Valentine's Day in Moscow

Valentine’s Day in Moscow will be one to remember. Russia’s capital city is never short on activities or romance any time of year, even in the middle of the winter! Stay warm with seeing the sights of historic Moscow, experiencing luxury restaurants or hearty traditional cuisine, and staying at hotels with all the amenities.

• Moscow in February

What to Do for Valentine’s Day in Moscow

No doubt about it—it will be cold in Moscow for Valentine’s Day. You’ll want to limit many of your activities to the indoors and be sure to bundle up well when you go outside. Moscow suffers from extended winters, so there’s little chance for a warm spell in the middle of February.

If you’ve never been to the Kremlin, this Moscow must-see sight should be top on your list. Inside, you’ll see museums full of bejeweled treasures and cathedrals decked out in fresco finery. The Kremlin has been the heart of Moscow for centuries, and sharing this activity with your loved one will be a special memory. Don’t forget to stroll across neighboring Red Square, where Lenin’s tomb awaits visitors on designated days and the GUM department store makes available a wide range of European luxury brands.

• Moscow Kremlin Photo Tour

Athletic activity for two can also help beat the Moscow winter chill. Ice skating rinks pop up around Moscow as soon as the cold weather sets in, and they’re popular with families and couples. The best known ice skating rink is directly across from GUM—what could be more romantic than skating hand-in-hand with the backdrop of St. Basil’s cathedral behind you?

River cruises allow visitors to see Moscow from a different angle, but they haven’t always been possible in the winter. Now, Moscow ice breaker cruises plow through the sheet of ice that forms on the Moskva River while passengers view the buildings on its banks through the windows of a glass-enclosed deck. This seasonal activity provides a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or snap photos from a unique vantage point.

• Things to Do in Moscow

Romantic Moscow Restaurants

Moscow has no shortage of romantic restaurants. Whatever you’re looking for (traditional food, fusion cuisine, or simply a beer and a snack), you’ll find it in Moscow. Below are a few of the most romantic dining venues in the Russian capital city.

Café Pushkin is one of Moscow’s famous class acts. It looks like a palace, the waiters dress as servants from another era, and the range of dishes are fit for a tsar.

Bolshoi, which recalls the famous Bolshoi Theater and is in fact located in the theater district, is a restaurant that mingles delectable elements of French cuisine with classic Russian dishes. The interior represents up-to-date luxury from ceiling to floor.

Sky Lounge offers views of Moscow that will make your hearts skip a beat. Located on the 22nd floor of the Russian Academy of Sciences building, it serves up refreshing Asian and Mediterranean food in style.

Romantic Moscow Hotels

Luxury hotels abound in Moscow, though be prepared to run up your credit card, especially if you want to stay in the heart of the historic district. The Baltschung Kempinski maintains a prime location with views of Red Square. The classic Savoy was renovated in 2005 and continues to serve under an auspicious reputation. The Ritz-Carlton, with its dark wood and marble interiors, boasts some of the largest guest rooms in the city. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Golden Apple Boutique Hotel is a favorite with visitors for its service and central location.

• Moscow Hotels: Compare Prices