Whether you celebrate on February 14 or 24, on Saint Valentine’s Day or its Romanian equivalent Dragobete, this month of love sees the focus switch from business to romance, at least for one day. For both those in love and those looking for it, here are some of our suggestions for the most romantic time of the year.

Where to go

Concert: Paula Seling & Big Band Radio

Accompanied by Big Band Radio and the Chamber Radio Orchestra, Paula Seling will stage a truly romantic show, featuring her most famous songs, jazz arrangements and tributes to Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and The Jackson 5.

February 14, 19.00, Radio Hall (Sala Radio). Tickets cost RON 3, 12, 20, 25, 30.

Getting married: Shakespeare’s Bar

If you want to impress your significant other with the perfect Valentine’s Day present, a wedding certificate for just one day could be the answer.

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Romanians are choosing the most romantic destinations for Valentine’s and Dragobete

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February 14, 22.00, 8 Blanari Street, OldTown. Reservations: 0721 860 747.

Valentine’s Day for Singles: Let’s Meet

Singletons seeking Mr/Ms Right are being catered for at two parties organized by the offline social network for singles, Let’s Meet. Some 150 single people aged between 25 and 40 are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 16. The other party is on February 24 to mark the traditional Romanian celebration of love, Dragobete. Let’s Meet is Romania’s largest offline social network for singles with six communities all around the country.

Reservations and more details: 0748 140 781.

What to buy

Sweets

Candy shops are always popular on this particular day if the object of your affection has a sweet tooth. If you have not had the chance to taste the sublime flavor of the authentic Italian chocolate Venchi, visit Caramel Lounge at 214 Calea Victoriei. On the same street, Chocolat, at 12A Calea Victoriei (entrance via Stavropoleos), has a large variety of fine cakes decorated with fresh fruit, not to mention the famous Belgian chocolate. With packaging specially designed for Valentine’s Day, Leonidas, the sweet shop on 27 Strada Doamnei, has a special assortment of famous Belgian pralines in the shape of a pink heart and a big candy box full of chocolates.

Flowers

Bouquets of red roses are the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift but florists are ready with any kind of flower arrangements. For a personalized bouquet visit the traditional open flower market Piata Cosbuc. If you prefer to order from your desk, online flower shops such as www.floria.ro and www.123flori.ro offer a convenient way to find bouquets at special prices. Until late into the night, small flower stalls on street corners are there for last-minute acquisitions as you make your way home to your mate or out to meet your date.

Fairs

A one-stop-shop to get prepared for the present exchange is the Valentine’s Day Fair at Sala Dalles. Handmade jewelry and aromatic candles, decorations made using the Tiffany method, Venetian masks and exotic creations from India, Peru or Great Britain could impress your loved one.

February 8-14, Sala Dalles.

Where to dine

Kunnai Restaurant

6-12 Copilului Street

This hidden piece of modern Thailand offers Thai Kiss – a platter of traditional snacks – accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine, Thai Passion – a trio of spicy dishes to share – with a glass of red or white wine, and Thai Pleasure – enhance your sweet evening with desserts – washed down with a glass of dessert wine.

You can also try the Special Couple Set Menu: RON 380 without wines or RON 550 with wines (prices per couple). The St. Valentine Week promotion at Kunnai runs from February 11-17. Reservations: 0722 687 343.

Roberto’s Restaurant

Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest hotel, 1-3 Episcopiei Street

Love will be in the air during a romantic candlelit dinner with your sweetheart at Roberto’s. This year, the extra sparkles are on the house: enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne and live entertainment, for RON 325/person. The hotel also recommends the special Valentine’s Room Package, including one night’s accommodation in a double Hilton Guestroom with breakfast in bed, for RON 390. Reservations: 021 303 3777.

Bistro Epoque

The Epoque Hotel,17C Intrarea Aurora

The romantic dinner comes in two styles, for him and for her. The Amuse Bouche and First Course are prepared with both your tastes in mind, which are finally reunited in the ‘Heart of love macaroon’ and a glass of Prosecco (EUR 110). For longer magic moments, choose the Romantic Retreat (EUR 470) with three nights’ accommodation, breakfast in bed and a romantic dinner for two included. Reservations: 021 312 3232.

Haters’ corner

If you are a bitter singleton, are nursing a broken heart or just want to get away from the commercialism of the 14th, come and celebrate the anti-Valentine’s Day and Singles Awareness Day (both also celebrated on February 14). In Bucharest, two parties are being held under these banners:

Club A – A traditional event now on its 11th run, with music by the band Tapinarii, who are launching their ninth album.

February 14, from 21.00, 14 Blanari Street, tickets available at RON 10.

Club Fabrica – ZOB and Niste Baieti are celebrating the anti-romance day of the year in their inimitable way.

February 15, from 21.00, 50 11 June Street, tickets available at RON 20.

Oana Vasiliu