Proposals mark one of the most magical and unforgettable moments in our lives – a story retold for years to come. Where we get engaged can elevate the experience and romantic backdrops help to set the scene for millions of love stories to unfold.
Now, we’ve unveiled a report into the best cities in the world for proposals, helping those thinking about getting down on one knee to make informed decisions about where they will create their milestone moment.
The comprehensive index looks at a variety of location factors such as search popularity, safety, and crime levels to determine the best proposal hotspots.
Whilst the report looks at the practicalities of each destination, it doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the romantic factors that we might want to consider when proposing. The cities have also been ranked based on sunset scores, stargazing opportunities, and how much the average romantic meal for two might cost.
It wouldn’t be a celebration without a glass of bubbly either! The experts have pinpointed the cities where you might find the best glass of champagne at the lowest price point.
The report has all things romance covered, helping prospective couples choose locations wisely. Whether you’re dreaming of combining beauty and culture into your proposal or simply want an effortless escape, the findings will help you to uncover your perfect destination for popping the question. Is that wedding bells we hear?
The top 5 best cities for proposals
1 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Coming in first on the list of romantic proposal destinations is Amsterdam, with an impressive score of 94.25 out of 100. Known for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and cosy bridges, the capital has an almost fairy-tale feel to it, especially when it’s lit up at night. It’s also ranked second for cities best for stargazing – cue the ambient evening proposals!
2 Edinburgh, Scotland
Ranking in second is Edinburgh (92.18), where its rich history, charm and candle-lit pubs make it a deeply romantic city. Edinburgh came in the top five for safety, crime, and stargazing, proving that its gothic skyline is the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
3 Porto, Portugal
Third on the list is Porto, with a score of 92.00 out of 100. Here, you will find one of the cheapest glasses of bubbly to celebrate the occasion, with an average price of £11.50 per glass. Sit back, sip and soak up the relaxed and intimate atmosphere Porto has to offer.
4 Copenhagen, Denmark
It’s no surprise that the city boasting Scandinavian charm and laid-back romance makes the top five. Copenhagen scores 90.11 out of 100, thanks to its impeccable safety levels and vibrant views. Ranked the best city for stargazing overall, we recommend a romantic evening proposal over dinner, followed by a walk around the harbour to enjoy the night sky.
5 Hong Kong, China
Boasting the best scores for safety and crime, you can rest safely in the knowledge that Hong Kong is an incredible proposal location choice. Enjoy breathtaking skylines, culture and hidden nature routes. The city has an authentic energy with world-class dining options. A meal for two here will set you back around £63.67 on average, but its renowned food and views are so worth it!
Where can you find the cheapest glass of champagne?
Champagne is the perfect way to toast your milestone moment. Looking at some of the most highly rated bars and restaurants in each city, the experts reveal the average cost of a glass of champagne to celebrate the big occasion. Of course, it’s a classic proposal that deserves a classic solitaire diamond engagement ring too!
The average price of a meal for two
Each city boasts its own unique culinary experiences to set the mood for magic proposals, with some costing considerably more than others. The most expensive meal out for two can be found in New York, setting couples back £130 on average. This is closely followed by New Orleans in the USA, where the average meal out for two is around £124.
Longing for warmer climes and authentic Thai food? Bangkok has been crowned the cheapest place to find a romantic meal for two, at just £30.56 per couple.
What country has the best sunsets?
Sunsets hold a special place in creating the perfect proposal. Oozing beauty and romance, they make for a memorable addition to popping the question. Sunset seekers can choose which city they want to propose in based on what the backdrop looks like at dusk.
According to the report, you will find the dreamiest sunsets in London, with the capital receiving the highest amount of sunset hashtags when compared to each location on Instagram. London has 92.9K sunset hashtags, followed by Sydney (76.1K) and Paris (43.8K).
After dark, the report also looks at which cities might be best for stargazing due to pollution levels, including which cities have lower levels of light pollution. Cities with the lowest pollution scores make them stargazing havens and much more appealing to the romantics reading this!
What are the best cities for stargazing?
1. Copenhagen, Denmark: 22
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: 23
3. Porto, Portugal: 25
4. Melbourne, Australia: 27
5. Edinburgh, UK: 29
Engagement ring safety
As with any trip away, it’s important that you feel comfortable and safe, especially when you’re carrying precious cargo – the ring! For this reason, the jewellers looked at which cities had the highest safety scores and lower crime scores (which included petty theft).
Hong Kong had the highest safety score of 79/100, followed by Amsterdam with 74/100, and Copenhagen with 74/100. These cities were also in the top three for lower crime rates, proving that you can escape with ease to any of these destinations.
How to travel with an engagement ring
Travelling to a foreign land with an engagement ring may feel like a daunting prospect. To help give you peace of mind, make sure the ring is insured, either under your travel insurance or on a policy of its own before travelling. Read the small print and check that the policy provides adequate cover for the ring.
If you're flying, you’ll need to consider how to pack your ring. Research the security rules for both of the airports you’re using and comply with the regulations to avoid being stopped in the first place. We’d recommend packing your ring in your carry-on bag to keep it with you during your journey. This also avoids it being in your hold luggage, which could be delayed or even go missing during your travels. We’d also avoid keeping it on your person, such as in a pocket. You might forget the ring is in your pocket, which could potentially set the metal detector off or even lead to a search. Once you’ve arrived, consider placing the ring in the hotel safe if you’d like somewhere secure to store it during your stay.
When packing your suitcase, we recommend keeping your ring in the box it’s supplied in, as it has been specially designed to keep it securely on its own and prevent scratching or knocks. Remember to pack discreetly – try placing the ring box within another nondescript box and store it in your bag’s inner pocket or even in a balled-up sock at the bottom of your bag. Just make sure you remember exactly where you’ve put it for when you reach your destination!
In case security chooses to search your items, try adding a note on the box. This could simply say, ‘This is an engagement ring - please keep secret’ to avoid giving the surprise away at the airport. You could consider using the confusion of the airport security to your advantage by ‘accidentally’ joining a different queue from your partner to avoid them spotting anything or picking up on nerves you may be subconsciously displaying! Alternatively, invite them to go before you so they can’t see anything as easily. That way, if you are stopped, you can suggest they go on ahead and start looking in duty-free.
Once you’ve popped the question, it may be helpful to have a pack of ring spacers to hand to ensure a good fit. These spacers reduce the inner circumference of your ring to create a snug fit if it’s too big. This helps reduce the risk of the ring slipping off in any of the post-proposal excitement before you’re able to have it resized!
What do the proposal experts say?
The proposal and wedding experts at Hitched also offer up their best tips for proposing in new territory. Wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk, Zoe Burke, says:
"Proposing somewhere new – whether you're on a summer city break, a countryside escape or a beach holiday – adds a layer of excitement and spontaneity that makes the moment even more memorable. It also makes it become a new special place you can come back to time and time again.
"Thoughtful details like a sunset backdrop, a bottle of bubbly, or a romantic dinner can help elevate the experience, without it needing to be over the top.
"We’re also seeing a growing trend for couples booking photographers to secretly capture the proposal, or even staging TikTok-style videos where the proposal is hidden in plain sight – it’s a fun, modern twist on a classic moment."
A final thought
No matter when and where you propose, the most important thing you can do is make it memorable for you and your loved one and – above all – personal to you as a couple! Try to relax and enjoy this milestone moment in the incredible location you’ve chosen!
If you need any help selecting the perfect engagement rings, our Jewellery Experts are here to help. Book your appointment in-store to customise your design to capture your love story and milestone moment.
Sources include Numbeo, SEMRush, TimeOut, Google Ratings, and Instagram. Factors were all weighted to create an overall score for each city.
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Proposals mark one of the most magical and unforgettable moments in our lives – a story retold for years to come. Where we get engaged can elevate the experience and romantic backdrops help to set the scene for millions of love stories to unfold.
Now, we’ve unveiled a report into the best cities in the world for proposals, helping those thinking about getting down on one knee to make informed decisions about where they will create their milestone moment.
The comprehensive index looks at a variety of location factors such as search popularity, safety, and crime levels to determine the best proposal hotspots.
Whilst the report looks at the practicalities of each destination, it doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the romantic factors that we might want to consider when proposing. The cities have also been ranked based on sunset scores, stargazing opportunities, and how much the average romantic meal for two might cost.
It wouldn’t be a celebration without a glass of bubbly either! The experts have pinpointed the cities where you might find the best glass of champagne at the lowest price point.
The report has all things romance covered, helping prospective couples choose locations wisely. Whether you’re dreaming of combining beauty and culture into your proposal or simply want an effortless escape, the findings will help you to uncover your perfect destination for popping the question. Is that wedding bells we hear?
The top 5 best cities for proposals
1 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Coming in first on the list of romantic proposal destinations is Amsterdam, with an impressive score of 94.25 out of 100. Known for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and cosy bridges, the capital has an almost fairy-tale feel to it, especially when it’s lit up at night. It’s also ranked second for cities best for stargazing – cue the ambient evening proposals!
2 Edinburgh, Scotland
Ranking in second is Edinburgh (92.18), where its rich history, charm and candle-lit pubs make it a deeply romantic city. Edinburgh came in the top five for safety, crime, and stargazing, proving that its gothic skyline is the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
3 Porto, Portugal
Third on the list is Porto, with a score of 92.00 out of 100. Here, you will find one of the cheapest glasses of bubbly to celebrate the occasion, with an average price of £11.50 per glass. Sit back, sip and soak up the relaxed and intimate atmosphere Porto has to offer.
4 Copenhagen, Denmark
It’s no surprise that the city boasting Scandinavian charm and laid-back romance makes the top five. Copenhagen scores 90.11 out of 100, thanks to its impeccable safety levels and vibrant views. Ranked the best city for stargazing overall, we recommend a romantic evening proposal over dinner, followed by a walk around the harbour to enjoy the night sky.
5 Hong Kong, China
Boasting the best scores for safety and crime, you can rest safely in the knowledge that Hong Kong is an incredible proposal location choice. Enjoy breathtaking skylines, culture and hidden nature routes. The city has an authentic energy with world-class dining options. A meal for two here will set you back around £63.67 on average, but its renowned food and views are so worth it!
Where can you find the cheapest glass of champagne?
Champagne is the perfect way to toast your milestone moment. Looking at some of the most highly rated bars and restaurants in each city, the experts reveal the average cost of a glass of champagne to celebrate the big occasion. Of course, it’s a classic proposal that deserves a classic solitaire diamond engagement ring too!
The average price of a meal for two
Each city boasts its own unique culinary experiences to set the mood for magic proposals, with some costing considerably more than others. The most expensive meal out for two can be found in New York, setting couples back £130 on average. This is closely followed by New Orleans in the USA, where the average meal out for two is around £124.
Longing for warmer climes and authentic Thai food? Bangkok has been crowned the cheapest place to find a romantic meal for two, at just £30.56 per couple.
What country has the best sunsets?
Sunsets hold a special place in creating the perfect proposal. Oozing beauty and romance, they make for a memorable addition to popping the question. Sunset seekers can choose which city they want to propose in based on what the backdrop looks like at dusk.
According to the report, you will find the dreamiest sunsets in London, with the capital receiving the highest amount of sunset hashtags when compared to each location on Instagram. London has 92.9K sunset hashtags, followed by Sydney (76.1K) and Paris (43.8K).
After dark, the report also looks at which cities might be best for stargazing due to pollution levels, including which cities have lower levels of light pollution. Cities with the lowest pollution scores make them stargazing havens and much more appealing to the romantics reading this!
What are the best cities for stargazing?
1. Copenhagen, Denmark: 22
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: 23
3. Porto, Portugal: 25
4. Melbourne, Australia: 27
5. Edinburgh, UK: 29
Engagement ring safety
As with any trip away, it’s important that you feel comfortable and safe, especially when you’re carrying precious cargo – the ring! For this reason, the jewellers looked at which cities had the highest safety scores and lower crime scores (which included petty theft).
Hong Kong had the highest safety score of 79/100, followed by Amsterdam with 74/100, and Copenhagen with 74/100. These cities were also in the top three for lower crime rates, proving that you can escape with ease to any of these destinations.
How to travel with an engagement ring
Travelling to a foreign land with an engagement ring may feel like a daunting prospect. To help give you peace of mind, make sure the ring is insured, either under your travel insurance or on a policy of its own before travelling. Read the small print and check that the policy provides adequate cover for the ring.
If you're flying, you’ll need to consider how to pack your ring. Research the security rules for both of the airports you’re using and comply with the regulations to avoid being stopped in the first place. We’d recommend packing your ring in your carry-on bag to keep it with you during your journey. This also avoids it being in your hold luggage, which could be delayed or even go missing during your travels. We’d also avoid keeping it on your person, such as in a pocket. You might forget the ring is in your pocket, which could potentially set the metal detector off or even lead to a search. Once you’ve arrived, consider placing the ring in the hotel safe if you’d like somewhere secure to store it during your stay.
When packing your suitcase, we recommend keeping your ring in the box it’s supplied in, as it has been specially designed to keep it securely on its own and prevent scratching or knocks. Remember to pack discreetly – try placing the ring box within another nondescript box and store it in your bag’s inner pocket or even in a balled-up sock at the bottom of your bag. Just make sure you remember exactly where you’ve put it for when you reach your destination!
In case security chooses to search your items, try adding a note on the box. This could simply say, ‘This is an engagement ring - please keep secret’ to avoid giving the surprise away at the airport. You could consider using the confusion of the airport security to your advantage by ‘accidentally’ joining a different queue from your partner to avoid them spotting anything or picking up on nerves you may be subconsciously displaying! Alternatively, invite them to go before you so they can’t see anything as easily. That way, if you are stopped, you can suggest they go on ahead and start looking in duty-free.
Once you’ve popped the question, it may be helpful to have a pack of ring spacers to hand to ensure a good fit. These spacers reduce the inner circumference of your ring to create a snug fit if it’s too big. This helps reduce the risk of the ring slipping off in any of the post-proposal excitement before you’re able to have it resized!
What do the proposal experts say?
The proposal and wedding experts at Hitched also offer up their best tips for proposing in new territory. Wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk, Zoe Burke, says:
"Proposing somewhere new – whether you're on a summer city break, a countryside escape or a beach holiday – adds a layer of excitement and spontaneity that makes the moment even more memorable. It also makes it become a new special place you can come back to time and time again.
"Thoughtful details like a sunset backdrop, a bottle of bubbly, or a romantic dinner can help elevate the experience, without it needing to be over the top.
"We’re also seeing a growing trend for couples booking photographers to secretly capture the proposal, or even staging TikTok-style videos where the proposal is hidden in plain sight – it’s a fun, modern twist on a classic moment."
A final thought
No matter when and where you propose, the most important thing you can do is make it memorable for you and your loved one and – above all – personal to you as a couple! Try to relax and enjoy this milestone moment in the incredible location you’ve chosen!
If you need any help selecting the perfect engagement rings, our Jewellery Experts are here to help. Book your appointment in-store to customise your design to capture your love story and milestone moment.
Sources include Numbeo, SEMRush, TimeOut, Google Ratings, and Instagram. Factors were all weighted to create an overall score for each city.