The 10 places you should never propose (and where to go instead)
By Brian Johnston
You’ll get no credit for originality if you pop the question at these overcrowded places – but great romantic alternatives await nearby.
EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS
View from the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.
Nothing screams “I have no imagination” more than getting out the ring on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets. Don’t be surprised if other amorous couples steal your thunder. Of course you should propose in the City of Love, but there are far better places, including several public and museum gardens, the pretty Place Dauphine or – if you’re willing to splash out – the Tower-gazing terraces of five-star hotels. See parisinfo.com
CHARLES BRIDGE, PRAGUE
The city of Prague from Petrin Hill.Credit: Alamy
This medieval bridge, with its hedgehog bristle of saints’ statues, looks great in dreamy photos taken at 4am or in winter’s depths. The reality is different at any time you’d be keen to propose and, as you get down on one knee, you’ll be trampled by surging tourist hordes and deafened by buskers. Instead, head up Petrin Hill, which is covered in parks and vineyards and has lovely outlooks over Prague’s fairy-tale spires. See prague.eu
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
Fatehpur Sikri in Agra.Credit: Alamy
Okay, this is a great monument to the beloved wife of an emperor, but let’s not forget it’s also her tomb and India’s most visited tourist attraction, which rather reduces the romance element. Mehtab Bagh or Moonlight Garden across the river has terrific Taj views but isn’t exactly unknown either. The sprawling red sandstone ruins of Fatehpur Sikri 36 kilometres out of town, where flocks of parrots swirl, might win on the romance front. See uptourism.gov.in
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, NEW YORK
Washington Square Park, New York City.Credit: iStock
The view is splendid and the observation deck offers proposal packages for a cool $US1000, but you really want to make more effort than simply copy the finale of the classic 1993 movie Sleepless in Seattle. New Yorkers, surprisingly, often propose in the main concourse at Grand Central train terminal, or on Brooklyn Bridge. The Arc de Triomphe-style arch in Washington Square Park, nicely illuminated at night, will earn you points for originality. See nycgo.com
TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Moorea Island.Credit: iStock
Tahiti has a well-recognised name but ii isn’t the most beautiful destination in the Society Islands, and capital Papeete has more concrete and traffic than romance and tranquillity. For the effort of more transit time, get out to neighbouring Moorea, which has a dazzling lagoon. Or slip into under-the-radar Huahine, a gorgeous island that moves at a sluggish pace and where you’ll find plenty of peace for your loved-up moment. See tahititourisme.com.au
SANTORINI, GREECE
Church of Panagia, Folegandros island, Greece.Credit: Alamy
The world’s Instagrammers are all perched on the cliffs at Santorini awaiting the sunset, and no doubt flocks of Chinese honeymooners will be back soon. The island is so overcrowded that moves are being made to limit arrivals. But who’s heard of Folegandros? Well, some people, but it retains a quiet charm and has cliff-clinging whitewashed villages similar to Santorini’s. The terrace outside Church of the Panagia is the place for your big moment. See visitgreece.gr
TREVI FOUNTAIN, ROME
Rome’s Piazza Navona.Credit: iStock
A Hollywood romantic comedy made this baroque fountain famous in 1954, and visitors flock to throw coins into its basin, which is said to ensure their return to Rome. It’s thronged with people and skirted by traffic. The magnificent Bellini fountain in glorious Piazza Navona is a better place to pop the question – and pop champagne in a cafe afterwards. The Garden of Oranges on Aventine Hill is another beautiful and more tranquil location. See turismoroma.it
COPACABANA, RIO
Urca, at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.Credit: Alamy
Sure, this famous beach suburb is sleek and chic and you should certainly stay there in a luxe hotel if you want to impress. But proposing here or at the famous Christ statue is too predictable. You’ll find a leafier, far less crowded panorama of Rio from Mirante do Pasmado park. The lovely little Art Deco neighbourhood of Urca, just below Sugarloaf Mountain, is also often overlooked; its sea wall is stunning at sunset. See visit.rio
NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.Credit: Alamy
Niagara has sold itself as North America’s honeymoon capital since the early 19th century, so you may want to wait until after you’ve tied the knot. Besides, the thunder of the waterfalls will drown out any words you might have. Instead, get away from the falls and the tacky, commercialised town centre and consider a moment among the roses at Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens or at one of the region’s lovely wineries. See niagarafallstourism.com
JULIET’S HOUSE, VERONA
View of Verona from Piazzale Castel San Pietro.Credit: Alamy
Just no. The house is supposedly associated with Juliet and her Romeo, who are entirely fictional Shakespearean characters, and its balcony is a 20th century addition (balconies didn’t exist in Shakespeare’s day). Three million visitors annually shove into this courtyard and take balcony selfies: it’s a tourist nightmare. But Verona is a charming city. Pick a spot on the promenades along the Adige River, or head to Castel San Pietro for a romantic view. See visitverona.it
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