woman using tinder on their phone

Whether you use Tinder or not, you’ll want to know how your new city ranks

Upping sticks and moving to another part of the world is a daunting prospect for many, especially for those moving on their own. Not only do new career challenges and cultural differences cause angst, but there’s also the trepidation (and excitement) of meeting new people and forming new relationships.

To soothe our fear of the unknown, popular dating app Tinder has released a feature that allows users to chat to people at their destination before they move there. Tinder Passport gives people the opportunity to swipe through locals, learn a bit about the people, and kickstart flings.

Recently, Tinder has published information on which cities see the largest number of people using Tinder Passport, both at home and abroad. We believe this is an indication of the best cities for dating.

The results are not as obvious as you may think.

15. Rome, Italy

Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world. With people as beautiful as its architecture, Rome offers a lot more than a lesson in ancient history. Notable dating spots are the hip and trendy Montijust up the road to from the Colosseum, or the up and coming Jewish Ghetto, which is now a hipster food and drink hub.

Rome is a beautiful city of nearly three million souls

14. Dublin, Ireland

Home to wordsmiths and romantics such as Joyce, Yeats and Beckett, it is not surprising that the people of Dublin have a knack for Tinder. Obvious dating locations include a tour around the Guinness factory or the James Joyce pub crawl. For a different route, hiking through the surrounding Ticknock hills can provide stunning scenery.

13. Auckland, New Zealand

Considering its size and population, Auckland is a surprising addition to the list. Yet the abundance of glorious outside spots makes the Kiwi city a hearty contender for a date destination. Few other places on this list offer the opportunity to take someone paddle boarding like you can at Auckland’s Waitemata harbour. If you’re looking for an adventure date, look no further.

Keen to move to New Zealand? Get an idea for international shipping costs with our helpful guide.

12. Los Angeles, USA

The birthplace of the Hollywood love story is a great place to take a date. From hiking through the Hollywood hills to going to the retro Electric Dusk Drive-In, there’s something for everybody in this sprawling metropolis.

Like the sound of LA? Check out our city guide.

11. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is the place to be for any self-respecting foodie. The incredible number of bars and restaurants provide endless opportunities to take someone special out at any stage of the relationship. Particular mentions go out to St Kilda Beach, where young romantics can witness a colony of penguins come out onto the beach at sunset every night, and Naked for Satan, a hipster paradise with a mesmerising view.

10. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The second biggest city in Argentina but the most visited, Buenos Aires is home to the highest concentration of theatres anywhere in the world, making it the perfect destination for culture vultures. If you really want to impress take a trip to the Teatro Colon; considered one of the finest opera houses in the world.

a view of Buenos Aires

Tango through the streets of the Argentinian capital

9. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has the perfect date combination: the bustle of the city alongside the beauty of the beach. For a quiet drink, search for Gotico’s Secret Garden: Bar Jardin. It’s a spot that’s difficult to find. The entrance is at the back of a clothing store, at the top of some unmarked stairs, through a jungle-like doorway. But think how impressed your date will be when you find it!

8. Sydney, Australia

With its excellent climates and economic opportunities, many young and successful people have moved to Sydney in recent years, making it a superb city to find a date. Sydney is a great place for someone who prefers a more adventurous date. It may be a little pricey, but a trip around the bay on a Sydney Tall Ship will electrify any night out. If you’re feeling super daring, you can even climb the mast.

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The streets of Rio, pulsing with the sensual rhythms of the samba, are unmatched when it comes to having a fun time with a date. Rio is also home to a thriving LGBT community, marked by the world class pride festival that is held every year. For those who want to go further than Copacabana beach, the neighbouring Ipanema beach sees fewer tourists, making it perfect for a quiet one.

6. Stockholm, Sweden

Another surprise contender for best dating city is Stockholm. For its unforgiving winter climates, there is a lot to do for date in the Swedish capital, especially for history buffs. For instance, you can enjoy a Medieval tour around Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s original settlement.

5. Moscow, Russia

Coming in as even more of a surprise than Stockholm, Moscow takes Tinder’s 5th most romantic city. For those who want to go a little more highbrow, the Turandot gives customers the opportunity to dine to the soundtrack of live opera.

4. Berlin, Germany

As the counter-cultural capital of the world, Berlin has been the place to be for bohemian artists from all fields. And dating ideas in the German capital are characteristically different. Instead of a blind date, you can take someone to dine in the dark, a four course gourmet meal accompanied by a show, all in pitch black.

Berlin skyline with Spree river at sunset

Berlin is cool, cutting-edge, and LGBT-friendly

3. New York City, USA

Home to 8 million inhabitants from all over the world, it’s not surprising that the big apple is high up the list. There’s a huge number of places to take somebody on a date in New York – too many to decide from. However, some suggestions include catching a bit of Jazz at the popular venue, Shrine, or choosing one of the innumerable comedy clubs New York has to offer.

2. Paris, France

No prizes for guessing that the city of love earns a high rank on our list. Arguably the cultural capital of Europe, Paris is ahead of the game when it comes to all things romantic. The city offers so much more than attaching a padlock to a bridge. For example, taking your date for a tour of Paris’s street art will help you experience Paris’s exciting underbelly.

1. London, England

It comes as a bit of a shock that the financial centre of Europe heads the top of the list. As a tolerant city – open to all races, religions and sexual preferences – the London dating scene is accessible to everyone. For those who want to spend a bit of a money, dinner up The Shard offers unparalleled views while you eat. For movie buffs, consider dressing up as your favourite characters and going to the Secret Cinema.

If you want to learn more about the best cities in the world for dating, feel free to check out our guides to the countries they grace, which you’ll find below.