It was a glorious day and we couldn’t have scored better weather for our romantic outing with in Vienna! Who said, Paris is the most romantic city in the world? Sight-seeing by horse-drawn carriage has such a special charm, whomever you might be taking will just say ‘Yes’, when you’re surrounded by such an amazing and historic ambience.

Empress Sissi loved it here, so that’s something to go by when it comes to romance! She lived in the fabulous Hofburg Palace, comprising of around 2600 rooms, in which around 5000 people still work today. Being one of the most romantic royal figures in the history of the Austo-Hungarian Empire, she shaped what palace life was about in a rather modern fashion all those years ago, including installing a personal gym for herself – wow, what a woman! So, visiting the Sissi Museum is a must-do after your carriage ride. The Wiener Hofreitschule is also highly recommendable to see (whether in training sessions of the full-blown show), as those dancing Lippizaner Horses are pure joy to watch.

Life is extremely social in Vienna, hence its famous coffee places, nurturing the so-called Kaffeehaus-Society, when thinkers, authors, reformers, artists, painters, politicians, philanthropists and game-changers, as well as TA-DAH.TV’s very own Claudia Peifer, spent hours over cake and coffee, contemplating the world. Countless theatres, world famous museums and open-air spaces make this great city a haven for the performing arts. So, when you go, make sure you book yourself tickets to world-class performances of plays, operas, dance performances, or indeed, outdoor entertainment in the Prater, for a fab day/night out.

8 Best Things To Do In Vienna On Valentine’s Day

It’s the most popular city in Austria – with over 4 million people visiting in 2023. But when you’re yearning for romance, what are the best things to do in Vienna on Valentine’s Day? 

You might have seen but, here at TA-DAH.TV, we like to get around a little. 

But there’s just something enchanting about Vienna at Valentine’s that pulls you in. We needed to experience it! Here’s what we did and what we recommend you do!

Most romantic thing to do on Valentine’s Day: carriage ride through Vienna – Europe

Catching a City Break in Vienna on Valentine’s Day

It’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe, but what’s it like in Vienna on Valentine’s Day?

We’ve experienced city breaks in hundreds of awesome locales, from hot air ballooning and checking out Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh to spending 24 hours in Seville. But when the chance to visit Vienna at the most romantic time of the year popped up, we knew we had to get there!

We headed out to do some sleuthing on this gorgeous monument to modern romance. That’s how we know all about the best things to do here. So, what are those amazing activities?

What are the Best Things to Do in Vienna on Valentine’s Day?

Visiting Vienna on Valentine’s Day might raise the pressure to find some gorgeous (and super romantic) things to do in the city. If you’re feeling the squeeze, don’t worry, we have 8 activities that we know you’re both going to love!

1. Ice skating under the stars
2. Hofburg Palace 
3. Kiss at The Kiss
4. Giant Ferris Wheel
5. Horse and carriage tour
6. Chocolate spa treatment
7. Go antiquing 
8. Museum of Illusions

Ice Skating at Vienna Ice World

Every January – March, City Hall Square in Vienna turns into one of the largest open-air artificial ice rinks in the world. Kinda reminds us of our slide around Somerset House ice rink!

But what makes this icy attraction even more enchanting is the fact that they keep it open after dark on Valentine’s Day – specifically for star-crossed lovers who want to skate under the moonlight. 

Vienna Ice World is open until 10 pm on the big day and around 10 Euros each for adults, why not take the chance to grab a slide around after going for a romantic meal? 

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Visiting Hofburg Palace

During your Valentine’s trip to the Austrian capital, you should definitely check out Hofburg Palace. Built-in 1279, the Imperial Palace is one of the most iconic sights in the city.

One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, once inside fans of our Arts & Culture Channel might like to explore a plethora of attractions including:

• Sissi Museum & Imperial Apartments
• Spanish Riding School
• Imperial Treasury and Crown Jewels
• Grand Hall of the Austrian National Library
• The Butterfly House at the Burggarten 

Grab an Eternal Peck at The Kiss

Did you know, on Valentine’s Day, each year couples can have a professional photograph of them kissing taken in front of Gutsav Klimt’s iconic ‘The Kiss’ painting?

The photography session runs from 6:30pm – 9:30pm and is completely free too! What could be more creative and romantic?!

Have a Turn On the Giant Ferris Wheel

On Valentine’s Day in Vienna, the gigantic ferris wheel in Prater opens until 9:45pm and is the perfect activity for those searching for a unique view of this romantic old centre. 

But, this is no ordinary ferris wheel. Each carriage is like a little chalet and you sail around the circle’s full 61m diameter in absolute comfort. 

There are even pods with dining tables for the ultimate romantic Valentine’s Day meal experience. 

Vienna Prater: Everything You Need to Know

Sip Champagne in A Horse-Drawn Carriage

When it comes to the best things to do in Vienna on Valentine’s Day, this one is definitely up our street.

During your hour-long tour of the top sites in Vienna, you can take in some of the incredible locations we’ve spoken about already including: 

• Hofburg Palace complex
• Heldenplatz
• Albertina Museum
• St Peter’s Church 
• Graben
• Cafe Central
• Burgtheatre
• Cafe Landtmann

Imagine spotting all that while sitting regally in the back of your horse-drawn carriage, enjoying a glass of bubbles and some sandwiches.   

However, a word of advice from us, if you do plan to try this on your February trip to Vienna, we recommend wrapping up warm. As lovely as the experience is, it can get cold up there on that gorgeous carriage. 

Chocolate Spa Treatment 

What better way to warm up after your carriage tour of the city than by visiting the 5-star Hotel Sacher for a luxurious chocolate spa treatment. 

Treatments at the grand spa include rich facials, firming full-body massages and hydrating body wraps. All of which incorporate our favourite confectionary and Valentine’s treat – chocolate. 

Go Antiquing

One thing Vienna is not short of are antique shops. If you love nothing more than perusing the shelves for a bargain, then you’ll love spending your Valentine’s trip to Austria wandering the cobbled streets and exploring the quaint stores.  

Visit the Museum of Illusions

Size matters on Valentine’s Day, lucky for you the incredible Museum of Illusions can take care of all that. 

But, as well as altering your stature you can also experience some other truly unique moments like turning the world upside down or checking yourself out in the True Mirror. This terrifying attraction shows you how the world sees you (including your date). Yikes!

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Most Romantic Restaurants In Vienna: Satiating Appetites and Stirring Up Love

After all that exploration, you’ll probably be ready for a bite to eat – or looking forward to a show-stopping Valentine’s meal in Vienna. 

Well, whether you’re looking to beat your hunger pangs or dial up the romance, you can’t go wrong at these destinations: 

• Tian Restaurant: Vegan Valentine’s rejoice, the top chefs at Tian Restaurant have been sending out Michelin-recognised plates since 2014. 
• Zum Schwarzen Kameel: We mentioned the sandwiches on the carriage tour and they come from this very beautiful bistro. So, why not stop by to try more of the menu? 
• Cafe Landtmann: A favourite of Sigmund Freud, we mentioned it in our tour video, Cafe Landtmann has been welcoming patrons with gorgeous food and sumptuous coffees and cakes for over 150 years. 

Discover More Dazzling Venues Like Vienna on Our Travel Channel 

Like the sound of this super romantic Valentine’s trip to Vienna? Well we’re all about special experiences like this over on our Travel Channel. 

Check it now for more of our European escapades. 

Subscribe to our free newsletter to get all the latest news direct to your inbox.

Gawd, what fun is it to go skating at one of London’s loveliest inner city palaces!?! We just love Somerset House, and not just in summer, as they see in the festive season in style as well: a gorgeous ice rink, DJ sessions, an alpine bar and a special restaurant with seasonal cuisine – what else does one need for a Christmas experience in town? Nothing much…

So, join Claudia Peifer for a brilliant sesh on the ice – and no, she hasn’t been ice skating in a while either 🙂 come to think of it, many of the fellow skaters were only finding their feet on the ice for the first time. And it almost sleighed her, but she successfully avoided an embarrassing tumble after all. That night, Claudia was not alone in ‘dancing on ice’, as over 200 people joined her at that session, and there were all sorts of different languages spoken…and we heard quite a bit of swearing too! Other than your usual Brit ice skating in the capital, the Italians were out in force as well, but there were loads of skaters there from Portugal, Spain, France, Japan, and Aussies too. A proper international affair then!

Spinning the decks were the gals from Raw Silk, but Rock Angel had quite a bit of local talent in their roster, resulting in sell-out sessions at Somerset House. Having sampled other ice rinks in London too, we can say that skating at the Natural History Museum and Hampton Court Palace both offer fabulous skating experiences, and the view at Tobacco Dock is just to-die-for. So, with Xmas shopping in the bag, this is the thing to do to have an absolute laugh when in London over Christmas – Ho, Ho, Ho!

Why Go Ice Skating at Somerset House?

You can also go ice skating in London on temporary rinks at Hampton Court Palace, Tobacco Dock and the Natural History Museum. So what makes this rink so special?

It may be the effervescent glow of the Christmas tree or the fact that up to 250 people can glide around the ice at Somerset House. It could also be the laundry list of awesome DJs and other attractions that make this rink so good.

But, while those are all incredibly sound reasons to experience it for yourself, we also think the three Late Skate sessions a night, as well as the gorgeous setting and beautiful vibes, could have something to do with it too

Whatever it is, the vibes or the scenery, Claudia absolutely loved her experience.

Catch Incredible DJs While You Skate

One huge draw to the ice at Somerset House is the presence of top DJs pumping out tracks while you skate. At times it’s like Snowbombing in the middle of London.

With specialist evenings where top acts and collectives like RAW SILK, Pxssy Palace, Cousins and Deptford Northern Soul Club spin up a storm. It’s an awesome way to spend a winter’s evening.

But there’s more going on here than simply gliding around the rink with your partner or pals.

What Else Is There To Do At Somerset House?

When you’re not ice skating at Somerset House you could be discovering some other areas and events.

Skate Lounge

If the ice isn’t your temperature, how about kicking back in the trendy pop-up Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel instead?

Claudia dropped in and sampled all the delights on offer. From winter warmers such as hot chocolate and mulled wine to elevated tipples like Provence Rosé or champagne – all in the interest of research, of course.

Exhibitions

Your visit to the palace doesn’t have to revolve around the rink. You could take a break from the ice and take in some incredible art and culture.

Makeversity is a collective of over 300 creatives based at Somerset House. Witness their exhibition of groundbreaking solutions for the world’s biggest challenges.

Skate Schools

Not all the fun of the rink at Somerset House occurred when the sunset. You could also take the chance to improve your confidence with professional skate school sessions throughout the day.

Looking For More Icy DJ Fun?

All that ice and music got you thinking about your social calendar this winter?

Don’t worry, there are some suitably huge events on the horizon and we can tell you about them all when you sign up for our newsletter.

Alternatively, check out what happened when Claudia touched down on cooler ground again to interview DJ Yoda as he smashed his set in the Arctic Disco at Snowbombing.

 

The Global Champions League Comes To Europe

The summer of European sport shows no signs of stopping. And now equestrian fanatics can get in on the act too, as the Longines Global Champions League comes to the continent.

As the summer unfolds, the tour winds its way through some of the most iconic cities on the continent, offering a unique blend of high-stakes competition and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the Global Champions League is an experience you won’t want to miss. Now, TA-DAH.TV can tell you where to catch all of the action.

What is the Global Champions League?

For those who don’t know, the Global Champions League, or GCL, is a premier series that attracts the top showjumping teams from across the globe.

Founded in 2006, the league has grown exponentially and now spans three continents, 14 countries and 16 dazzling destinations… oh and there’s the small matter of €36 million in prize money.

Featuring a series of prestigious events held in spectacular locations. Each event showcases the highest level of competition, combining individual and team performances in a super thrilling format.

Why Should You Book Tickets to the Global Champions League?

We love all things equestrian across Europe. From attending incredible Royal Ascot in the UK to our penchant for polo in Spain.

But being at the GCL is more than just watching a sport; it’s an experience filled with elegance, excitement and unforgettable moments.

Here are some reasons why you should consider attending:

Unique Features of the Event

The Longines Global Champions League offers a unique blend of athletic prowess and cultural immersion. Each venue is carefully chosen for its suitability for show jumping as well as its ability to provide a stunning event backdrop.

This means that, even when you’re not watching live show jumping action, you could be filling your senses with other incredible experiences in the iconic event locations. If you follow our Travel Channel, you’ll know we’re all about spending time in Europe’s top destinations.

Sun it up in Cannes or Saint Tropez. Discover ancient wonders in Rome. Or, if you get peckish at the London event, why not skip across town to the Mercato Metropolitano international street food market?

Fan Experiences

From VIP hospitality packages to family-friendly activities and team merchandise stores so you can show off your colours, the GCL ensures every attendee has a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking to get up close to the action or enjoy the event in luxury, there’s something for everyone.

2024 Event Schedule and Locations

The annual GCL promises excitement across the globe with events scheduled in some of the most vibrant cities in the world, from Doha to Shanghai.

But, because here at TA-DAH.TV we focus in on sports events across Europe, let’s check out where the league will be stopping in the continent this summer:

Overview of the European Leg of the Tour

Each city on the league calendar offers unique charm and attractions, making it an excellent opportunity for both show-jumping fans and travellers alike

Key Dates for Your Diary

• Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Spain: 17 – 19 May
• Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show, Saint-Tropez, France: 30 June – 1 May
• Port of Cannes, Cannes, France: 6 – 8 June
• Plaine de Jeux de Bagatel, Paris, France: 21 – 23 June
• Olympic Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden: 28 – 30 June
• Monaco: 4 – 6 July
• Riesenbeck International, Riesenbeck, Germany: 18 – 21 July
• Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, UK: 16 – 18 August
• Longines Tops International Arena, Valkenswaard, Netherlands: 23 – 25 August
• Circus Maximus, Rome, Italy: 30 August – 1 September

What to Expect in 2024

The 2024 LGCT is shaping up to be an unforgettable season. With top riders returning and new talents emerging, the competition will be fierce.

Keep an eye on returning champions like Harrie Smolders and Christian Kukuk, as well as rising stars ready to make their mark. The level of competition promises to be exceptional, with every rider aiming for the top spot.

Make Sure You Catch the Longines Global Champions Tour Too

The great thing about this incredible showjumping showpiece is that you can double the excitement by catching the Global Champions Tour too.

The Global Champions Tour (LGCT) runs at the same time as the Champions League (CGL), so you can catch the very best teams in action at all those iconic locations we listed earlier.

We believe Jan Tops, the League’s Founder and President, said of the events: “My vision is clear. Only the best for the best.”

How to Make the Most of Your Experience

No matter which Global Champions event you’re attending, each is a unique experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

Tips for Attending the Events

• Plan Ahead: Check the schedule and book your tickets early.
• Explore the City: Take time to enjoy the local attractions and culture.
• Stay Comfortable: Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for a day

Follow Our Dedicated Sports Channel For More

Want to be in the heart of the action but life keeps getting in the way?

We feel you, that’s why we’ve created our dedicated Sports Channel where fans of all things running, jumping, kicking and throwing can get the latest European sporting event news. Check it out today!

 

Fashion lovers (and followers of the hit Netflix show, Inventing Anna) will know all about Jardin Majorelle. 

The stunning garden oasis of design icon Yves Saint Laurent is now open to the public, so you know TA-DAH.TV had to stop by for a visit. 

So, what is it like in the enchanting gardens, what can you do there and is there a best time to visit? Here’s everything we know and why Jardin Majorelle has to be on your Marrakesh itinerary.

A Brief History of Jarden Majorelle

Crafted by the visionary artist Jacques Majorelle in the early 20th century, these lush gardens were his lifelong passion project. 

Fast forward to the swinging sixties, when fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent stumbled upon this oasis and fell head over heels. 

Enchanted by its charm, he and his partner, Pierre Bergé, rescued the gardens from developers and breathed new life into the site, preserving Majorelle’s legacy and adding their own touch of elegance. 

YSL’s influence, incredible architecture, stunning plant life and intoxicating colours are all some of the reasons why the gardens attract over 900,000 tourists a year. 

Today, Jardin Majorelle stands as a living tribute to art, nature, and the enduring spirit of creativity. But who started the site?

Who Was Jacques Majorelle?

Son of renowned art nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle, Jacques was enchanted by Morocco’s vibrant culture and colorful streets. 

His Orientalist paintings of North Africa, including Morocco, are legendary, with some featured on 1920s travel posters. 

But his most iconic contribution? The mesmerizing cobalt blue buildings at Jardin Majorelle, inspired by Moroccan skies and Tuareg veils, now known as “Majorelle Blue”!

What is At Jardin Majorelle?

It’s not quite a hot air balloon watching the sunrise over the Atlas Mountains, but Jardin Majorelle is just as enchanting. But what are the main attractions in this secluded inner-city oasis?

Instagram YSL museum in Marrakesh

Musée Berbère

If we told you there is an incredible museum on-site at the gardens, you’d probably be forgiven for thinking it’s a comprehensive collection of YSL designs and fabrics or first works by the iconic Majorelle. But, its contents are arguably much more significant than that. 

In fact, the exhibit cases in The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts are jam-packed full of indigenous Moroccan and Berber artifacts. Some 600 relics are housed here including textiles (apt for YSL), metalwork and… wait for… jewels!

You heard us, honest-to-goodness chiseled jewels.

Villa Oasis Gardens

The gorgeous gardens are like a balm on the senses. Babbling water features accent every turn in the cobbled path which leads past the myriad of stunning plant life.

Tones of quintessentially terracotta tones play against the bullets of Majorelle Blue. Listen carefully as you wonder and you may just be serenaded by songbirds or croaking frogs.

Yves Saint Laurent Memorial

The gardens are laden with Instagrammable moments – the potent of which is the YSL memorial statue. 

Consisting of a gorgeous Roman pillar, the touching tribute was left to the great designer by his partner Pierre Bergé. Bergé placed the pillar in the stunning gardens following the icon’s passing in 2017.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh

If you came to Marrakesh for YSL indulgence, then this is the museum for you. Inside its super chic walls, you’ll find exhibits, stunning artworks, a library and so much more.

When is The Best Time to Visit Jardin Majorelle?

The gardens open at 8:30 am every day and close at 6 pm with the final entries at 5:30 pm. Although the opening times are broad, we’d suggest getting there as early as possible. 

Because this is a super popular spot with international tourists, the later you leave your experience the tougher you may find it to get in. Plus, by the time 11 am rolls around, there are lots of people who want to grab shots of the iconic spots. 

So, get there for the opening or be willing to wait for your picture moments. But Jardin Majorelle is only 2 miles from central Marrakesh, so grabbing a taxi, bus or even a horse-drawn carriage (hello Anna Delvey) shouldn’t be too hard.

How Much Does it Cost to Tour Jardin Majorelle?

As of January 2023, the only way to bag tickets to the gardens and museums is via the on-site ticket booths or via online purchase. 

You can buy tickets to Jardin Majorelle from the site’s online store. On the site you have the option to purchase tickets to the gardens, the YSL museum, the Pierre Bergé Museum & gardens or a combined ticket. 

A combined ticket gets you into all three areas and will set you back around £25 per person. However, passes are roughly £13 for students and free for kids under 10 years old.

Discover More Iconic Sites On Our Travel Channel

We’re not ashamed to say we get around. In fact, we love nothing more than visiting gorgeous locales and bringing the experiences back to you. 

And we do all that, right here on our Travel Channel. Check it out now for more escapes across Europe. 

Alternatively, if you’re here for the museums and fashion vibes, you might be better placed over on our dedicated Arts and Culture Channel. 

Make sure you subscribe to our free newsletter for both channels!

If you had the chance to take to the skies over Loch Lomond on a thrilling Scotland seaplane flight, would you do it?

We’re talking soaring into the clouds from a watery start in the famous Loch and gliding above the Scottish West Coast, before touching back down into the water once more.

TA-DAH.TV certainly did! So Claudia, our very own Jane Blonde, hot-footed it up the Scottish Highlands for a daring aerial adventure like no other

What’s it Like Taking a Seaplane Flight On Loch Lomond?

After hot air ballooning in Marrakech, we thought we’d had all the aerial antics we could handle. But, seaplane trips in Scotland are an unforgettable experience. This one certainly lived up to that high billing. And no, we didn’t spot Nessie!

Is it nail-biting when you leave the Loch? Absolutely – touching back down again is no picnic either if you’re not the most confident flyer. But, once up in the air, all that anxiousness melts away and you’re left with staggering views of the shimmering west coast of Scotland.

We definitely were not ready for the clear blue Caribbean-esque waters that we found kissing the craggy coastline.

Where Did We Go On Our Scotland Seaplane Flight?

Starting from an understated jetty outside the stunning Cameron House Hotel, around 55 km from Glasgow, we took flight across the rugged southwestern coast of Scotland.

After thick cloud cover saw us head southwards, we glided majestically over Loch Striven to see a piece of real-life history. This Loch was the testing grounds for the infamous dambuster bombers and scientists back in World War II. But that was just one iconic moment on this flight.

We also flew over the island of Jura and George Orwell’s secluded hideaway near the water. The cloistered cottage was the setting for his creation of the sci-fi classic, 1984.

Unfortunately, more thick clouds meant that was the last we saw of the Hebridean Islands (or anything for that matter). So, we quickly made our way back down to terra firma and a much-needed cup of cocoa in the incredible Cameron House

How Fast Does a Seaplane Travel?

Due to the floats on the bottom of the plane, seaplanes generally travel between 130 – 140 knots. That’s roughly 149 – 160 mph.

While that might sound super quick, it’s important to highlight that this is slower than standard land planes.

Those floats do their job in helping the plane take off and land on the water, but they also increase drag, weight and surface area which all help slow your roll.

How Long Are the Loch Lomond Seaplane Trips?

The Cameron House seaplane journey along the west coast of Scotland covers (roughly) 70 miles. However, if you want to upgrade for a longer experience, Explorer flights cover 110 miles.

Don’t worry about getting out and back on either of those adventures, as seaplanes in general are capable of much longer journeys.

How Far Can a Seaplane Travel?

The distance most seaplanes will travel depends on a number of factors including weight, fuel, conditions and wind resistance. However, the Loch Lomond Seaplanes used in this experience have a maximum range of around 790 nautical miles.

Hit Up Our Travel Channel For More Awesome Adventures

Want to hear more about Claudia’s next whacky adventure? Then you’d better head over to our Travel Channel.

That’s where you’ll find details of what happened when we hit the red carpet for Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Gala, hit the ice at the Somerset House skating rink, and tasted the tantalising tipples at Germany’s Natur Pur wine festival.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our free newsletter to be the first to know about our latest escapades.