Cities aren’t always the most romantic places – tropical islands tend to trump traffic jams and sunshine always beats smog. But choose wisely and chances are you’ll fall in love all over again, while finding a place in your heart for a certain city.
Stroll around Seville with your media naranja (other half)
Renowned as Spain’s most romantic city, Seville’s year-round sunshine means you can always be outside – it’s dripping with pretty plazas, jasmine-scented patios and rooftop bars with killer views to kiss to. Try the Hotel Doña Maria terrace bar at sunset, looking onto the Giralda tower.
In summer, nothing can beat a moonlit outdoor concert in the Alcazar palace gardens for romance, while a fun daytime option is to hire a rowing boat on the canal at stunning Plaza de España with its tiled bridges. And who can resist the flaming passion of a live flamenco show?
Make hearts race in the red city of Marrakesh
Magical light, hundreds of romantic riads and an Arabian Nightsambiance make Marrakesh a perfect spot for amorous adventure. Snag a table for two in the nearby Agafay Desert and watch the sun set before tucking in to a candlelit dinner. Wish upon a star before retreating to your tent for the night, waking up for the sunrise.
Glamping not your style? Choose a luxury riad and plan an early-morning wake up call to watch the first rays illuminate the Atlas Mountains during a hot-air balloon ride organised by Ciel d’Afrique.
Enjoy cocktails and castles in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has great restaurants, peaceful gardens and snug pubs. Views stretch out to the Firth of Forth, across to Fife and down through atmospheric alleyways. Above it all, bang in the centre of the city, looms a castle on a crag. Scotland’s strollable capital could hardly fail to set hearts fluttering.
Visitors can admire the views from windswept Arthur’s Seat or the Gothic Scott Monument, or promenade in Princes Street Gardens. Bramble hides beneath a dry cleaners and offers some of the city’s best cocktails and the Old Town is great for atmospheric pubs.
Take to the water in Paris
A classic city break destination for couples, the romanticised French capital is even more captivating when viewed from the water. From its dock near the Eiffel Tower, celebrated chef Alain Ducasse’s new ‘floating restaurant’ Ducasse sur Seine serves gourmet lunch and dinner menus at white-clothed tables while you glide through Paris’ heart. Canauxrama cruises along charming Canal St-Martin pass through double locks, swing bridges and an underground section.
In the city’s two sprawling forests, recreate a scene from an impressionist painting by hiring a rowboat on Lac Daumesnil in the eastern Bois de Vincennes, or Lac Inférieur in the western Bois de Boulogne.
Go on a creative date with a mix of beats and beaches in Perth
With its sun-kissed climate and river-to-sea location, Perth is an outdoorsy city – but it’s also an underground music hotbed. Toe tappers, wow your date by entering a red telephone box and descending to the Jazz Cellar’s speakeasy or take a picnic to Fremantle Arts Centre on Sundays for free courtyard tunes (October to March).
Nature lovers should hit secluded Bennion Beach for sunset-over-sea gazing with a bottle of local bubbles wedged in the sand, or seek out the riverside Coombe Reserve in Mosman Park to amp up the romantic vibe.
