The Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the World You Should Visit and Why
Are you looking for a way to spice up your relationship? After all, the best relationships are those that feel fresh and new. So then why not take a romantic getaway?
Romantic getaways are perfect because they allow couples to spend some quality time together without distractions or interruptions. They can also offer a chance to discover new things about one another while exploring new places.
The world is your oyster when it comes to romantic getaways, and whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a honeymoon destination, the possibilities are endless.
From the historic British capital of London and its many attractions, including Buckingham Palace, to Montreal in Canada with its picturesque views from Mount Royal. Or anywhere else on Earth like Hanoi in Vietnam or Santorini Greece, there are plenty of romantic getaways that will make your trip one-of-a-kind.
Here are our top 10 romantic getaways and the reasons you want to visit them.
1) Paris, France
Known as “the City of Love,” thanks to its romantic atmosphere on both banks of the River Seine with views of Notre Dame Cathedral in one direction and the Eiffel Tower in another, Lonely Planet readers voted this iconic city as their favorite romantic getaway in Europe.
With its cobbled streets lined with cafés serving croissants and cafes au lait at any time of day or night, it’s no wonder this romantic city won the hearts of so many. This fantastic couples getaway also offers gourmet shopping, world-renowned cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage.
Paris is romantic in every season. From romantic walks along the Seine to romantic strolls through the Tuileries Garden when you can smell the jasmine and roses in summer, to romantic walks over the bridges in autumn as they are lit up with twinkling fairy lights at night.
Other romantic things you can do are:
- Attend the lights of Christmas at the Eiffel Tower
- Look for love as you stroll through the streets of Paris
- Take a romantic boat tour on the Seine River to get views of all that is romantic about Paris
- Grab drinks at a Parisian café
- Enjoy a romantic sunset with that special someone on the banks of the Seine River
- Visit Versailles Palace for beautiful gardens and romantic views
- See paintings by artists like Monet at musés in Paris such as Musée d’Orsay or Musée Rodin, both near the river. To read more about these museums, click here.
- Walk along the banks of Lake Daumesnil to enjoy its park-like setting and see breathtaking views of Paris from across its waters.
- Attend fun events like Les Fêtes de Marquette – 10 days of concerts, exhibitions, theater shows, and fun nightlife street parties.
2) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The beaches in Rio are considered among the most beautiful and romantic getaways in the world, with stunning views across Copacabana to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Take a romantic boat trip along the River Amazon dotted with Canopy Tours where you can see birds like Macaws while learning about conservation efforts underway to protect them.
The cuisine is amazing too! Delicious fish dishes served up at sidewalk cafes or on romantic candlelit tables overlooking gorgeous ocean views will make their hearts melt!
You can also:
- Visit the National Museum and hear about Brazil’s history
- Take a stroll on Rio’s Copacabana Beach
- Enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight at a fine dining restaurant
- Hang out with cute sloths, monkeys, or armadillos at the Botanical Gardens in Gavea (Zona Norte)
- Stroll down the streets of Santa Teresa, Rio’s bohemian neighborhood, and view hundreds of art galleries, antique stores, or relax in one of the many parks
- Visit the Christ statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro with breathtaking views across Guanabara bay to Sugarloaf Mountain (3rd largest statue in the world)
- Buy a romantic Christmas gift like a beautiful piece of jewelry from “Rua Augusta”, or take home some delicious coffee from Cafe Sienna
3) Rome, Italy
Not only is Rome an architectural masterpiece, but it’s also a cultural one thanks to its ancient ruins and amazing views, romantic gondolas floating along the River Tiber, or firework displays that light up the skyline.
The city by night offers a romantic setting for dinner and drinks thanks to its many romantic cafes with low lighting and great wine.
You can also:
- Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin into its waters for good luck, but if you want to make your wish come true, kiss that special someone after they throw in their coin. If this happens by moonlight, it is said to bring good fortune!
- See breathtaking views of Rome from Piazza del Popolo or Mount Gianicolo Hill, where you can stroll hand in hand with that special person while taking in stunning 360-degree vistas over Rome’s skyline (a very romantic spot at night)
- Watch as Vespa’s whiz past on cobbled streets lined with gorgeous buildings painted pink, yellow, violet…all lit up at night. Then, catch your breath at the beauty of it all as you watch a gondola glide along the River Tiber and listen to it gently ebbing and flowing.
- Antique stores are located all over Rome, but one of the best is Villa Spalletti Trivelli, which has been in business since 1869. It should be on your list as there are some stunning items here!
- Attend the Festa di Sant’Ambrogio in Trastevere every January for lively music, food, and fun (and a great way to warm up if you’re visiting at that time of year). To read more about this festival, click here.
4) New York City, USA
A charming city that is as glamorous and romantic as Paris or Rome is New York! It’s one of the top destinations for couples because it offers so many things to do. You can take a carriage ride through Central Park, dine at a swanky restaurant and dance till midnight, or stroll around hand-in-hand window shopping and people watching.
Currently, 31 bridges are spanning across the East River, including the Brooklyn Bridge, which makes for incredible photos (especially when lit up by night!).
There have been over 100 movies filmed partially or entirely on the bridge. The best part…you don’t even have to be a movie star to enjoy this romantic spot! Here you can see the nearby Empire State Building from another angle in addition to skylines of other nearby buildings like the Hearst Tower or the Rockefeller Center.
You can also:
- Ride a carriage through Central Park
- Dine at a swanky restaurant and dance till midnight
- Stroll around hand-in-hand window shopping and people watching
- Walk along the banks of the East River
- Cycle across the Brooklyn Bridge (it’s actually a great way to see NYC)
- Take part in a romantic scavenger hunt. Click here for details.
- Enjoy romantic dining that offers great views of Central Park or Times Square
- Watch as fireworks light up the sky over Manhattan on New Year’s Eve (it’s one of the best ways for newlyweds to kick off their marriage)
- Ice skating during Christmas at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park
5) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nature lovers can take romantic walks through orchards, tropical flowers, and palm trees. You’ll enjoy romantic candlelit dinners overlooking the city lights while enjoying great Thai food and romantic rides on elephants.
Chiang Mai is a charming little city in the North of Thailand. It is a popular destination for couples from all over the globe and is most famous for its yearly Flower Carnival.
When in season between December and March, there are colorful parades with flowers and floats from the city’s 50 schools, cultural groups, and other organizations. It’s one of Thailand’s most enchanting events as it brings together local people to celebrate their culture through dance, music performances.
This northern city has many romantic top spots where you can book a hotel room with private balconies that include luxury accommodations.
Chiang Mai has some exquisite resorts, such as Alila Chiang Mai – which offers both romance and luxury at its best! It’s set within tropical gardens with beautiful views of Doi Suthep mountain.
You can also:
- Take hiking trails through the lush forested mountains with your loved one and listen to waterfalls tumbling down mountain cliffs or watch bugs light up in synchrony as nightfall approaches
- Climb aboard a banana boat or bamboo raft and sail along still lakes and streams while listening to birds sing and monkeys chattering
- Take part in a Phu Thai cooking class where you’ll learn how to make traditional Thai delicacies, such as green curry chicken soup (incredible!), mango sticky rice, pineapple fried rice…all on your romantic menu!
- Go horseback riding through the fields, mountains, and forests of Chiang Mai.
6) Saint Lucia
Visit the Four Seasons, one of the many romantic hotels for fine dining overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and listen to romantic music as you take in the breathtaking …