The season of love hearts, roses and romance is upon us again. It’s safe to say that planning a unique Valentine’s Day can be even more stressful than planning your perfect first date. In case you’re scrambling for ideas, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the day extra special. From fun to the romantic and everything else in between, and not just for sweethearts, there are a bunch of exciting events taking over Sydney in and around Valentine’s Day.
1. Enjoy dinner with a view at Q Dining
If food is the way to your significant lover’s heart, you’ll want to keep Q Dining on your radar. Executive Chef Jiwon and the Q Dining team have curated a 3-course menu that’s bound to impress, featuring delicious dishes such as Tasmanian Salmon with pipis, saffron and saltbush and more. You can also enjoy gorgeous views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at the harbourside restaurant. Snag a spot here.
2. Or enjoy dinner with no view at all with Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark is the perfect date plan for those love-struck romantics who fancy flipping the script on the standard dinner date this Valentine’s season. Cupid’s already setting his sights on Sydney, so it’s the perfect time to treat your favourite foodie to a romantic evening of taste sensations that throws the culinary rule book out the window. After helping each other slip on your blindfolds, you and your boo will work as a team to distinguish between the mouthwatering flavours and scents of a secret three-course menu.
This February, Capriccio Osteria and Beast&Co. are hosting these blindfolded dinner dates that fall around 14 February, so you can decide which evening works best for you!
Get your tickets to Sydney’s Dining in the Dark experiences here.
3. Have a budget-friendly day out at Funlab
Plan an unforgettable day out without burning a hole in your pocket courtesy of Funlab. Head to Strike, Holey Moley or Archie Brothers and enjoy mini golf, bowling and cocktails for $10 only. Remember to use the code LOVEFUN to take advantage of the offer.
4. Spoil yourself at W Sydney
The ultimate boujee date night awaits you at W Sydney, with a five-course dessert degustation that includes spice rum ice creams, cocktails, cakes and more. Btwn Restaurant will also be serving special meals for Valentine’s with menu highlights including Fraser Island spanner crab with brioche and oscietra caviar, yellow tuna sushi taco with ponzu cured Yarra Valley salmon roe and more. Make a trip of it by checking into one of their newest, super luxe WoW suites with incredible views over Darling Harbour. Head here for more.
5. Plan a romantic getaway out of town
Looking to go all out this Valentine’s Day? You can’t go wrong with a trip out of town. There are plenty of excellent options to choose from in and around Sydney. From a safari-like sleepover at Taronga Zoo to cute cottages by Hyams Beach, plan your perfect getaway here.
6. Enjoy salsa and dinner at The Grounds
The Grounds is currently doing a vibrant activation that will transport you to the colourful streets of Mexico. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, you can partake in a fun “salsa under the stars” dancing session with live music and professionals teaching you the ropes. End the evening with churros, paella, cocktails and more. Book a spot here.
7. Go on a Valentine’s Day Skywalk
Sydney Tower Eye’s Skywalk sessions will take lovebirds to the sky and 268 metres above the city. During the 45-minute tour, you can enjoy the ultimate birds-eye view of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Hyde Park. Book a spot here.
8. Attend this dreamy Candlelight concert
Can’t get away from work on Valentine’s Day? There’s a super romantic Candlelight Concert happening on Saturday, February 3. The Sydney Masonic Centre will glow in the light of hundreds of candles for a romantic evening of love songs. Featuring songs like All You Need Is Love from Love Actually, City of Stars from La La Land and more, this multi-sensory musical experience is sure to impress.
Let Candlelight light up your Valentine and get your tickets.
9. Show your true love the stars
The night sky is our common heritage, but how well do you know it? With an astrophysicist as your guide, this stargazing and storytelling experience in the foothills of the Blue Mountains will show you the night sky as you’ve never seen it before. If you’re thinking of date night, then show your partner the stars and how much they mean to you with this celestial experience.
Get starry-eyed this Valentine’s.
10. Book a dreamy staycay at Pier One
Indulge in romantic luxury at Pier One with a stay in their luxe Lover’s Suite. The bougie night out comes with a night’s accommodation in a suite, breakfast for two, valet parking, and a welcome drink. You can even bring your pet along to make the stay extra special. Book a suite here.
11. Watch a movie on the beach
A new outdoor cinema has arrived in Sydney with comfy beds set on 280 tons of white sand. This is Mov’In Outdoor Bed Cinema and they’re hosting a special Galentine’s Night screening of the 2024 Mean Girls reboot, a screening of The Notebook on Valentine’s Day and Crazy, Stupid, Love on February 15. Head here to book your tickets.
12. Go on an outdoor adventure
Take a break from the usual dinner date and head out into the great outdoors to reconnect. There are plenty of things to do in and around Sydney for nature lovers. Take your pick from coastal walks, weird and wonderful national parks, rugged swimming spots and more.
13. Attend an art exhibition
If you’re a culture fiend, there are plenty of exciting art shows around the city to enjoy with your significant other. Be inspired by the Art of Banksy or head to the world-famous Louise Bourgeois exhibition to get your fill of floating sculptures, giant spiders and more. Check out more exhibitions around Sydney here.
14. Dig into a 6-course menu at Novotel Parramatta
If food is your love language, you’ll want to book a table at Novotel Parramatta’s Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner. Taking place at 350 Restaurant & Lounge, the carefully curated degustation menu includes an Australian fusion menu with dishes including tartare, oysters, snapper and ravioli. Head here to book a table.
15. Spend the day on a luxe cruise
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a cruise on Sydney Harbour. It’s the perfect way to view some of the most iconic sights of Sydney with your special someone. From sightseeing with a fancy lunch to boozy parties, there are heaps of options tailored for every occasion. Find your perfect pick here.
16. Book a romantic getaway with Airbnb
Want to get away from it all for a bit? Airbnb has you covered. From secluded sites surrounded by the Australian bush in Erina to beautiful coastal cottages in Long Jetty, impress your partner with one of these dreamy yet affordable stays. Head here and book a stay!
17. See six sizzling acts of seduction and charm
Try something a little risqué for your Valentine’s Day plans this year. Hugely popular for its unique setting and dreamy ambience, The Magician’s Cabaret has a new Friday night show that’s a three-hour and six-act burlesque extravaganza. The Underground Burlesque Experience, complete with secret tunnel entry and complimentary aphrodisiac, explores the art form, from the seductive striptease to the stinging satire.
Add a touch of seduction to your Valentine’s with The Underground Burlesque Experience.
18. Be charmed by Parisian showgirls
If Friday night is no-can-do for a Valentine’s date but you’re still keen on a show, then The Magician’s Cabaret has got you covered with a mouth-watering meal and dazzling show. Just as Picasso proclaimed, At last I have come into a dreamland, so you will as well when the final act featuring the famous Parisian showgirls entertains and enthralls.
La Belle Rose never fails to disappoint. Book your tickets here.
19. Enjoy a seafood dinner at Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency’s Sailmaker Restaurant is doing a special seafood dinner this Valentine’s Day with a delicious four-course menu on offer alongside a Valentine’s-inspired dessert trolley for just $99 per person. When you’re done with dinner, make a beeline Zephyr Sky Bar and keep the party going with Valentine’s inspired cocktails like ‘Cherry Be Mine’ and ‘Match Made in Zephyr.’ Make a booking here.
20. Watch a movie under the stars
For something fun and casual, head to one of Sydney’s many outdoor cinemas on Valentine’s Day. One of our favourites is Moonlight Cinema which is screening some romantic titles perfect for date night. Get charmed by classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and The Notebook at Moonlight Cinema.
21. Book a romantic glamping adventure
NSW is full of romantic and sufficiently secluded glamping experiences. From serene beachfront locations to dreamy domes, pick from one of these brilliant glamping sites for some quality time with your love.
22. Enjoy a dreamy open-air movie screening
The picturesque Camden Valley Inn, just an hour south of Sydney is hosting an outdoor cinema for Valentine’s Day. Watch Crazy, Stupid, Love on special “lover’s seats”, with popcorn, butler service and more. Book your tickets here.
23. Have a luxury dining experience at Botswana Butchery
Indulge your food cravings at Botswana Butchery with an indulgent 4-course menu featuring some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes for $160pp. There are also options to add upgrades such as Perrier Jouet champagne, oyster caviar bumps and more. Book a table here.
24. Plan a horror movie night
They say horror brings people closer together and you can put that to the test during Cockatoo Island’s two-day horror movie marathon. The special event comes with a themed photo booth, food and drink options and even a private, chartered ferry taking you to the heart of the action. Find more info and book your tickets here.
25. Sketch a male model IRL at Forrester’s
Spending Valentine’s Day alone? Show yourself and your friends some love and head down to Forrester’s for a truly fun day out. The Surry Hills watering hole is hosting a one-hour nude life drawing class with two hours of bottomless Prosecco and a selection of canapés. Book your tickets here.