Valentine’s or Mate’s Date?
Are you looking to get away this Valentine’s Day with your significant other? Or do you fancy a mate’s trip away to avoid the slushy love stuff? Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s or Mate’s Date, read on for the top ten getaways this Valentine’s Day. Grab a cuppa because this one is a long one!!!
1. Paris
Couples Getaway
When you think of romance, many people immediately think of Paris. With so many beautiful hotels and restaurants to while away your weekend, you can see why. But here are some more top tips to make the most of your romantic weekend:
- Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset
- Stroll along the Champs Elysee
- Get lost in the streets of Montmartre and visit the Sacre-Coeur
- Wander arm in arm along the length of the Seine while enjoying the views of the city
- Stop off for a coffee, glass of wine, or a romantic dinner at one of Paris’ many pavement cafes/restaurants.
- Take a boat ride along the Seine River for a new perspective of the city
- Visit the Palace of Versailles and take in the beautiful architecture
- Visit the Luxembourg Garden and have a picnic (if the weather is up to it!)
Mate’s Date
Paris may be the original city of lurrve, but don’t let that put you off if a romantic trip isn’t on the cards. Grab your gal pals and unleash your inner Emily in Paris! Get ready for a weekend of…
- Shopping on the Champs-Elysees which is home to many high-end fashion boutiques
- Visit the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous art museums in the world, and stop by to take a look at the Mona Lisa
- Indulge in a massage or spa session at one of the many luxury spa hotels in Paris
- Catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, or enjoy a night out in the Marais which is home to lively bars and clubs
- Head to the Café de Flore, one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city
- Take in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Le Marais.
2. Rome
Couples Getaway
Probably number two when you think of the most romantic cities in the world! There’s so much history to explore in the city but what else should you do while you’re there?
- Take a stroll along the Tiber River to take in the sights of the city
- Visit the romantic gardens of Villa Borghese
- Stop off at some of the city’s most famous sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Piazza Navona.
- Of course sit down for a meal of beautiful Italian food at one of the many restaurants in the city
- Grab a gelato and enjoy it on a romantic evening stroll through the city
- If you fancy treating your other half while in Rome, visit some of the gorgeous boutiques and high-end shops in the city.
Mate’s Date
Rome might be a romantic city, but it’s a great option for a mate’s date too. When in Rome, you should…
- Get lost in the history of the city, visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican Museum for a real taste of Rome
- Stroll through the city centre streets of Piazza Navona or the Campo de’ Fiori to experience Rome as you see in the movies.
- Head to the trendy neighbourhoods of Monti and Trastevere for unique boutiques and vintage shops
- If Rome gets a bit too much, take a trip to the nearby towns of Tivoli or Ostia Antica
- Indulge in some famous Italian cuisine such as pizza and pasta
- If Italian food is your thing, book a cooking class or wine tasting experience for something unique to do
- Grab your dancing shoes and head to the bards and clubs around Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona and Trastevere
3. New York
Couples Getaway
You can’t go wrong with a visit to the city that never sleeps. I don’t know many people who don’t have New York on their wishlist! While it’s a bustling, busy city, there are plenty of places for a romantic stroll…
- Check out the High Line for the amazing city views
- Wander through Central Park visiting the famous Bethesda Fountain
- Take in the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park and stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.
- If you really want to push the boat out, book a dinner cruise or helicopter flight to take in some unique views of the city.
- Visit the top of the Empire State Building at sunset
- Get lost wandering the romantic neighbourhoods of SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Tribeca
- And of course, if a special piece of jewellery is on your wish list, then head to 5th Avenue for Tiffany, Cartier, and more high-end jewellery stores!
Mate’s Date
New York for a trip with your besties is a choice you can’t go wrong with. Grab your best heels and a Cosmo for the Sex in the City experience…
- Take in the bright lights of Times Square
- Catch a Broadway show
- Head to one of the many museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Visit the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock for some city views
- Indulge in a spot of retail therapy…there’s something for every budget from high-end on 5th Avenue, to Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Or how about taking a trip to Woodbury Common Designer Outlet?
- Explore Central Park, a great spot for some people watching or to sit and enjoy lunch. Or visit the Central Park zoo!
- Head for a night out in neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, or the Lower East Side (my favourite parts of NYC).
4. Barcelona
Couples Getaway
Barcelona is a beautiful city, with so much going on. Whatever is on your romantic wishlist, you’ll find it:
- Visit Park Guell which offers stunning views of the city, and take in the Gaudi architecture
- Take a stroll along the beach promenade, Passeig de Gracia, and stop off for dinner or drinks
- Visit the food market in the centre of the city for some culinary inspiration, and get lost wandering the streets around Las Ramblas
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at a traditional Catalan restaurant
- Visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
- Leave the city and head off on a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Penedes wine region
- Head to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic to take in the amazing light and water show
Mate’s Date
As well as being great for couples, Barcelona is a destination with plenty going on for a girl’s trip, or group of friends…
- Go shopping on the Passeig de Gracia, which is known for its high end stores
- Stop off at one of the pavement cafes for a drink and some people watching
- Visit the Gothic Quarter for a few hours exploring and discovering some of the beautiful streets and squares in the area
- Indulge in a spa day in one of Barcelona’s many spa hotels
- Enjoy a night out in El Born
- Head out for some traditional tapas at one of the many restaurants in the city
- Visit the Picasso Museum, which has a collection of the artist’s works
- Hike to the top of Montjuic for some amazing views over the city
5. Prague
Couples Getaway
Prague is a romantic city known for its architecture, beautiful bridges, and picturesque streets. Some popular romantic activities in Prague include:
- Take a sunset cruise on the Vltava river to enjoy the views of the city, or book a dinner cruise!
- Take a stroll through the Old Town and across the Charles Bridge
- Enjoy a Czech meal at one of the city’s many traditional restaurants. Czech cuisine is the ultimate comfort food if you’re visiting during the colder months…think stews and dumplings, yummy!
- Walk up to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral to visit the little hidden library, and take in the views of the city.
- Take in a classical music or opera performance at the National Theatre or the Estates Theatre.
- Depending on the time of year/weather, it may be possible to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the city
- Wander through the Petrin Hill area for more romantic views of the city
Mate’s Date
Prague is also a fantastic destination for a friend’s trip away. It’s easy to get to, with flights from most UK airports, and won’t break the bank! Some popular things to do while you’re out there include:
- Exploring the city’s nightlife, there are bars and clubs for every style and budget
- Visit the ‘train bar’ Vytopna, where your drinks are delivered to your table via model railway…trust me it’s super cool!
- Shopping in Prague’s neighbourhoods of Vinohrady and Žižkov where you’ll find lots of unique boutiques
- Check out the art museums; the Museum of Modern Art or the National Gallery
- Visit one of the many traditional restaurants to sample some Czech cuisine, or visit one of the cities fusion restaurants, blending Czech cuisine with food from other countries
- Take a guided tour to take in the main sites and learn more about the history and culture of the city
- Visit the famous Charles Bridge and Old Town Square to take in the architecture and iconic landmarks you will have seen online
6. Krakow
Couples Getaway
Krakow is another European city which has grown in popularity a lot over the last few years, with easy access from the UK, and a very low cost of living when you’re there! But what can you get up to while you’re there:
- Take a stroll through Krakow’s Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. There are many squares, churches, and palaces to explore.
- Visit Wawel Castle which is located on Wawel Hill, offering panoramic views of the city. The castle has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it perfect for a romantic trip.
- Take a boat ride on the Vistula River to see Krakow from a different perspective
- Explore Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, where you can have a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants or cafes.
- Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just outside of the city. The mine has a chapel, sculptures, and underground lakes to explore.
- Visit the Botanic Garden of the Jagiellonian University which has a wide variety of plants, including a Japanese garden and a greenhouse.
Mate’s Date
As well as being a great city to visit in a couple, it’s also perfect for a getaway with friends, with so much to do including:
- Shop till you drop from high-end boutiques to traditional markets. The main Market Square is a great place for souvenir shopping and local crafts. For international brands head to Galeria Krakowska!
- Visit some of Krakow’s historic landmarks such as the Wawel Castle and St Mary’s Basilica.
- Try some traditional Polish cuisine such as pierogi, bigos (stew), and kielbasa (sausage), especially comforting if you’re travelling there during the colder months!
- Hit some of the bars, clubs and pubs for a night out. There is something to suit all tastes, with some of the most popular areas for a night out being Kazimierz and the Main Market Square
- Enjoy some me-time with a spa day at one of Krakow’s many spas or wellness centres such as at the hotel’s Stary, Copernicus, and Andel’s.
- Visit one of the many museums or art galleries such as the Czartoryski Museum and the National Museum.
7. Dubai
Couples Getaway
If money really is no object, then how about a romantic getaway to the bright lights and dizzy heights of Dubai? For the real wow factor book a stay at the Atlantis, The Palm, or their new hotel Atlantis, The Royal. Get your romance on by booking one of the following activities:
- A sunset dinner cruise on a traditional dhow boat on the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise or sunset
- Take a stroll along the Dubai Fountain where you can watch the fountain show and also enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa
- Book a romantic dinner at one of Dubai’s top restaurants such as At.mosphere Burj Khalifa or Al Mahara
- Visit the Palm Jumeirah island, wander around the boardwalk and take in the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf
- Take a romantic walk through Dubai Creek Park with its gardens, lake, and aviary
- Book a romantic desert safari with a private dinner, or a camel ride under the stars.
- And of course, if a little gift shopping is on the card, you can’t go wrong with one of Dubai’s amazing shopping malls!
Mate’s Date
If you’re not coupled up, but you’re planning a trip with friends, then there is still plenty to do in Dubai, such as:
- Hit the shops – Dubai is known for its malls and high-end shopping. Try the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates, and the Dubai Mall of the World. Or try out one of the souks in Deira for more traditional shopping
- Take in Dubai’s landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Jumeirah
- Pamper yourself in one of Dubai’s spas or wellness centres, found in many of the luxury hotels and malls
- Book a table at one of Dubai’s amazing restaurants, try out some Middle Eastern cuisine, eat in one of the many celebrity chef’s restaurants or try one of the gorgeous restaurants in the Dubai Marina area
- Get your dancing shoes on for a night out on the tiles. There are many bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from around Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Beach Residence.
- Take your friends on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure sandboarding, dune bashing, take a hot air balloon ride, go skydiving, take a yacht trip or go on a desert safari.
8. London
Couples Getaway
If you prefer to take a romantic break in the UK, London is a city with many romantic locations! Some popular couples spots include:
- Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of the city
- Take a stroll through Hyde Park or St James’s Park, pack a picnic if the weather is up to it!
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Thames to see all the famous landmarks from the water]
- Head to Covent Garden for boutique shopping, entertainers, and gorgeous restaurants
- Visit Greenwich Town, home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line. Climb up to the Meridian Line for views over the city. Then get lost in the streets around the observatory where there are loads of little pubs and cafes to pop into.
- Head to the trendy neighbourhood of Notting Hill, known for its colourful houses, vintage shops, and of course, Portobello Road market – a must for any Bedknobs and Broomsticks fan (I’m showing my age now!)
- Explore Camden Town. My favourite spot in London! Every visitor has to visit Camden market at least once for the sights, sounds, and smells. Just don’t do what I always do… buy from the first food stall I come across and then regret it when I see what’s around the corner!
Mate’s Date
Of course, London isn’t just for lovers, it’s an amazing place to get the gang together for a day or two! How about trying…
- A spot of shopping. Have you even been to London on a girl’s trip if you don’t go shopping? Check out Harrod’s and Selfridges for those luxury buys, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street are great for fashion, and of course, check out Camden Market for unique buys. There’s also Westfield and the new Battersea Power Station which I’m desperate to visit!
- There are iconic London landmarks on every street corner (just about!). Visit the main ones such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London (highly recommend a visit here).
- There are also places like Madame Tussaud’s and the Museums (The Natural History Museum is my favourite!). And how about hunting out some of the more hidden attractions like Sherlock Holmes’ House, or the Paddington Bear statue?
- Indulge in a spa session… London has no shortage of spas at some of the most luxurious hotels so if you need a massage after all that shopping, there’ll be no shortage of options.
- Get your dancing shoes on and head out for a night out. Some popular areas include Soho, Camden Town, and Shoreditch.
- Check out a broadway show… tickets are often available last minute so you might pick up a bargain!
9. Amsterdam
Couples Getaway
Amsterdam is a beautiful and romantic city that offers a variety of activities for couples. Some popular options include:
- Take a boat ride on the canals, a great way of seeing the city’s architecture
- Head to the Jordaan neighbourhood which is full of narrow streets, picturesque houses, and canals. Perfect for a romantic stroll
- Visit the Van Gogh museum, one of Amsterdam’s most famous museums housing the works of the famous painter.
- Take a picnic (weather permitting) to Amsterdam’s largest park, the Vondelpark which has a lake, rose garden, and an open-air theatre. Perfect for a long walk even if it’s not picnic weather!
- Hire a bike and go for a bike ride through the city. Amsterdam is very cycling friendly… the number of bikes in the city outweighs the number of cars. It’s quite the sight seeing them all parked up outside the rail station, I’m not sure how you’d ever find your own bike again!
- Stop off for a drink at one of Amsterdam’s many bars or cafes!
Mate’s Date
Amsterdam has long been known as a great destination for a trip with friends (and let’s face it we all know why!!!). But Amsterdam has so much going for it whatever your interests:
- Shopping – maybe not the first thing that springs to mind but Amsterdam is great for shopping. The Kalverstraat is the main shopping street in the city centre, home to all the popular brands and several department stores.
- Sightseeing – visit some of Amsterdam’s historic sites such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House (get there early for this one, there are often long queues outside!)
- Enjoy a meal with mates at one of Amsterdam’s many restaurants. Some of the most popular are found around Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and De Pijp.
- Get your glad rags on for a night out in Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs around Leidseplein, Rembrandplein, and De Wallen (the Red Light District).
- After a night of partying make sure you grab a portion of chips and mayo from one of the pavement cafes/ stands offering them. It’s a revelation!
- Grab a bike and head off on a trip across the city. There are loads of bikes available to rent, and as Amsterdam is such a bike-friendly city, it’s a really easy way to get around.
10. Edinburgh
Couples Getaway
Edinburgh is a beautiful city whenever you visit. It can be sunny and bright in the warmer months, and dark and brooding during the winter months, but always stunning! While you’re there take part in one of these activities:
- Walk around the Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Royal Mile.
- Get lost in the winding streets and cobblestone alleys, and duck down some of the side alleys to discover some hidden gems such as pubs and cafes. The Old Town is hands down my favourite bit of Edinburgh!
- Hike up Arthur’s Seat – definitely weather dependent but offers beautiful views of the city on the right day!
- Explore the Royal Botanic Garden which is beautiful, especially in Spring and Summer. There is a wide variety of plants and flowers to take in.
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland, a great way to spend some time if the weather’s not playing ball! There is a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays.
- Enjoy some food and a drink at some of Edinburgh’s pubs. The Oxford Bar, famous for being where Ian Rankin drinks (and featuring in several of his books), The Last Drop in the Grassmarket where the city gallows used to be, and try some of the smallest pubs in the city such as the tucked away Jolly Judge or The Wee Pub… those are all personal recommendations!
Mate’s Date
Edinburgh is great for a quick getaway with friends as well as a romantic trip with plenty going on. Here are some ideas on how to fill your time…
- Obviously sightseeing – there is so much to see. Visit Edinburgh Castle, stroll up the Royal Mile, head to the National Museum of Scotland, or experience some nostalgia at the Toy Museum
- Shop until you drop. The Royal Mile is great for souvenirs and local businesses, or head to Princes Street where you’ll find all the main high street brands and much more.
- Enjoy a night out in the city, the areas around George Street, Rose Street and the Grassmarket are the best places to head to for a drink and a dance. If rock music is more your thing then you have to head to the Black Rose Tavern on Rose Street – another personal recommendation.
- Visit Camera Obscura on the Royal Mile where you’ll find lots of strange attractions and illusions. Again get there early as there is often a queue.
- Get active – hike up Arthur’s seat to take in city views, hire a bike and head off for a tour of the city, or visit the Botanic Gardens.
- Head to Mary King’s Close, an underground part of Edinburgh showing how the city used to look before the new one was built on top of it. Not as claustrophobic as it sounds, I’ve done it and it was fascinating!
I hope you’ve found this article useful. Whatever kind of break you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you plan an unforgettable trip:
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