Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It is one of the favourite celebrations of the year for people in love and also for those who enjoy seeing cities dress up to celebrate love.
In this sense, when this date arrives, many people consider the possibility of a getaway to enjoy with their partner in a different place. That is why, below, we are going to tell you about some excellent places to celebrate Valentine’s Day and live the best experience.
Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated?
Before we move on to the destinations, we want to tell you a little bit about this holiday. While everyone knows that this date is celebrated every February 14th, the truth is that we don’t tend to know in detail what it’s all about.
To find the origin of Valentine’s Day, we have to go back to 3rd century Rome. Legend has it that, at that time, a priest by the name of St. Valentine secretly arranged marriages for young lovers. This was in a context in which the Roman Emperor Claudius Aurelius Marcus Gothicus or Claudius II had forbidden marriages for young men because he considered young bachelors to be better soldiers. When he was discovered, Saint Valentine was executed on 14 February.
Although there are other versions related to the origin of this date, this legend is popularly believed, because it is the most romantic and shows a commitment to the love of all people.
Best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day
Now that we have seen the origin of this date, we are going to tell you about some excellent places to celebrate Valentine’s Day, because they are considered to be very romantic destinations to enjoy as a couple.
Paris
Undoubtedly, we can’t talk about romance without starting by talking about Paris. Year after year, Paris continues to be the top choice for those looking for a romantic destination to celebrate as a couple, being considered the capital of love.
For those who choose to spend this date in that city, it offers a wide list of options and tours that can be enjoyed and that can be very romantic alternatives. From a boat ride on the Seine River to a café in Montmartre, seeing the Eiffel Tower at night or enjoying a sunset at the Ponts de l’Arts.
If you are looking for accommodation in Paris, one of the hotels we can recommend is the Hotel Nolinski Paris. A subtly decorated and elegantly lit hotel with a dreamy restaurant and spa area, as well as a small entertainment pool, located near the Pyramides metro station on Avenue de l’Opera.
Granada
The next destination we want to talk about is in Spain and it is none other than one of the most picturesque and fairytale-like places in the country.
Granada is one of the most charming places in Andalusia, dominated by the breathtaking view of the Alhambra in the mountains. Today, visiting this city is an opportunity to climb up to this monument and find the best views of the city, walk to the viewpoints to see the sun set on its walls, stroll along the famous Calle Elvira and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the tea shops and go out for tapas in the evening. One of its highlights is the beautiful viewpoint of San Nicolás.
The boutique hotel Casa Morisca offers accommodation with a unique flavour within a grand old house dating back to the end of the 15th Century.
Porto
In Portugal, Porto is considered one of the most romantic places on the Atlantic. The whole city was built around the mouth of the Douro River, which makes it have incredible bridges to enjoy beautiful views and the most unforgettable hugs. But it is also a place full of opportunities to enjoy a romantic dinner or the view of a wonderful sunset over the river bank.
That’s why it’s considered another place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In the heart of Porto, Porto Music Guest House is a great place to stay.
Venice
Of course, if we are talking about the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we cannot leave out one of the most romantic cities not only in Europe, but in the world. We are talking about Venice.
Known as the Eternal City, Venice is famous for the wonderful gondola rides that can be taken throughout the city, both during the day and at dusk or at night, enjoying watching the lights of the city reflect on the water. But, in addition, one of its main attractions has to do with taking an evening stroll through the Piazza de San Marco, having dinner or a drink and listening to professional musicians who take turns to play beautiful music that accompanies the scenery.
If you want to travel to Venice for Valentine’s Day, one of the accommodations we can recommend is Al Ponte Antico Hotel. It is a magnificent property located in a carefully restored 16th century palazzo on the Grand Canal. With a location that is second to none, it is a family owned and run boutique hotel that offers spectacular accommodation in a central yet friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
London
Finally, few experiences can be more impressive than spending this date in the breathtaking City of London, as one of the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day. From a cruise on the Thames to going out to enjoy amazing concerts or plays, London is a city that has it all.
Plus, walking through the old town, you can find some unique postcards from another time that will be like walking through history books. That is why London is considered one of the most complete and romantic cities in the world. Near the British Museum, we find Covent Garden Hotel, a beautifully restored Georgian town house.
