This blog post was originally posted on February 13, 2013 and was updated on February 3, 2021.
Spain is one of the world’s most passionate and romantic destinations—so when it comes to Valentine’s Day, there’s no better place to be!
El día de San Valentín may not be the most Spanish of holidays—its roots actually date back to ancient Rome. That said, Madrid is the perfect place to celebrate without all of the modern materialism. The Spanish capital is a city full of romantic adventures waiting to be had.
Ready to explore with your special someone? Here are some of our picks for how to spend Valentine’s Day in Madrid.
What to do on Valentine’s Day in Madrid
1. Take a romantic stroll
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to walk hand in hand with your love through one of the amazing parks in Madrid. After all, taking a leisurely paseo is as Spanish as it gets!
Craving a more urban vibe? A walk down the Paseo de la Castellana starting at Nuevos Ministerios is also a great way to start off a romantic afternoon. Rest assured that there are plenty of cafés along the way if a coffee break is needed.
Just off of Castellana is the Sorolla Museum, located in the restored home of the 20th-century impressionist painter of the same name. One of the many amazing museums in Madrid, it is home to a quaint and beautifully detailed garden. It’s the perfect place to take a break with your loved one while celebrating Valentine’s Day in Madrid.
2. See a flamenco show
Flamenco is a dance of passion, love and strength: an ideal show for a Valentine’s night out. But not all flamenco shows are created equal, so be sure you go for one that provides honors the traditional roots of the art, rather than focusing on pleasing tourists.
Cardamomo is one of the best places to see flamenco in Madrid. Located in Madrid’s traditional flamenco neighborhood, some of the top names in the game perform here regularly. After the show, extend the evening by checking out the nearby tapas bars or by going for a cocktail. This makes for the complete romantic evening with your significant other, and the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day in Madrid!
3. Take a cooking class
What’s more romantic than cooking a meal with a loved one and enjoying it with a glass of Spanish wine? There are numerous cooking classes available all throughout Madrid. This kind of date can be the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved one, without the stress of planning an elaborate meal at home.
READ MORE: Cook Like a Local at These Fascinating Cooking Classes in Madrid
4. See Madrid from above
While maybe a little cheesy, the Teleférico cable car in Madrid’s Casa de Campo can make for quite the romantic Valentine’s Day outing. From up high you can see all of Madrid while enjoying the nature below. The views of the Royal Palace and Debod Temple alone make it a worthwhile endeavour.
A quick walk from the park is Casa Mingo, a restaurant famous for their house sidra (hard cider) and roasted chicken. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s a perfect date night spot for Valentine’s Day in Madrid.
5. See an old romantic movie
A twist on the classic “dinner and a movie” can be another route to take on this romantic holiday. Doré Cinema is a classic theater built in the late 19th century. One of the best English language cinemas in Madrid, you can cozy up and watch a true classic in English or a selection from the Spanish Film Library. It’s located near the Plaza de Santa Ana, so you can finish the night with dessert and drinks at any of the local cafés or bars.
Do you know that in madrid is buried saint Valentin?
I had no idea! How interesting!
St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, was executed in Rome and buried there in the 3rd century. Much later, an Irish priest was granted permission to exhume his remains, and now his skeleton lies under Whitefriar Church in Dublin