How to spend the perfect Valentine’s Day in London on any budget

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a spa session with your ‘palentines’ or a relaxing solo-date packed full of self-love and pampering, Visit London has you covered with this itinerary for the perfect day out in London – adaptable for all budgets.

From musicals to massages, there’s something for all tastes

Budget-friendly: Spend the morning at Kensington Palace, the home of young royals and their love stories for over 300 years. Take a journey through history with Queen Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms, and the breath-taking King’s and Queen’s state apartments. A stroll through the glorious palace gardens, including the iconic Sunken Garden (featuring the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales) is an experience in itself and completely free to enter.

Mid-range: Immerse yourself in one of London’s electrifying West End shows. From traditional romantic musicals like Pretty Woman to feel-good performances like The Play that Goes Wrong, experience the giddy excitement of London’s top theatre. For ballet-lovers, don’t miss Marius Petipa’s world-class Sleeping Beauty, currently performing at the Royal Opera House. 

Luxury: For a truly luxurious experience, look no further than the May Fair Hotel’s Couple’s Massage Workshop. Under the supervision of one of their expert masseuses, learn how relieve each other’s knots and strains, with a personalised two hour workshop. Finish with a glass of bubbles, berries and some massage oil for practicing at home.  

Take your love to new heights

Budget-friendly: When it comes to views of London, you can’t go wrong with the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. The three stories of breath-taking open space are situated 35 floors high, in the heart of the city. Book your slot and enjoy the stunning skyline free of charge. 

Mid-range: Those looking for a more exhilarating experience while marvelling over aerial views of London’s skyline should hop on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. At just £5 for a single ticket, this ten-minute journey glides across the sky to either North Greenwich or the Royal Victoria side of the river.

Luxury: If you’re looking to create a memory that will last a lifetime, consider booking the London Eye’s ‘Cupid Pod’, a romantic private pod ideal for proposals, anniversaries or to treat your loved one. While taking in the 360-degree views over London, guests can also expect a bottle of Pommery Rosé Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles, both served by your own personal host.

Grab a gift for your loved one

Budget-friendly: Stroll hand-in-hand through bustling Borough Market, and head to The Gated Garden, the market’s beloved flower stall. Browse for blooms with your loved one, with an endless choice of vibrant bouquets and chic house plants to choose from.

Mid-range: The Hummingbird Bakery is your one-stop shop for romantic cakes and cupcakes. Be ‘cupcake cupids’ this Valentine’s Day and treat each other to one of the adorable array of irresistible bakes, guaranteed to set hearts aflutter.

Luxury: Visit The Perfume Studio in Marble Arch for the Diamond Fragrance Experience. An experienced Perfume Studio stylist will take you on a journey through fragrance, before helping you and your loved one blend your own bespoke scents to take home. Once you have helped each other create the perfect formula, they will be kept on file so you can reorder whenever you like.     

Eat your heart out at London’s best foodie spots

Budget-friendly: Choose from 40 delicious food and drink stalls at Old Spitalfields Market, spanning from burgers to burritos and crumble to fluffy Taiwanese pancakes. Open seven days a week, the 350-year-old site is full of old-world charm, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Mid-range: For the traditional pub lunch experience, head to one of London’s prettiest Gastropubs, The Churchill Arms. The famed exterior is completely covered in thousands of flowers for the season, and the interior is packed full with memorabilia – a favourite of London’s pubs, and a must-see on any visit to London. 

Luxury: In the heart of Soho, Chotto Matte’s Valentine’s menu is the perfect romantic meal. The Nikkei cuisine blends Peruvian and Japanese for a flavour journey full of eye-catching colours and mouth-watering flavours. Note the eclectic interior design and intimate lighting, created through collaboration with global artists for a dreamy dining experience.   

Finish the night on a sweet note

Budget-friendly: For a romantic night-time stroll, walk through Hyde Park to Connaught Village and delight in the haven of independent stores, all perfect for thoughtful gifts. The village’s iconic Tree of Love, Joy and Hope will unveil a lighting installation, ‘Love is Love’, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Mid-range: There’s nothing quite like exploring London’s museums at night. With a cocktail or mocktail in hand, you can explore one of London’s most famous museums with Valentine’s at the Natural History Museum, perfect for love bugs or solitary bees.

Luxury: Finish the night off with a cocktail (or two) at Sweeties, located on the 10th floor of The Standard. This glamourous venue, complete with imaginative cocktails and opulent décor, has a brand-new alluring cocktail menu for the day. With floor-to-ceiling views and an unmissable glittering disco ball, Sweeties is a truly special way to finish the perfect day in London.

Why not extend your stay? From budget-friendly accommodation to five-star and boutique hotels, visitlondon.com has the definitive guide on where to stay during your trip to London.