Valentine's Day in Europe: Verona & The Most Romantic Cities

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to pack your bags and explore some of Europe’s most enchanting cities. While romance can be found in every corner of the continent, some destinations seem to have been built specifically for lovers.

At the top of every romantic’s list is Italy, a country that knows the language of love better than any other. And there is one city that stands above the rest when it comes to Valentine’s Day.

Verona, Italy: The City of Love

It is impossible to talk about romance without mentioning Verona. As the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this city is legendary. But it doesn’t just rest on its literary laurels; Verona comes alive for Valentine’s Day with a week-long celebration known as Verona in Love.

The entire city transforms into a festival of romance. The streets are illuminated with red lights, and the Piazza dei Signori hosts a heart-shaped market filled with sweets and local crafts.

What to Experience

• Juliet’s House: Visit the famous courtyard to see the balcony and maybe leave a letter. During the festival, there are often special readings and performances here.
• Lamberti Tower: Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city, especially magical when lit up in red for the holiday.
• Dining: Local restaurants create special menus for the occasion. Don’t miss the chance to try local chocolates in the Loggia del Consiglio.

---

More European Classics for Romance

If you are looking to explore beyond Verona, Europe offers a diverse menu of romantic escapes, from grand capitals to cozy medieval towns.

Venice, Italy

The Magic of Canals. Venice offers a timeless backdrop for romance. A gondola ride through the quiet canals, a kiss under the Bridge of Sighs, or simply getting lost in the winding streets is enough to make any trip unforgettable.

• Bonus: Valentine’s Day often coincides with the Venice Carnival, adding a layer of mystery and pageantry to your visit. Donning masks and attending a ball is a once-in-a-lifetime date night.

Paris, France

The City of Light. Paris is the eternal classic. Whether it’s a dinner cruise on the Seine, a climb up the Eiffel Tower, or a stroll through Montmartre to see the “Wall of Love,” Paris never fails to deliver.

• Tip: Skip the main tourist traps for dinner and find a cozy bistro in the Marais for a more intimate atmosphere.

Vienna, Austria

Old World Elegance. For couples who love history and art, Vienna is a dream. The city of waltzes offers grand palaces like Schönbrunn and Belvedere. Spend your afternoon in a traditional coffee house sharing a slice of Sachertorte, and your evening at the Opera or Philharmonic for a truly sophisticated celebration.

Prague, Czechia

A Fairytale Come to Life. With its spires and cobblestones, Prague feels like a page out of a storybook. Walk across the Charles Bridge at dawn to beat the crowds (legend says a kiss here brings eternal luck) and climb the Petřín Lookout Tower for a mini-Eiffel Tower experience with sweeping views.

Bruges, Belgium

Cozy & Sweet. If you want to “lie low” and focus just on each other, Bruges is the place. It is one of the most preserved medieval cities in Europe.

• Highlight: Chocolate. With over 50 chocolate shops and a dedicated museum, it is the sweetest place to celebrate. Take a boat tour on the canals and feed the swans for the full fairytale effect.

Lisbon, Portugal

Vintage Warmth. Lisbon offers a slower, warmer pace. It’s a city of stunning viewpoints (miradouros) and vintage trams.

• Date Idea: Ride the famous Tram 28, then enjoy a romantic dinner on a “tram restaurant” tour. End your night at a Fado house, listening to the soulful, passionate Portuguese folk music.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Alpine Romance. For those who love mountains and lakes, Lucerne is postcard-perfect. Surrounded by snow-capped Alps, it offers cozy chalets and crisp air. A walk across the Chapel Bridge and a boat ride on Lake Lucerne provide a serene and majestic setting for your holiday.

---

Tips for a Perfect European Valentine’s

1. Book Early: These cities are popular. secure your flights and dinner reservations weeks in advance.
2. Personalize It: Ask your hotel to arrange flowers or champagne in the room.
3. Choose Your Vibe: Pick a destination that fits your shared personality—whether that’s the energy of a carnival in Venice or the quiet seclusion of Bruges.
4. Just Be Together: No matter where you go, the destination is just the backdrop. The real memories are made in the moments you share.

---

Bonus: Romance in Japan

Looking for something further afield? If you are willing to travel beyond Europe, Japan offers a unique and deeply spiritual take on romance.

• Kyoto: Walk hand-in-hand through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or visit the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine. Couples crawl through a stone tunnel here to strengthen their bond.
• Tokyo: Enjoy a panoramic dinner with views of the city lights or visit the Little Prince Museum.
• Nara: For nature lovers, feeding the free-roaming deer in Nara Park is a charming experience.
• Tradition Twist: In Japan, women traditionally give chocolate to men on February 14th. Men return the favor a month later on “White Day” (March 14th). It’s a sweet cultural exchange to experience firsthand.