Valentine's Day in Madrid

Saint Valentine’s Day, known as "El Día de San Valentín" in Spanish, is a festival that is celebrated with merriment in Madrid. The shops, churches and eateries sport a festive look throughout February

The NH Concierge’s Tips

Discover Madrid with a leisure walk

Taking a stroll at your leisure, also known as “un paseo” in Spanish, is just the right way to start your Valentine’s Day festivities. Apart from being good for your health and wellness, it is also something that Spaniards in particular traditionally like to do. What better time to whisper sweet nothings and wax lyrical about your “amor” than during a romantic walk through the beautiful surroundings of Madrid on Valentine's Day?
You could embark on your amble from Nuevos Ministerios station during the afternoon hours and stroll down the length of Paseo de Castellana, one of Madrid's largest avenues. There are plenty of cafés on this road, so you can stop at one of them for a quick repast before heading towards the Sorolla Museum on Paseo General Martinez Campos. This museum was once the home of 19th century socialite and impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla. There is a charming garden at the museum which is just perfect for spending a quiet moment with your loved one and appreciating the pretty surroundings together. The immaculate greens of the Sabatini Gardens, known as "Jardines de Sabatini" in Spanish, or the Temple de Debod are also great places for taking a moonlight stroll.

Romantic movies and picnics in the park

Nothing can better help you snuggle up with your partner than watching a romantic movie, especially one of the old classics. The 19th century Doré Cinema near the Plaza de Santa Ana is the perfect place to do this. Once you are done with the movie, you can round off a perfect Valentine’s Day in Madrid with a quiet, candlelit dinner.
The Retiro Park next to the Puerta de Alcalá has an artificial lake where you can take a boat ride and enjoy all the allure of the romantic and leisurely city of Madrid. An added charm would be to pack a picnic lunch, so that you feed each other tidbits while rowing on the lake and generally spending a laidback day.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Madrid with a flamenco show

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance form that symbolises love and passion. Attending a flamenco show is therefore quite close to spending an ideal Valentine’s Day – or rather night – in Madrid. You can also catch these shows at many of the restaurants and bars that specially host flamenco evenings. Marvel at the performances while gorging on a delectable spread of Spanish cuisine.
Later on, you could also head out with your sweetheart to the pinchos or tapas bars scattered throughout the city centre and enjoy a taste of the nightlife Madrid offers.

Think outside the box

A great alternative way to kickstart Valentine’s Day in Madrid would be to take the "teleferico" (cable car). This will provide you with splendid aerial views of the city, including neat glimpses of the Debod Temple and the Royal Palace. Of course, an extra advantage is that you get to serenade your partner while soaring up in the air!
Clearly, Madrid is a city that is great for celebrating Valentine’s Day. There are many ways to spend a romantic day with your date on Valentine’s Day, and these romantic Madrid tips for getting to know the city and cosying up with your loved one are really just scratching the surface of what is on offer. 


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