What Makes a City Romantic?

Looking to set a romantic tone this Valentine’s Day, but not quite sure what makes a dreamy destination? Well, we’ve analyzed what makes a romantic city and compiled a list of the top five.
The common thread between cities and romance is a braided string of scale, space, and spirit, for a cord of three strands is not easily broken. These weave into each city by providing spaces to foster relationships and engender intimacy. The markers of a romantic city include the following:

Age: a city that has endured the test of time adds romance through its layered history. When a city starts small, and is given time, attention, and room to grow, it mimics the trajectory of a well-tended relationship. In that regard, we long to find a love that endures. Even with moss growing on its walls and parts are broken from wear and war, the solid stones still stand. Its age gives a depth and a rich story that adds to the spirit of a place. This gives us hope and encourages us to hold hands as our own journey through the city’s past unfolds together.

Walkability: a walkable city slows our pace. At a slower speed, there is time to enjoy the small details of a place. This allows margin to pop into a local shop, to grab a leisurely meal, to converse. This last is the key; without the complications of transportation, there is more time to look into each other’s eyes instead of looking for the right exit or an open parking spot. A walkable city intimates the scale of bricks instead of exclaims a blur of streets. It enables us to breathe in a space.

Memorability: a memorable city has nodes or landmarks that stick out in our minds, connecting events to a space in time. Vibrant color palettes further distinguish a scene and hold our attention. These add to the romance of a place because the quality of a setting enriches the memory of a moment.

Texture: a romantic city has texture that evokes more senses than simply sight. They are built upon different and rich materials that complement a human scale, again adding to an elemental intimacy with not only your loved one, but a connection to the space you occupy. In a broader sense of the term, the texture of a city includes other senses like smell, taste, and sound, creating a palpable atmosphere with a defined character.

Community: a sense of community creates romance because it places a couple into a setting where they interact with others as a united pair. While walking, they can meet other people and these connections form memories and encounters that are shared between two people, and shared experience draws couples close.

These qualities and elements are not restricted to cities alone – it can be found in neighborhoods, homes, yards, and individual rooms. So if flights to France are full, try incorporating some of these characteristics into your very own home or date night environment to set the tone. Create the atmosphere and let the sound of laughter bounce off the walls, carry into the streets, and resonate in your hearts as you walk hand in hand.

Here are our staff-picked Top Five Romantic Cities:

Venice, Italy: The dense maze of canals brings people together through its narrow alleys and then releases them into vibrant and beautiful plazas full of music and confidence.

Picturesque old town Venice, Italy.

Paris, France: Broad avenues, pristine parks, and iconic landmarks populate Paris and lure pedestrians along their routes by scents of pastries and the textures of centuries.

PARIS, La Maison Rose | credit: MarinaDa / Shutterstock.com

Marrakech, Morocco: A city of multiple textures and rich history, full of colors, flavors, and exotic adventures set against a scenic background.

Beautiful Architecture and lantern light lamp with morocco style

Kyoto, Japan: A quiet but exciting city, Kyoto is split into two halves by a river and is full of restaurants, gardens, and beautiful, colorful scenery. With its natural materials and attention to craft, this walkable city is immersed in culture and nature.

Kyoto, Japan | Photo by Shannon Korba

Carmel, Ca: This quaint, coastal, colorful town is full of old-world feel and small-town community. The scenic ocean views and warm, small scale architecture make this one romantic spot.
Happy Valentine’s Day.

Driving on the Pacific Ocean coast, in Carmel-by-the-sea, Monterey Peninsula, California