Maribor for two

Choose a café in the city centre and agree on just one thing to begin with: what would you like to do together today? Perhaps discover a new exhibition, try something delicious or simply wander without watching the clock.

From Grajski trg, continue to Slomškov trg, turn onto Poštna ulica and pause at Glavni trg. Then head down towards Lent via Židovski trg. This stroll connects the city streets with the Drava riverbank, which Visit Maribor also recommends for couples.

Each of you can choose a stop along the way. An exhibition for one, a dessert for the other. You might discover something you would not have included in your own plans.

If you enjoy a good view, walk through the City Park and up Piramida. This vineyard-covered hill rises to 386 metres, and the climb from the park takes around half an hour. At the top, you can look out over Maribor, Pohorje and the Drava Plain.

The view has a historical dimension, too. A castle once stood on Piramida, giving its name to the settlement below. As you look towards the city, you are standing somewhere connected to its beginnings.

Choose weather that makes for a pleasant climb and leave enough daylight for the return. If you would prefer to stay on level ground, continue your walk through the City Park.

Choose your meal around what makes a good evening for you. For some, that means a leisurely tasting menu; for others, a bistro where you can share several dishes, or a relaxed lunch that stretches into the afternoon.

If you are interested in Styrian cuisine, ask about local ingredients and wines. Check the menu when booking and mention any dietary requirements. If a restaurant’s cooking is your main reason for visiting, allow plenty of time for it in your day.

You can combine the evening with a performance or concert. Choose the event first, then book a table at a time that lets you reach the venue without rushing.

For a trip out of the city, head to Špičnik near Svečina, around 20 kilometres from Maribor. From the right angle, the road among the vineyards forms a heart. The famous view can be seen from the courtyard of the Dreisiebner tourist farm.

There is a surprisingly everyday reason behind this romantic scene. According to the farm, the bend was created to cope with the steep slope, and today it gives the road its distinctive heart shape. A view that has become a symbol of romantic outings was born from the need for easier access.

Combine the viewpoint with lunch or a pre-arranged visit to a wine producer. Before arriving, check access conditions for the viewpoint and the farm’s opening times. If you plan a wine tasting, arrange transport so neither of you needs to drive afterwards.

Staying overnight lets you make the most of the evening. After dinner, continue your conversation on a stroll, then begin the next morning with breakfast and one more stop in the city.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans. For dinner and cultural events in the centre, a city stay is convenient. If peace and quiet are your priority, look for places by the river, among the vineyards or at the foot of Pohorje. Visit Maribor also features glamping among the vineyards and beside the Drava as options for a couples’ getaway.

Add a spa visit for extra relaxation, but check what the package includes and whether you need to book a separate time slot before reserving.

For a day together, combine coffee in the city centre, a stroll through Lent, one experience of your choice and dinner. If you stay for the whole weekend, spend the second day exploring the surrounding wine country or relaxing in nature.

You do not need to want the same thing at every stage of your visit. Let each of you contribute one idea, with time in between for whatever you discover together.