Vienna gave us one of opera’s happier love stories (Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow since you ask). So here some options for February 14th in our fair city.
- For the record: yes, it’s celebrated locally
- Book a concert & dinner* in Vienna
- See also:
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Romance for two in 2026
Not going to lie…I’ve been married so long that a romantic gesture now means cleaning the apartment on a Saturday morning while your partner has a lie in. But I am not entirely lost to the art of romance.
For those who prefer to say it with flowers rather than a vacuum cleaner, a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day 2026 in Vienna…
Romantic dinner?
(Dinner in the sky at the Danube Tower; press photo © Donauturm)
The obvious choice is a suitably romantic location for a tête-à-tête over a glass of wine and fine food. Perhaps with a view across the city rooftops.
Since a romantic dinner is not just something for Valentine’s Day, I actually have a whole article of suggestions. Obviously, book well in advance for the commercial locations.
Many restaurants will have Valentine’s Day offers, of course. Last time out, for example, the Donauturm viewing platform had special options available in its tower café and restaurant that included a performance by Classic Sound Vienna.
Dinner and a concert?
(The Musikverein venue)
How about a night of light classical music in a romantic historical ambience with dinner to boot? A strong option which hopefully repeats in 2026, for example, is:
- Schönbrunn concerts: a bit of Strauss and Mozart in the long Baroque palace orangery, where the latter used to play for Emperor Joseph II (unless I’ve mixed up my monarchs)
Check out a few concert / dinner options here*, too, as the big day approaches.
Valentine’s Day specials
(A kiss beneath The Kiss at Belvedere? Press photo © Ivory Rose Photography / Belvedere, Wien)
Obviously, a lot of locations, hotels, and attractions have come up with ideas for special events or offers on the 14th.
They usually announce such things fairly late in the day, but I’ll add notable specials as they reach my inbox.
Last year’s offers
Until the 2026 offers appear, here’s a look back at 2025…
A kiss and the Kiss?
(Upper Belvedere: not a bad spot for a romantic evening excursion)
Between 7pm and 11pm on February 14th, Upper Belvedere offered free entry to its Klimt rooms out-of-hours for pairs to get a romantic photo in front of The Kiss.
A professional photographer took your photo as you kissed in front of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting and then sent you a digital copy of the result (also for free).
All on a first come first served basis.
On the water?
(Valentine’s Day dinner along the Danube; press photo © DDSG Blue Danube & Emanuel Kaser)
Ah, moonbeams on the waterfront as your gondola…um, no, that’s Venice not Vienna. However…
The DDSG Blue Danube cruise service that operates around Vienna’s waterways offered an evening trip up the river with a candlelit dinner and live jazz on the 14th.
More photo fun
The 10th floor of the huge Haus des Meeres aquarium and vivarium had a photo booth for a suitably romantic couples photo featuring a denizen of the sea.
On such occasions, I recommend you take a shot with Puppi the giant sea turtle behind you rather than one of the sharks. Depending on the nature of your relationship, of course.
Other museum specials
(Enjoy a special tour at the Mozarthaus)
Every year, look out for specials for couples and pairs at other museums and similar locations. Last year, for example, one or two had a “buy a ticket and get a free one for your partner” offer.
Museums often offer Valentine-themed tours, but largely in German only. An exception was the Mozarthaus, which had a one-hour English tour at 3pm on the 14th on lust and love in the time of Mozart.
A night at the opera?
(The Staatsoper State Opera House)
A spot of high culture seems a fine way to spend the evening on Valentine’s Day. The major houses haven’t published their 2026 schedules yet. But in 2025, we had a couple of love-themed productions:
- The Volksoper had Puccini’s La Rondine on the 14th, with its explorations of the joys and tragedies of romantic love
- The Staatsoper had Rossini’s The Barber of Seville with its happy ending for the lovers Almaviva and Rosina
Romantic footsteps?
(Scene of the poetry recital in Before Sunrise)
Alternatively, simply draw Valentine inspiration from fictional and courtly lovers and retrace their journeys. For example:
- Before Sunrise movie: follow Jesse and Céline as they wander nocturnal Vienna, talk about life, and learn that we’re all just stardust. Recreate Jesse’s recital of Auden’s poem As I walked out one Evening outside the Albertina
- Sachertorte movie: take after Karl and enjoy chocolate cake and coffee in honour of the (possible) love of your life
- Empress Elisabeth: turn the clocks back some 150 years and tread gently in the footsteps of the legendary Sisi, subject of Emperor Franz Joseph’s undying love. (Although that relationship was perhaps also as much tragedy as romance.)
As mentioned, I shall update and add more options as they cross my desk…