Travel: Love is in the air as we delve into the world’s most romantic cities

Today is Valentine’s Day and, with love in the air, it’s enough to make us all want to jet off somewhere romantic with our loved ones.

While international adventures look unlikely this year, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. So cosy up with your other half and think about where you would love to go.

Here are some of the most romantic cities in the world…

Paris

The city of love, Paris is as romantic as it gets. With it’s cobbled streets, Montmartre is a charming place to explore hand-in-hand with your lover. Visiting the Eiffel Tower come dusk is an absolute must, all the more beautiful when its sparkling lights dazzle onlookers for a few minutes on the hour – time your romantic moment accordingly.

Bruges

Walking into Bruges is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale.

Cobblestone streets are lined with picturesque buildings that contain boutiques, chocolate shops and eateries. Stroll along the canals and look for the beautiful swans, or take a horse-drawn carriage where you and your significant other can enjoy a tour through the narrow streets and beautiful squares.

Rome

Rome is famously romantic for its opera, ballet and quaint, hidden cafés. Book a visit to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and indulge in local gelato.

The Villa Borghese landscape gardens are a wonderful place to relax with your special someone, while local intimate restaurants abound.

Buenos Aires

The birthplace of tango, the world’s most intimate dance, Buenos Aires is a place of passion.

Visit a colourful area of the city, La Boca , where you can take a tango lesson.

Once you’re all danced out, meander through the city streets to enjoy its beautiful architecture, which spans neoclassical to art nouveau and art deco.

New York

It’s a bustling city, but as you check out the sights, from Times Square to Central Park, it can feel like there are just the two of you.

New York is the place where people find love in the movies and you’ll have a familiar feeling as you explore the city.

Venice

The city’s gondola rides past historic palazzos are hard to beat. Many of these boat rides even include a serenade for you and your lover.

In the evening, find a quiet spot to watch the sun set – the pink-hued sky reflected in the lagoon is a sight to behold.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s beautiful views of the Adriatic sea and its Old World charm will inspire romance as you stroll through the centuries-old white fortress walls lining the cliffs. Simply stunning.

Florence

A trip to Florence is a necessity for fashion or art lovers. Venture to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, or the homes of Gucci and Ferragamo.

Visit the Mercato Centrale for souvenirs, and climb the steps to the Duomo’s terrace. Visitors can also ascend Giotto’s Campanile bell tower for the view of the dreamy terracotta-topped cityscape.

San Francisco

Head to the Pacific Heights area to see its iconic Victorian homes, or take a bike ride through Golden Gate Park for the best views of the bridge.

Nearby Napa or Sonoma have some of the very best wineries.

The Maldives

OK so it’s not a city, but there is no denying it’s one of the most perfect places in the world for a romantic getaway.

A couple snorkling in a Maldives tropical lagoon.

The clear water and white sandy beaches are the ultimate chill out if you like lazy days, sipping cocktails in the sun.

P.S.

Paris is one of the most popular places in the world for popping the question, with an average of one in 679 proposals taking place here.

Disney’s theme parks in Florida and Paris are also favourites as they are some of the ‘most magical places on Earth’.

Factfile:

Current Covid guidelines mean you must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and leisure purposes.