Love is often called a universal language. Bookstores around the world dedicate entire sections to stories that make hearts race and turn life into a rose-colored dream for weeks or even months. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a bookstore in London or New York—people everywhere are searching for love.

But one thing is important to us: Love isn’t just about romance. It exists between friends, within families, and even with pets. We celebrate love in all its forms.

This year, we’ve searched for the most famous and moving love stories around the world. Our journey begins in New York, at iconic movie locations, continues to Cairo to explore the legend of Cleopatra, and ends in New Delhi with the epic love story behind the Taj Mahal.

From the big screen to real life in New York

New York City has set the stage for countless love stories. In films and TV shows, we watch as characters navigate the bustling city, searching for their soulmates. We’ve picked some classic movies and shows with famous filming locations you can actually visit.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

In this iconic rom-com, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) first meet on a road trip to New York. Their 18-hour drive is anything but smooth—Harry believes men and women can’t just be friends, while Sally strongly disagrees. They go their separate ways upon arrival, only to keep crossing paths over the years.

Their story unfolds through friendship, arguments, and undeniable chemistry, until one question remains: Was Harry right all along?

Our NYC filming location tip: One of the most famous scenes from When Harry Met Sally takes place at Katz’s Delicatessen, a legendary deli at 205 East Houston Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Founded in 1888, Katz’s claims to be New York’s oldest deli. It’s here that Sally famously fakes an orgasm to prove a point, leading to an iconic line from a nearby customer: “I’ll have what she’s having.” The quote ranks #33 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie quotes of all time.

Sex and the City (1998–2004)

For six seasons and two films, we followed Carrie Bradshaw and her friends as they fell in love, navigated relationships, and dealt with heartbreak. But through it all, one thing remained constant: the unbreakable bond between the four women, who celebrated and mourned together.

Our NYC filming location tip: Want to feel like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha on your trip to New York? Then make a stop at Magnolia Bakery. Originally a small cupcake shop at 401 Bleecker Street, Magnolia has since expanded to ten locations across NYC. In Sex and the City, Carrie and Miranda visit this shop in Season 3, eating pink cupcakes while discussing Carrie’s new love interest, Aidan.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Spider-Man first appeared in a Marvel comic in 1962, and since then, the story has been adapted into numerous series and films. Our tip focuses on the 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Peter Parker’s world turns upside down when his secret identity as Spider-Man is exposed. Desperate, he asks Doctor Strange to erase the world’s memory of his true identity, but the spell backfires, opening the multiverse and bringing new dangers.

Amidst the chaos, one thing remains constant: Peter’s love for MJ. She is his anchor in an unraveling world. But in the end, Peter must make a heartbreaking choice to protect her—proving that true love sometimes means letting go.

Our NYC filming location tip: Like many Marvel films, No Way Home features the Times Square as a key location. But if you want a more unique spot, head to Greenwich Village, where the unforgettable upside-down kiss between Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) was filmed in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. The famous kiss takes place under a fire escape at West 10th Street, making it a must-visit for Spidey fans.

Egypt's last pharaoh and her loves

Few figures in history are as legendary as Cleopatra, the woman who ascended Egypt’s throne in 50 BC. She ruled for over two decades, leading her kingdom to one last golden age. Some accounts portray her as intelligent, charismatic, and highly educated, while others paint her as ruthless, ambitious, and power-hungry.

One thing is certain: Cleopatra knew how to use her femininity as a political tool. She famously sought to win over the most powerful man in the Roman Empire—Julius Caesar. Their relationship lasted four years until Caesar was assassinated, leaving Cleopatra and their son, Caesarion, behind.

One of the most famous legends tells of Cleopatra being smuggled into Caesar’s palace rolled up inside a carpet, only to be dramatically unwrapped at his feet—a grand entrance that left an unforgettable impression.

Years later, Cleopatra found love again with Mark Antony, the commander of Rome’s eastern provinces. They had three children together, but their love faced countless challenges. Antony’s political struggles kept him away for years, but in 37 BC, he returned to Cleopatra, married her, and named her “Queen of Kings”, granting her and their children control over parts of the Roman Empire.

Unfortunately, their love story did not have a happy ending. Antony’s enemies used Cleopatra’s new title as a rallying cry for war. After Rome defeated their forces, Antony took his own life. Legend has it that Cleopatra, unwilling to be captured, followed suit—dying from a self-inflicted snake bite.

Despite its tragic end, Cleopatra and Antony’s love remains one of history’s most passionate and dramatic romances, filled with grand gestures and political alliances.

Taj Mahal: a love story that never fades

The Taj Mahal, located about 200 kilometers from Delhi, is one of the world’s greatest symbols of love. Built from pristine white marble, it stands as an eternal tribute to the love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Their love story began when the young prince encountered Mumtaz at a market, mistaking sugar crystals she was selling for diamonds. When she laughed and her veil slipped, he saw her face—and fell in love instantly. He vowed on the spot to marry her.

Shah Jahan kept his promise, and in 1612, they wed. Mumtaz became his most trusted advisor and constant companion. But their love story was cut short in 1631 when she tragically died during childbirth.

On her deathbed, she asked Shah Jahan for a final wish: a mausoleum so magnificent that it would forever tell their love story. Devastated, the emperor commissioned the Taj Mahal, described as “a teardrop on the cheek of time.”

With 20,000 artisans working on it, the Taj Mahal became a masterpiece, unmatched in its beauty and devotion. Today, it remains India’s most visited attraction—a testament to a love that defied time.