Travel blog

10 of The Best Places to Propose Around the World

A proposal is one of life’s biggest moments, and where you choose to pop the question can make it even more unforgettable. For those of us who love travelling, there’s no better place to ask than on the trip of a lifetime.

2.3min read

Published 22 April 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

You know your partner best, so you’ll know if they’re likely to be dreaming of a romantic city skyline, a pristine beach, or a gorgeous natural wonder.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog

The Top 10 Places to Propose

Nailing the right setting for the big question sets the stage for a story you’ll tell for years. So, if you’re planning on proposing soon, here are some of the best places to propose around the world – a ‘yes’ is pretty much guaranteed!

Lake Como, Italy – Old-World Glamour on the Water

Few places feel as effortlessly romantic as Lake Como. With its deep blue waters, grand villas, and charming lakeside villages, it’s straight out of a movie scene. Take a private boat ride at sunset, then propose in the manicured gardens of Villa Balbianello. Or find a quiet moment in the cobbled streets of Bellagio. Another alternative is to book a gorgeous dinner or room with a view over the lake. Whether you want an intimate moment or a grand gesture, this Italian icon delivers.

Santorini, Greece – Sunsets Made for Saying ‘Yes’

Santorini is famous for its dramatic cliffside views, whitewashed buildings, and fiery sunsets over the Aegean Sea. If you think ‘Greece’, guaranteed the pretty white and blue landscapes of Santorini are what come to mind. Oia is the island’s best viewpoint; and a private terrace with a sky glowing pink and orange over the white domes, sea, and narrow streets does make for a spectacular engagement photo. But whether you pop the question over a candlelit dinner, sundowners, or even during a quiet walk through the alleyways, Santorini is a true Mediterranean dream.

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The Blyde River Canyon - Intimate stays and stunning views

The Blyde River Canyon in South Africa is an unforgettable setting for a romantic proposal because of its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Picture popping the question with the iconic Three Rondavels or God's Window as your backdrop—these awe-inspiring vistas not only create a sense of wonder but also symbolise the journey you’re about to take together.

Ask your travel expert to curate a getaway to make the proposal even more romantic!

Venice, Italy – A Gondola Ride to Forever

A Venetian gondola ride is one of the most romantic ways to propose. In fact, it’s often called the Paris of the North – and we’ve already established that Paris is a dreamy, quintessentially romantic destination.

As you drift through the city’s canals, passing centuries-old buildings and hidden courtyards, the moment feels completely surreal. If you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds, there are loads of quiet and gorgeous backstreets which still overlook different canals, as well as plenty of evening walk opportunities.

Banff, Canada – A Proposal in the Wild

For couples who love the outdoors, Banff National Park is a dream proposal destination. Canada is far flung for South Africans, and Banff is less touristy than some of the more popular European spots.

Think your partner wants an outdoorsy, natural setting for their dream proposal? If so, it doesn’t get much better than going down on one knee beside the shimmering waters of Moraine Lake, on a mountaintop after a gondola ride, or in a cozy alpine lodge with the Rockies in the background.

The best part? It’s a year-round destination so you can time the proposal to fit whatever special date you had in mind. Whether it’s summer or snow season, Banff’s scenery never disappoints.

Kyoto, Japan – Cherry Blossom Magic

If you’re planning a spring proposal, Kyoto during cherry blossom season is pure magic. It’s classic Japanese with gorgeous nature and even more gorgeous scenery. Take a long walk under the canopy of pink blooms along the Philosopher’s Path or find a quiet spot in Maruyama Park. If you want something more outdoorsy, you could even propose in the peaceful setting of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

If your spouse is a proper foodie or loves travelling to exotic new places, you can’t go wrong with Japan. Finish off the proposal with a memorable omakase dinner, where your chef will guide you through a sushi tasting menu of their choice.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – A Windswept Love Story

For a proposal that feels straight out of a fairy tale, Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher offer a setting that’s both wild and romantic. The crashing waves, rugged coastline, and endless ocean views create a dramatic yet intimate atmosphere. Sunset proposals here are particularly breathtaking.

The Emerald Isle and their four-leaf clovers are known for bringing good luck, and what better way to start your journey as an engaged couple than with all the good fortune in the world?

New York City, USA – Iconic Romance

It goes without saying that New York is filled with proposal-worthy spots. If your spouse-to-be is someone who adores city skylines, cocktail bars, and loads of hustle and bustle then New York is as iconic as it gets. The Big Apple is a whirlwind of adventure, and it’s the perfect trip to pop the question on day one or two, then spend the rest of the time celebrating in style as a newly engaged couple.

Go for classic romance at the Empire State Building or Times Square, a charming setting in Central Park, or a sunset moment on Brooklyn Bridge. If you're visiting during the holidays, ice skating at Rockefeller Center or a rooftop proposal overlooking the skyline makes for an unforgettable engagement story.

Lofoten Islands, Norway – A Proposal Under the Northern Lights

If you're looking for something truly extraordinary, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are so beautiful they’re almost surreal. A mix of fjords, rugged mountains, and Arctic beaches, they’re also wild and rugged and fairly untouched. If your bae is always taking photos of the scenery when you travel, you will absolutely blow them away proposing under the northern lights in winter or during the midnight sun in summer. Or any time, really!

Whether you do it on a secluded shoreline, a scenic mountain hike, or on a cruise ship floating through the fjords, this is the kind of proposal story that you’ll be telling for decades.

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Dubai, UAE – Luxury and Over-the-Top Romance

Dating someone who loves a grand gesture? Dubai is the place to do pop the question. Propose in a hot air balloon over the desert, on a private yacht along Dubai Marina, or at the top of the Burj Khalifa with the city lights twinkling below. If your proposal plan starts and ends with luxury and extravagance, this is the ticket. Find the best romantic spots in Dubai and start planning.

Bonus: Kruger, South Africa

Who says a dream proposal trip has to be overseas? People come from all over the world to propose in South Africa, and there’s not much of a more memorable setting than the African bush at sunset or sunrise.

Book one of the many gorgeous lodges and get in cahoots with them to organise a private game drive and dinner with the sounds of lions roaring in the distance and toast to your upcoming marriage next to a crackling boma fire.

Planning the Perfect Proposal Trip

A proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and choosing the right location makes all the difference. For such a special moment, it’s worth taking the time to carefully choose a destination to match your love story. Need help planning the ultimate romantic getaway? Browse romantic holidays and let Flight Centre make your dream proposal a reality.

Consider this your sign to book that trip - your centre for travel is waiting!

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Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Adults Only

Romantic & Honeymoon

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