Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming process. And when you’re up to your knees in wedding to-dos, the honeymoon can often feel like a well-deserved retreat you can escape to after the event is over.
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But then comes the question: where should you go for your honeymoon? While an island getaway is often a tempting (and perfectly lovely!) choice for a honeymoon, some couples choose to take the opportunity to travel to a new city instead. Have you ever imagined strolling hand-in-hand with the love of your life in a foreign town, building your first memories of married life together in an exciting new place?
Well, let’s make that scene a reality! Here are 10 stunning cities that will ensure a romantic setting for that unforgettable honeymoon?
1. Paris
Let’s start off with a no-brainer: the City of Love itself! There aren't many places that have been associated with romance as much as Paris, and it’s easy to see why.
Whether you visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame Cathedral, stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, or share a pastry with your loved one at a quaint pattisserie (French store that sells pastries and sweet treats), Paris has the perfect combination of scenery, food and unique experiences that will guarantee an unforgettable honeymoon.
And while you’re there, you absolutely cannot miss out on the treasure trove of art that is on offer in Paris. Museums run abound in this historic city, but must-visits include The Louvre (best known for housing the Mona Lisa) as well as the Musée d'Orsay. [P.S.: For more tips on Paris attractions you can’t miss out, check out this list!].
You won't have to worry about finding halal food either, because there's plenty. To get you started, check out our this 9D8N itinerary we have for Paris and Amsterdam and tailor it to fit your needs!
#HHWT Tip: Paris gets busy for notable events such as Paris Fashion Week (happens in January and September) as well as the French Open (end of May/Early June), so if you’re planning to have your honeymoon then, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance ?
2. Istanbul
Mention Istanbul and it probably conjures up images of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and...Salt Bae? Regardless, this one-of-a-kind city straddles European and Asian influences so beautifully and is the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon.
Credit: @li_chin on Instagram
Take a ferry across the Bosphorus Straits (which separates the European side of Turkey from the Asian side) for an amazing view of the city and its landmarks. For the couple willing to go the extra mile, you can travel to the now famous Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride (though do note that it will require a 3-4 hour flight or an 8 - 10 hour drive).
Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the Grand Bazaar, which will astonish you with its sheer size and array of offerings. The bazaar is open every day except Sunday, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly!
Credit: @wandering_photograph on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Haggling is expected, so practice your bargaining skills and negotiate your way to a better price ?
Halal food is plentiful in this predominantly Muslim country, so you won’t have to worry about eating well during your honeymoon ? For more handy suggestions on where to eat, check out this list of delicious eateries. Check out our handy guide for first-timer's to Istanbul too!
3. New York City
New York City might not seem like the most obvious choice for a honeymoon but picture the following scenes: you and your loved one strolling together through Central Park on a sunny day or sitting on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum. It’s the stuff of romcoms that you can actually experience on your honeymoon ?
You’re spoilt for choice for things to do in NYC. Visit hotspots such as Times Square and the Empire State Building or explore trendy neighbourhoods such as Dumbo and Chelsea. You could also catch a Broadway play or visit the Museum Mile. Either way, you and your partner will have the trip of a lifetime!
#HHWT Tip: Central Park is NYC’s most famous green space but don’t forget to check out The High Line! It’s a park that was previously an elevated railroad which was converted into a green trail. Located in West Manhattan, it’s perfect for a picturesque stroll.
And of course, your honeymoon wouldn’t be complete without taking advantage of the shopping available! Our top pick would have to be Woodbury Common Premium Outlets for buying goods for popular American brands such as Coach, Kate Spade and more.
[P/S: For ideas on planning your NYC trip, check out this 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary we’ve crafted! Don't forget to get the scoop on must-try New York eateries (as chosen by a local New Yorker!) from our contributor Amina]
4. Sydney
While most couples tend to look to Europe for that perfect city honeymoon, it would be remiss to overlook this Australian gem. With plenty of direct flights available to Sydney from this side of the world including low-cost carriers, you’ll get to enjoy lower airfares too!
Sydney has a bit of everything - from famous beaches such as Bondi Beach to the iconic Sydney Opera House and wildlife sanctuaries - that you’ll be able to enjoy the best of ALL worlds on your honeymoon ?
We highly recommend taking a day trip out to see the Blue Mountains (a national park known for its breathtaking views of forest-blanketed cliffs and rock formations), perfect for that splendid couple wefie ? Don’t forget to stop by Echo Point lookout to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
Given Sydney’s cosmopolitan nature, halal food is plentiful thanks to the many migrant communities. Check out this handy website that has a database of halal establishments, or our very own list of Muslim-friendly Sydney eateries you can’t miss! We also have a 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary to make your honeymoon planning even easier.
5. Marrakech
Does staying in a beautiful riad (traditional Moroccan house easily distinguished by open courtyards and intricate mosaic patterns) or having a romantic dinner under starry skies in the desert sound like an ideal honeymoon? Well, this North African city offers that and a whole lot more.
Explore this exotic territory filled with historical medinas (old cities), bustling souks (marketplaces) and beautifully distinct architecture everywhere you go. Go beyond Marrakech to see more of the dazzling attractions available - from visiting the imperial city of Fez or the famous blue town of Chefchaouen to sharing a camel with your beloved while you traverse the Sahara desert. Whichever the case, Morocco will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your partner ❤️
Don’t forget to leave plenty of time in your itinerary to visit the Marrakech souk (open every day from 8 am - 10 pm except Sunday, where it opens 9 am - 10 pm). Be sure to pick up a souvenir that would be beautiful in your newly-wedded home such as a Moroccan rug or ceramic ware! For more inspiration on why you need to visit Morocco, check out this list ?
6. London
There’s no mystery why London is a loved destination by many. This UK city has everything to entice a traveller, from iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge to lush parks and gardens to world-class museums and galleries. In addition to the accessibility of London (with direct flights from Singapore, KL and Jakarta available) as well as the availability of halal food, London is an ideal Muslim-friendly travel destination ??
So rather than convincing you to go there with the usual reasons, why not talk about some of the romantic activities that would be perfect for a honeymoon in London Town? ?
Credit: The View from The Shard on Facebook
There’s something about scenic views that bumps up the romance factor ? Whether you choose to take a ride on the London Eye or go up to the viewing platform on The Shard (London’s tallest building), why not get a bird’s eye view of this splendid city? Just remember that while catching sunset views would be dreamy, this time slot (ranging between 4 - 9 pm, depending on the season) also tends to be the busiest for these attractions, so do be prepared if you plan to do so!
You should also take the opportunity to stroll around some of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods - popular areas include Notting Hill (be sure to check out the popular Portobello Market on Saturdays, which is the main market day), Greenwich (famous for the Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line) and South Kensington (plenty of pretty cafes for a coffee date ?).
[P.S.: For inspiration to get started on planning your trip, check out our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary for London!]
7. Venice & Florence
What’s a list of honeymoon destinations without including Italy? This Southern-European nation exudes a vibe like no other, steeped in rich culture and heritage. It was hard to narrow it down to a specific Italian destination for our list (we’re looking at you, Rome and Positano!), but Venice and Florence ultimately tied for this spot, as they are both known for being beautifully romantic cities. Plus, with Venice just a 2-hour high-speed train ride away from Florence, it’s easy to explore both places in one trip ?
Venice is the perfect city to wander around with a loved one. Stroll along the canals or sit in Piazza San Marco to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere. For that quintessential Venetian experience, you can go for a gondola ride (though do note that prices can verge on the steep side, starting from 80 euros), and be sure to visit the Rialto Bridge.
#HHWT Tip: In late spring and summer, Venice gets very crowded with tourists. The colder months, especially between October to February (with temperature lows hovering around zero degrees Celsius), tend to be the best in terms of avoiding crowds and getting cheaper rates on accommodation.
As for Florence, this former Renaissance capital will enchant you with breathtaking architecture and art at every turn. Climb the dome of the Duomo cathedral for magnificent views of the city (or visit the slightly lesser-known Giotto Bell Tower nearby) and be sure not to miss out on visiting the Piazzale de Michelangelo to catch a sunset view of Florence like no other.
8. Kyoto & Osaka
There are plenty of reasons to go to Japan beyond a honeymoon. There is just too much to see in this archipelago of islands, which is why Japan is a repeat destination for many travellers. But for the purposes of a romantic post-wedding holiday, we had to go with the traditional and imperial beauty of Kyoto ?
Kyoto has everything for a perfect honeymoon - beautiful temples and shrines surrounded by amazing scenery, quaint alleyways with traditional shophouses perfect for strolling in, and the majestic bamboo groves. [Psst: Check out this list for other things you can’t miss out on while in Kyoto]
#HHWT Tip: Staying near Kyoto station will make it more convenient to get around.
Visit the iconic Osaka castle, explore the popular Dotonbori district (spot the famous Glico’s running man signboard), or even spend a day at Universal Studios Japan! There will be plenty to do to ensure an exciting and activity-filled honeymoon ?
[P.S.: Check out our handy 6D5N itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto to get started on planning that honeymoon trip! And don't fret about food either, we have great halal food guides for both Osaka and Kyoto!
9. Seoul
With all the romantic K-dramas that have become popular on our shores, is it really a surprise to see Seoul on this list? This Korean capital city cannot fail to appeal to lovers given its beautiful landscapes, wonderful culture and array of activities.
Visit Namsan Seoul Tower and make your way to the observatory deck for panoramic views of the city. This is also where you and your loved one can put a padlock to symbolise your love, as done by countless couples before! Take a ferry to Nami Island to see the picturesque spots that skyrocketed to fame after appearing in the Korean drama Winter Sonata. And if you’re planning a honeymoon for the end of March to early April, why not try and catch a glimpse of Korea’s beautiful cherry blossoms?
Credit: @alisonlim on Instagram
For an unforgettable (and charming) experience, why don’t you and your partner dress up in hanbok (traditional Korean wear) and take pictures at some of Korean’s most impressive historical sites? It’s best to make your reservation at least 3 days in advance for your preferred rental period! Choose to rent the hanbok for 4 hours or 24 hours.
Alternatively, you can join in on a popular Korean past-time and wear couple outfits! Matching outfits have become all the rage amongst young Korean couples, and you can join the fun by picking up coordinated wear from one of the many retailers catering specifically for this market, such as Couple Market and Honey Plaza.
We have super extensive resources on Seoul - be it itineraries (even budget ones!), halal food guides, Instgrammable spots (for the perfect couple photo!) and so much more - so planning your Muslim-friendly honeymoon to the city will be a breeze!
10. Prague
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Whether you choose to stroll through Prague’s Old Town, visit one of the many historic palaces (must-sees include the famous Prague Castle or the Lobkowicz Palace) or choose to see the city via boat cruise, Prague will leave a lasting impression ?
#HHWT Tip: If you’re looking to pick up that one-of-a-kind souvenir that could even be a family heirloom, Prague is famous for its crystal ware (such as glasses, vases and the like). Notable brands include Moser and the Kotva department store. Alternatively, you can take a tour to glass factories located outside town (such as the Ruckl glass factory) where the products tend to be slightly cheaper.
So with all that’s been said, the next time you feel wedding-planning stress, think of the honeymoon trip you and your loved one will be embarking on ? Whichever one of these cities you go for, it’s safe to say that you’re in for a magnificent journey. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book that honeymoon!