Why reserve the cute stuff for Aphrodite’s favourite day when there’s always a way to make your significant other feel your love? Here are 12 types of dates every couple should try at least once in their relationship whether it’s Valentine’s Day, February, or simply a random night in the week:
Picnic date
There is something enchanting about dining in nature. Pack up some food, create some cute bento boxes, or grab each other’s favourite snacks and drinks and bask in the sunlight while enjoying some intimate time together.
-
Where to picnic with a view in and around Cape Town
-
Romantic picnic spots perfect for dates in Cape Town
More picnics in and around Cape Town here.
Walk date
Make time to just take a stroll and catch up. Walk for long as you hold hands, laugh, bump shoulder to shoulder and chat away. It’s free, but the moments spent connecting with each other are worth all the gold in the world.
More easy walks and trails in and around Cape Town here.
Elegant date
Go all out. Gentlemen, ask her out to an expensive, classy venue. Whether it’s one of the many fancy hotel restaurants the Mother City has to offer or a fine-dining restaurant like Fyn, give her a chance to dress up, do her hair differently and put on her best glam look.
- Amber: The elegant new eatery on Bree you need to try
- Wine and dine at 25 of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch
- A gourmet trip to Asia has landed at the V&A Waterfront
More elegant restaurants in and around Cape Town here.
Dance date
Find a place where good music is played or a specific dance is taught (we suggest Salsa classes with Salsa Cape Town) and go there as a couple. Lingala, afro, twist, benga or even hip-hop; go to a place where you both can let loose and be close.
- Muy caliente! Move your body at Mojo Market’s Salsa Sundays
- Corona Sunsets Festival World Tour kicks off at Clifton this April
- Get ready to squeak some tekkie, ARCADE is making a comeback
Impromptu date
Dates don’t have to be pre-planned. Be spontaneous sometimes. When the mood arises, drop everything and go for that drive along the West Coast to appreciate the ocean views and precious, uninterrupted time with your loved one. Jump in the car and head to the ice rink or simply go get some ice cream at your favourite parlour.
- Let’s go for a drive: Road trip stop-off spots in Cape Town
- Marvel at these TikToks of Cape Town’s breathtaking sunsets
- Best hikes for stunning sunset and full moon displays in Cape Town
- Watch: 10 of the best artisanal ice cream spots in Cape Town
- 5 must-try dessert spots in Cape Town to satisfy your craving
More spontaneous things to do in and around Cape Town here.
Movie date
There’s no denying that a movie date is a classic. This one will probably be done a few more times than just once in your relationship and yet the romance of it will never fade. Be it a rom-com or a horror, there’s nothing quite as special as sitting side by side and leaning your head on your partner’s shoulders as the film’s storyline unfolds.
- The Galileo’s swoon-worthy Valentine’s Week screenings
- How many of these South African Netflix shows have you watched?
- Movies at the V&A Waterfront just levelled up with Laser Tech
Compassion date
There are so many people in society that could use a bit of love and compassion. Find a children’s home, a hospital in need or help out together at a soup kitchen. Not only will you be reaping blessings and bringing the community closer, you’ll find that you and your partner will grow even closer than before.
- Gift of the Givers on standby to fly out to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria
- Cape of Good Hope SPCA puts out an urgent call for dog food donations
- This soup kitchen has fed Cape Town’s unemployed since 1935
- Wheel to Heal donates R1 million to Groote Schuur Hospital
Candle-lit date
Call it pheromones, oxytocin or what have you, there is something unequivocally romantic about looking into each other’s eyes under the soft glow of a candle. A candle-lit date night is almost as classic as a movie date and we highly recommend you do this more than once.
- Find romance in the kitchen with Stir Crazy Cooking School
- Light the way with these stunning homemade candles
- How to make your own twisted candles at home
Make-up date
If things between you have been a bit shaky or you haven’t been getting along as well as you’d like, make some effort to reignite Aphrodite’s flame by planning a make-up date. A date provides the ideal setting to allow you two to talk through your feelings and reconnect.
- Coffee date? Add these spots to your coffee-hopping itinerary
- 10 date ideas in Cape Town that aren’t fancy dinners
- Peko Peko Restaurant invites you to Date Night at the Museum
- Fine dining made accessible: Date night at the Bailey Bistro on Bree
Friends date
Have a braai, host a games night or throw a party. Organise something together as a couple where you can celebrate your love together with your extended loved ones. It’s also a great way to get more acquainted with the people your significant other holds near and dear.
- 5 scrumptious braai salads to whip up on Boxing Day
- WATCH: Cape Town residents give us their best braai tips!
- Impress at your next party with these 14 unique Charcuterie Board ideas
- 5 themed-party ideas you probably haven’t tried yet
- HintHunt and Spies Route: play these two problem-solving games
Travel date
Pack your bags and travel. Break the monotony and drive, fly or sail as a couple to a place you’ve both never been to. Experience new attractions together and embrace the excitement that comes with exploring.
- Camping spots just a short drive away from Cape Town
- Looking for a place to stay at discounted rates? We got you covered
- Picturesque picnic spots along the Garden Route
- Airlink to restart scheduled flights between South Africa and Madagascar
- Should you fly or drive? Here’s how to decide
More travel and accommodation ideas here.
Stay-at-home date
Lock yourself up in the house. No work, no chores, just switch off and soak up each other’s company. Cook together, pamper each other with at-home spa treatments, play a game or two, and just make the most of the quality time that daily responsibilities often rob us of.
- 5 stay-at-home date night idea to cosy into when it’s too cold outside
- 4 ways to spice up a date night indoors
- The Marine Stewardship Council launches Ocean Cookbook 2023
Also read:
Did you know that a sixth Love Language has been discovered?
Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery