If you’re thinking of popping the question to your significant other, you’ll no doubt want it to be as special as possible and in the most beautiful setting. While you could spend hours Googling ‘the best proposal locations’, one surprisingly effective way to research popular spots is to head to Instagram and look at the most tagged places around the world.
The writers at Property Guides have done just that. Here are 20 of the best locations across the world for a #pictureperfectproposal.
1. New York, USA Number of Instagram tags: 119 million
Nowhere says iconic proposal destination like New York, especially at Christmas. There’s a reason so many love stories are set there – think “When Harry Met Sally”, “You’ve Got Mail” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The city’s magical aura, incredible skyline and glitzy bars and restaurants make it one of the most romantic places in the world.
Whether you opt for a dreamy boat trip proposal in Central Park, a proposal with a view at the top of the Empire State Building or a festive proposal beneath the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree, it is sure to be a moment you remember forever.
2. Barcelona, Spain Number of Instagram tags: 66.3 million
Bursting with culture and architectural masterpieces, Barcelona offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan proposal destination. World-famous for its art and gastronomy, a stroll through the narrow lanes and sunny plazas will take you past a plethora of iconic Basque-style tapas bars, Galician seafood restaurants and towering 14th-century cathedrals.
Get down on one knee in the stunning Parc Guell with its colourful mosaics or in front of the lights of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at night.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada Number of Instagram tags: 41.8 million
If you’re after a bright-light, eccentric proposal then Las Vegas is the place to go. Tick off several world-famous landmarks in one go on the Las Vegas Strip, with some impressive replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian Pyramids, Statue of Liberty and the Venetian canals.
For a real picture-perfect proposal, pop the question in front of the Bellagio Fountain & Strip, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign or in front of the famous Little White Wedding Chapel – you could even get married right there and then!
4. Rome, Italy Number of Instagram tags: 28.6 million
Over 3,000 years of stories, livelihoods and history expressed in the city’s elegant architecture make Rome one of the most romantic European cities and the perfect place to propose.
Of course, the ancient favourites of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon would make an unforgettable proposal location, but the quieter, leafy piazzas or the beautiful gardens would offer a more low-key, but just as magical, moment. The Garden of Oranges, small, public garden with vibrant orange trees overlooking St Peter’s Dome, is a great option away from the crowds.
5. Phuket, Thailand Number of Instagram tags: 10.5 million
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s most popular destinations. It is ideal for those looking for a more tropical proposal location. As proposal backdrops go, the 40km of white sand beaches lapped by gentle turquoise waves and backed by palm trees and soaring cliff faces make Phuket hard to beat.
Another great proposal option is nearby ‘James Bond Island’ (known locally as Khao Phing Kan) which rose to fame in 1974 when it featured as one of the locations for the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Could you have your very own Bond proposal?
6. Maldives Number of Instagram tags: 10.1 million
Although perhaps better known as a honeymoon destination, the romance and tranquility of the Maldives make it a wonderful proposal destination too. It is arguably one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places in the world, with soft white sand, crystal clear water, luxurious floating villas with private slides and, in some resorts, ‘Instagram butlers’ to help you get that perfect proposal snap.
There are some unique ways to pop the question on the island, including underwater proposals and the words “will you marry me?” written out in coconuts on the sand.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland Number of Instagram tags: 10 million
The charming city of Edinburgh is steeped in history and is regularly described as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It attracts over 3.5 million visitors a year who come to explore the quaint cobbled streets filled with the sounds of bagpipes, the tucked away nooks housing tiny pubs and the beautiful medieval Old Town and Royal Mile.
Some top proposal spots include the bustling Royal Mile, colourful Victoria Street or head slightly out of the city to picturesque Dean Village.
8. Santorini, Greece Number of Instagram tags: 7 million
Perched atop an impressive cliff face, surrounded by turquoise sea, lies the beautiful island of Santorini and its idyllic whitewashed villages. It is a popular holiday destination with couples and influencers who come in their masses to experience the world-famous sunsets, restaurants and wineries.
As one of the most romantic Greek islands, it is the perfect destination for a proposal. If you don’t mind the crowds, head to the northern village of Oia for the ultimate sunset proposal, or for a more private experience, book a table at a restaurant in Ammoudi Bay or in the village of Imerovigli.
9. Eiffel Tower, Paris Number of Instagram tags: 6.9 million
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular proposal destinations in the world, with around 20 proposals happening each day. A proposal in the ‘City of Love’ is bound to go down well, and the backdrop of the iconic Parisian landmark would make the perfect Instagram picture.
The only downside is that the area around the Eiffel Tower, known as the Trocadero, can get very busy. For a quieter proposal spot, try the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge. This bridge has featured in several movies, such as “Last Tango in Paris” and “Inception”, and offers excellent views of the Eiffel Tower, without as many people.
10. Grand Canyon, Arizona Number of Instagram tags: 4 million
Who wouldn’t want to be proposed to at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? The Grand Canyon offers a proposal backdrop so jaw-dropping, people might even think you’ve used a green screen.
Explore the canyon on foot or by helicopter, then pop the question at Lipan Point, Powell Point or Yavapai Point for the best views and photo opportunities.
11. London Eye, London Number of Instagram tags: 3.3 million
The London Eye offers some of the best views of London you can get. When the weather is good, you can see as far as 40km! You’ll be able to see some of the most famous London landmarks from the Eye, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Shard and Buckingham Palace.
When it comes to proposing on the attraction, many companies offer private pods and proposal services for the most romantic experience. Alternatively, you can simply board as normal and pop the question.
12. Niagara Falls, Canada Number of Instagram tags: 3.3 million
Another of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the tumbling waterfalls of Niagara Falls offer a spectacular proposal backdrop.
For a truly wonderful moment, get down on one knee amidst the mist of the water on a boat trip at the foot of the Falls, or pop the question from the air in a helicopter ride. For added magic, propose at night when the Falls are illuminated by LED lights.
13. Amalfi Coast, Italy Number of Instagram tags: 3.2 million
The Amalfi Coast is the epitome of Italian and Mediterranean landscape. The 50km stretch of coastline in the Campania region of Italy comprises of several pastel-coloured villages teetering on vast cliff faces above the sparkling sea. Popular with A-listers and royals, you’ll find some of Italy’s best hotels, bars and restaurants in the area.
The beautiful town of Positano is a favourite among proposers, but you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean almost anywhere on the coastline.
14. Venice, Italy Number of Instagram tags: 1.1 million
Venice has long been a popular proposal destination. Hop aboard an iconic gondola and admire the incredible Venetian architecture from the water, before popping the question with the help of the friendly (and remarkably discreet!) gondoliers.
Another popular place to propose in Venice is on Rialto Bridge where you can capture the moment from land with the gondolas and beautiful architecture in the background.
15. Lake Louise, Canada Number of Instagram tags: 1 million
Perhaps less well-known than some other proposal destinations, Lake Louise is undoubtedly one of the most astonishing sights in the world. It really does have to be seen to be believed, with its vast turquoise lake backed by soaring glaciers and rugged mountains.
Although the incredibly blue water may seem inviting, the temperature rarely gets above 4 °C, so you may wish to keep your proposal on land! The best time to visit the lake is between late June and early to mid-September when it has thawed.
16. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Number of Instagram tags: 898k
Known for its glamourous hotels, high-end apartments and celebrity chef restaurants, Palm Jumeirah is a tree-shaped, man-made island in Dubai.
The island boasts the world’s largest waterpark, the famous Atlantis hotel with its onsite aquarium and some of the best shopping opportunities in the world. Some of the rooms in the Atlantis even have their own private view of the aquarium! What’s more, the vast sandy beaches, amazing skyline and impressive sunsets make for an unforgettable proposal and photo opportunity.
17. Uluru, Australia Number of Instagram tags: 451k
Uluru is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Australia and is a fantastic proposal destination. Standing an impressive 348 metres high, the ancient sandstone monolith has been dominating the surrounding landscape for around 550 million years. Uluru holds special cultural significance to the Aboriginal people, and it is important to show respect in this regard.
Although you can no longer climb Uluru, you can still get close enough to enjoy its beauty. Make sure you visit at sunrise or sunset to witness the incredible colour change from ochre to shimmering orange and rich red.
18. Golden Circle, Iceland Number of Instagram tags: 329k
Imagine proposing with the spectacular backdrop of the Northern Lights. Visit Iceland between October and April and you may get lucky enough to experience the magnificent display of green, pink and blue light that fills the sky.
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, but there is plenty more to see and do. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometre route that takes you past three of the most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. A proposal at any of these places would make for a winning Instagram photo.
19. Geirangerfjord, Norway Number of Instagram tags: 114k
Geirangerfjord is an majestic fjord in the Sunnmøre region of Norway. The intense blue water is protected by UNESCO and is one of Norway’s most popular attractions.
For the ultimate proposal, sit above the water and admire the pretty snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and dense vegetation before popping the question.
20. Soufrière, Saint Lucia Number of Instagram tags: 51.2k
Best known for being the home of St Lucia’s two dormant volcanoes, Soufrière is a charming rainforest town and tranquil proposal location on the southwest coast of the island. While the volcanoes are now dormant, the area remains geographically active with hot springs and mineral baths.
One of the best places to pop the question is Anse Mamin, one of the most romantic and pristine beaches in the area.
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