art’otel Edit: Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2025
(Seriously, these are good)
The European cities art’otel calls home are not your usual getaways. They’re buzzing with creativity and new perspectives and there’s always a chance you’ll stumble across a surprise or two. It’s no different on Valentine’s Day either, with each city brimming with things to do to treat your date – from lowkey but super thoughtful to pull-out-all-the-stops fancy. Whether they’re a film buff, music lover, art aficionado or simply bask in the joy of discovering something new, these Valentine’s Day ideas will leave them swooning. Thank us later.
See the greats at the Borghese Gallery in Rome
For the couples who are always seeking out the best in historical art, there’s no better place to spend Valentine’s Day than Rome’s Galleria Borghese. Housed in the striking former Villa Borghese Pinciana, this gallery is full of iconic works such as Bernini’s Neptune, Canova’s Venus Victrix, and Caravaggio’s Young Sick Bacchus. Walk through the highly decorated 17th-century rooms, then catch up on each others’ favourite works as you stroll through the picturesque park of Villa Borghese.
Listen to the Valentine's classics in Amsterdam
This one’s for the film and music lovers. Every year, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw (one of the best venues for acoustics in the world), hosts an evening that brings film scores to life. This year at Valentine Classics at the Movies, the Olten Philharmonic Orchestra will be filling your ears with sounds from Forrest Gump, West Side Story, Cinema Paradiso and more. It’s all held in a grand and imposing concert hall that’s been delighting Amsterdammers and visitors since the late 1800s. Grab dinner at the concert hall’s restaurant LIER beforehand, for French-inspired cuisine with a contemporary twist. Tickets can be found here.
Wind down with underground jazz in Zagreb
Cosy candle-lit atmosphere, private booths and live jazz sessions makes Bacchus Jazz Bar one of the best Valentine’s Day ideas in Zagreb. In this cellar bar that’s a favourite of locals, you’ll be treated to Dalmatian wines, low brick ceilings, a homely mix of mismatched furniture and laid back jazz to croon along to. Bacchus Jazz Bar is on the edge of Lower Town’s famous Lenuci’s Horseshoe (Trg Kralja Tomislava 16) – take your time to get there and enjoy a walk through the parks from art’otel Zagreb.
Delve into all forms of love in Berlin
Think the LGBTIQA+ community has never had a place in art? Well, The Second Glance: All Forms of Love is here to challenge everything we thought we knew – or were taught – about art throughout history. This fascinating exhibition at Berlin’s Bode Museum explores existing collections through a new lens, showing that there’s always been artistic and societal engagement with LGBTIQA+ sexualities and identities – they’ve just been overlooked. Celebrating all forms of love through art? What a way to spend Valentine’s Day in Berlin. Book a ticket here.
Flirt over focaccia in London
Tucked under Victorian railway arches, Maltby Street Market comes alive with the buzz of street food vendors and cozy wine bars. Share small plates at cult favourite 40 Maltby Street, sip natural wines at Gergovie Wines, or get cheesy with steaming bowls of raclette at The French Comte. Between vintage warehouses and strings of twinkling lights, you and your valentine can explore artisan coffee roasters, craft gin distilleries, and waffles the likes you’ve never seen before served. It’s an intimate slice of London foodie culture that’s perfect to explore together.
Unwrap Sweet Moments in Cologne
Because what’s more romantic than chocolate? A temple to cocoa craftsmanship, the Lindt Chocolate Museum takes you and your date on an indulgent journey through chocolate’s rich history. Watch master chocolatiers work their magic at the museum’s very own Lindt station, where liquid chocolate flows from a magnificent three-meter fountain. Share a moment of pure bliss as you sample fresh pralines, then create your own Valentine’s treat in an intimate chocolate-making workshop. End your visit at the Chocolat Grand Café, where you can sip hot chocolate while gazing over the Rhine’s sparkling waters.
Planning a loved-up trip to Europe’s best cities this year? Add a stay at art’otel to your list of Valentine’s Day ideas to make it even better. Check out our latest offers and packages.
