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9 Best places to go for Valentine’s Day: Things to do and dinners

Looking for the best places to go for Valentine’s Day? Discover romantic trips and dinners for couples across Paris, Venice, Kyoto, and more.

Updated: January 23, 2026

The best places to go for Valentine’s Day aren’t just destinations; they’re shared experiences. A sunrise in Santorini, jazz in a dimly lit New York bar, or pasta for two in a quiet Italian alley can say more than any gift ever could.

This guide brings together the most romantic getaways for you. From Europe’s timeless cities to the best places to go for Valentine’s Day near you.

And to keep your plans stress-free from start to finish, we’ve also included smart travel tips, like using a travel eSIM to stay connected without the roaming drama.

Top romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day

Travelling abroad for Valentine’s Day is a popular way for couples to celebrate with something more meaningful than the usual dinner and flowers. 

Below, you’ll find some of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day for couples.

1. Paris, France

There’s no place quite like Paris on 14 February. Valentine’s Day in France brings out the best in the City of Love: slow walks, soft lights, and moments that feel cinematic.

On Valentine’s Day, every café, corner, and cobblestone in the city has a story to tell. This Paris travel guide is here to help you write yours.

Things to do

  • Stroll through Montmartre, wander the hilltop district, take in views from Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or explore galleries and patisseries at leisure.
  • Visit world-famous museums, find inspiration at the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, surrounded by masterpieces and quiet moments.

Best places for day trips

  • Take a fairytale day trip and enjoy a short train for a magical, romantic escape.
  • Escape to Champagne or Versailles for Vineyard tours and tastings or a royal visit to Palace of Versailles.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Book a table at Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower, for a truly unforgettable dinner. 
  • Try Septime, one of Paris’s most sought-after modern bistros, for something intimate and chic. 
  • Explore the city’s oldest restaurant, La Petite Chaise, which delivers romance with every course.

To make the most of your trip, set up an eSIM for Paris City before you arrive. You’ll stay effortlessly connected for everything from restaurant bookings to sharing moments on the go.

Paris, France
Stroll by the Seine for iconic Eiffel Tower views and classic Parisian romance. (Source: Shutterstock)

2. Venice, Italy

Few places match the romance of Valentine’s Day in Venice. With its still canals, storybook bridges, and golden twilight, the entire city feels like a love letter written just for two, as highlighted in this travel guide to Italy.

Things to do

  • Start your day with a gondola ride through Venice’s winding waterways. It may be cliché, but it’s unforgettable, especially when shared. 
  • Explore St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, where art, history, and Gothic elegance meet.

Best places for day trips

  • Stroll through Burano Island, where colourful houses line quiet canals, perfect for a long walk and a photos.
  • Discover Murano, known for its centuries-old glassblowing, and find a unique keepsake together.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Book a table at Ristorante Quadri in Piazza San Marco, with elegant dishes and stunning views included. 
  • Enjoy the cosy ambience in Osteria alle Testiere restaurant, a local favourite for seafood.

Before your trip, be sure to activate your eSIM for Venice to stay connected without roaming stress.

Venice, Italy
Explore colorful streets hand in hand in Venice, perfect for a relaxed couple’s walk and charming photo spots. (Source: Shutterstock)

3. Santorini, Greece

Dreaming of the best place to visit in Greece on Valentine’s Day? This Greece travel guide suggests Santorini. An island made for romance, with whitewashed villages, deep blue seas, and sunsets that feel like they were painted just for two.

Things to do

  • Start your day in Oia, where watching the sun melt into the Aegean is a must-do for couples. 
  • Wander the island’s famous black-sand beaches, or hike along volcanic cliffs for breathtaking views you’ll never forget.

Best places for day trips

  • Take a boat tour to the nearby volcanic islands, complete with hot springs and dramatic landscapes. 
  • Head to Pyrgos and Imerovigli, two traditional villages that offer a quieter, more intimate slice of island life.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Choose Selene restaurant if you’re looking for a special evening with refined dishes and sweeping views over the island.
  • Enjoy a candlelit atmosphere at 1800‑Floga in Oia, where every table feels intimate and unhurried.

To keep your plans seamless, set up an eSIM for Santorini before you go

Santorini, Greece
Enjoy iconic white-and-blue views, cliffside walks, and unforgettable photo spots overlooking the Aegean Sea. (Source: Shutterstock)

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is one of the most romantic cities to experience Valentine’s Day in Japan. With serene gardens, ancient temples, and quiet lanes lit by lanterns, it’s a peaceful escape for two, perfect for things to do in Kyoto and day trip from Kyoto.

Things to do

  • Visit the shimmering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Walk through the endless vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. 
  • Explore Gion district, with its wooden townhouses and geisha culture, invites you to slow down and savour the moment.

Best places for day trips

  • Visit Nara to see the famous deer park and the majestic Todaiji Temple
  • Head to Uji, where riverside tea houses serve some of Japan’s finest matcha.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Try Kaiseki dining in a calm, elegant, and traditional setting at Gion Karyo
  • Wander down Pontocho Alley, where you’ll find cosy riverside restaurants perfect for a relaxed, romantic evening.

With an eSIM for Japan, you can explore, share, and stay effortlessly connected.

Kyoto, Japan
Take a quiet walk through Kyoto’s historic streets near Yasaka Pagoda, where tradition and romance meet. (Source: Shutterstock)

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Valentine’s Day in Mexico is vibrant and full of flavor, with history, romance, and culture around every corner, as highlighted in this Mexico travel guide.

Things to do

  • Wander through lakes, gardens, and cultural gems in Chapultepec Park, perfect for a laid-back morning.
  • Explore the Centro Histórico, walk past colonial buildings, pop into quiet courtyards, and soak in the timeless charm of Mexico City’s historic heart.

Best places for day trips

  • Head to Teotihuacan and climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon together.
  • Explore the bohemian charm of Coyoacán, known for its art galleries, cafés, and cobbled streets.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Try Pujol if you’re in the mood for a special night out; it’s one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.
  • Enjoy cozy courtyard dining with classic Mexican flavours at Azul Histórico.

To navigate like a local, set up an eSIM for Mexico City before you land.

Mexico City, Mexico
Scenic walks through Mexico City’s parks offer a quieter, more intimate way to experience the city together. (Source: Shutterstock)

6. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re dreaming of a tropical romantic getaway, Maui is one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day. Think soft beaches, warm sunsets, and just enough White Lotus energy to keep things interesting. 

This island gem is a must-see in your Hawaii travel guide, whether you’re planning to unwind or explore.

Things to do

  • Spend your morning relaxing on the golden sands of Kaanapali or Wailea
  • Wake up early and drive to Haleakalā National Park, where watching the sun rise above the clouds feels like your own private world.

Best places for day trips

  • Snorkel side by side at Molokini Crater, a sunken volcano just off the coast.
  • Stroll through Lahaina Town, where cute cafés, art galleries, and ocean views make for an easygoing afternoon.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Book a table at Mama’s Fish House for oceanfront fine dining that’s as unforgettable as the view.
  • Try Lahaina Grill, a relaxed, romantic spot where you can linger over dinner and let the evening unfold.

Activate an eSIM for Hawaii before you go, so you can find trails, book tables, or share those sunset shots without worrying about signal or roaming fees.

Maui, Hawaii
Maui’s beaches offer relaxed coastal walks and postcard-worthy scenery for couples. (Source: Shutterstock)

7. New York City, US

New York, bold, electric, and somehow still impossibly romantic. It might come as a surprise, but this fast-paced city is one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day, with plenty of things to do in New York.

Things to do

  • Stroll through Central Park and enjoy the romantic scenery
  • Visit iconic viewpoints, head up to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building for those heart-stopping skyline views. 

Best places for day trips

  • Head to the Hudson Valley for wine tasting, rolling hills, and picture-perfect small towns.
  • Escape to The Hamptons, where quiet beaches and sea air offer the perfect pause, even in winter.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Try The River Café to enjoy candlelit tables, skyline views, and classic romance beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Choose Le Bernardin for an elevated evening, this world-renowned seafood restaurant delivers refined elegance in a calm, intimate setting.

Before you hail your cab or hop on the subway, set up an eSIM for New York City to keep your connection strong wherever you go.

New York City, US
Scenic waterfront walks in New York City offer iconic skyline views and a relaxed setting for couples. (Source: Shutterstock)

8. Napa Valley, California, US

Rolling hills, clinking glasses, and golden-hour light, Napa Valley was made for slow, romantic days. Whether you’re sipping wine under the vines or winding through small-town streets, this is Valentine’s Day at its most indulgent.

Things to do

  • Start with tastings at world-famous vineyards
  • Wander the charming streets of St. Helena or Yountville, where boutiques, bakeries, and art galleries invite you to take your time.

Best places for day trips

  • Head to Sonoma Valley for even more wine (and fewer crowds).
  • Soak in the natural hot springs of Calistoga, where spa days come with mountain views.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Try The French Laundry, if you’re going all out; this is the place, elegant, iconic, and worth booking well in advance.
  • Enjoy a cozy setting at Bottega Napa Valley, an Italian-inspired favorite where every dish feels like comfort and celebration.

Before you hit the trails or toast your first glass, set up your eSIM for California to ensure a stable connection.

Napa Valley, California, US
Relax together with vineyard views and slow moments in Napa Valley, California’s wine country. (Source: Shutterstock)

9. Savannah, Georgia, US

Savannah often surprises couples as one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day. With moss‑draped oaks, historic squares, and a relaxed coastal vibe, it’s a destination made for unhurried moments together.

Things to do

  • Start with a gentle walk along River Street, where cobblestones, river views, and old brick warehouses set the mood.
  • Head to Forsyth Park and pause by its iconic fountain, one of the city’s most romantic spots, especially in the soft afternoon light.

Best places for day trips

  • Spend the day on Tybee Island for quiet beach walks and ocean air, 
  • Wander through the Wormsloe Historic Site, where the tree‑lined avenue feels straight out of a storybook.

Best places to go for Valentine’s Day dinner

  • Take on Southern cuisine set at The Grey, a beautifully restored historic space.
  • Enjoy elegant ambience at Elizabeth on 37th, a perfect spot for a candlelit Valentine’s dinner with a sense of history.

And to make your trip even smoother, consider setting up your eSIM for Georgia before you go. 

Savannah, Georgia, US
Explore waterfront paths and preserved streets in Savannah, ideal for couples who enjoy history and slow travel. (Source: Shutterstock)

Valentine’s Day travel tips for couples

The best places to go for Valentine’s Day deserve thoughtful planning. A few small steps can make your trip smoother and more meaningful:

  • Book early to secure flights, stays, and special dinner spots.
  • Skip the crowds by travelling midweek or picking quieter destinations.
  • Match your energy, whether you’re into hikes, history, or hammams, choose activities that fit your rhythm as a couple.
  • Surprise each other with little moments, think sunset walks, handwritten notes, or a local gift.
  • Stay connected with an international eSIM like Holafly, so you can share memories, navigate easily, and roam without worries.

Romantic travel isn’t about how far you go; it’s about how present you are when you get there.

Stay connected while enjoying romantic moments

Make the most of your Valentine’s escape with a Holafly eSIM, the easiest way to stay online, share memories, and navigate freely in over 200 destinations.

With daily plans and flexible monthly Holafly Plans for longer stays, it’s easy to stay connected no matter where or how long love takes you.

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Violet Lee

Violet Lee

SEO Content Specialist

Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.

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