Most Romantic Cities in the World
February 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025
Level 2: 15 or more tasks.
Nestled between the snowcapped Alps and Lake Lucerne, the city of Lucerne is a charming Swiss hideaway with medieval flourishes. For the most romantic place to bed down, Villa Honegg is just outside of the city center. This 1905 mansion-turned-hotel sports an outdoor heated pool with a full view of the mountains and lake below.
💒 Read a book set in Switzerland or with a mountain on the cover or where a character goes swimming in a pool.
Hero's Heart - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Feb 2025) (mountain on cover) - Feb 3
2. No. 19 Aix-en-Provence, France
As the birthplace of Cezanne, it's easy to visit the places that brought the master's paintings to life. Relax at cafes and local haunts. Check out the Aix vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, or head to the hot springs-fed baths first tapped by the Romans. Snack on calissons for a treat (candied fruit and almonds topped with a layer of icing). Because all romantic outings require a little something sweet.
💒 Read a book set in France or where the MC works in a cafe/bakery or where the author's initials can be found in AIX EN PROVENCE.
3. No. 18 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is as storied as it is picturesque and has thousands of years of musical history. Tour Schloss Mirabell—a 17th-century palace with the famous Marble Hall—and the Baroque-style Mirabell Gardens, which feature the Pegasus Fountain, and Rose and Dwarf Gardens. The Renaissance-style Schloss Hellbrunn, on the other hand, houses the gazebo that wooed many a lover in the Sound of Music. Climb to the cliff-top fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg, to see the glimmering city lights below. Grab a cable car up on the Untersberg for an unparalleled view of Salzburg and the Salzach River.
💒 Read a book where a character does work in a garden or set in Austria or where a character is a musician or singer.
4. No. 17 Savannah, Georgia
There is magic in the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. The storied antebellum buildings and ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss make it at once both quaint and bewitching (there are of course the ghost stories). City squares are peppered with azaleas, statues, and benches. Pirates once used Savannah as a smuggling post, but today the cobbled River Street is ripe with cute candy stores brimming with homemade saltwater taffy and pralines, as well as bustling bars and restaurants serving the best regional fare (think: buttery biscuits, fresh-caught shrimp, and sweet tea).
💒 Read a book where a character drinks tea or where something gets smuggled or where the first letter of each title word can be found in SAVANNAH GEORGIA. (Three word minimum)
As the birthplace of Cezanne, it's easy to visit the places that brought the master's paintings to life. Relax at cafes and local haunts. Check out the Aix vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, or head to the hot springs-fed baths first tapped by the Romans. Snack on calissons for a treat (candied fruit and almonds topped with a layer of icing). Because all romantic outings require a little something sweet.
💒 Read a book set in France or where the MC works in a cafe/bakery or where the author's initials can be found in AIX EN PROVENCE.
Salzburg is as storied as it is picturesque and has thousands of years of musical history. Tour Schloss Mirabell—a 17th-century palace with the famous Marble Hall—and the Baroque-style Mirabell Gardens, which feature the Pegasus Fountain, and Rose and Dwarf Gardens. The Renaissance-style Schloss Hellbrunn, on the other hand, houses the gazebo that wooed many a lover in the Sound of Music. Climb to the cliff-top fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg, to see the glimmering city lights below. Grab a cable car up on the Untersberg for an unparalleled view of Salzburg and the Salzach River.
💒 Read a book where a character does work in a garden or set in Austria or where a character is a musician or singer.
There is magic in the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. The storied antebellum buildings and ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss make it at once both quaint and bewitching (there are of course the ghost stories). City squares are peppered with azaleas, statues, and benches. Pirates once used Savannah as a smuggling post, but today the cobbled River Street is ripe with cute candy stores brimming with homemade saltwater taffy and pralines, as well as bustling bars and restaurants serving the best regional fare (think: buttery biscuits, fresh-caught shrimp, and sweet tea).
💒 Read a book where a character drinks tea or where something gets smuggled or where the first letter of each title word can be found in SAVANNAH GEORGIA. (Three word minimum)
A Gilded Age Christmas - Amanda McCabe, Lauri Robinson (HH #1757 - Nov 2023) (drinks tea) - Feb 2
5. No. 16 Seville, Spain
Seville is the star of Andalucía, with its purple jacaranda and perfuming orange trees lining the cobblestone streets. Wander in and out of the famous ceramic shops in Triana, and ascend La Giralda tower at the Cathedral of St. Mary for photo-worthy panoramas. The gelaterias here are legendary, so grab a scoop and stroll the Plaza de España, or nap at the Parque María Luisa during siesta time. Grab handfuls of Marcona almonds and fresh fruit from the market to enjoy as you wind through labyrinthine side streets to find a traditional flamenco performance.
💒 Read a book set in Spain or where a character takes a nap or where a character goes to a dance performance.
Seville is the star of Andalucía, with its purple jacaranda and perfuming orange trees lining the cobblestone streets. Wander in and out of the famous ceramic shops in Triana, and ascend La Giralda tower at the Cathedral of St. Mary for photo-worthy panoramas. The gelaterias here are legendary, so grab a scoop and stroll the Plaza de España, or nap at the Parque María Luisa during siesta time. Grab handfuls of Marcona almonds and fresh fruit from the market to enjoy as you wind through labyrinthine side streets to find a traditional flamenco performance.
💒 Read a book set in Spain or where a character takes a nap or where a character goes to a dance performance.
Home Sweet Christmas - Susan Mallery (HQN - Oct 2022) (nap) - Feb 6
6. No. 15 Monte Carlo, Monaco
For a dose of romantic Hollywood glamor on the French Riviera, look no farther than Monte Carlo. Its extravagant hotels, stunning coastal views, and some of the best restaurants and spas in the Mediterranean make Monaco a staple on our list for romantic destinations every year. Fly in via helicopter (just a seven-minute ride from the airport) for the most memorable views. Get your heart racing at the racetrack, or take a chance on a good hand at the famous Casino de Monte Carlo. Or visit Grace Kelly's grave.
💒 Read a book where a character goes to a casino or set in Monte Carlo or where a character visits a grave.
7. No. 14: Siena, Italy
Siena Offers visitors the beauty of Tuscany without the massive throngs of tourists, An archetypal medieval city, forged before the lavish Renaissance, makes the green, red, and white-marble Duomo somehow more striking. It houses masterpieces by 40 Italian artists, including Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. The whole city is built around the Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO heritage site.
💒 Read a book set in Italy or with a character who is an artist or where the author's initials can be found in UNESCO.
For a dose of romantic Hollywood glamor on the French Riviera, look no farther than Monte Carlo. Its extravagant hotels, stunning coastal views, and some of the best restaurants and spas in the Mediterranean make Monaco a staple on our list for romantic destinations every year. Fly in via helicopter (just a seven-minute ride from the airport) for the most memorable views. Get your heart racing at the racetrack, or take a chance on a good hand at the famous Casino de Monte Carlo. Or visit Grace Kelly's grave.
💒 Read a book where a character goes to a casino or set in Monte Carlo or where a character visits a grave.
Siena Offers visitors the beauty of Tuscany without the massive throngs of tourists, An archetypal medieval city, forged before the lavish Renaissance, makes the green, red, and white-marble Duomo somehow more striking. It houses masterpieces by 40 Italian artists, including Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. The whole city is built around the Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO heritage site.
💒 Read a book set in Italy or with a character who is an artist or where the author's initials can be found in UNESCO.
Hostage Security - Lisa Childs (HRS #2316 - Mar 2025) (artist) - Feb 23
8. No. 13 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan couple's dream. Fuel up on tapas in La Barceloneta’s seaside cafes before walking through the winding Barri Gòtic and climbing Gaudi’s surreal Sagrada Familia or the vibrant Parc Guell (both offer great city views). Stop by one of the city’s famous markets, La Boqueria or Santa Caterina, for fresh foods and great coffee.
💒 Read a book where a character goes to the market or a book that is set at the seaside or a book about coffee.
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan couple's dream. Fuel up on tapas in La Barceloneta’s seaside cafes before walking through the winding Barri Gòtic and climbing Gaudi’s surreal Sagrada Familia or the vibrant Parc Guell (both offer great city views). Stop by one of the city’s famous markets, La Boqueria or Santa Caterina, for fresh foods and great coffee.
💒 Read a book where a character goes to the market or a book that is set at the seaside or a book about coffee.
Home Alone With the Children's Doctor - Traci Douglass (HMED #1357 - Dec 2023) (market) - Feb 10
9. No. 12 Victoria, British Columbia
Located on the inner tip of Vancouver Island, the city’s Neo-Baroque architecture is decidedly British. Admire the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress hotel, and the famous Butchart Gardens. Just 30 miles north is the Cowichan Valley, which boasts vineyards, art galleries, and hiking trails.
💒 Read a book set in Canada or where a character goes hiking or where the first letter of each title word can be found in COWICHAN VALLEY. (Three-word minimum)
Located on the inner tip of Vancouver Island, the city’s Neo-Baroque architecture is decidedly British. Admire the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress hotel, and the famous Butchart Gardens. Just 30 miles north is the Cowichan Valley, which boasts vineyards, art galleries, and hiking trails.
💒 Read a book set in Canada or where a character goes hiking or where the first letter of each title word can be found in COWICHAN VALLEY. (Three-word minimum)
An Alaskan Arrangement - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3083 - Mar 2025) (hiking) - Feb 27
10. No. 11 Santa Barbara, California
Fondly referred to as America’s Riviera it is a great place to escape to. The weather is consistently perfect, It’s 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, and famous for its Spanish architecture. Hop on the open-air trolley down State Street to discover new restaurants and galleries. The 200-year old Santa Barbara Mission and its rose garden are worth a tour, as well. And Shoreline Park's bluff-top views and Butterfly Beach is perfect for sunbathing.
💒 Read a book with a beach on the cover or where a character sunbathes or where a character goes on a tour or leads a tour.
11. No. 10 San Francisco, California
On a romantic getaway to San Francisco, head to the Pacific Heights neighborhood to see those iconic Victorian homes, or take a bike ride through Golden Gate Park for the best views of the bridge. Take a stroll on Fisherman's wharf or have tea in the Japanese Tea Gardens.
💒 Read a book set in California or where a character rides a bike or where the author's initials can be found in SAN FRANCISCO.
Fondly referred to as America’s Riviera it is a great place to escape to. The weather is consistently perfect, It’s 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, and famous for its Spanish architecture. Hop on the open-air trolley down State Street to discover new restaurants and galleries. The 200-year old Santa Barbara Mission and its rose garden are worth a tour, as well. And Shoreline Park's bluff-top views and Butterfly Beach is perfect for sunbathing.
💒 Read a book with a beach on the cover or where a character sunbathes or where a character goes on a tour or leads a tour.
On a romantic getaway to San Francisco, head to the Pacific Heights neighborhood to see those iconic Victorian homes, or take a bike ride through Golden Gate Park for the best views of the bridge. Take a stroll on Fisherman's wharf or have tea in the Japanese Tea Gardens.
💒 Read a book set in California or where a character rides a bike or where the author's initials can be found in SAN FRANCISCO.
Cold Case Squad - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2264 - Feb 2024) (California) - Feb 14
12. No. 9 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Considered the oldest European settlement on the continent, Quebec overlooks the beautiful St. Lawrence River and is packed with boutique and luxury hotels. Meander in and out of trendy shops and jazz bars, or go ice skating at the outdoor rink at Palais Montcalm. Afterwards, warm up with hearty Québécois cuisine or the province's famous greasy spoon-style poutine.
💒 Read a book where a character stays at a luxury hotel or where a character goes ice skating or listens to jazz (Give a partial sentence and page/loc #).
Considered the oldest European settlement on the continent, Quebec overlooks the beautiful St. Lawrence River and is packed with boutique and luxury hotels. Meander in and out of trendy shops and jazz bars, or go ice skating at the outdoor rink at Palais Montcalm. Afterwards, warm up with hearty Québécois cuisine or the province's famous greasy spoon-style poutine.
💒 Read a book where a character stays at a luxury hotel or where a character goes ice skating or listens to jazz (Give a partial sentence and page/loc #).
Best Friend to Husband? - Louisa Heaton (HMED #1447 - Mar 2025) (soft jazz played on the radio - loc 1650) - Feb 21
13 No. 8 Bruges, Belgium
Old World European charm is the defining feel in Bruges, just an hour by train outside of Brussels. The 13th-century village has cobblestone streets extending over misty canals, and endless examples of Gothic architecture. Quaint houses, windmills, and medieval streets set a fairy tale scene. Share a traditional Belgian waffle with powdered sugar or sip Lambics at one of the village pubs. Bruges is also known for its vast collections of Flemish artworks, though it's hard to pull away from the 50 different chocolate shops (one per square mile) sprinkled throughout the city.
💒 Read a book where a character makes chocolate or that is 13th in a series or where the author's initials can be found in BRUGES.
Old World European charm is the defining feel in Bruges, just an hour by train outside of Brussels. The 13th-century village has cobblestone streets extending over misty canals, and endless examples of Gothic architecture. Quaint houses, windmills, and medieval streets set a fairy tale scene. Share a traditional Belgian waffle with powdered sugar or sip Lambics at one of the village pubs. Bruges is also known for its vast collections of Flemish artworks, though it's hard to pull away from the 50 different chocolate shops (one per square mile) sprinkled throughout the city.
💒 Read a book where a character makes chocolate or that is 13th in a series or where the author's initials can be found in BRUGES.
21 Days With the Lyon - Shana Galen (Dragonblade - Feb 2025) (initials) - Feb 8
14 No. 7 Charleston, South Carolina
Friendly locals and quintessential Southern charm make this a perfect place to visit. Antebellum architecture and art galleries are framed by wisteria, sabal palmettos, and ancient magnolia trees. Couples who love eating out will adore this city's food culture. For antiques and boutiques of all sorts, stop by Marion Square for the weekend farmer's market, or take an early morning stroll down pastel-colored Rainbow Row.
💒 Read a book set in South Carolina or a book about antiques or where the author's initials can be found in RAINBOW ROW.
Friendly locals and quintessential Southern charm make this a perfect place to visit. Antebellum architecture and art galleries are framed by wisteria, sabal palmettos, and ancient magnolia trees. Couples who love eating out will adore this city's food culture. For antiques and boutiques of all sorts, stop by Marion Square for the weekend farmer's market, or take an early morning stroll down pastel-colored Rainbow Row.
💒 Read a book set in South Carolina or a book about antiques or where the author's initials can be found in RAINBOW ROW.
Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart - Annie O'Neill (HMED #1199 - Sept 2021) (initials) - Mar 5
15 No. 6 Honolulu, Hawaii
On the island of Oahu, Honolulu has become more than just a tropical tourist destination—it's cosmopolitan and has a stylish vibe all its own. Salty sea breezes, miles of turquoise waters, and an onslaught of new boutiques and restaurants make this a hot honeymoon spot. A trip to Honolulu is relaxing, but there's plenty to do for the restless. Try surfing at bustling Waikiki Beach, hop on a jet ski together and cruise the waves, or go snorkeling at the many reefs full of Pixar-worthy fish and seascapes. Most importantly, share a sunrise together after a hike up Diamond Head, and a sunset on a veranda sipping Mai Tais.
💒Read a book set where a character goes on a honeymoon or goes surfing or with either a sunrise or sunset on the cover.
On the island of Oahu, Honolulu has become more than just a tropical tourist destination—it's cosmopolitan and has a stylish vibe all its own. Salty sea breezes, miles of turquoise waters, and an onslaught of new boutiques and restaurants make this a hot honeymoon spot. A trip to Honolulu is relaxing, but there's plenty to do for the restless. Try surfing at bustling Waikiki Beach, hop on a jet ski together and cruise the waves, or go snorkeling at the many reefs full of Pixar-worthy fish and seascapes. Most importantly, share a sunrise together after a hike up Diamond Head, and a sunset on a veranda sipping Mai Tais.
💒Read a book set where a character goes on a honeymoon or goes surfing or with either a sunrise or sunset on the cover.
Hawaiian Nights With the Best Man - Cara Colter (HR #4877- Nov 2023) (surfing) - Feb 17
16. No. 5 Rome, Italy
There are an infinite number of opportunities to be awed in the Eternal City. Visit the Basilica Santa Maria and the Sistine Chapel, admire the Pantheon and Colosseum, and take in the artworks at the Borghese Gallery. Afterward, head to the Trevi Fountain to make a wish and admire thousands of other fountains scattered across the city.
💒 Read a book set in a city or where a character goes to an art gallery or where the author's initials can be found in SISTINE CHAPEL.
There are an infinite number of opportunities to be awed in the Eternal City. Visit the Basilica Santa Maria and the Sistine Chapel, admire the Pantheon and Colosseum, and take in the artworks at the Borghese Gallery. Afterward, head to the Trevi Fountain to make a wish and admire thousands of other fountains scattered across the city.
💒 Read a book set in a city or where a character goes to an art gallery or where the author's initials can be found in SISTINE CHAPEL.
One Day in Apple Grove - C.H. Admirand (SourcebooksCasablanca - June 2013) (author's initials) - Feb 7
17. No. 4 Florence, Italy
A trip to Florence is a necessity for a pair of fashion or art lovers. Venture together to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, or the homes of Gucci and Ferragamo. Almost every hotel here boasts marble fireplaces, classical sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. Visit the new Mercato Centrale for the best souvenirs (cheese, wines, and pasta), and climb the steps to the Duomo’s terrace. Visitors can also ascend Giotto’s Campanile bell tower to share the view of the dreamy terracotta-topped cityscape.
💒 Read a book where a character sits in front of a fireplace or where a character called Florence or where the author's initials can be found in TERRACOTTA.
A trip to Florence is a necessity for a pair of fashion or art lovers. Venture together to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, or the homes of Gucci and Ferragamo. Almost every hotel here boasts marble fireplaces, classical sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. Visit the new Mercato Centrale for the best souvenirs (cheese, wines, and pasta), and climb the steps to the Duomo’s terrace. Visitors can also ascend Giotto’s Campanile bell tower to share the view of the dreamy terracotta-topped cityscape.
💒 Read a book where a character sits in front of a fireplace or where a character called Florence or where the author's initials can be found in TERRACOTTA.
Rebel Doctor's Baby Surprise - Alison Roberts (HMED #1382 - Apr 2024) (fireplace) - Feb 15
18. No. 3 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
About an hour south of San Jose, voters declared this small California town the best city for romance in the country. Drive through redwood forests or winding vineyards to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s picturesque cliffs dotted with cottages and isolated beaches. You won't find much in the way of street signs, traffic lights, or billboards here, where quaintness is practically cultivated. Go for a drive along the rugged coast to discover tasty bistros, cool boutiques, and petite wineries. End the day watching the sunset over the Pacific with your special someone.
💒 Read a book set in a small town or where a character goes to a winery or where the author's initials can be found in CARMEL.
About an hour south of San Jose, voters declared this small California town the best city for romance in the country. Drive through redwood forests or winding vineyards to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s picturesque cliffs dotted with cottages and isolated beaches. You won't find much in the way of street signs, traffic lights, or billboards here, where quaintness is practically cultivated. Go for a drive along the rugged coast to discover tasty bistros, cool boutiques, and petite wineries. End the day watching the sunset over the Pacific with your special someone.
💒 Read a book set in a small town or where a character goes to a winery or where the author's initials can be found in CARMEL.
His Best Friend's Girl - Christine Rimmer (HSE #3081 - Mar 2025) (small town) - Feb 17
19. No. 2 Paris, France
Paris, The City of Light is ever-changing and yet always true to its lovers. Bike through Le Marais and try as many of the city's legendary patisseries as you can. Lovebirds should explore the endless corridors of the Louvre and picnic with fresh crepes on the lawn by the Eiffel Tower. Take the metro up to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre and see the view from Sacre Coeur, spend a day marveling at the Latin Quarter's architecture, or take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden dotted with bronzed sculptures and fountains.
💒 Read a book with either a sculpture or a fountain on the cover or where a character has a picnic or a book set in Paris.
20. No. 1 Venice, Italy
Winding waterways and pastel piazzas make Venice an obvious choice for the world's most romantic city. Cruise the canals by water taxi or take it slow on a quintessential gondola past the Bridge of Sighs. Sip one of the oldest hot chocolate recipes at Cafe Florian, and enjoy the unusual silence permitted by the absence of cars. Find your own favorite charming spot to share a pizza and watch the watercolor sunset reflecting over the canals.
💒 Read a book where a character eats pizza or with a bridge on the cover or where the author's initials can be found in VENICE
Paris, The City of Light is ever-changing and yet always true to its lovers. Bike through Le Marais and try as many of the city's legendary patisseries as you can. Lovebirds should explore the endless corridors of the Louvre and picnic with fresh crepes on the lawn by the Eiffel Tower. Take the metro up to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre and see the view from Sacre Coeur, spend a day marveling at the Latin Quarter's architecture, or take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden dotted with bronzed sculptures and fountains.
💒 Read a book with either a sculpture or a fountain on the cover or where a character has a picnic or a book set in Paris.
Winding waterways and pastel piazzas make Venice an obvious choice for the world's most romantic city. Cruise the canals by water taxi or take it slow on a quintessential gondola past the Bridge of Sighs. Sip one of the oldest hot chocolate recipes at Cafe Florian, and enjoy the unusual silence permitted by the absence of cars. Find your own favorite charming spot to share a pizza and watch the watercolor sunset reflecting over the canals.
💒 Read a book where a character eats pizza or with a bridge on the cover or where the author's initials can be found in VENICE
Twenty-Eight Dates - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3038 - Mar 2024) (pizza) - Mar 3
No comments:
Post a Comment