I’ve actually done both — my honeymoon was at a beach destination (Maldives), and later we did an anniversary trip to a city (Paris + Rome). Honestly, both were amazing but very different experiences.
Why we chose a beach honeymoon first:
We were exhausted after the wedding chaos, so the idea of slow mornings, cocktails, sunsets, and doing nothing guilt-free was perfect. The Maldives was magical — snorkeling with colorful fish, candlelit dinners by the sea, and private villas made it feel very romantic and exclusive. That trip was all about us.
The city trip (Europe) was exciting in another way:
We explored museums, had late-night gelato walks, shopped, and even stumbled into local festivals. The energy of cities like Paris felt romantic but in a more cultural and lively sense. It wasn’t relaxing in the same way though — lots of walking, planning, and sightseeing every day.
Romantic factor:
Beaches feel more intimate and personal.
Cities feel romantic too, but it’s about shared experiences and discoveries rather than just relaxation.
Best of both worlds?
Yes! Some places genuinely combine both:
Barcelona (vibrant city + Mediterranean beaches)
Cape Town (mountains, wine country, and ocean)
Sydney (harbor city + beaches like Bondi)
Goa (if in India — mix of culture, nightlife, and beaches)
Budget comparison:
City trips can be more affordable if you plan smart — budget hotels, public transport, and free attractions.
Luxury beach resorts (like Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles) are usually more expensive because you end up paying for exclusivity. But if you choose something like Bali, Phuket, or Andaman, it can be more budget-friendly.
For 2025 recommendations:
City honeymoon ideas: Paris, Kyoto, Barcelona, Istanbul, Prague.
Beach honeymoon ideas: Maldives, Bora Bora, Bali, Seychelles, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
If I had to choose again:
For a honeymoon, I’d still pick the beach — because it gives you that peaceful, romantic “newly married bubble” you want right after a wedding. But for anniversaries or future couple trips, I’d go for a city — it’s fun to explore and create shared adventures together.
