Must-do Valentine’s Day experiences in Europe
Leave the fancy dinner dates or cosy take-away nights for another time – February 14th is a day for memorable, romantic gestures!
Here are 6 extraordinary experiences sure to get the go-ahead from St Valentine himself!
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Visit Juliet’s Balcony in Verona
Verona is home to the world’s best-known love story: Romeo and Juliet. While Shakespeare might get the lions-share of the credit, it’s well known that the playwright was inspired by the lives of two young lovers who lived here in the 14th Century.
According to a plaque at Palazzo Carlotti, Volto Barbaro is the presumed site of the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio, while Romeo is supposed to have slain Tybalt along Corso Porta Borsari. Furthermore, an inscription on the house at No 2. Via Arche Scaligere indicates this as the house of Romeo Montague!
While Romeo’s house might be closed off, Juliet’s house opens it’s doors to visitors. Touching the statue in the courtyard is said to bring good luck to those looking to find their soul mates, while literature lovers can have a go at crying ‘O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’ from her balcony!
No matter the agenda, all visits to Verona should be followed by a trip to the nearby city of Venice to maximise the romance on an intimate gondola ride through the lagoon, or a Bellini or two in its home of origin: Harry’s Bar.
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Propose at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower has become one of the most iconic and unforgettable places to propose to your significant other.
To enhance the magical experience, head up the Torre Eiffel as the sun sets on the City of Lights. While candy floss rays colour the sky, pop the question. You’ll then be able to celebrate at the top, just as the tower illuminates and shines brightly to blanket Paris.
To discover more about the City of Love, check out our weekend guide to Paris.
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Get hot in Budapest’s Thermal Baths
Why not mark Valentine’s day with the ultimate spa break? Dubbed the ‘City of Spas’, Budapest boasts more thermal water springs than any other capital city in the world!
While there’s an assortment to choose from, we recommend Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Comprised of 18 pools, a sauna and steam room, couples can request private cabins and massages to elevate the truly spectacular experience.
Night-owls on the prowl for an after-hours watering hole can discover the best ruin bars in Budapest to visit, here.
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Test your love at Rome’s Mouth of Truth
Rome’s ‘Bocca della Verità’, or the Mouth of Truth, is a legendary sculpture located outside of the Santa Maria Cosmedin Church. A large disk bearing the face of a man, it’s said to bite off the hand of those who dare lie to him.
This one’s a risky move, so only attempt it if you’re in no danger bending the truth! Get in line, stick your hand in, and hopefully, you’ll leave unscathed! Finish off by entering the church for the chance to see the real St Valentine (well, his skull at least)!
Keen to explore the Eternal City? Don’t miss the city’s best sights, listed in our travel guides to Rome.
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Declare your love from a fairy tale castle in Bavaria
For a truly fairy tale experience look no further than Neuschwanstein Schloss. Beautiful in epic proportions, the castle is said to have inspired Disney’s ‘Cinderella Castle’ with its pearly white towers that reach into the clouds.
Although there’s no bad time to visit, during the winter months – which engulfs Valentine’s Day — the entire landscape is powdered over with snow, transforming it into a magical wonderland to walk through hand-in-hand.
Culture-vultures eager to traverse the German State can find the best things to do in Bavaria, here.
Where To Go For Valentine’s Day In Europe: Escape to the heart of Switzerland
World-renowned for beyond imaginable, breath-taking panoramic views of postcard-perfect landscapes, escape to the heart of Switzerland for a Valentine’s Day like no other.
Often overlooked for the bigger players, Switzerland’s Espace Mittelland region is a secret spot growing in popularity thanks to its location which allows visitors to explore some of Switzerland’s iconic destinations, as well as uncover hidden gems in lesser-explored cantons such as Solothurn.
Nestled in between bustling cosmopolitan centres, unspoilt pastoral countryside, bright blue and emerald glistening lakes, and towering mountainous terrains, it’s the perfect base from which explore the well-known cities of Zurich, Bern or Basel for an urban escape, or a launchpad from which to immerse in the art of slow travel through the alpine villages of Grindelwald and Interlaken. Close by is also the beauteous Lake Lucerne and the Glacier Cave of Mount Titlis or for a World-Heritage approved escapade, take a cogwheel train ride through the foothills of the Eiger North Face to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe soaring over the Swiss Alps at a dizzying height of 11,333 feet (3,454 meters).
