Just back from a week-long trip to Paris with the wife. I had read on the forum and elsewhere that Paris is a romantic place and got rave reviews. Since I am not the romantic kind, I was very curious to know how a city, of all things, can be romantic. Well, after spending nearly a week there, and oodles of money (by my standards atleast) I am still as thick as before. I just saw some nice steel and concrete structures, some great art/history that was somewhat worth the money; and a tolerably filthy crowded city only marginally better than Mumbai at its worst.

Maybe I am just not cut out to appreciate the fine things in life

I tend to agree with you. I even lived in Paris for a year, many years ago. I think the romance has to be with you before you get there. The astonishingly high prices and rude service do their best to make you feel a little less romantic and more ripped off.

However, the city looks great (despite the sanitation system).

I did exactly the same not long ago. It's not bad but seriously over rated in my opinion. I choose Rome every time.

I lived in Paris for 10 years, and love this city, but to be honest, this city is romantic only if you are in a movie!
never understood why and how a city could be romantic

Yup. Overrated. Other parts of France are so much more charming. I blame Hollywood (again).

So whats everyone's favourite romantic city? Bali and Edinburgh really hold special places in my heart.

Glad to see I am not alone

In contrast, every getaway in Switzerland, mostly the famous mountains, I have enjoyed 100%.

Atleast here you can travel in close proximity to your companions in trains, without exchanging body odor with fellow passengers; and to me that is romantic

I spent 24 hours in Paris a few years ago, and found it utterly romantic.

Mind, we only spent about 3 hours outside the hotel room, which may have accounted for that 'romantic' feeling...

Maybe you weren't in the right places. I remember a very romantic weekend in Montmartre and we even spent quite a few hours outside, but it was spring and the weather was terrific.