Traditionally, on Valentine’s Day, couples show their love for another person by sending cards, gifts and messages of love and in some countries around the world, the sheer grandeur and extravagance of it all far exceeds the others. German florist Bloomy Days researched the costs of popular Valentine’s gifts and activities around the world, with the study revealing that location greatly impacts the global cost of romance. For instance, the same Valentine’s Day gifts in Prague cost a total of EUR 430.84 (USD 465), compared to a grand total of EUR 1,237.45 (USD 1316) in Los Angeles, USA. Excerpts of some of the most romantic yet expensive cities around the world:

Los Angeles, United States of America

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles

Los Angeles tops as the most expensive city in the world for Valentine’s Day with a dozen roses costing as much as USD 50.83, a day at a spa USD 141.11, dinner at a 1-star Michelin restaurant with wine goes to a whopping USD 548.97, while movie tickets with snacks is USD 40.52 and a night in a luxury hotel is USD 535.93 for a total tab of USD 1,316.26. Nonetheless, the city is bustling with a list of events, more affordable, that the visitors must not miss. From Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival, to the Cali Vibes beach festival from February 16-18, Astra Lumina light festival until February 25, visitors are sure to be spoilt for choice.

Venice, Italy

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Venice

Paris certainly holds up but walking through the city of water, Venice, or being mesmerised in a boat ride through the lagoon has a charm of its own. Venice has it all, replete with lavish hotels to uber-luxurious restaurants. As romantic as a night at the Grand Opera may be, it comes with a grand cost too that can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the opera house, the specific opera being performed, seating preferences, and any additional services or packages offered. A day at a spa in Venice can go up to EUR 70 while fine dining would require EUR 460, totalling about EUR 1,012 for the pomp and posh of Valentine’s Day.

New York, USA

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in New York City

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in New York City can be a memorable and romantic experience, but certainly, not one light on the wallet. New York City offers a vast array of dining options, from casual to fine dining and some of the most opulent stays. For entertainment, visitors can choose to attend a Broadway show, visit a museum, take a romantic cruise around Manhattan or enjoy a live music performance. For a more unique experience, visitors can also consider a helicopter tour of the city, a private cooking class or a couples’ spa day. A dozen of red roses here can cost USD 77, while a night in a luxury hotel is about USD 347.

Sydney, Australia

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most expensive cities for Valentine’s Day, where simply buying a bouquet of roses costs the highest in the list at EUR 86, fine dining also tops at about EUR 555. Boasting a diverse culinary scene with a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Visitors can choose from one of the many opulent stays or go offroading in one of the countryside with their loved ones.

Zurich, Switzerland

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Zurich

What can be more romantic than the verdant valleys and glistening snowscapes of Switzerland? Taking a day out in the bustling metropolis of Switzerland or strolling through the nearby old Swiss villages, or spending the evening at Lake Zug, Zurich is a charm no wonder. Couples can spend around EUR 977 in Zurich for the special day, survey says. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities available in the Swiss Alps.