Take the first adventure of your married life by visiting the best honeymoon destinations. There’s the perfect place for those who love the arts, nature, culture, and food!
Best Honeymoon Destinations | 40 Places To Fall In Love
A huge part of the wedding planning is where to go after the ceremonies. Which of the best honeymoon destinations are truly worth going to, and what should you do to make the most of the journey and experience? I’m glad you asked because I have 40 of them in mind along with the best tips to what to eat, where to go, and what to do to make your first travel as a married couple awesome and memorable. So prep your bags and yourselves for these adventures!
1. Culture Immersion
How do you spell romance? If you both love to delve into history, culture, and heritage while walking around ancient Roman streets or the lovely French Quarter, then these best honeymoon destinations are what you’re looking for.
Bath, UK
Only less than three hours away from London is the well-loved city of the Romans called Bath. Here, you can stroll around the gardens, take a dip in the hot springs, or ogle at the old Georgian architecture.
Lovers’ Tip: Enjoy the natural thermal spring of Thermae Bath Spa that overlooks the city’s skyline.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo is where old architecture meets antique shops meets countless museums. The city is just as lively as the samba.
Lovers’ Tip: Never miss a Saturday trip. Listen and dance to the samba beat and shop in an outdoor market in Praca da Republica.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn’t called the Big Easy for anything. With round-the-clock fun and vibrant nightlife, you can drink, be merry, and celebrate the honeymoon as a couple or with newfound friends.
Lovers’ Tip: Is there anything more romantic than listening to jazz in speakeasy bars?
Mexico City, Mexico
Despite the growing Westernization, Mexico City’s culture and heritage remain ever vibrant. One of the oldest capitals in the Americas, it has three UNESCO World Heritage sites including Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) for being designed by some of the world’s renowned architects.
Lovers’ Tip: Take a ride down the Xochimilco canals onboard some of the most colorful flat-bottom boats you’ll ever see.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Walking through the Siem Reap temples including the famous Angkor Wat is like treading the same grounds of the kings more than 1,000 years ago. Although it is becoming an ultimate tourist attraction in Cambodia, it still boasts many colonial buildings and old markets.
Lovers’ Tip: Enroll in a Khmer cooking class. It takes only a few hours to a full day, so it’s so easy to squeeze into your schedule.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland has a very long history dating back to 8500 BC! And do you know its two towns, Old and New, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Not only that, it’s the seat of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle.
Lovers’ Tip: If you’re both huge fans of Harry Potter, then you should know this beats Japan’s Universal Studios by a mile. You can sign up for a Harry Potter trail that takes you to the places that inspired JK Rowling including Victoria Street a.k.a. Diagon Alley.
Havana, Cuba
While it’s so easy to fall in love with the rustic architecture of Havana, Cuba, I bet you’ll love the culture that makes the city more alive: cocktails throughout the day, shared rides in taxi particular, and a puff of the Cuban cigar.
Lovers’ Tip: Take an early morning stroll in Plaza Vieja before exploring the narrow alleyways of Old Havana.
Moscow, Russia
Feast your eyes on the grand Orthodox architecture of Saint Basil’s Cathedral or watch a ballet performance in Bolshoi Theater. Don’t forget the vodka too!
Lovers’ Tip: Celebrate your epic love by remembering an equally epic movie, Dr. Zhivago. How? Visit the Mosfilm movie studio.
2. Arts Love
There’s no culture without the arts, and if you both tend to lean toward the latter, I’ve got 8 best honeymoon destinations for those who can’t have enough music, performances, and architecture.
New York City, New York
While New York is a hodgepodge of many cultures, it is also one of the U.S.’s best honeymoon destinations for art lovers! It has MOMA, dozens of art galleries, and Times Square, home of Broadway shows.
Lovers’ Tip: After dining in these romantic NYC restaurants and touring the museums, cap the day with a few hours at the Slipper Room and watch some risque and fun performances.
Paris, France
No doubt, one of the best honeymoon destinations is Paris, France. After all, it’s called the city of romance! But it’s also an amazing center for the arts with more than 100 museums within the city limits alone. Also, just check out the intricate details of its old buildings and the multi-colored doors of several des rues (streets).
Lovers’ Tip: Plan your married life in any of the al fresco cafes of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, where Jean-Paul Sartre used to hang out.
Florence, Italy
Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance and the city where you can find some of the famous Italian works like Michelangelo’s David and Pieta. Outside, the streets become outdoor stages for human statues, graffiti artists, and musicians.
Lovers’ Tip: Hunt the works of street artist Clem Abraham in the city’s traffic lights.
Lagos, Nigeria
Contemporary art is growing in Lagos, and now is the best time to be part of the scene. The Centre for Contemporary Art is poised to collecting more than 3,500 books and other materials related to the city’s modern art!
Lovers’ Tip: Visit Festac Town to see Nigerian woodwork in the morning and end the day in Terra Kulture, which never runs out of arts and cultural events.
Aarhus, Denmark
There’s a good reason why Aarhus is the happiest city in Denmark: its performing arts is the best. Whether you’re looking for an amazing music or live acting, this metropolis delivers.
Lovers’ Tip: Don’t miss the 9 Rooms found in a dark basement in Aros Aarhus Art Museum. What’s in there? Find them out yourselves. 🙂
Istanbul, Turkey
One of the best honeymoon destinations for certified art lovers is Istanbul, Turkey, as it offers works dating back from the time of the Europeans and the Ottomans. These artworks scattered in more than 65 museums are not only found in paintings but are also in the intricate patterns and designs of old structures like the Hagia Sophia.
Lovers’ Tip: Istiklal Street is where the arts is. It is lined with bookshops, theaters, galleries, and cafes.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is defined by its Romanesque and Baroque buildings, but it’s the music that makes it a standout as one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe for art aficionados. Think Johann Strauss and Franz Schubert.
Lovers’ Tip: Catch one of the performances complete with a philharmonic orchestra of one of the world’s best ballet performers, Vienna State Ballet, in Vienna State Opera.
Valparaiso, Chile
After being abandoned by the wealthy, Valparaiso is experiencing a resurgence as young blood and artists set up shop in the historic colorful buildings perched on a hillside, dressing many of them in murals.
Lovers’ Tip: See the city while holding hands onboard one of its 26 funicular lifts that are now part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Culinary Delights
It’s not only the Lonely Heart’s Club who needs to take on a culinary adventure. Newly marrieds are entitled to it too, and when it comes to the best honeymoon destinations for the biggest food fans, these fight for the number one spot.
Marrakech, Morocco
Spicy, intriguing, and infused with Mediterranean and Berber influences – these are the main features of the Morrocan dishes, making it one of the highlights of your trip to the kingdom. It’s where you can treat yourself to as much couscous as you like or a tajine dish with lamb, plum, eggs, olives, or mango.
Lovers’ Tip: Come night time, watch the traditional markets such as Jeena El-Fna taken over by dozens of food stalls. For the best view, find any of the restaurants with a rooftop bar.
San Sebastian, Spain
Skip the busy streets and sometimes overrated restaurants in Barcelona and Madrid and go to San Sebastian, the ultimate dining capital in the country. Boasting the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, the Basque resort town is the king of tapas (pintxos).
Lovers’ Tip: There’s no better place to get a taste of tapas in San Sebastian than in the Romantic Center, filled with 19th-century architecture and exuding the Parisian vibe.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Australia is defined by its sea, sand, and surf, but when you get to Barrosa Valley, your trip to Land Down Under takes a whole new meaning: lots of wines, cheeses, and days relaxing in chalets or visiting the vast vineyards. It produces some of the best bottles of shiraz in the world.
Lovers’ Tip: Explore the valley through the great wine trail that takes you through more than 10 wineries.
Singapore City, Singapore
Singapore is Asia’s financial powerhouse, but it’s also one of the best honeymoon destinations for the gourmands, thanks to its eclectic heritage. Cuisines range from Indian to Chinese and Malaysian. As more nationalities come in, their cuisine, and the choices, also evolve.
Lovers’ Tip: Singapore is expensive, so if you want to go cheap, eat at hawker centers like Maxwell in Chinatown where you spend less than $6 per meal. Don’t worry about hygiene as Singapore has strict food standards.
Thessaloniki, Greece
If you’re looking for a comprehensive food tour in Greece, you need to go to the heart: Thessaloniki, Greek Macedonia’s capital and the “nymph” of the Thermaic Gulf. A cosmopolitan city, it has a cuisine inspired by Eastern and Western influences – truly exciting for any foodie.
Lovers’ Tip: Although you can fill your tummy with Greek meals, a visit to Thessaloniki should always include a trip to its bakeries for trigona panoramatos, a triangular cream-filled pastry.
San Francisco, California
The city that gave birth to Mission burrito and steam beer, it is a culinary delight in California. Fusion is common here, which is understandable due to its diverse demographic (it has one of the oldest and biggest Chinatowns in the world!). It is also popular for its Dungeness crab and thriving food truck culture.
Lovers’ Tip: The perfect place to eat your Dungeness is at the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can always find boiling cauldrons awaiting some fresh catch.
New Delhi, India
Indian cuisine is so ethnically diverse, but among the many gourmet places, New Delhi tops the list mainly because it’s accessible and the variety of options is wider. Needless to say, authentic New Delhi dishes are aromatic, colorful, and filling.
Lovers’ Tip: Treat yourself to a lovely Darjeeling afternoon tea paired with eclairs, creme brulee, and spreads in the Imperial Hotel.
Bangkok, Thailand
While other cuisines are a blend of cultures, Thailand’s is a combination of flavors: sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, all in one dish! It is also well-known for being very light, so it’s always a joy to eat.
Lovers’ Tip: How strong are your stomachs? Eat crickets, silkworms, and grasshoppers, which are popular street foods. They are usually flavored with kefir and lime to make them real tasty snacks.
5. Nature Commune
Quiet beaches, far-away places, and challenging terrains – nature has a way of making the outdoors one of the best honeymoon destinations for adventure seekers. And while there are hundreds of them on my list, these are the standouts:
Reykjavik, Iceland
In Iceland, one doesn’t have to go far to dip in its thermal waters or catch the Northern Lights. The capital already provides these – and more.
Lovers’ Tip: On one winter night, when the clouds are missing, drive your rented car a bit farther from the city center. You have a better chance of catching the northern lights in action.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Is there something more exciting than to spend a day with the wildlife of Africa such as the elephants, impala, cheetahs, giraffes, and plains zebras? How about an amazing unobstructed view of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Lovers’ Tip: Stay in Kibo Safari Camp’s Swiss-inspired tents with easy access to the park, sweeping sceneries, and a chance to dine privately underneath the night sky.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
About 16 to 31 miles away from mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean is the gorgeous archipelago of Zanzibar, renowned for its pristine beaches that offer different kinds of adventure, from surfing to wading in the sandbars, depending on where you are.
Lovers’ Tip: Spend a few days in the sleepy town of Matemwe. Although it doesn’t have the same amenities and popularity as the other eastern beaches, it’s the most authentic and one of the quietest.
Zion National Park, Utah
From mountains to canyons, buttes, woodlands, and rivers, Utah’s Zion National Park spells adventure in bold and capital letters.
Lovers’ Tip: Stop for a few minutes in Mount Carmel Highway to catch the sunrise or sunset. For the easiest hike, follow the Weeping Rock trail that rewards you with a breathtaking hanging garden of ferns and mosses fed by the endless overflow of the waterfall.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
If luxury honeymoon destination is what you’re looking for, then it’s what you’ll get when you visit the famous Swiss Alps region. Its sought-after skiing resorts, charming vacation apartments, and grand chalets are the inspiration of the likes of Vail.
Lovers’ Tip: Visit the oldest park in the Alps, Swiss National Park, and follow the hiking paths to see the northern hares, chamois, and ibexes in their natural habitat.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
An island in French Polynesia, Bora Bora’s lagoon is famous around the world: crystal clear and teeming with life. A stay in one of the luxury stilt houses brings the beach a step away from the door. Truly, this island is created by the gods.
Lovers’ Tip: Bora Bora is one of the best honeymoon destinations, and it’s small, so it can feel crowded. For a quiet time while watching the sunset, go to Matira.
Morondava, Madagascar
Morondava in Madagascar is a good starting point to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the archipelago. It is the home of the Avenue of the Baobabs, as well as the Kirindy Forest, and 150 kilometers away from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsingy de Bemaraha, which is known for its sharp limestone formations and several local species of lemurs.
Lovers’ Tip: Drive a 4×4 to the Avenue of the Baobabs late in the afternoon and park in one of the trees to catch the magnificent sunset.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Laid-back and quiet, Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is an ideal honeymoon idea for couples who just want to go with the flow.
Lovers’ Tip: Learn how to surf in the black sand beach of Playa Hermosa. It’s also less crowded than the other Santa Teresa beaches.
6. East Meets West
When you want the best of both worlds, or can’t decide where to go because you just want to do too many things at the same time, these best honeymoon destinations are worthy of your consideration. Enjoy an East Meets West journey in these places.
Tokyo, Japan
Anthony Bourdain was right. Tokyo, one of the densely populated countries in the world, can be both intimidating and thrilling, but these are the reasons why you’ll fall in love with it. From ramen and Kobe beef to Western fusion dishes, from the electronics capital of Akihabara to the majestic Meiji Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo will awe you.
Lovers’ Tip: Although efficient, the train lines in Tokyo, and the rest of the Japan are crazy. Download the Japan Trains or JR pass app.
Seoul, South Korea
The complex mixture of East and West gives us the ever-interesting Korean street style fashion, as well as the Gyeongbukgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Palace in the middle of skyscrapers and busy streets.
Lovers’ Tip: Want to get into Korean fashion? Dress alike. 🙂
Manila, Philippines
Manila can be gritty and luxurious, cultural and modern, and laid-back and fast-paced depending on where you are.
Lovers’ Tip: Stroll along the walled city of Intramuros and then ride a ferry cruise to reach the shopping district of Makati.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is where old mansions mix with modern skyscrapers, trams ply the busy streets of Central beside fast cars, and dimsum still gives Western cuisine a good run for its money.
Lovers’ Tip: For only $2 per trip, take a Star Ferry ride from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai to see a different side of HK’s skyline. Then proceed to the Central Plaza and take a lift to the 46th floor for a 360-degree view of the island for FREE.
Johannesburg, South Africa
One of the biggest urban cities in the planet, Johannesburg is not only the seat of mining but it’s also a financial, tourist, and commercial center in South Africa. But tall modern buildings blend beautifully with the countless parks and gardens, as well as public art.
Lovers’ Tip: See the city’s rebirth of its heritage in Newtown Cultural Precinct. Watch a protest theater performance, listen to spoken words in a bar, or admire thebeautifullyy preserved facades.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians live with the Chinese and Indians; Muslims with Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians. Within the city is one large Chinatown while the limestone hill and temples of Batu Caves are only 20 minutes away by train.
Lovers’ Tip: The Titingwasa Lake Garden is a public park that provides a long list of daytime activities including horseback riding and canoeing. It also has one of the majestic views of Petronas Towers at night time.
Beijing, China
Beijing, China, is a mega city of East and West culture. The grand Forbidden City sits in the heart of the city filled with skyscrapers. Many locals still commute using their bicycles.
Lovers’ Tip: Save yourself the hassle of planning where to go in Beijing. Just book a couple tour.
Bali, Indonesia
There’s more to Bali than the rice paddies, Balinese homes, and beaches you normally see in the movies. Kuta Beach, for example, wakes up at night as locals and foreigners troop to the bars for cocktails and mingling.
Lovers’ Tip: Experience something rare in Bali lately: fireflies in their natural habitat! See two to three of these places when you book a night tour.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Count on Dubai to show you how Western ideas can work so well with Eastern culture and heritage especially in architecture: Burj Khalifa, for example, is inspired by Great Mosque of Samarra.
Lovers’ Tip: See the city’s sand dunes glow in the early morning light by riding a hot air balloon at dawn.
Get even more inspired when planning for these best honeymoon destinations when you watch this BEAUTIFUL video:
Aren’t you excited to go these best honeymoon destinations? Each of these places offers a lot of awesome activities for the both of you, but don’t miss out on those that define them greatly whether they’re food, culture, arts, architecture, nature, or history. And, last but not the least, build special memories, so spend on those that give you the best experiences as a couple.
Did we miss other best honeymoon destinations? Let us know about your suggestions in the comments below. If you need more places to go, here are 16 dream destinations you should start saving money for.
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