore 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 things for couples to do per 100,000 people.
London, UK
Pictured: Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, offers visitors panoramic views of the city
The poet Virginia Woolf once said that London’s streets have maps, but ‘our passions are uncharted’.
The UK’s capital is packed with activities for couples, including candlelit tours of Sir John Soane’s Museum, boat rides in Little Venice and live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s.
Visitors can enjoy sunset views from Tower Bridge or enjoy free, panoramic views of the city from Sky Garden.
San Francisco, USA
Golden Gate Bridge – pictured – is an iconic suspension bridge in San Francisco, California
In eighth place is San Francisco, where couples can enjoy a romantic escape with its dramatic, scenic landscapes and intimate, world-class dining.
Visitors 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 waterfront and exploring hidden, lush gardens.
Paris, France
Paris is globally renowned as the City of Love and is a popular spot for honeymoons, proposals, and romantic walks
Of course, a list of the most romantic cities wouldn’t be complete without Paris.
With more than 25,900 annual wedding searches, the French capital is often described as the ultimate romantic destination.
Visitors can enjoy sunset views from the Eiffel Tower, strolling along the Seine River and wandering through the charming, cobblestoned streets of Montmartre.
In the evening, couples can indulge in intimate candlelit dinners in Le Marais and cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge.
Barcelona, Spain
Pictured: The iconic entrance pavilions and the mosaic-covered serpentine bench at Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain
In joint 10th place is Barcelona in Spain. The city is 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 sunset views from Tibidabo or Bunkers del Carmel.
Vienna, Austria
The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, which was the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, is pictured
Rounding off the top 10 is Vienna in Austria.
February is Austria’s low season, making it easier to visit Vienna’s top sights and attractions without the big tourist crowds and long ticket lines.
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, dining in a historic coffee house like Café Central, all set against a backdrop of Baroque architecture and Viennese charm.
