Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to impress that special someone, South Africa’s big three - Cape Town, Durban, and Jozi - have some romance lined up for you. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of the year to move beyond the talking stage and make an impression. Whether it’s admiring the sunset on a lovey-dovey picnic or simply indulging in good food and great conversation, the day can help spark a deeper connection.
These Valentine’s Day date ideas are sure to help you earn extra brownie points with that special someone in your life or turn that lingering “what are we?” into something more certain.
Cape Town
Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is celebrating Valentine’s Day by screening the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day” at two different locations. This star-studded film, which weaves together the lives of several couples as they navigate love on the holiday, will be shown in the enchanting outdoor setting of The Galileo. Guests can enjoy a cozy and romantic atmosphere with blankets, delicious food, and the stunning backdrop of the open sky.
Details
Date: 14 February 2025
Time: Doors open at 17:00. Movie start at 20:00
Place: Nooitgedacht Estate and Kirstenbosch Garden
Cost: R295 per person, including the movie entry, entertainment, backrest, blanket, welcome drink and sweet treat.
With two locations offering the screening, couples can choose the perfect spot to relax and enjoy this lighthearted film on the most romantic day of the year.
Spier Evening Summer Picnic
Spier has the perfect summer evening picnic under the stars lined up with live music by the talented Jabulile Majola, and a complimentary bottle of Spier Cap Classique Brut Rosé.
Details
Date: 14 February 2025
Time: 18:30 - 20:30
Place: Spier Werf, Stellenbosch
Cost: R995 per picnic for two
Durban
Valentine’s High Tea
Celebrate your love this year with a romantic high tea, featuring a decadent assortment of dark, white, and milk chocolate indulgences, along with a variety of savoury treats, a gift box of chocolate truffles to share, and a complementary cocktail on arrival.
Details
Date: 14 February 2025
Time: 14:30 - 17:00
Place: The Palm Court & The Grill Room
Cost: R650 per person. R450 for children under 12 years old.
Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise
Escape the bustle of the city for half an hour as you soak up the magic of Durban’s waterfront by night. Let the glittering lights of Durban Point Waterfront slip by as you slide below bridges and down elegant waterways with plenty to do once you return.
Details
Check available dates and times on Zulumoon Gondolas’ website.
Place: Zulumoon Gondolas Boat Rides, Durban
Cost: R360 per couple
Jozi
Ice skating at North Gate Ice Rink
Grab your partner and head to the Northgate Ice Rink for a fun date night. The ice rink is regularly maintained, you can rent reliable ice skates, and the music selection is a vibe.
Details
Time: Everyday from 09:30 – 22:00 (check website for session times)
Venue: Northgate Shopping Centre
Cost: R105 entrance + R50 skate hire
Picnic at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Enjoying a romantic garden picnic at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is an opportunity to connect with your partner in beautiful surroundings while you engage in great conversation, take a casual stroll along the multiple walking paths, and spot fauna and flora throughout this beautiful garden.
Details
Time: Everyday from 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Cost: R100 adults. R50 students. Free for pensioners on Tuesdays.
Fine dining at Marble
Enjoying a dinner date at a first-class restaurant is always a good idea. Eating dinner while overlooking stunning scenery is a great way to embrace and connect with your partner.
Details
Time: Tuesdays - Saturdays from 12:00 - 22:00
Venue: Marble Restaurant, Johannesburg
Cost: Dependant on your choice of dish.
Valentine’s Day falls in the beginning of the year. However, during this time your pockets are still recovering from the festive season, so your budget might be a little tight. Here are a few ways you can express your love on a budget:
Cook or bake together
For many, cooking or baking may sound like a chore, but when you do it with someone you adore, it becomes special.
Do a fun at-home activity together
If you want to unleash your creativity or start a new hobby together, a fun at-home activity is the prefect ay to do it. Sip and paint is a great way of connecting with your partner on a creative level. If you want more intellectual intimacy, connect with your partner on a deeper level by playing a couple quiz game.
At-home movie night
Nothing screams romance like a good old classic movie night. Create the perfect romantic ambiance by cozying up with your partner and enjoying a selection of your favourite movies. To tie it all together, get a few of your favourite snacks and drinks and enjoy the moment.
