Valentine’s day calls for something special and everyone has their own special way of celebrating it. We tend to try and do something unorthodox or travel to a place that we have never been to before. Valentine’s day in Europe hits all the right notes.
Trust me, there are so many really cool adventures that you can embark on. From walking along the canals of Amsterdam to the Northern lights at the norther part of the continent, there are loads of things to do.
We wanted to put a list of the coolest things to do and the best places to spend Valentine’s day in Europe. That’s why we reached out to different travel bloggers and locals. There are some pretty unique experiences in this list. Make sure that you bookmark this post and keep!
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Table of Contents
1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is such a cool place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Santorini, Greece
Temperatures in Santorini, Greece in February:
Low: 10°C / 50°F
High: 14°C/ 57.2°F
Getting There: Fly into Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) or take a ferry from Athens
Where To Stay: Book a cave villa with a private cliffside pool in Oia for the ultimate romantic stay. You can also stay at the Mythical Blue Luxury Suites in Thira for views of the sea with a gorgeous outdoor pool.
Santorini is considered one of the world’s most romantic destinations, and for good reason. The gorgeous multicolored beaches, blue water, and iconic white buildings of Oia make the island a perfect destination for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
One of the most visited places in Santorini is Oia and it is famous for its stunning sunset views, but it can get crowded. To beat the crowds and enjoy time just the two of you, book a private evening sailing trip to get spectacular views of both the island and caldera as the sun goes down.
Don’t miss gorgeous places to stroll together like Amoudi Bay, Red Sand Beach, or Perissa Beach with its fine black sand. If you’re adventurous, you can take a jet ski tour to the caldera… It is one of the best things to do in Santorini for those looking to get out into the water.
Just south of Órmos Athiniós is a heart-shaped hole in a rock (called the Heart of Santorini) that looks out on the caldera, which is a perfect place for a cute photo op with your partner. Take advantage of the stunning scenery by booking a photography session to capture wonderful memories you can look back on forever.
If the weather is nice, take the short but beautiful hike to Skaros Rock, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. For a relaxing time, visit a spa for a couples massage with gorgeous views of the caldera.
Romantic dinners with sunset views, a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards, or sipping a cocktail or coffee are all great ways to enjoy the delicious Greek cuisine. It is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Tours In Santorini To Consider: Santorini has some great tours that you can explore. When it comes to exploring the city, you have a couple of options. You can just take a tour of the highlights of Santorini.
You can head out on a catamaran cruise complete with an open bar and unlimited food. Open of the top things to do in the city is to do the iconic flying dress photoshoot. Another great idea is to head out on an Instagram tour.
By Megan From Megan & Aram
2. London, United Kingdom
London is such a cool place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Temperatures in London, United Kingdom in February:
Low: 5°C / 41°F
High: 9°C/ 48.2°F
Getting There: Fly into London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Where To Stay: If you have the cash to splash, The Savoy Hotel is a stunning historical hotel that’s in the heart of the West End. For something slightly more affordable, try the Treehouse Hotel near Marylebone for a quirky and bohemian vibe that’s oh-so-romantic.
London is an ideal spot to visit for Valentine’s Day in Europe if you appreciate historic sites, traditional afternoon teas for two (of course!), and mesmerizing theater trips.
From the glittering West End to the rows of shops along New Bond Street and Piccadilly that are dolled up for Valentine’s Day, love truly is in the air around England’s capital city.
If you can’t get enough of history, stroll along the gorgeous Tower Bridge in the morning to take a few touristy shots by the waterfront. Although it’ll be slightly chilly, you can easily stop by one of the many coffee shops and markets near London Bridge Station for a quick pick-me-up.
And if you’re looking for more, the Tower of London which houses the Crown Jewels and centuries of grisly history is just minutes away!
Once you’ve had your fill of London’s past, hop on the London Underground to Charing Cross or Piccadilly Circus to take in the West End. You can book to see London’s most iconic romantic story (The Phantom of the Opera which has been running since 1986!) or something hilarious like The Play That Goes Wrong.
If you’re not into the arts, stop by Fortnum and Mason for their high-class afternoon tea that’ll make you both feel like royalty. Then, walk things off by heading down New Bond Street and charming your way into a gift or two.
Finish your evening with a glorious meal of Italian tapas plates at Cicchetti Piccadilly. Everything from the carbonara to the meat plates is ridiculously authentic and perfect for sharing! You might even be able to recreate the famous scene from Lady and the Tramp if you’re feeling particularly feisty
Tours In London To Consider: There are loads of things to do in London. Getting around the city can be expensive and exhausting. Try using the hop on hop off bus.
You can even take a tour of the highlights of the city. Did you know that you can visit Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London?
By Grace From Pixie Dust And Passports
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the coolest places to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Temperatures in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in February:
Low: 0°C / 32°F
High: 6°C/ 42.8°F
Getting There: Amsterdam has one of the busiest airports in the world; it is accessible by airplane. If you travel from Europe, it is also an excellent option to come by car or train.
Where To Stay: Suppose you want to enjoy the most of Amsterdam Canal. In that case, I highly recommend staying in The Times Hotel, next to the famous Prinsengracht Amsterdam (Prince’s Canal). The Times Hotel is affordable and has an excellent location to enjoy the canal vibe and what it was like to live there as a local. There are plenty of hotels in Amsterdam.
If you are looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day in Europe filled with one-of-a-kind Amsterdam canals and canal houses, visit Amsterdam!
Amsterdam canal has been recognized as a World Heritage Site, and you cannot see it anywhere else in the world.
On Valentine’s Day, start with breakfast at one of the famous cafes in Amsterdam, then head to the Noordermarkt to check the local markets, like trying some dutch cheese. Afterward, enjoy the Dutch apple pie named Appeltaart at Winkel 43. It is a great way to explore the Dutch food culture.
Later, have a bike made for two to cycle around the beautiful Amsterdam Canal area. Enjoy the canals as a cyclist. Just make sure to dress for the Dutch weather.
Amsterdam is beautiful day and night. This time, you can enjoy it by having a canal cruise dinner. Canal cruise dinner is around two hours and comes with wine and drinks. Have a romantic evening with your loved one. Such a perfect way to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Tours In Amsterdam, Netherlands To Consider: I can’t recommend the Flagship Canal Cruise in Classic Boat enough. You can take in the sights while simultaneously enjoying drinks and Dutch cheese. Plus there is a guide too!
Day trips from the city include those to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam. Yes you can cover all those in a single day! The Volendam, Marken and Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam popular choice!
By Min From Amsterdam Travel Blog
4. Venice, Italy
Venice is such a gorgeous spot to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Venice
Temperatures in Venice, Italy in February:
Low: 1°C / 33.8°F
High: 9°C/ 48.2°F
Getting There: Venice can be nicely reached by train, where you will arrive at Santa Lucia train station in the heart of Venice. Another option is to go by plane, via the airport Venice Marco Polo.
Where To Stay: I usually recommend staying on the Lido di Venezia, a small island off the coast of Venice. It is a lot quieter and more affordable. Specifically, I can recommend Hotel Villa Laguna on the Lido, a super private and romantic 4-star hotel with only a few rooms.
Venice is also called the city of Love, and for good reason. The beautiful canals of Venice and the stunning historical buildings make for a perfect location for a romantic vacation around Valentine’s day. The city lives and breathes romance – as you can see at every corner.
Whether it is a romantic gondola ride, a beautiful gala dinner, or a fun trip to one of the smaller islands Burano and Murano – there are many amazing and romantic things to do in Venice. Usually, Valentine’s day is also at the same time as Carnival in Venice.
Venice is hosting each year a beautiful parade, with stunning, masked performers, on and off the waters. This is a truly special and unforgettable experience. Definitely one of the top picks when it comes to Valentine’s day in Europe.
Another great thing about Venice is that the city is very small. You can explore the entire city and its most beautiful quarters on foot. Exploring off the beaten tracks has never been easier, dive into the small alleys, cross picturesque little bridges and explore the city of love together with your sweetheart.
Make sure to stop for authentic Italian pasta and some of Italy’s best red wine on the way. Take a water taxi and see the stunning Rialto bridge from below and make your Valentine’s day in Venice truly memorable.
Tours In Venice To Consider: There are loads of different tours in Venice that you can head out on and sometimes it is hard to choose.
Tours to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s palace take place every day. The gondola rides cannot be missed either. Or you could choose to head to Murano and Burano islands.
By Sabrina From Shades Of Summr
5. Lucca, Italy
Lucca is such a romantic place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Lucca, Italy
Temperatures in Lucca, Italy in February:
Low: 2°C / 35.6°F
High: 13°C/ 55.4°F
Getting There: You can drive or take the train into Lucca. Or fly into Pisa or Florence.
Where To Stay: Grand Universe Lucca
What could be more romantic than spending Valentine’s Day in Tuscany? The walled city of Lucca is a beautiful city with lots to do, and it’s a great hub to explore the region. And perhaps most importantly, it offers many romantic dining options to feast on traditional Tuscan food with your valentine.
Lucca has wonderful restaurants at every budget level, but if you snag a table at Buca di Sant’Antonio you will not be disappointed. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for couples to enjoy an intimate dinner and the best tordelli Lucchese in town.
After dinner stroll the narrow cobbled stone streets, snuggle in a piazza, or take in one of the many concerts. Valentine’s day in Europe can’t get better than this!
This city oozes romance. If you stay at the Grand Universe, you can end your evening on the rooftop. The 360 degree view of the city’s towers, churches, historic buildings, and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. On the flip side, this is also a great way to start your day! Or start with a romantic walk atop the city walls.
If you’re more in the mood for the Tuscan countryside, the nearby rolling hills are lined with olive trees and vineyards. The closest wineries are Fattoria al Dotto, Greo Winery, and Buonamico.
Tours In Lucca To Consider: There are some really interesting tours in Lucca to consider. Go on a wine tasting tour in the countryside or take a food tour with a local to discover the local cuisine.
By Denise From Chef Denise
6. Paris, France
There is no place quite like Paris when it comes to Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Paris, France
Temperatures in Paris, France in February:
Low: 3°C / 37.4°F
High: 9°C/ 48.2°F
Getting There: As Paris is Europe’s second most visited capital, it is very accessible and well connected. There are 2 major airports in Paris: Orly and Charles de Gaulle, both located around 10km from the center. You can reach Paris from both of these airports by using the RER trains – trains cost around €10 per ticket.
Where To Stay: Montmartre, located in Paris’ 18th Arrondissement, is the perfect area to stay for Valentines Day. There’s a cute romantic charm in Montmartre that you just can’t find anywhere else in Paris, plus there are so many things to do in Montmartre.
Favorite hotels include Hotel Particulier Montmartre and the Terrass Hotel – where you’ll be able to enjoy a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop! As Montmartre is a popular place to stay for Valentines Day, make sure to book in advance!
Known as the City of Love, Paris is the place to spend Valentine’s Day in Europe, and you definitely won’t be short of romantic things to do!
Spend your special day visiting the sights such as the Eiffel Tower, The Palace of Versailles and Musée d’Orsay, as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Luxembourg Gardens. And of course don’t forget to visit the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe and walk down the Champs-Elysees and across Post Alexandre III! Make sure to book your ticket to the Louvre in advance though or you will be stuck in line for hours!
If it’s cold and you fancy doing something more unique and relaxing in Paris, then visit one of the old movie theaters to catch a film there. A classic one is Cinema Le Balzac, which opened in 1912.
When back in Montmartre, wander the quaint cobblestone streets, experience the authentic cafes and restaurants, plus visit the iconic Sacre Coeur Cathedral a stone’s throw away.
And for the evening, if you’re looking for the perfect way to show your other half how much they mean to you, take them on a Valentines Evening Dinner Cruise along the River Siene. Sip champagne and enjoy a wonderful dinner as you admire the sights of the city.
Or for a more exotic Valentine’s Day evening, take your partner to the Moulin Rouge to watch the most famous cabaret in the world! Every night at 7, 9 and 11pm, colorful can-can dancers take to the stage to give you an unforgettable eye-popping performance!
Tours In Paris That You Should Consider: There is a lot to do in the city and by default a lot of tours in Paris. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is one of the epic tours that are popular.
The romantic atmosphere is something that people really love with the backdrop of the Christmas lights in the distance. The hop on and hop off bus tours help you traverse the city.
By Catrina From 24 Hours Layover
7. Nice, France
Nice is an epic place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Nice, France
Temperatures in Nice, France in February:
Low: 6°C / 42.8°F
High: 13°C/ 55.4°F
Getting There: Fly directly into the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Where To Stay: Staying at Westminster Hotel & Spa, where you can enjoy the coastal views from your hotel room!
A quick vacation to Nice, France is the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day in Europe this year. With its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, pleasant beach weather, and intimate atmosphere, it’s no surprise why visitors are drawn to the city for a romantic escape.
Plus, there are plenty of things to do in Nice that make it ideal for couples who want to explore together. For one, you can take a short hike up Castle Hill. At the top, you’ll be able to admire the most magnificent and picturesque views of the Côte d’Azur coastline.
Or, if you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve walking uphill, then head over to the famous Promenade de Anglais. Walking along its lively boardwalk while taking in all the sights is a lovely way to spend a warm afternoon.
And when you’re ready to eat, make your way to the heart of the city — Old Town. Here, can explore Nice’s colorful streets, which are lined with an abundance of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants!
In short, Nice is one of the best places to take your Valentine for a vacation. With its romantic atmosphere, stunning views, and many things to do, it’s sure to be an unforgettable Valentine’s Day getaway!
Tours In Nice To Consider: You can choose one of the many Mediterranean coastal sightseeing cruises that start from Nice. It will give you a different perspective of the coast and it is loads of fun. If you are big foodie then definitely try a local food tour.
Nice is also a great place to explore other cities and countries in the area. You can book trips to Antibes, Cannes & Saint Paul de Vence from Nice.
You could also take a tour to Eze and Monaco. If you are looking for a tour with a difference, take a look at the Provence Countryside with Grasse Perfumery Visit from Nice.
By Kristin From Global Travel Escapades
8. Fuerteventura, Spain
Fuerteventura is a great place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Fuerteventura, Spain
Temperatures in Fuerteventura, Spain in February:
Low: 12°C / 53.6°F
High: 19°C/ 66.2°F
Getting There: Book a flight to Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura which is located in the central part of the east coast of the island.
Where To Stay: For a luxurious stay, book a night at Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort which is located in the most beautiful part of Fuerteventura. This 3-star hotel has four swimming pools and it is located by the beach.
For some of the best windsurfing spots, head to the southern part of the island. Hotel SBH Costa Calma Palace is located in a picturesque tourist resort just 10 minutes drive from the world famous lagoon – Playa Sotavento where you and your partner can practice kitesurfing skills.
One of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is an amazing idea for spending Valentine’s day in Europe. In fact, it is geographically located closer to Africa, but as a Spanish island makes it easy to travel from many European countries.
Head to El Cotillo to watch romantic sunsets in one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura. Also, a visit to Parque Natural de Corralejo where sand dunes span for many miles cannot be missed. Walking on the golden sands with your partner while admiring stunning views of the island offers an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in Europe.
By Paulina from the UK Every Day
9. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is such a lovely place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Valencia, Spain
Temperatures in Valencia, Spain in February:
Low: 6°C / 42.8°F
High: 17°C/ 62.6°F
Getting There: Valencia is accessible by car and subway from the Valencia International Airport.
Where To Stay: Valencia has many hotels for all budgets, from hostels to fancy 5 star hotels.
If you are looking to spend the perfect Valentine’s Day in the sun, Valencia is the city for you. From a gorgeous old town to interesting museums, futuristic buildings and miles of sandy beaches, Valencia is a romantic city worth exploring.
On Valentine’s Day, start with a decadent breakfast in one of the many local coffee shops in the city center. La Mas Bonita and Dulce de Leche are two of the most popular breakfast places in town as they have a vast array of delicious cakes.
Continue by exploring the beautiful, historic old town, which dates back to a Roman settlement and discover the impressive town hall, which you can visit free of charge. Also, do not miss walking around the lavish Palacio del Marquez de Dos Aguas while holding hands. Such a lovely way to spend Valentine’s day in Europe, right?
For lunch, pick one of the popular restaurants in the Plaza Redonda, the ‘Round Square’. This square was built in 1840 and forms a perfect circle surrounded by houses with a fountain in the center. Here you will find textile dealers, souvenir shops and artisans for some cute Valentine’s gifts as well as several tapas bars and a delicious Italian restaurant that prepares the most decadent pasta.
In the afternoon, head to the City of Arts and Sciences. This futuristic complex is made up of several impressive buildings, including an opera house and IMAX cinema. End the day with dinner in a romantic setting by booking a table at a restaurant with spectacular views over the city and enjoy Valencia at sunset.
Tours In Valencia That You Should Consider: If you love Spanish food then you definitely should try the Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit. The Old town tour is another great way to discover the local cuisine and it comes with some epic wine tasting.
You can explore all the sights of Valencia via a bike tour, a tuk-tuk tour, hop-on hop-off tour or a segway tour.
By Valencia Revealed
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Looking for a cool place to spend Valentine’s day in Europe? Consider Lisbon!
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Temperatures in Lisbon, Portugal in February:
Low: 9°C / 48.2°F
High: 16°C/ 60.8°F
Getting There: Fly into Lisbon International Airport. From the airport, visitors can reach Lisbon by taxi, or bus.
Where To Stay: Baixa and Chiado are two popular neighborhoods for visitors to stay in.
Lisbon is one of the best European destinations for Valentine’s Day. In February, the weather in Lisbon is mild with a limited number of rainy days and mostly sunshine.
It is one of the sunniest and warmest cities in Europe at that time of the year. In terms of temperatures, visitors can expect between 15°C and 20°C during the day while temperatures drop down at night.
Lisbon’s February weather makes it a great place to enjoy a special celebration with your partner. During the day, couples can wander the city and visit historical monuments such as Lisbon’s Castle and Lisbon’s Cathedral. The views from the Miradouro das Portos do Sol or the Santa Just a lift are incredible and these two spots make for great romantic moments.
Spending Valentine’s Day in Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without spending some time testing Lisbon’s and Portugal’s specialties. First, bring your partner to one of the Pastel de Nata shop. There you will be able to try some original custard pies.
Second, spend a magical evening by having dinner at Seen LX on the Avenida da Liberdad. From this restaurant, you’ll have some of the best views on the city. It is one of the perfect ways to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Before heading to Lisbon, don’t forget to learn a few basic Portuguese words including how to say hello in Portuguese. Though Portuguese people speak English, it is easier to connect with them when showing that you are making an effort to communicate.
Tours In Lisbon To Consider: There are some cool ways to explore Lisbon. You can take a half day sightseeing tour on an electric tuk-tuk. You can also explore the culinary journey with a food tour of Lisbon.
You can also enjoy some of the famous Portuguese wine on a sunset cruise which is an epic way to enjoy the city.
If you are in Lisbon consider a quick day trip to Sintra and Cascais. It is well worth the effort and the tours handle everything. You can also take a tour to Fatima, Nazare and Obidios.
By Mary from Be Right Back
11. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is the perfect romantic spot to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Hallstatt, Austria
Temperatures in Hallstatt, Austria in February:
Low: -4°C / 24.8°F
High: 5°C/ 41°F
Getting There: Catch the 150 or the 542 bus from Salzburg to get to Hallstatt. Alternatively, you can also catch a train from Salzburg to Obertraun, where you’ll hop on a connecting ferry over to Hallstatt.
Where To Stay: I Da Mitt is a lovely bed and breakfast near the Hallstatt Museum, with a buffet breakfast served each morning.
Hallstatt is a picturesque small village on the edge of Lake Hallstatt in Austria. Walking through the alpine village is like taking a step back in time, or walking through a fairy-tale. Hallstatt is beautiful at any time of the year, and is a great place to spend time together over Valentines.
There are a ton of things to do while enjoying Valentine’s Day in Hallstatt, some more romantic than others. There are swans that frequent the edges of the lake, where you can watch or feed them. However, if real swans aren’t your jam, you can hop into one of the swan themed boats and paddle around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Beyond viewing the lake and wandering through the streets of Hallstatt, there is much to do above the village.
The area’s salt mines have been used as far back as 7000 years ago, and now can be toured. The tour is a lot more fun than it sounds, with some ancient artifacts, a slide inside the tunnel, and a cool log train ride to the exit at the end of the tour.
You can also take the cable car up to the Hallstatt Skywalk. The Skywalk gives you an epic view over Hallstatt and the lake, being a great place to take your camera. And in the evenings, you have a good pick of restaurants to celebrate with your love, while enjoying delicious Austrian food and wine. Valentine’s day in Europe really can’t get better that this!
Tours In Hallstatt To Consider: So there are some great guided waking tours of Hallstatt. My personal favorite is the 2 hour guided tour with a private photographer.
By Lexi From A Trip In Nature
12. Mainz, Germany
Mainz is one of the scenic small cities of Germany that you should consider for Valentine’s day in Europe.
Location: Mainz, Germany
Temperatures in Mainz, Germany in February:
Low: 0°C / 32°F
High: 6°C/ 42.8°F
Getting There: There is a direct train from Frankfurt to Mainz. It is also a quick drive and you can make stops at scenic spots on the way.
Where To Stay: Hilton Mainz
If you are on the lookout for a scenic city to spend Valentine’s day in Europe in, I would recommend taking a look at Mainz, Germany. The cute cobblestoned streets, half timbered houses and age old buildings are something that makes Valentine’s day in Europe magical.
I would recommend heading out to Agustinerkeller. This is a restaurant in the city that has a nice authentic German vibe. You can catch one of the local beers and you definitely should try the Wissenbourg. It looks like a pizza but doesn’t taste exactly like a pizza. The base is thinner and it doesn’t use tomato sauce as a base but it tastes delightful. It is a lovely place to have a nice meal with your loved one.
Don’t forget to book a cruise down the Rhine river in advance. This is particularly romantic and you get to see some really amazing sights while on the cruise. Just make sure to bundle up because it can get cold.
Another great thing to do with your significant other is to head out on a wine tour and to enjoy some of the best wine in Germany.
Recommended Tours In Mainz: I highly recommend heading out on a wine tour in the Rhine valley. It is a great way to spend Valentine’s day in Europe.
