9 date night ideas in the Valley

Loved-up and looking for date night ideas? Spend quality time with your SO doing something different – from a hotel staycation to something more adventurous, there are plenty of ways to be crazy in love in the Valley.

1. Arcade fire

Channel those first-date vibes with an old-school arcade parlour date. Neon lights, fancy cocktails, arcade bleeps and a little friendly competition are sure to get the heart racing! We love the retro pinball machines, arcade games and craft brews at Netherworld and the neon pulse of B. Lucky & Sons adult playground with its alcoholic bubble teas and cocktails.

2. Dim sum date

For OG share plates, you can’t go past dim sum and the Valley is the spot to indulge in dumplings. Share some bite-size morsels at Gung Ho! Dumpling, Fat Dumpling Bar and 8848 Momo House. Late-night lovers – visit Ling Lings for dumplings available way after dark.

3. Cocktails and dreams

Shake it up with a cocktail-making class! Learning new cocktails to add to your repertoire is heaps more fun than just ordering one and it keeps those hands busy. Hey, it worked for Tom Cruise…check out the Cocktail Masterclass at Dutch Courage Officers’ Mess, or book a private session.

4. Dive bar moods

For the couple who loves live music, set the scene at one of the Valley’s underground dive bars. From rock’n’roll vibes at T he Outpost Bar, the secret subterranean retreat of Greaser Bar, the tropical tiki appeal that is Susie Wong’s Good Time Bar, or some country vibes at Honkey Tonks Bar, these hip underground locations will be right up your alley.

5. Rooftop rendezvous

Do you like piña coladas? Up the romance with a sky-high view. The Valley is dotted with rooftop bars for alfresco feels and sparkling city vistas. Book a Mirage Booth at Dirty Sultan, or an inviting daybed at SuCasa Nightclub & Rooftop for your own private party á deux. Or, channel an easy-breezy Mexican riviera couple’s escape at MAYA Mexican, complete with margaritas.

6. Competitive couples

Fancy a little friendly competition? Turn date night into games night with an outing that pairs fun activities with drinks. We love Oche Fortitude Valley for darts-throwing action for two - the perfect place where love is all fun and games!

7. Get inked

Make your commitment permanent with a matching tattoo. Visit Valley Ink for a custom ink design such as watercolour, colour work and fine lines. While walk-ins are welcome, it’s best to book ahead for a double appointment to avoid disappointment.

8. Strictly dancing

When was the last time you went dancing together? Make it a date night out and get footloose at Retro’s Cocktail Lounge for old-school tunes, bop into Prohibition or The Met for house, murder it on the back-lit dancefloor at Superfly Disco, and round out the night in classic Brissie style at The Beat.

9. Valley staycation

Why not escape the everyday with a Valley staycay? Check-in to one of the Valley’s top hotels to enjoy room service and plenty of onsite amenities for a romantic night away. With boutique hotels such as Kennigo Hotel and The Constance, designer hotels like Hotel X and many more, there are plenty of indulgent stays on offer in the Valley.

– February 2024