This past month, Paris Hilton had the surprise of a lifetime when her boyfriend, actor Chris Zylka, bent down on one knee and popped the question while the two were skiing in Aspen, Colorado. Photos of the proposal show the happy couple kissing atop a snow-capped mountain, with the famous ski resort in the distance. And while not everyone can expect a $2 million ring the next time they’re in Aspen with their lover, they can expect a fair share of romance according to GoTravelDaily readers, who voted the Rocky Mountain town one of the world’s most romantic cities.
10. Aspen, Colorado
Travelers enjoy mile-high romance in Aspen, an ultra-posh resort town in a remote corner of the Colorado Rockies. After a day on the slopes (during which skiers, including A-listers like Kate Hudson, Orlando Bloom, and Jessica Alba swish down a breathtaking 4,000-foot vertical drop) couples converge for one of the best après ski scenes in the United States. For a luxurious stay, consider the historic Hotel Jerome, a Victorian-era boarding house reborn as a playful yet swanky lodge from Auberge Resorts, or the ski in/ski out Little Nell, which boasts marble baths and roaring en suite fireplaces.
9. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City offers travelers the joie de vivre of Europe without the transatlantic flight. GoTravelDaily readers head here for a romantic getaway just north of the border, thanks to the cobblestone streets, 17th- and 18th-century row houses, and historic citadel ramparts. Couples can admire the natural scenery, too, with a photo opportunity at the towering Montmorency Falls or a stroll along the St. Lawrence River, while the landmark 1920s-era Fairmont Le Château Frontenac dominates the skyline from its hilltop position.
8. Rome, Italy
Ancient birthplace of the term Latin Lovers, The Eternal City is a dream destination for countless couples, and for good reason. Walking up the Spanish Steps, sharing a refreshing scoop of gelato, and throwing coins into the Trevi fountain together have all become rites of passage for paramours visiting the Italian capital. For romantic digs worthy of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier’s honeymoon, consider a stay at the Hassler Roma.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
GoTravelDaily readers voted Charleston the top city in the United States in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey, and gave it particularly high marks in the romance category. Was it the Antebellum architecture and pastel-colored houses that did it? Or the ever-present aromas of wisteria and magnolia blossoms? Maybe it was the vibrant food scene and abundance of date night spots, like newcomer Felix Cocktails et Cuisine on King Street, with its marble bar and Parisian-inspired menu.
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
In 1916, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s original settlers set out to create a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach for their artist colony. More than a century later, the beach town has stayed true to its bohemian roots—while also becoming the most romantic city in America. With storybook houses, quaint inns, and a vibrant arts scene, this coastal enclave is a favorite for culture-seeking couples.
5. San Sebastian, Spain
When the Bonapartes of France built their summer palace in Biarritz, Spain’s Bourbon monarchs followed suit in San Sebastian, transforming the sleepy coastal village into a royal beach retreat. They tore down the old town’s walls and constructed numerous villas, hotels, and palaces that all hugged the sandy shores of La Concha Bay. Presently, this picturesque town attracts sun-seekers and has become a cultural hub, famed for its innovative food scene and renowned film festival. Couples should certainly visit the city’s Michelin-starred date spots, notably the triple-starred Arzak, a family-owned restaurant redefining Basque cuisine from atop one of the city’s scenic hills.
4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
It’s hard not to feel the romance in San Miguel de Allende: a colonial-era city in central Mexico that’s preserved its historic charms. In the UNESCO-protected center, bougainvillea drapes like a curtain from 17th-century haciendas and cathedrals, all painted in cheerful hues of red, pink, and yellow. In the 1950s, North American artists discovered San Miguel’s charms, and in the ensuing decades, it’s become a thriving arts colony. Couples can venture together to see leading galleries inside Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory converted into a cultural hub, before indulging in some made-to-order tacos from the city’s numerous street carts.
3. Florence, Italy
GoTravelDaily readers voted Florence, Italy’s scenic hub for art and fashion, the third most romantic city in the world in this year’s survey. From its serene setting straddling the banks of the Arno River, Florence pulled Europe out of Medieval times and into the Renaissance, leaving behind a city filled with architectural masterpieces thanks to wealthy art patrons. Lovebirds congregate for sunset kisses at Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks the terracotta-roofed cityscape and provides a postcard-perfect view of the multicolored Duomo cathedral across the river.
2. Venice, Italy
With its dense archipelago of pastel palazzos and piazzas, all connected by winding canals busy with gondolas, Venice is an undeniable choice for romance. However, it can be incredibly crowded during the day, when cruise ship passengers spend a frantic five hours flitting around the top attractions. For couples seeking a more intimate experience, it’s advisable to avoid the main routes between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco during peak hours altogether. Opt instead for the less-traveled side streets, each leading to hidden corners or breathtaking views seemingly meant only for the two of you.
1. Paris, France
Mais oui, GoTravelDaily readers gave the City of Light top marks for romance in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey. And how could they not? The modern metropolis is home to countless activities for lovers. Spend the day exploring the Louvre, meandering the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, and taking in the views from the Sacre Coeur, while popping into boulangerie after boulangerie for buttery pastries, and strolling hand-in-hand through the manicured Tuileries Gardens. It’s all romantic. Don’t forget to save time for the ultimate Parisian couple’s activity: a simple, yet chic picnic for two along the Seine, sharing a bottle of wine, a fresh baguette, and brie.
