by Leah Reed Forbes
Dinner on a first date? Great. Dinner on a third, fourth or 50th date, and it looks like you’ve run out of ideas. Keeping love alive is all about novelty, and interrupting your regular date night routine is a great way to save that spark. Time passes more slowly when we make significant memories, so plan a date night that will go down in history. There's never been a better time, either; it’s the month of love, so make an impression with these date ideas in Joburg. And yes, you can pretend these were all your idea.
Take a Drive
Did you know that there’s a cableway that takes you to the best view in Hartbeespoort? Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’re free to explore, take enviable Instagram snaps, and dine at one of their lekker restaurants. They’re child-friendly, but this is a date after all, so leave the kids with the grandparents and scoot up the mountain for R360 per person. Oh, and if it’s your birthday, you can go up for free. Find out more info here.
Flower Picking
Showing up with flowers is one way to show your love, but taking them to pick their own? Unforgettable. Plan a date to remember with a day out to Femme Petale flower farm, and don’t forget to bring your own shears (and a hat). More info here.
Dinner and a Show
Dinner on its own? Boring. Dinner and a show? Spectacular, spectacular. Transport your date to Paris at Shepstone Gardens, where they’re hosting a Moulin Rouge-inspired cabaret this Valentine’s Day. Tickets include a three-course meal in the Great Hall. Book tickets here.
Make it Forever
A dinner might be forgettable, but permanent ink on your skin is literally forever. Get matching tattoos, but probably not on a first date. You wouldn’t want to risk an artwork lasting longer than the relationship! Check out Fallen Heroes when you’re 100% sure.
Museum of Illusions
Recently given a 2026 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award, the mind-boggling Museum of Illusions will challenge your eyes, your mind, and your very perception of reality. With interactive stations, optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays, the Museum of Illusions is the best date spot for a lover who loves to stay inspired.
Tickets cost R250 for adults, and R200 for seniors and kids. They’re open from 9 AM-8 PM on weeknights, and until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Find them at The Zone in Rosebank Mall.
Sunset Picnic at the Tower
Every Joburger worth their salt knows that Northcliff Tower is the best view of the city. Make it extra special by heading up around sunset with a tote bag packed with snacks and cool drinks, a blanket, and a Bluetooth speaker if you’re that way inclined. Just make sure to clean up after yourself!
Cracker Zack’s
They say you don’t get old, you just stop playing. Cracker Zac’s is the place grown-ups go to play. A fully stocked bar accompanies this modern Johannesburg bowling alley and also features augmented reality darts and retro arcade games. Grab a pizza or some bar snacks and go head-to-head at bowling for R275 per lane at Rosebank Mall.
Get Creative
There are two types of people: those who love to make things, and those who are too hard on themselves to do anything artistic in public. If you’re both the first kind, The Creatory in Linden lets you paint ceramics and other acrylics and Artwave at 44 Stanley has a range of art projects to take on, including tote bags. If you’re looking to venture further, the Clay Café at Maggie’s Farm on the way out to Harties makes for a stunning drive and quick city escape.
Let Love Simmer
A cooking class is the best way to make a memorable meal, and there’s something very special about eating something you’ve prepared together. Check out our comprehensive list of couples’ cooking classes in Johannesburg.
Laugh Your Way To Love
Never been to The Bioscope? We recently wrote all about it! End the weekend on a high note at Bioscope Sundays. This weekly comedy show features the best in Joburg’s comedy scene and is hosted by Tsitsi Chiuma and Shanray Van Wyk. With both popcorn and pizza available at the Bioscope, you don’t have to worry about Sunday night dinner. Their lineup changes every week, so keep an eye on their website to see who’s up next.
High Tea
It’s not exactly dinner, but you’ll leave feeling fully satisfied with the Afternoon Tea at the Westcliff. You’ll be whisked up the hill in a golf cart and served a range of bubbles, tea, and a decadent platter of sweet and savoury treats at Flames. The view over the city is nothing short of spectacular, and you’ll depart feeling like royalty. Book Friday - Sunday at 12 PM & 3 PM, R650pp.
Planning the perfect date night is less about ticking a box and more about making memories. A regular dinner date night schedule is great, but anyone will tell you that putting your phone down and being present in the moment wins every time. Whatever you decide to do for date night, make sure you make intense eye contact and actually listen to one another. That’s where the magic happens.
