In every city there are places that have special meaning for lovers. They can be associated with legends and significant events for a particular region, and sometimes they just need to be stunningly beautiful.
On the eve of February 14, we have compiled a list of truly magical locations, a visit to which will add spice to your senses, help you fulfill your cherished desire and will definitely become an unforgettable romantic adventure.
St. Petersburg. Kissing Bridge
Probably many already know about him. But we simply could not pass by this extraordinary place in our selection. According to the legend, which guides on river buses tell lovers during the warm season, everyone who is committed to a long-term relationship must definitely kiss each other under this bridge. We are sure that you shouldn’t wait for the opening of the shipping season to test its magical powers – it’s quite possible to do it on the bridge!
In any case, it’s definitely worth a try. After all, the classics claim that “All bridges are raised, but Kisses is not!”.
Where to stay:
Hotel Trezzini
Price: from 3,000 rubles per night*
Abkhazia. Lake Ritsa
If you only knew how many marriage proposals this lake has heard! Many grooms specially bring their beloved here to prove the seriousness of their intentions surrounded by this amazing beauty. In such scenery, the world seems especially beautiful, and the future – cloudless. The air is literally saturated with romance. Sometimes proposals are made even by those who did not plan anything like this at the beginning of the trip.
They say these places have special powers. Even wishes come true here. Not all, of course. The most cherished.
Where to stay:
Guest House Ahan
Price: from 1,500 rubles per night*
Vladivostok. Beach, lighthouse and hills
When going to a port city for the weekend, you should pay special attention to walks along the Pacific coast. What could be more romantic? The ocean is beautiful in any weather, even in harsh, windy February.
If you find a hotel in close proximity to the water, the walk will be moderately short (it’s winter after all) and at the same time romantic. It will be great to combine it with a visit to the Tokarevsky lighthouse – one of the oldest in the Far East. A narrow spit leads to the stone tower, along which you can even walk.
Also in Vladivostok, it is recommended to definitely admire the hills – Orlinaya, Komarova or Monastyrskaya hills are available for visiting all year round. The only thing is that in order to get to these places in winter, you may need a more capable vehicle.
The peaks offer amazing panoramas of the city and the sea. They say that winds from all over the world meet here, bring their amazing stories here and can even bless those lovers whose feelings are truly strong. Experts also say that only here you can fully appreciate the atmosphere of this city and take the most memorable photographs.
Where to stay:
Superstar Guesthouse
Price: from 2,400 rubles per night*
Ekaterinburg. “Weir”, sculptures and a marvelous sunset
The Ural capital is full of iconic places and cozy corners for lovers. But if you set a goal, you can manage to see, if not all, then at least the most interesting ones over the weekend.
It’s worth starting from the center of gravity in Yekaterinburg – “Plotinki”. The bridge connecting the river and the city pond is the most popular place for romantic meetings, dates and wedding photo sessions. For this reason, the right atmosphere reigns here all year round, despite frost and snowfall. When were they ever an obstacle?
Be sure to take a walk holding hands along the pedestrian street Weiner. It is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most original. Throughout the street there are various sculptures shrouded in legends. You can read about them on the Internet or make up your own on the fly. And there is also a monument to lovers!
It’s better to end your walk with a visit to the observation deck on the 52nd floor of the Vysotsky business center. From a height of 186 meters the entire city is in full view, and at sunset the capital of the Urals looks especially romantic.
Where to stay:
Hotel Renome
Price: from 4,300 rubles per night*
Kazan. Family Center
A visit to an ancient city with a rich history is an excellent solution for February 14th. The third capital of Russia is known not only for its delicious dishes, but also for its good options for atmospheric leisure time.
One of the favorite places among tourists and local residents is the Kazan family center. But because of its shape, symbolizing the hearth, it is called a bowl. The arches at its base are made in the form of flames, and inside there is one of the most beautiful observation platforms in the city. Marriage proposals are also heard very often here. Maybe this is the influence of the surrounding beauty. Or maybe the reason is that the registry office is located on the floor below…
In February the site is closed to the public, but the center still attracts a large number of tourists. There is a lot to see here: sculptural compositions embodying the strength of marriage bonds, the picturesque Kazanka River and a bridge hung with locks. And at night the building is decorated with unusual lighting.
Where to stay:
Hotel Giuseppe
Price: from 2,800 rubles per night*
Pyatigorsk. Aeolian harp and rocky Mashuk
A small provincial Caucasian town has witnessed a large number of large-scale events. Both real and fictional. And walking in the footsteps of these great stories is, of course, very romantic. Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin visited Pyatigorsk, and Mikhail Lermontov died in a duel here. And it was in this place that the events of the famous novel “12 Chairs” unfolded. There is even a monument to Ostap Bender on Gagarin Boulevard.
In terms of wish fulfillment, the main one here is Elbrus. Local residents are confident that all they have to do is cast a glance in his direction, form an intention, and it’s done. Everything will come true.
But to increase the chances, it is better to get closer to him. We recommend taking a look from the Aeolian Harp gazebo. One of the symbols of Pyatigorsk is located on the rocky ledge of Mount Mashuk. From here you have a magnificent view, including the Caucasus Range and Elbrus (in good weather). Lermontov loved to spend time in this gazebo, he even dedicated one of his works to it.
And you can consolidate the impression by climbing to the top of the mountain by cable car. In just a few minutes you will cover a distance of 964 meters and enjoy breathtaking views.
Where to stay:
Hotel “Lost Paradise near Mashuk”
Price: from 2,500 rubles per night*
* Price valid at time of publication
