Vienna doesn't get enough credit as a romantic destination. Just look at its grandeur! Observe its old, classic opulence! And get lost in all the history and heritage. The Austrian capital is such a beautiful metropolis that it's almost impossible not to fall in love. If you and your partner ever spend Valentine's Day in Vienna, know that you'll have the ultimate holiday experience! The iconic Schönbrunn Palace, for example, with its many manicured and lush gardens will have you living out your classic romance novel fantasies. So will listening to classical music concerts, of which Vienna has some of the best in store!
Visit The Schönbrunn Palace
What's more romantic than a palace? Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace is the ultimate must-see for couples who want to revel in the romance of the Austrian capital. It's an exceptional piece of architecture, complete with grand halls, gilded details, exquisite antiques, and fine art. You also shouldn't miss the palace gardens—well mani-cured fields of lush greenery, eye-catching flowers, and there's even a hedge maze. This is the kind of place you'd read about in
classic French novels and famous love stories. Who knows? Perhaps those kinds of exciting romances happened in this very place all those years ago too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See “The Kiss” at The Belvedere Palace
Another of the
most romantic spots in Vienna worth seeing on Valentine's Day is the Belvedere Palace. The complex, which includes both the Orangery and the palace stables, are two of the best pieces of Baroque architecture in the Austrian capital. Every corner of this estate screams opulence, down to the smallest gilded details. But perhaps what's most famous about the Belvedere Palace today is that it's home to Gustave Klimt's iconic “The Kiss” painting. Once condemned as a pornographic image, it is now one of the most romantic works of art ever made in the classical era. You need to see it in person!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hang Out at Sisi Garden
Haven't had enough of palaces, courtyards, and gardens? Then perhaps you and your special someone will have a gay ol' time in the Sisi Garden. There's a specific part of the Volksgarten Park that's dedicated to Austria's former Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria. Called the “Sisi Garden,” it's a lush courtyard with a memorial statue of the Empress at the center. What makes this place a great spot for Valentine's Day in Austria isn't just its beautiful flowers and idyllic vibe. It's also because the memorial stands as the country, or more specifically Franz Joseph I's eternal love for the fallen empress.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Gryffindor
Go to a Classical Music Concert
If you ever
move to Vienna, know that listening to music will likely play a bigger part of your life here. Once the home of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, Vienna is largely considered the capital of classical music. The city even upholds this reputation to this day, with concerts and competitions filling the grand music halls and opera houses with those iconic composers' beloved works. And don't you think it'd be utterly romantic to get all dressed up and go to one of these concerts for Valentine's Day in Vienna? It'll be a date you won't ever forget!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Take a Horse Carriage Ride
Admittedly, riding a horse-drawn carriage on Valentine's Day sounds a little cliche. You probably got the idea for it in a rom-com you recently watched, didn't you? It's a grand gesture, sure, but wouldn't you risk embarrassing your date instead of impressing them? Well, not in Vienna! Horse-drawn carriage rides are common in the Austrian capital, albeit for tourists. But on the most romantic day of the year, you owe it to your beloved to be a bit more extravagant. You can hire a carriage and let them drive you throughout the many beautiful
neighborhoods in Vienna. What a holiday that would be!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ride a Cruise on The Danube River
Yes, you read that right! Not a lot of people know that the Danube River also flows through Vienna. It's most famously part of
Budapest, sure, but parts of it are in the Austrian capital too. And just like in Budapest, you can spend Valentine's Day in Vienna going on a cruise along the Danube River. These sorts of attractions often include dinner and live music. A little cliche but there's no denying that it's a romantic experience. As you cruise along the famous river, you get to see all the best sights, eat delicious food, and enjoy each other's company.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner
Speaking of dinner, there's no beating the classic dinner date for any sort of special occasion. When you get too overwhelmed with the various options on what to do on Valentine's Day in Vienna, simply eating out is the best answer. There are many great places to eat in Vienna, after all, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble taverns. Any of them is enough to have you dining in style and enjoying each other's company. You'll especially want to go to spots that serve local cuisine. Since you're already in the Austrian capital, shouldn't you indulge in authentic Austrian food too?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Share a Slice of Sachertorte
If there's one Austrian delicacy—or in this case, dessert—that you shouldn't miss, it's the “
Sachertorte.” Invented by Franz Sacher as a treat to Prince Metternich in Vienna, it has since become emblematic of the city's culinary identity. At first glance, you'd think it's another run-of-the-mill chocolate cake. But when you take a bite, its rich flavor and overwhelming texture will take hold of your taste buds like no other. Now, doesn't this sound like the perfect dessert to share with your special someone on Valentine's Day? It'll definitely make for a great dessert on your dinner date!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Planning to spend Valentine's Day in Vienna? Or perhaps have your honeymoon here? Then you're in luck! The Austrian capital is a romantic destination where couples can have the time of their lives and fall in love with each other all over again.
