When we think of romantic cities, London rarely springs to mind.
Instead, we think of the soft hues of Paris in the spring, or walking hand in hand amidst the falling leaves of New York’s Manhattan in the autumn. We might think of the earthy vibrancy of gorgeous Barcelona, the sensuality of Istanbul or perhaps even the cobbled backstreets of Edinburgh, Christmas lights twinkling in the background.
However, that is selling London short. Very short indeed!
If you know where to go, London can be the most romantic city there is, bar none. All you need to know is where to look.
Here are a few handy ideas:
Hampstead Heath
One of London’s biggest and best green spaces is the iconic Hampstead Heath. Resplendent with incredible views of the city, the heath’s vast expanses provide a welcome respite from the hurly burly of London living. In the summer, the legendary Highgate ponds provide an open-air swimming experience for many Londoners, but when Valentine’s Day rolls around, an invigorating walk on the heath is best finished off with a roast dinner in a cosy Hampstead pub.
Soho
Soho has long been one of the most alluring spots of London. In daylight hours, the streets of China Town are full of the hustle and bustle of tourists and street vendors, but by night the area is transformed, rich with theatre-goers, seductive bars and top of the range restaurants.
Finish up with a slap-up meal and maybe an impromptu trip to the theatre with American Express UK.
Restaurants
London has some of the best restaurants anywhere in the world, and what better way to woo your date than with an amazing meal.
You might want to check out the superb Spanish tapas restaurants down Farringdon’s Exmouth Market, or perhaps the Vietnamese’s of Old Street: the famous ‘Pho Mile’. Then there are the incredible Italian restaurant of Chelsea and Kensington, or the Turkish eating dens of Stoke Newington and Dalston.
Simply pop the bill on your American Express card and off you go!
The River
So many of us walk right past it or along it every day, and never even really take notice of it – even when we’re crossing it. Some of us even use it for the commute to work.
This could only refer to the Thames: one of the world’s most iconic urban rivers.
A stroll from Westminster to Blackfriars as the night draws in, with the lights twinkling on the South Bank, is as romantic an experience as you can get.