February 14 is fast approaching, and if you want to make a grand gesture, why not take your partner on a romantic getaway? Champagne and chocolate are lovely, but experiencing a new place with a loved one is a great way to bond.
The other advantage is February is the low tourist season in a lot of cities, so you may be able to get some fantastic travel deals. If taking a couples’ trip sounds tempting, here are some romantic Valentine’s Day getaways.
Paris
The City of Love is an obvious (but no less worthwhile) choice when it comes to a Valentine’s Day vacation. In fact, if you are certain you have found “the one,” you should know that Paris is the most popular proposal spot in the world. The city of lights is magical any time of the year. However, kissing atop the Eiffel Tower on February 14th sounds especially enchanting.
You may want to take an amorous cruise along The Seine? Maybe watch a passionate performance at a Parisian cabaret? Perhaps you will want to dine in style at a top restaurant? To keep things simple, you could stroll hand in hand through a picturesque park such as Tuileries Gardens, the Palais Royal Gardens, or Luxembourg Gardens. To end your walk on a sweet note, the city is full of pastry shops where you can nibble on red macarons, raspberry tarts, heart-shaped croissants, and other Valentine’s Day themed delicacies.
If you want restaurant suggestions, please consult our article How To Eat Your Way Through Paris.
Venice
The floating city is another popular destination for couples. Picture yourself snuggling with your spouse in a gondola while the gondolier sings a love song!
Venice is known for its spectacular architecture. You should visit one of its iconic buildings such as the Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Contarini del Bovolo Palace, or Ca’ Rezzonico. You could watch an opera at the Teatro La Fenice, do some wine tasting, or wander through one of the impressive art galleries.
Venice is home to some wonderful restaurants, including Bistrot de Venise, Palais Royal Restaurant Venezia, Impronta Restaurant Venice, and Ristorante Wistèria. Since you are in the land of pasta, perhaps you and your partner should recreate the iconic spaghetti kiss from Lady and The Tramp?
Buenos Aires
Looking for a hot destination in February? Head to the Southern Hemisphere! The Argentine Tango, one of the world’s most romantic dances, was invented in Buenos Aires, so it is an ideal destination for Valentine’s Day.
Most couples watch a tango show at a popular venue such as Señor Tango, Teatro Astor Piazzolla, La Ventana Tango, or Tango Porteño. But if you and your partner have rhythm, there are plenty of tango classes available.
Buenos Aires is a gorgeous city, often referred to as “The Paris of South America” due to its French influence. We recommend strolling along the elegant avenues of the Recoleta neighborhood to ogle the French-style mansions and then stopping for “Five O’Clock Tea” at the Palacio Duhau (now a Park Hyatt hotel). If you want an opulent dinner, we suggest Italpast at the Faena Hotel, A Fuego Fuerte, or Frenessi Argentina. Alternatively, you can find delicious steak almost anywhere in Buenos Aires.
Napa, California
If you and your partner-in-wine want to spend Valentine’s Day in the United States, we recommend Napa. You can sample some of the country’s best vintages, relax in luxurious spas, go on scenic hikes, ride in hot air balloons, and dine at gourmet restaurants.
Lots of wineries offer wine chocolate pairings for Valentine’s Day, including Merryvale Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, WALT Wines, and Ackerman Family Vineyards. Many of the local resorts and hotels offer romance packages that include champagne, spa treatments, prix-fixe menu, etc.
This region of California is also home to a shocking number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry — which has the coveted 3-star rating. For a romantic dinner, we suggest taking your spouse to Yountville, a tiny hamlet with amazing restaurants such as Bouchon, Ciccio, Mustards Grill, and North Block.
Kyoto
On February 14th, Japanese women give chocolates to the men in their lives (the men return the favor on March 14th). They show their affection for friends and colleagues by giving “Giri-choco,” and save the special “Honmei-choco” for their significant other.
Kyoto, the former capital, is an elegant city that combines ancient and modern sophistication. You and your partner can visit historic temples, zen gardens, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is a must-see. Later, you can check out hip rooftop bars, industrial-style coffee shops, and hipster thrift markets.
Kyoto has some highly-rated restaurants that are perfect for an intimate Valentine’s Day feast. Top picks include MOTOÏ, La Biographie, Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji, and Tempura Mizuki. If you are looking for last minute reservations in Kyoto, we recommend checking Japan Last Minute Japan.
We hope you and your significant other have a marvelous Valentine’s Day, wherever you spend it. The five romantic destinations above are just a few amorous settings to declare your love for someone. If you have other suggestions, please mention them in the comments.
Looking for more holiday-specific travel tips? Please read our articles Top 5 Places To Ring In The New Year and The Best Christmas Markets In Europe.