What to do in Milan on Valentine's Day

Ok. Here we go again. February 14th is approaching. It’s that time of the year again when shop windows and our screens are flooded with hearts, red lingerie, people kissing and holding hands, sugary love songs, sparkling jewelry, promises of "forever," and tons of chocolate. If just the thought of it makes you break out in hives, then maybe you should stop reading this article. Otherwise, if you're in love, you might choose to ignore the commercial aspects of Valentine’s Day and instead focus on expressing appreciation, affection, desire, and love for the person you share your life with—or even for that crush you simply enjoy spending time with. At this point, the age-old question arises: "What to do on Valentine's Day?". The answers vary depending on your love language, budget, and personal preferences. You could go for a thoughtful gift, a homemade dinner, a romantic movie marathon, or simply dedicate time to your relationship by sharing a special activity or experience. After all, a touch of romance never hurts, don’t you think?

What to do on Valentine's Day if you're in Milan

A special dinner for two

If you want to go classic and enjoy a relaxed Valentine’s Day with your loved one over good food in a refined and special atmosphere, the best choice is a candlelit dinner. The menu and location depend on personal taste, and luckily, Milan offers plenty of options. If you’re in the mood for an innovative blend of Italian, Scandinavian, and Asian cuisine, head to Spore, a small restaurant-lab in the Porta Romana district. Chef Mariasole Cuomo will delight you with dishes like tagliolini with butter and kimchi. Craving Tuscan cuisine—pappa al pomodoro, herb gnudi with lardo di conca, or roast beef with Tuscan pecorino cream and confit cherry tomatoes? Book a table at Da Ilia 1946 on Via Lecco in Porta Venezia. For Valentine’s Day, live music will also be part of the experience.

Valentine’s Day with painting and wine

The perfect formula for Valentine's Day? Two hearts, a paintbrush, and a bottle of wine. We’re talking about the Paint 'n Sip Workshop, a series of art workshops where an artist guides participants in creating a small artwork while enjoying laughter, unlimited wine, and snacks—typically a charcuterie and cheese board. You don’t need to be a pro with a paintbrush; just follow the instructions, let your creativity flow, and have fun. No need to bring anything—canvases, brushes, paints, and aprons are all provided. Special couple sessions are available on February 14th.

Hearts and Cooking

Is food your love language? Do you love preparing delicious dishes for your significant other? If so, why not gift yourselves a couples' cooking workshop? Kneading, tasting, smelling, and having fun together could set the right mood for the rest of the evening. Across Italy, many Valentine’s Day cooking events take place. In Milan, two stand out: Cuori e Fornelli and Torte Brutte Speciale San Valentino. The first, part of the Fornelli a Spillo format by food entertainer Anna Buffa, also includes a Mental Coach and Trainer who analyzes participants' interactions and communication styles. The second, organized by ReD Academy, focuses on ugly cakes—boldly decorated, colorful, ‘90s American-style cakes with provocative, ironic messages—perfect to share (or devour) with your partner after the lesson.

A romantic museum date

Imagine this: walking hand in hand through a museum, pausing now and then to observe, trying to read your partner’s expressions before stealing a kiss—just like a scene from a Jean-Luc Godard film. Sounds romantic? Sometimes, visiting an exhibition can be an intimate and even seductive experience. It’s a great idea for a first date, but also for Valentine’s Day. Which exhibit to visit depends on your taste and mood. In Milan this February, some of the most interesting ones include: George Hoyningen-Huene. Glamour e Avanguardia at Palazzo Reale, an homage to George Hoyningen-Huene, a pioneer of fashion photography; Friends, Foes, Beds and Beaus, a solo exhibition by Patrizio Di Massimo at Gió Marconi Gallery; and Ode to Transience, the first Italian solo exhibition by Chinese artist Zhenlin Zhang at Tempesta Gallery.

The sky above Milan: An evening at the Planetarium

Not your typical star-gazing night, maybe with live music or poetry readings. That, you can do any other day of the year. If you're looking for an alternative Valentine’s Day or a creative way to deepen a new connection, the Milan Planetarium is dedicating the night of February 14th to scientific exploration. Astrophysicist Luca Perri from the National Institute of Astrophysics and Merate Observatory will present “Come la fisica e la matematica possono aiutare in amore…almeno in teoria”, tackling existential questions like: "What are the odds of finding your soulmate on Earth?" and "Are they higher or lower than getting a call from E.T.?" Or even "How to handle a date?" and "How to live happily ever after?".

Valentine’s Day at the movies or theater

A classic Valentine’s date, along with a romantic dinner, is going to the cinema—or, alternatively, the theater. You get dressed up, meet up, spend a couple of hours sitting close together watching a film or show, exchange knowing glances, brush hands occasionally, before continuing your evening. Among the current films in theaters, you could go for Babygirl, A Complete Unknown, Le Occasioni dell’Amore, or the horror film Companion. For a more Valentine’s-themed lineup, on Wednesday, February 14th, MIC is screening Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart, Dangerous Liaisons by Stephen Frears, and the 2017 romantic comedy The Big Sick. At the theater, you might enjoy Romeo and Juliet (at Teatro Leonardo) or We Call It Ballet (at Teatro San Babila), a version of Sleeping Beauty featuring stunning dances and glow-in-the-dark costumes.

Valentine’s Day at a spa

Maybe you’re not the biggest Valentine’s Day fan, but you could use a break—a little pampering and relaxation. Take advantage of the occasion and seasonal offers to escape with your partner to a thermal bath, a spa, or a wellness center. Some great spots in and around Milan include QC Terme Milano, near Porta Romana, and Monticello Spa, located between Lecco and Monza, in the heart of Brianza.