It was only a matter of time before we covered a city famous for sex. But Amsterdam is really less about the Red Light District and coffee shops than it is about great Dutch architecture, trendy restaurants, and great vintage shopping.

Maybe it’s the altitude. Or all the hard-bodied, active, young folks sauntering around. Or maybe it’s the fact that the city is exactly one mile high. Regardless, Denver has come into its own as a city that demands the nation’s attention (perfectly proven by the recent kick-ass DNC event). If you’re lucky enough to visit D-Town, don’t just hotfoot it to the mountains; take a few days to explore the city. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to discover why the natives like to do it at 5,280 feet.

Don’t let the old moniker fool you, what Charlestonians worship the most is a good party. At its busiest during wedding season and the summer months, this tourist town is worth visiting year-round with various festivals, galas, events and shows. The climate is often blessed with bouts of 70-degree weather in the dead of winter, ensuring that there is a party going on somewhere every single night of the week in any given month. 

Only a few hours away from both New York City and Boston, there are always plenty of Americans visiting Montreal for its reputation as Canada’s Sin City, as well as for its fab European influence. With strip clubs and sex shops galore—not to mention the gay-friendly vibe, drag queens, French food, and beer with higher alcohol content—Montreal can easily intoxicate your senses. Here are some of our suggestions for a weekend jaunt to La Belle Ville.

Seattle’s got Starbucks, Microsoft, grunge, and yes, lots of rain. But it’s also got a whole lot more than that. There’s your standard tourist fare in the form of the Space Needle, Seattle Center and Frank Gehry’s monster of a museum, Experience Music Project, among others. But dig in a little deeper and you’ll find some hidden doors, some sultry sweet spots and some spectacular waterways. Here’s our guide to Seattle’s sexier side.

Coming down to our nation’s capitol for the Presidential Inauguration next Tuesday? Or considering a pleasure trip in the coming months? Don’t let Washington, D.C.’s buttoned-down reputation turn you off—just below the surface lies an unexpectedly fun city laced with edgy pockets and sexy surprises. After all, power can be the ultimate aphrodisiac (as an ever-growing list of fallen politicians would surely attest). 

As the romance capital of the world, Paris has the authority on many sexy things. After all, they did give the world couture dresses, Catherine Deneuve, and, of course, French kissing. Here are our suggestions for getting down in the city of love.

You’ll be struck by the greenery—Forest Park is the largest wilderness park within city limits in the United States, and Washington Park’s rose garden is worth a visit—and the friendly vibe of Portland, Oregon. Straddling the Willamette River, Portland is home to funky bars, a terrific underground music scene, and restaurants that would delight any foodie. Sure, the area has a reputation for rain, but what’s sexier than snuggling up with your significant other during a rainstorm? Check out these hot spots, and you’ll forget all about the weather. 

London needs little introduction. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, high tea at four o’ clock: even on the beaten tourist circuit, this city is a charmer. But it’s also a high-energy international center that manages to be old-world classy and cutting-edge trendy all at the same time. English-speaking and cute accents… how can you go wrong? What’s on in Londontown, after the jump…

I grew up in San Diego, so I’ve spent years hearing people say to me, “Oh my GOD, San Diego is the most beautiful city in the United States” and being, like, “Huh? I guess.” Growing up in a place often makes it hard to appreciate it’s natural beauty so after moving away for college and then to New York for post-University work, I’ve finally realized how good I had it with the endless 70-degree days, incredible beaches, irreplaceable Mexican good, and can’t-beat-it access to Mexico and Central America. And now that I’ve learned my lesson, my mom decided to move east, so my excuse to go to SoCal and visit have dwindled. Here are the spots I think about when I’m California dreamin’, after the jump…

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota may not be the first place you’d consider to vacay—after all, isn’t the cold basically unbearable for most of the year? Yes—but you know what they say about people who are forced to hibernate inside for nine months out of the year—when the sunshine finally starts to melt the snow off the trees, they come out to play and party with the best of them. That’s why the end of August is one of the best times to visit and coincidentally it’s also the time of year when the Minnesota State Fair is in full effect. Because who doesn’t love a pickle on a stick, don’t cha know?

In the words of the great Will Smith, “Welcome to Miami…” where people really do party “all night on the beach ‘til the break of dawn.” As the sun gloriously beats down, the streets are lined with so many al fresco diners and strolling locals that you start to wonder if anyone actually works in this town. But really, how can they? With its tropical climate, gorgeous inhabitants, fiery cuisine and – Will would be amiss if we didn’t mention them – white-sand beaches, it’s no wonder why Miami clocks in as America’s sexiest city. So grab your sunscreen (extra SPF here!) and hang on while The Frisky shows you how to get a taste of the real Miami heat with these sizzlin’ South Florida hot spots.

Forget Rocky and cheesesteaks! The city of Philadelphia is a haven for all art, music, food, theater, culture and adventure lovers alike. With summer upon us, it makes a great weekend trip with something amazing to discover down each cobble stone road.

Atlanta, the Dirty South, HOTlanta, the ATL—whatever you wanna call it, Atlanta, Georgia has an incredible history. Since the Civil Rights Movement, the city was kinda known as “The City Too Busy To Hate” because it was one of the only Southern cities with a history of fighting for desegregation—as a result, it became a popular city for many African-Americans in the South to relocate to. Atlanta has a vibrant cultural scene, with many amazing restaurants and bars, not to mention a historical side that is not to be missed. After the jump, our Frisky for your next visit to the ATL.

The best Chicago date ever might have been the one in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Really, how can you beat a Ferrari, a Cubs baseball game, a fancy meal, and “Twist and Shout”? But for the kind of fun even Cameron would enjoy (well, if he had a girlfriend), try these Chicago spots, and do your best to avoid the Magnificent Mile, unless you like friendly tourists.

Austin is a city with a lot of heart and is a paradise for outdoor lovers, music fans, and foodies. Austin is also a wonderful place to be in the summer, a fun place to flirt, and the perfect place to fall in love.

So you’re going to New York City. Obviously there is a long list of touristy things you can consider doing, especially if it’s your first time—Yankee game, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building…or you can skip all of those, watch a few New York movies for that experience, and stick with our picks instead. Trust us—these are way more fun AND way more New York.

“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” is a pretty schmaltzy old song, but once you visit the romantic City by the Bay you’ll get why so many people end up do falling completely in love with the place. Beyond the incredible scenery (at the top of every hill, you can catch a glimpse of the sparkling Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge), this city is all about food, food, food. (And wine!) And what’s not to love about that? Just remember to bring a sweater—while you may heart SF, it can be very chilly back to you, especially during summer. After the jump, The Frisky picks for the loveliest places to visit while you’re there. 

OFFBEAT DATES

Any Angeleno knows that a hike up Runyon Canyon followed by brunch is a patented So-Cal date move. But for those who want to avoid the beaten path (or, in this case, trail) these offbeat L.A date activities are sure to impress.

Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce
5574 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90038
(323) 465-4242
If Dita Von Teese makes either of you quiver this burlesque club is the place for you. A 1920s throwback with plush velvet everything and nightly shows that are sure to wow, come for a drink and stay through the night to dance up a storm courtesy of tunes by a live jazz trio.