![Why get caught up in the romantic crowds on Valentine's Day when there are quieter and romantic places to go. [Image Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/2/7/660x290/b_502x220x82/why-get-caught-up-in-the-romantic-crowds-on-valentines-day-when-there-are-quieter-and-romantic-places-to-go-image-pixabay_2200423.jpg "Why get caught up in the romantic crowds on Valentine's Day when there are quieter and romantic places to go. [Image Pixabay]")
Anyone planning a last-minute trip for two on Valentine's Day might find that the most popular destinations, like Paris, will be overcrowded with loving couples, making it difficult to get a table at a restaurant.
There are a number of other cities in the world that haven't caught on with Valentine's crowds as yet and are perfect for a romantic, quiet getaway together.
Vilnius, capital of Lithuania
Vilnius in Lithuania hasn’t been caught on the radar by romantic couples as yet and is perfect for a quiet, romantic holiday. The capital of Lithuania has many attractions, including the beautiful Old Town, the historic Gate of Dawn and Uzupis, a zone frequented by artists, with its cute bars and quaint boutique shops.
Moscow, Russia and its love lock bridge
Many people know about the love lock bridges in Rome and Paris, which, while romantic, are threatening the stability of the railings. Moscow has recently caught on to the craze and would be a perfect destination for a quiet Valentine’s holiday. Russian couples place a love padlock on the bridge as a symbol of their life-long devotion to one another and then throw the key into the river below. Then you can explore the fascinating city, its shops and restaurants at leisure.
Antwerp, Belgium and the best chocolate shop
Antwerp in Belgium is one of those quaint and beautiful cities that have not yet attracted the Valentine’s crowds, although it could in future! Antwerp has been reinvigorating the historic districts of the city, with loads of cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the DIVA diamond museum, worth looking at if considering getting engaged, as well as the Rubens House and Plantin Moretus museums to explore. Better yet, visit The Chocolate Line shop, selling, naturally, the best Belgian choccies.
Bristol, UK - Friendly city
If you don’t fancy catching a plane, why not stay local and head to Bristol. The city has a variety of craft beer shops, excellent street food and many bars and restaurants. It is a friendly city, great to explore without huge Valentine’s crowds. Stroll in the Bristol Zoo Gardens, a conservation zoo home to Gorilla Island, penguins, seals, reptiles, lemurs and lions. Visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery with its archaeology, fine art and a Banksy painting.
Galway, Ireland - Beautiful harbour town
Galway is a small city on the west coast of the Midlands of Ireland and has many attractions, including its historic Spanish Arch. Explore the 18th-century Eyre Square, surrounded by traditional Irish pubs and shops. Head to the Latin Quarter, with its stone-walled cafes, art galleries and boutiques lining the winding streets. Here you can also see the remains of the city’s medieval walls. Take a day trip to the Aran Islands and also see the Dun Aonghasa prehistoric fort on Inishmore.
