
The season of love hearts, roses, and romance is upon us again, and whether you’re celebrating with a partner, or friends or flying solo, now is the perfect time to start planning. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual dinner-and-flowers routine, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the day extra special. From indulgent dining experiences to artsy events, dreamy getaways 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 other’s heart, you’ll want to keep Q Dining on your radar. Executive Chef Jiwon and the Q Dining team have curated a 4-course lunch and dinner menu that’s bound to impress, featuring delicious dishes such as Stracciatella, saffron linguine 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. Plan a romantic getaway near Sydney
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.
4. Cosy up at Opera Bar
Opera Bar is turning up the romance with themed cocktails and delicious bites, all set against the most picturesque backdrop in town. There will be a cupid making the rounds handing out flowers and love poems if you need a little assistance. Plus, expect live music, a romantic photo booth and more. Entry is free; book a spot here.
5. 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.
6. Hold hands at an immersive experience
If you’re a culture fiend, there are plenty of exciting art shows and immersive experiences around the city to enjoy with your significant other. Get transported to Ancient Peru and explore stunning artefacts with Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, take an immersive VR expedition to Ancient Egypt with Horizon of Khufu and get a lesson in surreal art with Australia’s first-ever Magritte retrospective at the AGNSW. Check out more exhibitions and experiences around Sydney here.
7. Attend this dreamy Candlelight concert
Can’t get away from work on Valentine’s Day? There are super romantic Candlelight Concerts happening around the big day which will see venues like St Stephen’s Uniting Church and the Sydney Masonic Centre 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, My Heart Will Go On from Titanic and more, this multi-sensory musical experience is sure to impress.
Let Candlelight light up your Valentine and get your tickets.
8. Book a dreamy staycay at Pier One
Treat yourself to a luxurious staycation at Pier One and choose from one of their elaborate suite offerings to make the night extra special. The indulgent suites include incredible harbour views, beautifully designed rooms, valet parking and more. You can even bring your pet along to make it extra memorable. Choose the suite that suits your style here.
9. Watch a movie on the beach
Strapped for cash but want to do something memorable to mark the big day? Snuggle up on a plush bed on the beach with Mov’In Outdoor Bed Cinema and enjoy movies like Wicked, Paddington in Peru, Moana 2 and more. It’s the perfect way to relax under the stars with your valentine or your friends. You can even get snacks and drinks delivered to your bedside. Get your tickets here.
10. Dig into a divine menu at Novotel Parramatta
If food is your love language, consider booking a table at Novotel Parramatta’s carefully curated Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner. Set in the elegant 350 Restaurant & Lounge, the delicious menu blends Australian flavours with a gourmet twist. Expect dishes like beetroot and ricotta ravioli, wagyu beef eye fillet, chocolate praline tart and more. Book a table here.
11. 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 three-course menu featuring local produce and a divine buffet of Valentine’s Day-inspired sweets. When you’re done with dinner, make a beeline at Zephyr Sky Bar and keep the party going with Valentine’s inspired cocktails and glamourous city skyline views Make a booking for dinner here.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Have a Valentine’s Day-inspired high tea
Loftus Lane is switching up its famous Ferris wheel and Carousel-themed high tea with a romantic offering for Valentine’s Day. Stacked with sweet and savoury bites, this Instagrammable experience is perfect for a romantic date or a special Galentine’s. Book a spot here.
15. Fall in love with a rescue pup
The Petbarn Foundation’s Rescue Restaurant will host a unique, in-person dating experience where you won’t have to deal with any awkwardness or ghosting. Instead, you could meet your perfect match: a rescue dog in search of a loving forever home. Sign up to meet your furry companion here.