Valentine's Day offers a wealth of possibilities, whether you're dreaming of a romantic dinner, a creative activity, or a truly extravagant celebration. We've curated a selection of great ideas for those celebrating solo or with friends, and since it falls on a Friday this year, you can make it a Valentine's weekend!

Párisi Passage Restaurant

Celebrate Valentine's Day in style at the Párisi Passage Restaurant, nestled within the stunning Párisi Courtyard, on 14 February or the following weekend! Enjoy an impressive culinary experience with both à la carte and bistro dishes, catering to all tastes – from duck liver torchon to lamb chops and roasted aubergine. Beyond the exceptional flavours, the venue's fabulous architecture and live music in the passageway create an unforgettable atmosphere. On 14 February, you can book a two-course dinner (or more) in advance and be treated to an exclusive Valentine's Day surprise and a glass of champagne. And the celebrations continue on 15 and 16 February, with a sweet surprise added to any two-course lunch or dinner. The delicious food and pastries are complemented by a varied coffee and drinks menu, including an impressive champagne selection. 

Find details on the website. Book a table here.

VIBE Budapest

Love is in the air (and on the menu!) at VIBE Budapest this Valentine's Day! Right in the city centre, VIBE is offering a truly special gastronomic experience for couples and singles alike. Their exclusive menu is a celebration of romance and flavour harmony, beautifully presented in every course. Kick things off with an Amouse bouche of king scallops and jalapeno salsa dip, then fall head over heels for the L'amour Sushi, a heart-shaped delight with tobiko and pink rice. The main course, rosé duck breast with spinach French mashed potatoes and truffle teriyaki sauce, is sure to sweep you off your feet. And for the grand finale? The Corazón de VIBE, a strawberry-white chocolate mousse dream, is the perfect sweet ending. Sip on specially crafted First Date cocktails – a spicy, sweet, and fruity ginseng version for the ladies and a rum and nutmeg creation for the gents. These exclusive Valentine's Day offers are available only on Friday and Saturday, 14-15 February. Enjoy the romantic ambience with live music from VIBE DJs, artists, and dancers at this stunning new venue.

Book your table in advance here.

Board games from Compaya

Spice up your Valentine's Day with a unique gift: quality time together! Compaya's range of English language board games offers you everything from exciting challenges to cosy evenings. Find the perfect game to connect with your partner, whether it's Codenames, Exploding Kittens, a Hungary-themed BrainBox, or Captain Sonar.

Find more games here.

Cupcake

Cupcake, a Budapest institution for 15 years, is known for desserts that are as delicious as they are dazzling. They always create enchanting treats for special occasions, and Valentine's Day is no exception! Their workshop near the Margaret Bridge is buzzing with exciting creations. Choose from a variety of themed boxes (kitten, teddy bear, moon, or even a black and gold extravaganza), available in 4 and 6-piece versions. Inside, you'll find extra-delicious mascarpone cream and Belgian chocolate cupcakes adorned with decorative marzipan. The heart-shaped vegan brownie or fruitcake is another tempting option.

Place your order early here, and savour the sweet treats wherever you'd like.

Spoon the Boat

Set sail for romance this Valentine's Day with a magical dinner at Spoon the Boat. Their slogan says it all: the unrivalled panoramic view will have you falling in love not just with your partner, but with Budapest itself. On 14 February, choose from two seating times (6 pm and 8:15 pm) and indulge in delicious dishes like duck breast carpaccio with honey and saffron, pistachio-crusted fried perch, or Mangalica porchetta. For dessert, tempt your tastebuds with dark chocolate mousse, vegan clove pear mousse, or a selection of special-day macarons. They're also happy to cater to dietary needs, with vegan options and advice for food sensitivities.

Read more about it here and book a table here.

Budapest Retro Museum

If you want to go extra this Valentine's Day, take a trip down Socialist Hungary's memory lane at the downtown Budapest Retro Museum! Here, you can step back into the '60s, '70s, and '80s with a special Valentine's Day offer: two adult tickets for just HUF 9,500. And what you get is a peek into the childhood of Hungarians born during the Socialism and at the time of régime change, with relics like the TV teddy bear at children's bedtime, Turbo chewing gum, or a Lada police car. With documentation in English, non-Hungarian speakers can enjoy it too! Also, there are plenty of interactive elements, from newsreel making to listening to period jokes in phone booths. The Retro Bistro will be serving up classic fare, including chestnut puree with foam, alongside coffee and Bambi (the popular raspberry soft drink) at a discounted price of HUF 1,990. We've already explored the museum – read more about our visit here

Find the details of the promotion here.

Light Art Museum

Looking for an inspiring Valentine's Day? Light up your celebrations at the Light Art Museum! DM them on Instagram for discounted tickets and experience a Valentine's Day unlike any other. The museum's intimate spaces offer more than just romantic moments; the works of nearly 40 international artists explore a range of themes, sparking exciting conversations and making for a memorable evening. We've explored their latest exhibition in detail here. This Valentine's weekend (around 14 February) is perfect for couples and friends alike, with special discounted admission.

Just send the word 'Valentin' in a message on Instagram, and they'll reply with a secret code for the discount!

Pirate Empire

Ahoy, mateys! Looking for a truly unique Valentine's Day experience? Set sail for the central Pirate Empire and treat your partner to a special lunch or dinner. If you're a fan of pirate flicks, from Pirates of the Caribbean to classic Hook, this is your treasure trove. Book a table in exciting spaces like the pirate harbour or the captain's cabin and choose from a menu of magical dishes, including specially served burgers and fish. Smoky alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails add to the atmosphere, along with a sumptuous dessert selection, from the Davy Jones cannonball to Coconut Islands. Make it a truly adventurous date or friend gathering by combining your meal with an escape room experience at the Magic Rooms, either before or after dinner.

Book a table here.

Aranybástya

Celebrate love with a sparkling Valentine's Day dinner at the Aranybástya restaurant, nestled in the heart of Buda Castle! Immerse yourselves in the city's magical panorama while enjoying a special five-course menu crafted by the restaurant's chef, featuring natural aphrodisiacs. Indulge in dishes like duck liver paté with dark chocolate, coconut milk vegetable soup with prawns, beef wellington, rosé duck breast and duck leg strudel, and for dessert, a delightful raspberry and mango mille-feuille. Vegetarians will also find delicious options to suit their palates. The evening's romantic ambience will be further enhanced by cimbalom and violin music from Gusztáv Malácsik and Miklós Lakatos. Choose to dine in the restaurant or cosy up in one of the heated panoramic igloos on the terrace (maintained at 18-20°C) – perfect for a truly special Valentine's experience.

Book a table here .

Mystery Hotel Budapest

Escape to the enchanting Mystery Hotel Budapest this Valentine's Day! This stunning five-star hotel is open all weekend, from 14-16 February, offering the perfect romantic getaway. Enjoy a special Valentine's weekend treat with rose petals, a bouquet of flowers, and handcrafted macarons in your unique room. For an even more indulgent experience, choose the 'Awaken Your Senses' package, featuring a pampering massage for two followed by relaxation at the lush Secret Garden Day Spa. Romance the night away with an aphrodisiac-infused menu at the Great Hall Restaurant or embark on a cocktail adventure with their special Valentine's Day cocktail selection.

Find out more about Valentine's Day offers and activities here.

Shibuya 

Shibuya, the City Park's hot new pan-Asian restaurant, is ready to set hearts fluttering this Valentine's Day! They've created exciting dishes, especially for the occasion. Start with the exclusive Valentine's Day starter: grilled king scallops Saigon style. For mains, dive into a sumptuous selection of sushi, a light Little Buddha tempura with king trumpet mushroom, or indulge in the charcoal-grilled Brazilian steak or duck breast. And for a sweet ending? Go with the irresistible fruit sushi, combining the fabulous flavours and colours of banana, strawberry, and mango, or the Kem Xoi Dua, sticky rice with coconut ice cream. Let Shibuya tempt you this Valentine's evening!

Book a table here.

Fiktív

Fiktív, the brainchild of chef Márton Tatai and restaurant manager-sommelier Orsolya Kovács, offers a unique 5 and 7-course tasting experience in the 8th district. This elegant yet family-style restaurant invites adventurous diners to explore the world of new Hungarian cuisine. The small, professional team welcomes those who enjoy stepping outside the traditional and aren't afraid of unusual food and drink pairings. At Fiktív, sweets can be spicy, soups are paired with sweet wine, and the evening is full of delightful surprises. Looking for something truly extravagant? As they say, 'dare to be a punk' and prepare for an experience that will make any day special.

Book a table here.

A one-of-a-kind Valentine: Warm Spot Game

Looking for a fun Valentine's experience? Check out the Warm Spot Game at KFC's Deák tér unit from 13-16 February! This isn't just for couples – friends and family are welcome too. The ground floor will be transformed into a futuristic space where you can test your speed and reflexes by activating nine flashing sensor points on an obstacle course. Two separate chill zones will let players compete head-to-head, with exciting prizes up for grabs. After the game, refuel with KFC's seasonal mac & cheese offerings and enjoy the extra-cheesy menu!

Danube Romance Cruise

If you'd take romance to the 'sea', there's no better way than a Danube Cruise. On board, you'll have all the Valentine's Day essentials: breathtaking city views and pretty Valentine's Day balloon decorations. The cruise runs from Friday to Sunday from Vigadó Square, both day and night – the perfect way to make your Valentine's special!

Find the details here.

(Cover photo: Attila Polyák – We Love Budapest)

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