Valentine's Day ideas: 10 activities to try

“No problem, we will find something to do for Valentine's Day, somewhere,” a friend said. A few Valentine's Day ideas would probably have helped.

Perhaps it is better to plan a little and explore what you could do.

That is why we have chosen 10 ideas for spending Valentine's evening together.

First, a few words about the occasion itself.

Valentine's Day is an occasion when, in some cultures, people in love exchange gifts symbolising their affection. It was celebrated as a day off in Roman Catholic culture and developed after the High Middle Ages around the idea of romantic love.

In Slovenia, the day marked the feast of St Valentine, but it did not carry the meaning later adopted from abroad. It was regarded as the first day of spring, signalling the start of work in vineyards and gardens.

Back to the present. Alongside the traditional cards, roses and chocolates, many people like to try something different. As well as a gift, it helps to have an idea of where to take someone special.

We thought a few fresh suggestions might be useful, so we have selected Valentine's Day ideas for a range of budgets.

1. An evening at a spa or sauna

This gives you time to talk, be close and unwind. Think warm bubbling pools, inviting wood-lined saunas and a quiet moment on a lounger.

For something extra, book a private hot tub or a sauna for two in advance. It costs a little more, but can make the experience more intimate and enjoyable.

Which spa is the most romantic place in Slovenia? In our opinion, they would be Terme Orhidelia in Podčetrtek, which stand out from other spas only with their designer choice of colors in the architecture.

They also have a pool where you can hear music underwater, waterbeds with headphones in the sauna area, and constellations above stone seats in what we consider Slovenia's most beautiful sauna room.

Opening hours run until 22 h from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight at weekends, with lower sauna rates during the 20–24 h evening slot.

2. Stargazing at a planetarium

How about a film projected across the entire sky of a planetarium? Looking at the stars together is wonderfully romantic in summer, but winter temperatures make it less comfortable. A planetarium lets you enjoy the experience without getting cold.

You will also learn something about the stars and take a journey through space, with spectacular views of celestial phenomena and distant galaxies.

Do we even have that in our little Slovenia? Of course, one is located in the capital under the name Planetarium Ljubljana, and others in Terme Čatež. We find the third one in Olimje at the Jelenov greben tourist farm.

3. The science behind trying something new on Valentine's Day

“Try something new” may sound tired and overused. Yet when you think back, new experiences have often brought real enjoyment. Why not now?

If the event will additionally fill your veins with adrenaline, all the better. They've probably never met taken a hot-air balloon ride, and neither do your friends. These Slovenian balloonists are not kidding and offer the option of buying a gift certificate.

Does that sound too risky or expensive? No problem. You could simply choose a new restaurant for Valentine's evening. After all, research suggests that doing things together raises oxytocin levels.

What is oxytocin? Something most people would welcome on Valentine's Day: it is often called the love hormone. The idea is that trying something new, rather than watching Netflix on the sofa, helps bring you closer.

4. Cook dinner together or surprise each other

Few things bring people together as simply and affordably as spending time in the kitchen and making a meal for someone you love.

Have you been meaning to make something more elaborate, such as lasagne or a dish that needs marinating? This could be the occasion.

“Giving something to someone else benefits us and changes how we feel,” says culinary therapy specialist Michal AviShai. Feeding someone, she explains, meets a basic survival need and gives us a deeply rooted sense of achievement.

5. Go to a stand-up show

If you enjoy laughing together, join an audience for a show by well-known Slovenian comedians. Where in Slovenia do you live?

For Valentine's Day, Festivalna dvorana in Ljubljana is hosting a show with 7 comedians. Vid Valič is also performing in Ljubljana in Tvoj bodoči bivši mož, while SiTi Teater BTC is presenting the romantic comedy Dokler naju seks ne loči.

At Kulturni dom Mengeš, you can see the comedy Dekliščina. In Koper, tickets are available for Moška copata at Gledališče Koper. In Maribor, one option is Striptiz with Matjaž Javšnik.

For more information, see the page where they are combined theatre performances on Valentine's evening.

6. A picnic in the living room

It is too cold at this time of year to spend the evening on the grass. Choose simple food you would normally take on a picnic, and do not forget dessert.

Pack the food in a basket if you like, but use cups and plates to make eating easier and save on vacuuming afterwards. Add romantic music that reminds you of your happiest moments together.

They can wear the invitation large cuddly toys, more specifically a large teddy bear (170cm, 100cm, 55cm) with a cute invitation to an evening meeting attached to it. You can only get the bear exclusively from us.

7. A double date

Have you recently been out for dinner together and would enjoy some company? There is no rule that you must spend Valentine's Day alone as a couple. An obvious idea perhaps, but worth considering.

A study presented by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology even found that double dates can make couples feel better about their relationship and increase passion.

To make it more interesting, try a new place for food and drinks. Or invite the other couple to dinner at home.

8. Relive your first date

Visit the place where you first met for drinks or dinner. It can bring back the special moment when everything began.

The more little details you recreate, the more connected you may feel.

You can surprise yourself by reserving a room in a nearby hotel to upgrade your first date with something new, better and more pleasant. Don't forget about the chosen gift as it is Bucket of Love in the photo above, consisting of fresh or Forever Roses.

9. Wine tasting

Make time to try an interesting wine variety or vintage. If you would rather stay at home, buy ingredients for a cocktail and each try your own version of the recipe.

If Valentine's Day falls during the working week, as it does this year, do not overdo it with too many recipes.

Where can you taste wine in Ljubljana? The city has several inviting places to relax with a glass, from specialist wine cellars offering advice to wine bars.

Did the idea tempt you? Check out Evino, Dvorni bar, Movia, Balthazar wine cellar and Vineria del ponte. Read more about these five suggestions.

If you live in the wine-growing regions of Dolenjska, Štajerska or Primorska, you will surely have plenty of places to take someone special for a tasting.

10. Breakfast in bed

It is not an evening activity, but serving breakfast in bed can be a lovely surprise. Nutella pancakes are an easy option that saves you making a filling.

If pancakes sound like too much work, toast with butter and a favourite jam is quicker.

This idea is especially suited to early risers who do not mind leaving a warm bed half an hour before the alarm to make breakfast.

Summary

Whatever you choose, the aim is to feel closer and brighten your loved one's week. Whether you spend a lot or simply try something new, both can work. Keep in mind the research linking shared experiences and oxytocin with feelings of wellbeing.

What will you try? Tell us in the comments below 🙂

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