In an exciting revelation for lovers looking to plan their next getaway, Cape Town has officially cemented its status as a romantic haven by ranking 12th on a newly released list of the world’s most romantic destinations.
This accolade highlights the Mother City’s charm and allure, proving that it indeed belongs among some of the most cherished cities globally for couples seeking love and adventure.
The research, conducted by swimwear experts at Pour Moi, aimed to compile a bucket list of the best romantic getaways for the summer 2025.
While cities like Paris and Rome have long been synonymous with romance, London has emerged as the ultimate destination for couples.
With a Romantic Score of 79.11, London clinched the top spot, followed closely by New York and Miami.
Here is a closer look at the list of Top 12 destinations:
- London, UK
- New York, US
- Miami, US
- Toronto, Canada
- Rome, Italy
- Brisbane, Australia
- Las Vegas, US
- Dubai, UAE
- Paris, France
- Melbourne, Australia
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Cape Town, South Africa
The study took a comprehensive approach by analysing over 550 cities to determine their romantic appeal.
The team evaluated three core data streams: the frequency with which reviewers described specific locations as ‘romantic’, the variety of activities catered to couples, and the volume of Instagram posts tagged with #datenight alongside each city.
This data amalgamation resulted in a precise Romantic Score out of 100 that categorises cities by their romantic offerings.
According to the experts, London’s dominance in this ranking can be credited to the fact that over 26% of its noted attractions were characterised as ‘romantic’ by previous visitors.
Among the city’s highlights are stunning views from the Shard, the breathtaking Meeting Place Statue at St Pancras station, and leisurely romantic canal cruises.
New York follows London with a score of 66.7, buoyed by couples frequently sharing their enchanting date nights across social media platforms.
Given its iconic love stories, from Carrie Bradshaw’s escapades to the narratives of Gossip Girl, it’s no wonder that the Big Apple features extensive offerings for love-struck duos.
Miami, scoring just below New York, stands out with its dual personality; while it is famous for wild pool parties, it also boasts a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants and intimate bars, making it an appealing spot for couples.
The research identified 167 couple-friendly activities, encompassing everything from dancing in Little Havana to indulgent spa days at luxurious resorts.
Europe’s reign over romance is evident, with six of the top 15 cities hailing from the continent.
Aside from London, Rome captures the fifth position, while Paris finds itself in ninth.
Asia also put forth a commendable showing with Colombo in Sri Lanka at 11th position with a score of just below 31.
Meanwhile, Oceania contributes notably, with Brisbane at sixth place (43 points) and Melbourne at tenth (32.42 points).
Reflecting on their findings, Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi, stated they were curious about where in the world is an ideal spot for couples.
“With social media making everyone want to visit the trending destinations they see on their screens, we wanted to create a must-visit bucket list for couples to enjoy together.
From the bustling streets of London to the charming atmosphere of Charleston, we hope our research helps people navigate this summer’s travel plans,” she said.
