What Is Romantic Music? What Is Covent Garden

Find the most romantic things to do in London to ensure you have the perfect date! From romantic restaurants, to fun date ideas, find the best things for couples to do in London.

Whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway in London or looking for Valentine's Day ideas, here's our pick of London's most romantic things to do as a couple.

See romantic London theatre shows

Edward and Vivian embrace centre stage in front of neon signs with the Pretty Woman cast raising their arms up to them. — Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. Photo: Morris Mac Matzen. Image courtesy of Raw PR.

Dine at a romantic restaurant

Soak up a romantic view

Looking out from behind foliage at the view from a large arching window at Sky Garden. — Sky Garden © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset over London's skyline: The view is particularly stunning from the top of Parliament Hill, on Hampstead Heath.
See sweeping views of the city at The View from The Shard:Go up to level 72 of London's tallest landmark.
Or sit back with a drink at Sky Garden: This leafy indoor garden is free to enter.
Soak up the city's panoramic views:Look down at London's famous buildings and attractions from one of these top viewing spots.
Gaze across the cityscape from one of London's rooftop bars: Get a head for heights and enjoy bars across the city.
Book an exclusive Cupid's Pod on the London Eye: Get a private capsule, your own waiter, champagne and chocolates.
Climb Primrose Hill for a breathtaking view of Regent's Park and the city: Reward yourself with a cupcake at Primrose Bakery on the way back.
Watch the sky turn pink at one of London's most Instagram-worthy sunset hotspots:From restaurants with a view to leafy parks, check out the best places to catch a sunset.
Take a boat ride down the Thames: From tours with City Cruises, to Thames Clippers hop-on-hop-off river boat services.

Retreat to romantic hotels in London

Spend the night in one of London's most romantic hotels:From cosy boutique hotels to luxury accommodation, there are plenty of fantastic places to choose from.
Indulge yourselves with a stay in a boutique hotel room: London's boutique hotels offer a stylish and sophisticated holiday with a personal touch.
Choose a room with bags of character when you stay at one of London's unique hotels:Spend the night in the capital's oldest hotel or in a former prison cell!
Or keep the costs low by staying at one of London's coolest hostels: Featuring stunning design and historic charm, London's best hostels include a Victorian mansion and a converted warehouse.

Check out more places to stay in London.

Find romantic things to do in London at night

Learn something new together in the intimate atmosphere of a museum late: Find talks, performances, workshops, films, DJ sets, drinks and more.
Croon some love songs at one of London's karaoke bars:Sing your heart out to the latest hits or old-school classics.
Dance to the beat at London's top live music bars:From rock and pop to jazz and reggae, enjoy a spectacular array of live music gigs.
Break the ice in one of London's quirky bars:Go off the beaten track and find a quirky basement bar, secret drinking hole or themed boozer.
Watch a performance at the Royal Opera House or the London Coliseum: See the world's top opera and ballet stars on a romantic evening out.

Discover more of London's nightlife scene.

Discover dates with a difference

A small room, whose walls are covered in paintings in gold-coloured frames. with wood panelling on the lower walls and a small fireplace. — The Picture Room at Sir John Soane's Museum. Photo: Gareth Gardener. Image courtesy of Sir John Soane's Museum.

Take a tour of Wilton's Music Hall: Discover the world's oldest and largest surviving grand music hall.
Wander around Dennis Severs' House:Soak up the sights and smells of this 18th-century family home.
Enjoy a candlelit tour of Sir John Soane's Museum: The atmospheric venue is ideal for a romantic outing with a difference.
Take a tour of Highgate Cemetery: Revolutionary Karl Marx and English novelist George Eliot are buried here.
Visit the beautiful Keats House: Explore the former home of romantic poet John Keats.
Take a look at the Watts Victorian memorial in Postman's Park: This quirky yet romantic spot features in the movie Closer.
Chill out with afternoon tea in the Barbican Conservatory: Relax among tropical plants, trees and fish.

Snuggle up in romantic bars in London

Cosy up to your other half at London's top cockatil bars : these spots are perfect places to celebrate special occasions..
Sip a martini at the legendary Dukes Hotel Bar: James Bond author Ian Fleming famously used to drink here.
Snuggle up in front of a crackling fire at one of London's cosy pubs:Grab a drink, order the pie and mash, and settle in.
Quaff a cocktail or two in one of London's many Dirty Martinis: Enjoy mouthwatering tipples and savoury finger food.
Enjoy a cocktail and sweeping views of the Thames from a riverside bar: Check out the likes of Savage Garden, Lyaness, Skylon and OXO Tower Bar.
Drink candlelit cocktails at the opulent Icon Balcony Bar: For the best views, grab seats on the balcony overlooking Leicester Square.
Love gin? Enjoy a tasting or masterclass at the City of London Distillery:It's the first distillery to open in the City of London for 200 years.
Share a bottle of wine at Gordon's Wine Bar: Pick one of the candlelit tables at this romantic, cave-like drinking spot.
Seek out more fine vintages at one of London's top places for wine lovers: Check out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Cork & Bottle or Noble Rot.
Celebrate your love with a bottle of bubbly: Choose from one of London's best champagne bars.

Uncover more London pubs and bars.

Fun things to do in London for couples

Competitive couples can play ping pong at Bounce:Treat yourself to pizzas, cocktails and ping pong at this fun-packed table tennis bar.
Vie for a hole in one at Puttshack:Enjoy a game of mini golf, good food, drinks and great music.
Strike it lucky at a retro-style bowling alley:Discover bowling alleys full of vintage American style, neon lights and music.
Thrash your other half at table football at Bar Kick: Combine watching live sport with table football at this fun bar in Shoreditch.
The thrill-seekers should try The Castle Climbing Centre:Trust your partner with your life by belaying them at this indoor rock climbing centre.
Take an uplifting expedition across the roof of The O2:Climb over one of the world's most popular entertainment venues and enjoy spectacular views.
Battle over a board game for two at Draughts: Choose from hundreds of board games and order some tasty food and craft beer on the side.
Go on a speedboat ride along the Thames: Get your hearts racing on an edge-of-your-seat tour.

Treat your loved one to a gift

A man and women stroll along a street with shopping bags in hand, while another woman looks in a shop window. — Shopping in Covent Garden. Image courtesy of coventgarden.london

While away a Sunday at one of London's top markets:Visit sprawling markets such as Old Spitalfields or Camden Market, and check out the best food markets including famous Borough Market.
Shop for beauty products and fragrances: Don't miss the specialist boutiques in Covent Garden, St James's, Mayfair and London's West End.
Browse the city's best jewellery shops: Hop between specialist shops at Hatton Garden or pick special items from the likes of The Alkemistry and royal warrant holder Bentley & Skinner.
Hunt down men's fashion accessories along Jermyn Street: The famous street is world-renowned as the centre for gentlemen's fashion, especially bespoke shirts.
Declare your love for each other at one of the capital's tattoo shops: From colour pieces to geometric design, get inked at one of London's best tattoo parlours.
Browse the picture-pretty shops in the opulent Burlington Arcade and Princes Arcade: Explore two of London's hidden treasures packed with luxury accessories.
Pick up sweet treats at one of London's fabulous chocolate shops: Check out Charbonnel et Walker's heart-shaped boxes full of truffles.
Browse London's best florists and flower markets: Shop for a bunch of red roses or spoil your loved one with flowers from Columbia Road Flower Market.

Find more gifts in top shopping areas.

Quirky date ideas in London

Book a course at The Cookery School at Little Portland Street:Learn to make lots of delicious treats together.
Take your love to new heights: Splash out on a shared or private London Helicopter Tour.
Seek out St Paul's Cathedral Whispering Gallery: Whisper sweet nothings to one another in this iconic place.
Go ice skating in one of London's pop-up winter ice rinks: They are usually open from November to January.
Go star-gazing at the Royal Observatory Greenwich's planetarium: Enjoy romantic-themed shows on and around Valentine's Day.
How deep is your love? Pop the question in the SEA LIFE London aquarium: Make use of their "underwater" proposal service.
Looking for active romantic date ideas in London: Why not take your date to a swing dance class.
See a saucy burlesque show together:Get an eyeful of sequins, feather boas and more.
Share a giggle at a stand-up comedy night: Laugh out loud to some of the funniest shows, plays and musicals in the capital.
Strike a pose next to the Love Lane sign in the City of London: Pose for a couplie (couple's selfie) and share your love in pictures.

Find more fun date ideas in London.

Enjoy romantic London walks

Two women, wearing winter clothes, smile at each other while holding glasses of drink, while fairy lights and the London Eye are illuminated in the background. — The South Bank in winter © visitlondon.com/Ben Pipe.

Go for a wander in Greenwich Park: Be amazed by beautiful blossoms, autumn colours and gorgeous city views.
Take a stroll around the beautiful St Katharine Docks:This former commercial dock has been transformed into an elegant marina with shops, restaurants and a lovely pub.
Walk along the South Bank at night: Go for a romantic walk from London Bridge to Waterloo.
Amble through the idyllic Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park: Explore the rest of the Royal Park and try and spot some of the resident deer.
Wander around the gardens of Eltham Palace:Explore every room of this luxurious art deco residence.
Find your way out of Hampton Court Palace's famous maze: Then immerse yourself in Henry VIII's majestic palace, including his magnificent state apartments.
Stroll on a soaring walkway amid the tree canopies at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Walk hand-in-hand through Chelsea Physic Garden: Discover London's oldest botanic garden.

Romantic things to do for culture lovers

Go on a romantic art trail: See amorous painting The Knight Errant by John Everett Millais at Tate Britain, John Gibson's reliefs of Cupid and Psyche at the Royal Academy of Arts, or Paris Bordone's A Pair of Lovers at the National Gallery.
Go old school, with a romantic date at the cinema: Seek out lesser-known films at BFI Southbank, emulate the stars at one of Leicester Square's cinemas, and enjoy a post-shopping flick at The Cinema at Selfridges.
Or watch a movie from a shared double seat at one of London's unique cinemas: Enjoy alternative films at these atmospheric venues.
Visit one of London's film locations: Follow in the footsteps of famous movie couples.
Admire the stunning art collection at the Queen's House: A gift from King James I to his wife Anne of Denmark.
Explore the history-filled galleries of Westminster Abbey: Follow in the regal footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who got married here.

Unwind on a summer date

People lay on the green grass on a sunny day, with the London Eye in the background. — Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden © visitlondon.com.

Head over to one of London's riverside pubs: Soak up the views while sipping a pint by the water.
Marvel at the Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park: The park also has an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.
Enjoy theatre under the stars at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre:Choose from a season of Shakespeare, comedy, family fun and musicals.
Make the most of the sunshine and dine alfresco: Perfect for laid-back romantic dates in London.
Gaze lovingly at blooms in Regent's Park and Hyde Park: Seek out the parks' dedicated rose gardens.
Hire a rowing boat on the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park: You can also navigate around on a pedalo or hop aboard the solar-powered Solarshuttle.
See one of the Bard's romantic plays at Shakespeare's Globe: Discover one of the most unique, remarkable and breathtaking theatrical spaces in London.
Enjoy a rooftop view of the South Bank at Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden:The roof garden is one of the best kept secrets in London.
Share an ice cream at one of London's best ice-cream shops:From innovative approaches to generations-old Italian techniques to vegan ice cream, find your next frozen treat.
Go deer-spotting in Richmond Park: The Royal Park is famously home to 650 of them.
Dance together in the sunshine at a top music festival in London:The capital hosts exciting and eclectic music festivals all year round.
Take a canal boat ride: Glide along the waters from Little Venice to Camden.
Hire a Santander bike: Cycle to one of London's parks for a picnic.
Go horse riding together through Hyde Park:Explore one of London's most iconic and romantic parks from Ross Nye Stables.

For more loved-up romantic ideas in London, check out romantic things to do in London on Valentine's Day, our top ideas for dates and ideal romantic spots in London to pop the question.