Truth be told, Brussels isn’t per se a city you’d associate with romance at first sight. Those who know the Belgian capital will agree with us that it’s a bit of a diamond in the rough. You really have to know your way around if you want to find all the hidden gems the city has on offer. It’s not like, let’s say, Paris – where the magnificent views are hiding behind every corner and where it’s easier than anywhere to film a romantic movie. No, sure. But if you get to know Brussels a bit better, romance is everywhere.
Of course, we’re not talking about romance without reason – although that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it? Today, we’re bringing up the subject because it’s almost Valentine’s Day and chances are you’ll have to come up with a date idea if you haven’t done so already. And otherwise, it’s always handy to have a few romantic ideas on hand in case of an emergency, right? So let’s dive into it. Three spots in Brussels for all you romantic souls out there.
1. Cinéma Galeries
Taking your date to the movies, it’s a classic. Yet when visiting a big movie theater, circumstances aren’t always as romantic as you’d like. There are too many people, the place is too big and it’s nothing like those small theaters you see in the movies. And that’s why Cinéma Galeries is so great. Here, you really understand why people have been taking their dates to the movie theater for ages. Everything is clad in red velvet, the theaters themselves are small the location’s just magnificent. Why? Well, Cinéma Galeries is located in the Galerie de la Reine in the center of Brussels, the famous covered shopping gallery where it’s easy to imagine what it was like living in Brussels during the nineteenth century – or well, when you were rich, of course. If you want to extend the whole experience, book a table at the recently renovated Taverne du Passage which is also set in the beautiful Galerie setting.
2. Sonian Forest
Sure, February might not be the best time of the year to take a walk – especially in rainy Belgium. But nonetheless, we’d strongly urge you to consider going for a stroll in the forest or park with your lover anyway. With as few distractions as possible, this is really the time to concentrate on the other and talk about your relationship, your life and whatever’s occupying your mind. Even when you’re living with someone, chances are you don’t take the time to really listen to each other as often as you should. And what better day to do so than on Valentine’s? Of course, you can go for a walk wherever you want but the Sonian Forest is one of our favorites – even in February, there’s always something to see.
3. Art Nouveau for two
The Art Nouveau architecture is omnipresent in Brussels. You don’t even have to be looking for it to see a house or building in the typical style and let’s be honest, it’s romantic as hell. There are numerous Art Nouveau examples for you to visit but a lot of them are only open on request so maybe it’s a bit too late for that. Luckily, the Horta Museum and the Musical Instruments Museum are two Art Nouveau gems which are widely open to the public and therefore perfect as a last minute date idea. No budget to go to a museum? No worries, you could also just pinpoint these ten mansions on a map and take your date on a little walking tour!
