St. Valentine – the holiday of lovers. You've probably already planned something special for you and your partner on this day. Or perhaps you're single, but planning to invite someone interesting?
In either case, this year you could try something different from the traditional 'dinner and a movie'.
In this blog post, we've gathered several different date ideas from Sweden, Germany, Spain, England, and Bulgaria. Feel free to try them at home! Not feeling romantic at the moment or have no one to invite? No problem – most of these ideas are great for groups of friends too.
In Sweden, either person can make the first move…
Sweden is the land of equality. That's why it's perfectly fine for a woman to make the first move. After all, going out with someone doesn't necessarily make it a date. In Sweden (and also in Finland), the custom is to casually ask the other person if they'd like to go out for coffee with you.
A café is a pleasant and safe place for a date. But if you prefer your date to be more active, try bowling or mini-golf. Besides playing games, Swedes love dates where you cook together. This is an idea you can do right at home. Plan your dinner menu. Go to the store to shop. Open a nice bottle of wine while you cook. Cooking is a wonderful way to 'break the ice' and start a conversation. By the time you get to eating, you'll already be relaxed.
fika = to go out for coffee
bowla = to go bowling
spela minigolf = to play mini-golf
laga mat = to cook
Germans work as a team.
Just like in Sweden, going out with someone in Germany isn't necessarily called a date. Instead, it's customary to say that you're spending time together. Whatever the terminology, the main thing is that you'll get to know the other person better when you're engaged in some fun activity.
There's no need to wait until evening: Germans think it's nice to go on a date during the day (perhaps because evenings get seriously cold at that time of year in Germany). Cycling, skiing, and climbing are just a few examples of fun activities. However, you could visit an outdoor market. Or go to a concert by a local band. In Germany (as in many other countries), you can find shops selling souvenirs, art pieces, and interesting food products in the city center any time of year.
ein Ausflug mit dem Rad = a cycling tour
Ski laufen = skiing
klettern = climbing
der Markt = to the market
Konzert besuchen = to a concert
Spain: picnics, restaurants, and carnivals (themed parks).
In Spain, having a picnic on the beach or in a park is quite popular for a date. Food always tastes better when you eat it outdoors. A picnic, moreover, creates a romantic atmosphere, but also a relaxing one at the same time. Invest in a nice blanket, good wine, and delicious food. If it's winter and cold where you are, the same thing could be done around a campfire.
Another popular place for dates in Spain is visits to a temporary themed park (feria). You could do a few rides together, play games, and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you have a whole day for a date, you could drive or take a bus to a nearby natural landmark or a charming little village. It's easy to talk during an outdoor walk, but it's also just as easy to be silent for a while without feeling awkward about it.
picnic en la playa = a beach picnic
la feria = themed park/festival
una excursión = a trip/excursion
Go to a pub or a football match in England
At the same time, daytime dates are not very common in England. Instead, the custom is to go out on a date in the evening. The place is often a nice local pub where you both enjoy a nice beer and pleasant conversation.
In England, as in many European countries, outdoor cinema is a great option for a date. It's not as dark as in regular cinemas and besides, you can chat quietly during the film. You're allowed to bring your own food and you could even bring a beer or why not champagne.
If your partner is interested in sports, you could do something typically British and visit a football match (it would be even better if they're a fan of the local team). Or if you're both more culturally inclined, you could go to an exhibition or the botanical gardens. In either case, you'll have plenty of topics for conversation, which will allow you to get to know each other better.
go out for a drink – to have a drink somewhere
an outdoor cinema – an outdoor cinema
a football match – a football match
an exhibition – an exhibition
a botanical garden – the botanical garden
Bulgaria: a nice restaurant, 3D cinema, or a visit to an 'escape room' (puzzle room).
Bulgaria remains a more conservative country and usually the boy makes the first move. A large part of dates are now organized online. Daytime dates happen, but evenings are reserved for more romantic occasions.
With the abundance of cooking shows lately, it has become quite fashionable in Bulgaria to take your partner out to eat at a nice restaurant (preferably run by one of the top chefs in the country).
Cinema remains a preferred entertainment for St. Valentine for Bulgarians. Most large modern cinemas are located in malls. You can share the fun by having the boy choose the movie you watch, and then, without complaining, accompany the lady on a short shopping tour around the mall stores. A good opportunity to give her a holiday gift.
Lately, visiting escape rooms has become a very popular activity. A stylish adventure during which you'll have the opportunity to work together (or not) as a team in a more tense situation. Keep in mind, however, that a visit to a puzzle room usually requires advance reservation.
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