Agree 100% with Nessundorma. Zurich is orderly but not beautiful. Designed with a pencil and ruler rather than drawn freehand from the heart. The level of social conformity required to fit in there is very high, and as a foreigner you will never really be accepted. If you are looking for a place to live which is clean (antiseptic), well run, and where everyone knows their place, you'll like it.

If you are looking for beauty, fun, and acceptance, I'd go with Rome or London but you'll encounter the inconveniences Nessundorma mentioned.

For pure beauty Paris is in a class by itself.

Thanks so much for all of your helpful advice! We're leaning towards Paris...we love fine dining, wine and art and we don't mind conforming to social standards, as nessundorma wrote. I think our second choice is Rome, although I have women friends that have been to Rome and I'm slightly concerned about being harassed (I know this sounds ridiculous) but I've heard that men will follow women down the street, catcalling them, etc. etc. which would not be such a pleasant experience. Has anyone found this to be true?

Well, if you are afraid about men's attitude in Rome, you'll fac the same 'problem' in Paris : both are latine countries and the men women relations are alike : boys call, catcall, whistle (and local women ignore them and shrug)

Choose Italy for sure. Food is excellent and people will embrace you right away.

Men will not harass you. That is done to immature and very young women travelling alone and looking for fun.

I'm a 27 year old female and I've been to Rome three times and Paris once. The only time I've ever been approached by a male was in Paris. My husband left me alone for about five minutes while he went to a newsstand to buy a paper and I was immediately approached. I did not feel unsafe or anything, but I was taken by surprise. He wanted to take me out to dinner.

In Rome I do get stares and catcalls (maybe its the blonde hair!), but I've never felt unsafe.

Tracy

Living in a foreign country might put unnecessary stress on a new marriage. Nevertheless, choose Paris, because even if the marriage fails, you will have obtained a worthwhile experience.