The CITY:
Date ideas

18 JANUARY 2023

For all the romantics out there, Brisbane City is the perfect place to spend time with your special someone. From a candlelit dinner for two and a stroll along the river to an intimate hotel stay, The City is the loveliest place to get lost in love.

01. Take a romantic stroll through an inner-city oasis

Pre-book a couple’s picnic basket at The Gardens Club and enjoy the serenity of the lush City Botanic Gardens. The quaint cottage also houses a café if you want to grab a bite before a walk around the gardens. Every Sunday, you can pick up homemade wares, savour barista-made coffee and peruse artisan stalls at the Riverside Markets at the Gardens.

02. Treat yourselves to a fancy riverside dinner

Turn date night into a special occasion with a gourmet experience in Brisbane City. Enjoy an indulgent meal at one of the many fine-dining establishments along the Brisbane River. The Eagle St end of The City is home to a bevy of beautiful restaurants with the twinkling Story Bridge as a backdrop including Alchemy, Madame Wu and Tillerman

03. End your evening with a night cap

A moonlit stroll along the river is arguably one of the best ways to wrap up your date night, but we would suggest that a sneaky cocktail in one of The City’s cosy bars is even better. Sip a signature negroni at Before + After, snuggle in the booths at Dr Gimlette or swig sake at The Boom Boom Room.

04. Enjoy a heritage tour with a view

Take a free tour of the City Hall Clock Tower and explore the most iconic feature of this heritage-listed building as well as the stunning views of Brisbane from the observation deck. Book the last daily tour at 4.45pm for a romantic glimpse of Brisbane at dusk before drinks and dinner.

05. Discover laneways and staycays

Brisbane City's laneways are perfect for lunch dates, dinner dates or fun-filled bar dates. We love the intimate vibes and delectable cocktails at award-winning bars such as The Gresham and Burnett Lane’s Death & Taxes. Make it a date to remember at  W Brisbane’s WET Deck, where you can lounge poolside and soak up incredible views of The City and Brisbane River. Turn your few hours together into anovernight stay in The City, by booking at The Westin, W Brisbane, Hyatt Regency or, for a more heritage atmosphere, Stamford Plaza.

06. Splash into the water with a historic boat tour

Make the most of The City’s sensational weather and bask in the river breeze on Museum of Brisbane’s Tides of Brisbane: Historic Boat Tour. Experience a two-hour cruise like no other around the riverbend, diving deep into the history of Brisbane and the moments that shaped the city. The tour departs City Botanic Garden River Hub at 11am Wednesday and 3pm Sunday.

07. Kick it old school with a bowling date

Home to 12 bowling lanes, a laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three escape rooms, Strike Wintergarden offers many out-of-the-box options to woo your date. The Rando Sandos pop-up kitchen is also slinging old-school sandwiches while you play or sidle up to the onsite cocktail bar for cool libations and beers.

08. …Or a movie night

For a date night with a vintage vibe, check out Elizabeth Picture Theatre. The cinema is housed in a heritage building and combines a retro look with comfortable reclining seats and an opulent bar. You can also split a popcorn at Event Cinemas at the top of Uptown and catch one of the latest blockbusters in a V-MAX cinema experience.

09. Pack a picnic

Pack your picnic blanket and pick up some gourmet treats before heading to one of The City’s luscious green picnic spots. Westin Brisbane packs a Gourmet Picnic Hamper full of uber-indulgent treats to whet your appetite, or swing by Jocelyn’s Provisions or Mica Express to create your own picnic pack. Add a box of handmade Dello Mano brownies to your gourmet haul for something sweet.

10. Say cheers to a wine experience for two

Create a custom bottle of your own wine with a signature Wine Blending Workshop at the City Winery Edward Street Cellar Door. Learn the finer points and techniques of blending wines to achieve the perfect taste and texture profile. The experience includes light snacks and, best of all, you’ll be able to take your custom blend home to enjoy at leisure together.

11. A trip to the florist

Whether you’re buying them for yourself or a loved one, a beautiful bouquet is sure to make anyone a little giddy. The City has some of the best florists in Brisbane. Check out their pre-prepared arrangements or collaborate to create a bespoke and beautiful bunch of blooms.

12. A picture tells a thousand words

Why not take a stroll through the Museum of Brisbane and explore the unique art and collections that reflect the stories and people of Brisbane. With countless exhibitions to immerse yourselves in and interact with, you’ll have plenty to chat about on your way home.

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.