The Most Romantic Carnivals Around the Globe for Couples [Part 1]

Are you thinking about how to surprise your sweetheart for your anniversary? A carnival can be a great way to do it! Every year many carnivals happen around the world and attract people with their incredibly colorful atmosphere and joy. Visiting such an event can become a great uniting activity for both of you. Experts from a popular dating service asked Denver singles about the most romantic carnivals, and here is what they got. 

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a vibrant festival happening every year in Rio de Janeiro. This is the time of celebrating Brazilian culture. This time is associated with colorful parades, samba dancing, music, and beautiful costumes. Apart from simply enjoying an incredibly festive atmosphere, a couple will find many things to do during this Carnival. 

• Join in the street parties or “blocos” where locals and tourists dance to samba music. “Blocos” are free to attend. There you can expect energetic music, dancing, and numerous people dressed in colorful costumes. The most famous “blocos” are Bola Preta, Cordão da Bola Preta, and Sargento Pimenta.
• Or if you don’t feel like dancing, you can just visit the Sambadrome stadium and watch the parade of samba schools. The Sambadrome is the epicenter of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, and this parade is an unforgettable spectacle with all these colors and non-stop samba. 
• Those who like to get the best view ever can take a helicopter and enjoy watching everything from the top. 
• Rio de Janeiro is also home to many beautiful beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, where you can chill and catch the sun after having fun at the carnival. You can also explore Rio’s cultural landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and the historic downtown area.
• Nightlife will not disappoint you as well. There are many bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy live music, dancing, and cocktails. 

If you are ready to experience this festival of love and life, plan your romantic tour in advance as many things get booked so fast. 

How much does it cost?

Overall, you can expect to spend around $1500 to $3000 per person for a one-week trip to Rio de Janeiro during the carnival season. Carnival Fees are charged separately, so the total fee will depend a lot on the popularity of events and the number of them that you want to visit. For example, tickets to the Sambadrome Parade can range from $100 to $1000, depending on the seating area and the day of the parade.

The prices for accommodations during the carnival season usually vary a lot depending on the location, type of lodging, and availability. To save money, try to book in advance. Even like that, you can expect prices from $100 to $400 per night.

Cologne Carnival, Germany

Cologne Carnival is also known as the “Fifth Season”. It is one of the most famous carnivals in Germany, which attracts tourists from all around the globe. The Rose Monday Parade is one of the main activities of the carnival. It always happens on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. The parade is a spectacular view with hundreds of floats, bands, and dancers.

In addition to the parade, there are many street parties, called “Sitzungen” or “Kappenfeste,” hosted by local pubs and clubs and featuring live music, dancing, and plenty of beer. So fun is guaranteed for you. The carnival season is the best time to try traditional German carnival food and drinks, such as “Kölsch” beer, “Reibekuchen” (potato pancakes), and “Berliner” (donuts). 

You can also rent costumes and dress up in traditional carnival suits to fully feel the atmosphere of the scene. 

And for sure don’t miss the Cologne Old Town, its nice narrow streets are charming even without any events and they get even more beautiful when they are full of carnival buzz. 

How much does it cost?

Overall, you can expect to spend around $1500 to $3000 per person for a one-week trip to Cologne during the carnival season. Try to book accommodation and tickets in advance as this can save a considerable amount of money. Carnival events, such as the Rose Monday Parade, are free to attend, yet some balls require a prepaid ticket. The cost of a mid-range hotel room during the carnival season can range from $100 to $400 per night, depending on the location and amenities. Prices often get higher during this time, so book in advance to have the best choice and value for money.

Stay tuned! In the next post, we will continue the list of the most romantic carnivals in the world.