The World’s Most Romantic Destinations for 2026
- craig zabransky
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Where Data Meets Desire—and Luxury Finds Its Heart
The most romantic trips are rarely defined by grand gestures or postcard-perfect views alone. They are shaped by quiet moments, shared glances, laughter over dinner, and the feeling of being truly present with the person beside you.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or simply craving a meaningful escape, today’s romantic getaways for couples are more diverse—and more personal—than ever before.
And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, romance is already in the air. For many in the U.S., the long Presidents’ Day weekend makes it the perfect moment to begin—whether that means booking a romantic weekend getaway now or finally starting the plan for your dream journey in 2026. Sometimes, making the plan is the first act of romance.
But where should you go?
A New Way to Measure Romantic Destinations
A team at HotelWithTub recently analyzed destinations worldwide using TripAdvisor and social data to understand what truly makes a place romantic in 2026. Instead of relying on reputation alone, they evaluated:
Romantic restaurants
Honeymoon spots
Couple-friendly attractions
Scenic parks and viewpoints
Romantic hotels
Social visibility through #datenight and #dinnerdate posts
Each destination earned a Romantic Score, creating a data-backed guide to where couples are actually forming meaningful memories—not just where they’re taking photos.
And yes—some of the results are genuinely surprising.
What the Study Revealed
Rome ranks #1, offering the highest number of romantic restaurants, hotels, and honeymoon spots worldwide
London leads global date-night culture with over 2,100 romantic restaurants
Marrakech ranks #3, standing out for immersive, modern romance
Paris remains a timeless icon at #4
New York City leads the Americas with its dining and cultural scene
Phuket and Ubud emerge as top honeymoon destinations, offering the widest variety of romantic stays
Where Romance Is Thriving in 2026
As already mentioned, timeless icons like Rome, Paris, and London continue to define romance on an international scale. But the list also revealed unexpected standouts too.
Cusco – historic, soulful, and quietly powerful
Hanoi – layered with culture and intimate charm
Cape Town – dramatic landscapes and vibrant energy
These destinations prove that romance isn’t limited to Europe’s classics—it’s alive in places that blend culture, beauty, and emotional connection.
You can explore the full list of the world’s 50 most romantic destinations for 2026 .
The Stay Luxurious Perspective
At Stay Luxurious, we love data—but we don’t let it define the journey. A truly romantic escape isn’t built around hashtags or restaurant counts. It’s about bespoke moments, personal rhythms, and experiences that feel designed just for you. Let’s be honest—how often are you scrolling Instagram during a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or anniversary? Still, many of the cities we would expect to see are here.
From our own travels, a few favorites stood out:
· Santorini (#17) – iconic sunsets and sea-drenched beauty; the Splendor of Santorini
· Prague (#14) – old-world romance and storybook streets
· Lisbon (#14) – soulful charm and golden light; you will love Lisbon
And then there was one that I needed to see or I might question the list, and I spotted it at #50: Mexico City. Still undiscovered when ranked so low in my eyes, but at least on the radar.
It may surprise you, but this vibrant capital holds a deeply romantic spirit—through its cuisine, neighborhoods, art, and energy. It’s why I created Stay AdvenTours years ago, guiding travelers there to experience its magic firsthand.
Let’s Design Your 2026 Love Story
Valentine’s Day can be more than a single dinner or bouquet—it can be the beginning of something bigger. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend now or a once-in-a-lifetime escape in 2026, your journey deserves more than a list.
Lists inspire. Data informs. But your love story should be designed, not ranked. If you’re ready to begin, I’d love to help you create something unforgettable. Sign up for a conversation today, let’s make 2026 special and enjoy the romance of travel.
Sip, Dream, and Begin the Journey
To help you get in the mood, on February 7th, join us for a special Stay Luxurious Wine Tasting Experience, where we explore beautiful destinations through the wines that define them. This evening isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about where that glass can take you. Let each sip spark a new idea, a new place, a new possibility.
This evening can make the perfect moment to begin the conversation about your 2026 travel plans, and even imagine turning romance into reality with our Stay Luxurious Wine Journey to Spain in September 2026—a curated experience blending culture, cuisine, connection, and unforgettable settings.
Stay Romantic, Craig