10 Romantic Things to do in London for Architecture Lovers
Every day should be St Valentine’s day in the capital
With its charming streets, impressive architecture and variety of plans, London makes the perfect setting for any couple. However, if you love architecture, if you truly appreciate our built word, skylines and history, this list will make you smile in ecstasy.
Find beneath, some of our favourite plans and settings in London to celebrate your love.
For more inspiration, get your Architectour Guide of London
1. A movie night done right
With its luxury armchairs, dimly lit side tables and cashmere blankets, Electric Cinema is a special place for a special date. The original cinema, opened in 1911, was one of the first cinemas built in London, which adds up to the experience. Book your tickets well in advance here.
2. Treat your loved-one to the aphrodisiac oysters of Michelin House
This delightful building completed at the end of the Art-Nouveau period serves London’s most succulent oysters (and has the biggest white roses too). While you knock back your molluscs remember to read its wonderful story on page 55 to delight your partner even further.
3. Whisper sweet nothings at Little Venice’s boat ride
Her head gently leaning on his shoulder, the leafy scenery out the windows and the slow and pleasant movement of the wooden vessel — the perfect setting to whisper how much you love your other half in the ear. There’s something magical in London’s canal world.
4. Spend the night in London’s most captivating AirBnB
Amongst the many quirky places to sleep in the capital, our favourite is in an AirBnB. But not any AirBnB. We are talking about the stunning Clock Tower of St Pancras Station. Unfortunately, the owners have recently removed the property from the website but we are hoping they change their minds and make this unusual home available again.
5. Admire together the amorous painting The Rokeby Venus
La Venus del Espejo, painted by Diego Velázquez in 1651 is one of the most sensual paintings at the National Gallery. In person, you’ll be able to study the pose and figure out the impossible angle of the mirror. Other romantic painting in this gallery include The Arnolfini Portrait (Jan van Eyck, 1434).
6. Shop flowers at Columbia Flower Market
Hand-select the most beautiful flowers at Columbia Flower Market. The market, which takes place only on Sundays from early morning to 2pm, is a place where you’ll find fresh plants, flowers and foliage. Be delighted by the rich floral fragrance, amazing natural colours and the great outdoor ambiance.
7. Love at 70 metres
Aqua Shard, the restaurant located at the 31st floor of the Shard Tower, is the place for a very intimate breakfast. Few places in London offer such views combined with such a tasty selection of platters — you’ll start the day with a smile. Weekdays are best as you can be there as early as 7am to enjoy sunrise. Our other favourite restaurant for this kind of plan is Duck & Waffle, but sadly they are brats with cameras and us architects don’t like going there anymore.
8. Marvel as the sky turns pink from Parliament Hill
Whether you are an early bird or night owl, you’ll enjoy more watching sunrise or sunset. With the former, you’ll enjoy some intimate time together as London comes to life. With the latter, you’ll enjoy the amazing atmosphere and the collective love of other Londoner who feel grateful to live in the world’s best city.
9. Kiss your loved one under the arch of Westminster Bridge
The most romantic setting in Westminster for a kiss and a favourite for your Instagram feed too 😜
10. Dine at London’s number one restaurant for architects
The Economist Building is a temple for architects but when Kengo Kuma redesigned the space for Sake no Hana in 2007, it achieved pilgrimage status. Kuma tested some of his early ideas on wood in the interiors of the restaurant and the result is blissful. On top of that, the tasting menus combined with the drink pairing are of another world. This is perhaps one of the things one must do in London as an architect, at least once.
We hope this list brings some ideas to surprise your other half while in London. Let us know in the comments what other romantic plans you enjoyed doing in the capital.
These and other amazing locations on Architectour Guide of London
