Is it too cliche to write a post about dating in February? Probably, but we could all use a little extra romance these days. I have bothered some of my closest friends around the world to get you the scoop on date ideas that are sure to impress your special someone. I hope it inspires a trip, or perhaps opens your eyes to something in your city that you hadn't thought of before.
Enjoy mes amours!
Barcelona, Spain
Start your day by renting a motorbike and taking the scenic route up to Tibidabo. Upon arriving to the top of the mountain you will find a little amusement park with a ferris wheel that offers views of the entire city. Along with the attractions you will stumble upon a beautiful neo-gothic cathedral that was finished in 1961. Plenty to discover and share together on Barcelona's highest point.
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Once you start getting hungry, head back down the mountain to Barrio de Gracia. This lively district of Barcelona is very relaxed and offers several different options of places to eat. If you want a true Catalan gastronomical experience make your way to La Bodegueta, you'll find delicious tapas and bites with the Spanish guitar in the background. After finishing up some dinner go along to El Coleccionista to have a glass of wine, enjoy some live music, and maybe make your way to the dance floor? Too much? Absolutely not, you're on a date in Spain, getting a little close on the dance floor is the perfect way to end the night.
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Andy
Bogota, Colombia
An exceptional, and traditional Colombian spot, is Andres Carne de Res. While there is one in the city centre, it is recommended to go to the original spot in Chia. Andres Carne de Res is not just a restaurant, it is everything that Colombia represents in one place with its flavors, music, colors, and joy.
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Start the evening off trying all of the little Colombian plates, accompanied by some delicious local cocktails you won't find anywhere else. Once you have finished indulging it's time to dance. Andres is known as the best party in Colombia because it has a variety of music from 80s to merengue, to salsa, to reggaeton, believe me, your dancing needs will be satisfied. Once you're all danced out, head outside to Caldos de Andres to enjoy some local empanadas or a burger.
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The energy at this spot is unlike any other, and it will surely be a night to remember!
Mariana
Moscow, Russia
Growing up in Moscow, my date spot was a little American diner near the school. How very Russian of me. In my defense, they did serve incredible burgers. Now that I'm approaching my 30's, I have accepted the fact that I'm not that into over-the-top romantic stuff. So my perfect date consists of wandering around, challenging my date to a little competition, and polishing it all off with a strong cocktail (or two) and something we can ideally eat with our hands. With this formula in mind, here's what I would do for a date in Moscow.
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We would first head to Gorky Park, one of the city's central parks, stretching 3km along the banks of the Moscow River. What I love most about this ginormous park is that it offers so many different activities. Our first stop would be the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art to get our cultural fix – and to see what a $2 billion renovation can get you. Jokes aside, Garage always organizes interesting exhibitions, so if you're into modern art, this is worth a visit. Then we would walk through the park towards Cochonnet, a cute little outdoor bar, where I would proceed to school my date in a game of petanque. Good tunes, drinks, and fun people watching. What else could you want?
And a little wild card for the next day. This recommendation is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it's a must if you are visiting Russia. Going to the banya. In a nutshell, it's spending a few hours going between a hammam-like wet room where you sweat out last night's sins, then to a dry room where you sit around drinking tea and gossiping. Sanduny is my favorite banya. And yes, you will need to get naked for this. Enjoy!
Masha
Time for food! We would head to Patriach Ponds, which is an area with lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars surrounding... you guessed it... a pond. If you're feeling adventurous, Mari Vanna offers homestyle delicacies in your Russian grandma's most fabulously kitsch dining room. Feeling seafood or sushi, go to Cutfish Bistro. Reservations are recommended, but sometimes it's fun to wander around and just see what you're feeling in the moment. There are so many good food places in this area, you're bound to find something you like. A nightcap at Keanu, or maybe we would grab a beer and sit on one of the benches around the pond to watch youngsters causing trouble. Voila! A date in Moscow.
Santiago, Chile
This trip might be a little ambitious for just the day, but it can be done. Rent a car or get a driver to take you from Santiago to the Hotel Vik. You'll take a two and a half hour drive through the very center of the longest country in the world. The hotel has a beautiful winery, you can enjoy a great meal, get pampered at the wine spa, go horseback riding through the vineyard, wine tasting - obviously, and choose from a few more experiences. If you're looking for a cheeky night away be sure to reserve before and enjoy!
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*Please note, Chile has a strict 0 tolerance drinking and driving law, if you plan on driving make sure you stay the night, if not book a driver.
Paula
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
@salthunt
While Guanacaste isn't the most touristy area of Costa Rica, it is very underrated. This area is full of stunning little islands that can only be reached by boat. Salthunt provides a great and tailored experience for what ever you and your significant other are looking for. Whether you are itching for some adventure and fishing you'll get to enjoy your catch of the day, or maybe you would rather snorkel and try your luck finding a pearl inside an oyster, or a bit of both? You will eat deliciously on the boat and island hop from one secluded beach to the next. So if you're one of those who likes long walks on the beach, you'll be in paradise...
Caro
Helsinki, Finland
@jennameren
This date should be saved for the summer months in Finland. Pack a delicious picnic with a bottle of wine - or two, and catch the ferry from the Market Square to the lovely little island of Suomenlinna. Once you've arrived on the island choose your spot in front of the water and enjoy your picnic. After lunch take a walk around the old eighteenth century fortress. On a summer's day, night will only fall for a couple of hours, so if you are doing a dinner picnic you will be able to experience the unique pink shades in the sky, while stargazing at the same time.
If you have chosen a lunch picnic, there are a few restaurant options on the island for dinner. And if you choose to go back into the city, but aren't ready for the date to be over, head into Wino for dinner.
Kristina
@laurikes
Edinburgh, Scotland
What better way to experience the enchanting city of Edinburgh than getting a view of the whole city from the top of Arthur's Seat? Put on some comfy walking shoes, pack a snack and head up the walking trail to the top. You will have a breathtaking views of the city.
Once you've taken in all of the fresh air make your way back down to get some dinner at Monteiths on the Royal Mile. They offer the best farm to table meals, where you'll enjoy some true Scottish flavors on the most famous road in Edinburgh. Now that you are no longer hungry it's time to get a bit spooked. While you might think ghost tours are a bit phony, a walk through Edinburgh's underground city that was closed off because of the plague might just give you some chills down your back, or at least a good opportunity to hold on to one another, you're welcome. Even if you don't encounter any wandering souls, it's a great way to learn the history of the city. The tour ends at the Witchery, a perfect place for a nightcap to end your date.
Alison
Seoul, South Korea
To start your date, visit one of Gangnam’s most famous neighborhoods, Apgujeong-dong. There, you can first grab brunch at one of its many amazing restaurants or cafes. My personal favorite is Made Restaurant, it’s an Italian-American restaurant with a made-to-order model (think Chipotle if it had an upscale restaurant). Apgujeong-dong is known for its Rodeo Street where there are a lot of shops and restaurants.
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After brunch, walk off your delicious meal down the street to Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong, another one of Gangnam’s famous neighborhoods. Garosu-gil is a very photogenic fashion and shopping street, famous in fall for its beautiful ginkgo trees lining the street. I love taking pictures and exploring all the shops, cafes, and bars there. It’s a perfect daytime outing with your date.
After the game, head one subway stop over to COEX Mall, the biggest underground shopping mall in the world. You and your date can partake in more shopping or visit its huge aquarium, but the real attraction is the magnificent Starfield Library. It’s the most dreamy library I have ever been to and is so interesting to explore and take pictures in with your S.O.
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If you get hungry for dinner, feel free to grab a bite at one of the mall’s many establishments or find a great Korean barbecue spot which you can find pretty much on any street in Korea. It’s one of my favorite date night cuisines. Enjoy free side dishes for days and cook your own meat right at your table. I also highly recommend having some makgeolli with your meal, which is Korea’s famous rice wine. The atmosphere at Korean bbq restaurants is also great. You never see anyone having their meal alone. You’re just surrounded by people out socializing and having a good time and it just puts you in a good mood too (the alcoholic beverages traditionally with Korean bbq - soju, beer, makgeolli). You really feel like you’re being immersed in the culture when eating at a Korean bbq restaurant and it’s definitely a must-do activity in Korea.
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Finally, for the best kind of night cap head to Banpo Han River Park situated right by the Han River. There, you can enjoy a fantastic night view of the city while drinking some of Korea’s famous soju. And don’t worry about drinking outside, there are no open carry laws here! You can also see a beautiful light show of Banpo Bridge at certain times. And if you get hungry again, you can have food delivered right to your location in the park. It’s perfect for a romantic nighttime picnic and one of the best ways to end your date.
Tayler
Once finished shopping and exploring Garosu-gil, hop on the subway and head east a little out of Gangnam to Jamsil Sports Complex to catch a Korean baseball game at Jamsil Stadium. Baseball is super popular in Korea and attending games here is so much fun because they’re a little different from ones in the U.S. My favorite part is the chants everyone does for the teams and individual players as well as the cheerleaders who act more like K-Pop stars. You can even have food delivered right to your seat in the stadium! And not just hot dogs and popcorn. While you can find some of those classic baseball treats here, Korea’s baseball games are known for fried chicken and beer. Seriously, Korea has some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had and enjoying them at an over the top baseball game with your date makes for an extremely fun and memorable outing.
Corsica, France
Let's go to Bonifacio on southern tip of Corsica. Inside this charming town you'll find the Citadel, the old town and the marina. Upon arrival at the marina, take a boat to visit the grottes. You can enter these caves that perfectly protect their pools inside, take a dip or just pass through, either way, it doesn't get more romantic than being alone with your significant other with only the rocks as your chaperon. On the way to and from you will witness the spectacular Corsican cliffs drop into the blue depths.
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Once you have finished your sailing adventure, make your way back to the marina to enjoy some moules frites for lunch on the terrace at any of the restaurants along the water.
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Finally, head into the citadel for some ice cream with a view. Don't miss the truly one of a kind King of Aragon's staircase, step all the way down the side of a breathtaking cliff to the water.
Thaïs
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
While Dubai is known for being home to the tallest building in the world and manmade islands, a perfect date option in this city is in fact forty five minutes outside in the desert. This would ideally be a staycation with your date, but if you're not there yet you can manage it for the day. Drive out to the Al Maha Desert Resort. Upon arrival get the blood going with a desert safari or a camel ride through the majestic dunes. You can also participate in archery or falconry on site at the resort.
Once the thrill activities are complete go to the spa for a couples massage and other delightful treatments. To end the day enjoy a lovely dinner on the resort's terrace or right from your suite out by your private pool with views of the dunes and mountains.
Isabella
Saint Barthélemy
Not that much has to be said in order to have a romantic time with your date on one of the most spectacular islands in the world. St. Barths' charm is known for its lifestyles for the rich and the famous, while dates here might be a bit more pricey, it will be unforgettable. To start the date, rent a moke (open roof island car) in town and drive to Anse du Gouverneur. You will be welcomed by the turquoise Caribbean water, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.
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Once you are officially sunkissed, drive back into town to enjoy dinner at Shellona on Shell Beach. This restaurant overlooks one of the more low-key beaches on the island. You'll vibe with nice music with the waves in the background.
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If you are looking for more of a lively atmosphere make your way to the port of St. Barths, decked with a battalion of sailboats, speeders, catamarans and yachts. There are lots of great spots there. Bonito is one option located on a hill where you an see the town below, another option Victoria is located on the corner of the marina where you can smell the sea from your table on the terrace. Bon appetit!
Nico
@mokeamerica
Treviso, Italy
Italy is so effortlessly romantic, it's just asking you to fall in love around every corner on every street. Here is a perfect date in the northern province of the country, to the region of prosecco. Obviously, like most good things, start your date with a couple of spritz's in the Piazza dei Signori in the heart of Treviso. Then take a walk through the little streets around the town, passing the famous Fontana delle Tette, alongside the peaceful canals, and of course the duomo.
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After the walk get in the car and drive through le colline del prosecco di Valdobbiadene, the hills of prosecco. If you are going in summer stop at Osteria Senz'Oste Valdobbiadene, where you will find a fridge with cheese and aperitivo bites that you will pay for on your own (no host as the name says), it's a perfect place for a romantic dinner - with prosecco of course. This region has several options for romantic dinners "cena romantic new vigneto".
Meri
Rio de Janerio, Brazil
I need you to put on Girl from Ipanema while you get ready for your date in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. To start off sit by the water of the Lagoa and enjoy a picnic with the spectacular view of Rio's unique topography in front of you. After lunch head over to Parque Lage in the Jardim Botânico. Visit the palace at the foot of Corcovado and then walk up to Vista Chinesa for another beautiful view of the city.
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Hopefully after your walk you will be hungry again, where else are you going to end up but in Ipanema, of course. L'atelier Mimolette is a great option for some tapas and wine. To end the night wander along the monumental black and white streets of Ipanema filled with music and life.
Nelson
@plagecafe
Cairo, Egypt
So I think it's safe to assume that people have been going on dates around Cairo for thousands of years, let's just begin with that. For those of you looking for a very local date, you can hop onto a carriage and be pulled along side of the Nile while eating some Halabisa, which you can find on the stands by the street. After that take a walk by Corniche el Nile.
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Now, if you are looking for something a bit more "unique" take a Felucca ride on the Nile. After you enjoy this peaceful Egyptian ride, head to the Revolving Restaurant, located on the 41st floor of Grand Nile Tower. Here you will indulge in delicious French cuisine while the restaurant rotates giving you full views of Cairo and it's ancient landmarks.
Ahd
Sydney, Australia
G'day you lovely lovers! For a memorable and romantic date in the land down under start off by packing a picnic and setting up at Cremorne Point. Here you will have a local and more private beautiful view of the Sydney Harbour. This is a perfect spot to set down your rug and some cheese and wine while watching the boats sail by.
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After lunch take a walk to the lighthouse in the point. Here you can climb down onto the rocks and have the best view of the harbour bridge and be totally alone. After fully admiring the iconic view, catch the ferry from Cremorne point to Circular Quay - pronounced key. Upon arrival you have a few options on how to continue your date, the first is making your way through The Rocks market then head to the Modern Art Museum (MCA) before ending up at the Glenmore rooftop for some drinks. From here you can go to dinner at Saki if you're in the mood for Japanese fine dining, if not head back to the wharf for a fun vibe at James Squire Landing.
The other option is once you've disembarked the ferry, take your time walking through the botanical gardens before going to the Westpac open air cinema at Mrs. Macquarie's chair (in the botanic gardens) and watch a movie with the city skyline behind the screen.
Alexandra
Athens, Greece
Athens is a buzzing, vibrant, beautiful city steeped in history, myths and much more. It has an undeniable energy and is a wonderfully romantic city. There are some absolutely incredible hiking trails; the highest of the four mountains surrounding Athens, Parnitha, offers an easy escape from the commotion of the city. It is close enough to be reached by public transport, but there are parts of the mountain where you truly feel far away. Numerous trials crisscross the slopes and there are two refuges that offer shelter and food.
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After your hike, head back into the city to catch the sunset from either Mount Lycabettus or Filopappou Hill. Mount Lycabeettus is the highest point in Athens offers unrivalled views over the Acropolis and beyond to the Saronic Gulf. There is a viewing platform at the top which can get very crowded at sunset. If you want a quieter evening you can take a little drink with you and climb up to a little spot of your own on the way up, you will still have a chance to marvel at the colours decorating the Athenian sky.
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Once the sun has officially gone to bed, make your way down to Kolonaki if you watched the sunset on Mount Lycabeettus, and enjoy a delicious Greek meal at one of the tavernas.
Steph
If you watched it at Filopappou Hill head over to Koukaki or Petralona for a bite, you can also catch a movie at one of the outdoor cinemas here on a summer's night.
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Now, if you want to enjoy sunset by the water, you are in Greece after all, enjoy a nice seaside walk along the Athens Riviera. If you are planning to spend the whole day here, you can rent some stand up paddle boards at Kyma Surf School. For delicious ice cream, your best bet is Bufala Gelato. At sunset, take a gentle walk up Faskomilia Hill and watch the colours transform in the sky. Finish off your date with dinner at Louizidis, a low-key taverna with all of your favorite traditional greek food.
@nefelinineretreats
Cordoba, Argentina
La Cumbercita Hotel
For this date get ready to spend the whole day because you will be going for a drive two hours outside of the city center to La Cumbrecita. Hidden between the mountains, rivers and forests, this little alpine town is as charming as it gets. Your first stop will be lunch at Helmut, be sure you eat well because you will be needing energy for the next part of the date.
After lunch your first option is going for a hike through the mountains, you will stumble upon secluded little chapels, mountain cabins, listen to the flowing river next to you, and of course enjoy the stunning mountain views.
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Now for those looking for something on the more adventurous side, you can rent a horse from a local who will then take you and your date through the town into the mountain, showing you the most breathtaking landscapes.
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Since La Cumbrecita's roots are German/Swiss there is delicious chocolate. A date with chocolate tasting? Yes, please. The town is full of little chocolate factories, so go for a walk, find the one calling you and enjoy! To end this magical day, savor a delicious dinner at La Colina.
Tefi
Amsterdam, Netherlands
There a few different "perfect dates" in Amsterdam. The most classic being one from the water, which consists mainly of sitting, drinking, eating, and observing the surprisingly small canal buildings that, yes, people actually live in.
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Let's start the day with a brunch at Little Collins. It's the perfect place to start the day. For the early birds, it's located in De Pijp which is a beautiful area to walk around and get a feel for the city. Pretty much anything on the menu is amazing, so there are no wrong choices here, definitely try the bellinis. Now that your bellies have been filled for the active day ahead (aka: sitting in a boat), renting a boat is a must when visiting the city of canals. There are a bunch of places where you can rent one, I would advise to just Google it (some options are: Mokumboot or sloepdelen.nl). Don't worry you don't need a boating license to rent one, just watch out for the massive tourist boats. If you get in their way they will semi-aggressively horn at you. Go boating around the canals of Amsterdam and enjoy the view.
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After boating around for a bit and escaping some narrow boat-crashes, make sure to make a pitstop at Hannekes Boom (especially if it's sunny!). You can park the boat there and order some 'speciaal biertjes'. I hope you brought your bikini/swimsuit because everyone will be swimming!
Julia
@hannekesboom
In the afternoon you can continue the day with a little (minimal) physical activity: jeux de boules! Return the boat and then go to Vergulden Eenhoorn. This is a beautiful farm-like boutique hotel in 'Oost'. You'll bike through the city and once you enter the white gate it'll be like you're in the countryside. You can play jeu de boules and order a bucket of biertjes with bitterballen.
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You can decide to have dinner here, or if you'd like to see as much as possible make reservations at La Vallade. They have a changing French menu and is right around the corner! Glouglou is the best winebar. If you have time for an extra glass of wine, do so!
Vergulden Eenhoorn
San Francisco, USA
The perfect date in San Francisco has to revolve around food and views. Even though that can sound pretty cliché (well, at least a one-up from dinner and a movie) it’s hard to really put into words just how romantic San Francisco can be when you are overlooking the golden hills. For the ultimate date, you can’t just choose one spot, or one hill, so here is a recommendation of the perfect hours in San Francisco.
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Start along the water, at around 4:30pm at Coqueta, for a round of drinks. Coqueta is a Spanish-inspired restaurant full of tapas and small bites, the perfect way to start the night. And although the food is incredible, the drinks make a statement on their own. You can’t leave without ordering a Salt Air Margarita; instead of the salt being on the rim of the cup, they create a salt foam that floats perfectly on top of their delicious take on the classic. And to hold you over until dinner, pair your drinks with El Plat Cap -- the chef’s selection of cured spanish meats, including the best Jamón Ibérico you will find in San Francisco. The view? An overlook of the Pacific ocean.
Once you finish dinner -- hold off on dessert, there’s one last spot you need to go to. Take a cab, or walk and enjoy the streets of San Francisco, and head to Swenson’s. It’s cash only -- but it’s one of the best ice cream spots. Creamy and rich flavors make it so that sharing a scoop will suffice, making it the perfect excuse to get closer to your date. After you get your ice cream, walk to the corner of Vallejo street and Jones Street, where you will be met with a set of stairs leading you up a small hill that houses some of the most beautiful homes in SF. Walk up the stairs and walk all the way back until you reach a private and small public park that overlooks the entire city and bay. The twinkling lights of the city will be the perfect end to what will hopefully be one of the most special nights you’ve had in this city.
Adriana
From there head over to the heart of the city to a restaurant called The Progress -- one of San Francisco’s coolest restaurants. Inspired by New York City’s Grand Central Station, the interior is one of the sexiest spots in SF, with creamy eggshell-colored subway tiles that make their way to the arched ceilings of the restaurant, low, amber lighting to set the mood and tables just small enough that force you to be intimate. All dishes are meant to be shared, and as the menu changes each season, I can’t recommend a specific dish -- but trust when I say, everything on the menu is worth it. The view? There’s not much to see here other than the interior of the space -- but we’re saving the best for last...
@theprogress_sf
do you have any great date ideas?
where was your most memorable date?
I want to hear it
@camilaime