If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Paris is a close second, and almost a requisite for anycouple travelingin the name of love.

Beyond the beautiful but somewhat obvious picks, there are exciting new spots that ascended onto the list.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Credit: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

The lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence, for example, and musical hills in Austria’s Salzburg.

Cliffside Carmel-by-the-Sea took bronze this year, beating other romantic Californian destinations like San Francisco and Santa Barbara.

And this year’s No.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Olaf Protze/Getty Images

1 city in the world, Charleston, didn’t disappoint travelers seeking an easy,romantic weekend getaway.

Turn your one-on-one time into an adventure of a lifetime with these most romantic cities in the world.

Like Chapel Bridge, for example, which was built in 1333 and is often decorated with flowers.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Peter Richardson/Getty Images

Visit charming old city squares and the Jesuit Church (the first Baroque church in Switzerland).

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.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Chris Moore/Getty Images

Southern France is like a pleasure garden, with pretty, moss-covered fountains spouting around every corner.

Snack oncalissonsfor a treat (candied fruit and almonds topped with a layer of icing).

Because all romantic outings require a little something sweet.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

18 Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is as storied as it is picturesque.

Looking to take your love even higher?

Grab a cable car up on the Untersberg for an unparalleled view of Salzburg and the Salzach River.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Franck Camhi/Getty Images

17 Savannah, Georgia

There is magic in the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia.

Dine al fresco with locals at one of countless open-air restaurants.

Try the Jamon Iberico with a pitcher of sangria, and dip warm churros into melted chocolate.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

WEKWEK/Getty Images

It’s a decadent way to conclude a trip to Seville with your significant other.

It houses masterpieces by 40 Italian artists, including Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

13 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelonais a cosmopolitan couple’s dream.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

TomasSereda/Getty Images

You’ll fall in love with this cityand each otherevery time.

12 Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is a Canadian stunner in beautiful British Columbia.

Located on the inner tip of Vancouver Island, the citys Neo-Baroque architecture is decidedly British.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Cybernesco/Getty Images

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 are perfect for sunbathing with your partner.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Jörg Hackemann/Getty Images

Afterwards, warm up with hearty Quebecois cuisine or the province’s famous greasy spoon-style poutine.

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.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

Share a traditional Belgian waffle with powdered sugar or sip Lambics at one of the village pubs.

7 Charleston, South Carolina

Friendly locals and quintessential Southern charm recently gaveCharlestonthe No.

1 spot on our list of thebest cities in the world.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Worrawat Engchuan/Getty Images

And it didn’t under perform for romance-seekers, either.

Antebellum architecture and art galleries are framed by wisteria, sabal palmettos, and ancient magnolia trees.

A trip to Hnolulu is relaxing, but there’s plenty to do for the restless.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Andrea Thompson/Getty Images

5 Rome, Italy

There are an infinite number of opportunities to be awed in the Eternal City.

Romes history seems limitless (a 2,700-year-old city has that effect) and so does its cuisine.

4 Florence, Italy

A trip to Florence is a necessity for a pair of fashion or art lovers.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Paul Giamou/Getty Images

Venture together to see masterpieces like Michelangelos David, or the homes of Gucci and Ferragamo.

Almost every hotel here boasts marble fireplaces, classical sculptures, paintings, and frescoes.

Visitors can also ascend Giottos Campanile bell tower to share the view of the dreamy terracotta-topped cityscape.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Holger Leue/Getty Images

Drive through redwood forests or winding vineyards to get to Carmel-by-the-Seas picturesque cliffs dotted with cottages and isolated beaches.

Go for a drive along the rugged coast to discover tasty bistros, cool boutiques, and petite wineries.

End the day watching the sun set over the Pacific with your special someone.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Eva Katalin Kondoros/Getty Images

2 Paris, France

Could there be a list of romantic destinations without the City of Light?

Paris is ever-changing and yet always true to its lovers.

Bike throughLe Maraisand try as many of the city’s legendary patisseries as it’s possible for you to.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Frank Fischbach/Getty Images

However touristy, the staples never disappoint.

Paris is never short on beauty, history, or diversions for even the most discerning couple.

Cruise the canals by water taxi or take it slow on a quintessential gondola past the Bridge of Sighs.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Chase Dekker/Getty Images

First-time visitors should hop over to Murano to learn the history of the city’s stunning glassworks.

Return travelers, however, should venture to get lostoff the beaten track.

Find your own favorite charming spot to share a pizza and watch the watercolor sunset reflecting over the canals.

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Julien Fromentin/Getty Images

World’s Best Awards: Most Romantic Cities

Buena Vista Images/Getty Images