Valentines Day ideas

Whether you celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day on 14 February or with your besties the day before (aka Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day), it’s hard to ignore this Hallmark holiday. When it comes to romance, it’s easy to let expectations build. Don’t follow the herd; find a way to experience the day in a way that suits you. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking!

If a traditional restaurant date for two is your plan, you’ll find loads of options in the city. We’re spoilt for choice with fresh local produce served in all kinds of environments, from hip bars to more formal settings with linen tablecloths. Valentine’s Day is a peak night for dining out and reservation availability goes quickly so you might find our guide to city eats and drinks useful. Whether you go high-end with a degustation or share a plate of dumplings, remember it’s spending time together that’s key. 

Make the most of our glorious summer evenings and roll out a rug in the Park Lands with a fresh produce spread from the Adelaide Central Market. You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit, sliced charcuterie, nuts, cheese, pâté and a crunchy baguette. Mix in a few exotic delights from the Market’s range of specialist shops and don’t forget something sweet for after.

Share a lunch of dumplings with your darling in Chinatown then hop on the tram to North Terrace and wander hand-in-hand to the Art Gallery of South Australia on North Terrace, open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admire paintings and sculptures of love throughout the ages or check out Dark Matter, Bright Light which showcases recent acquisitions of contemporary international and Australian works of art alongside iconic works in the collection.

Pump up the tyres and get back to nature with a bike ride together in Adelaide’s Park Lands. For something different, follow our Bike Art Trail or check out the Park Lands Trail map to choose where you’d like to explore. Not feeling active? Sit back while EcoCaddy take you for a leisurely tour around the city. No wheels? No worries. A stroll can be equally as peaceful. We've got walking trails for every interest. 

Sure, Venice has its romantic canals and but Adelaide has the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri in the heart of the city. New couples can use up some of that nervous energy and head out for a jaunt around the river pushing the pedals on Captain Jolley’s Paddle Boats (don't get sprayed by the fountain!) or paddle your way along the river in a kayak tour with Earth Adventures, the latest activity on the river.  

You can’t go wrong on Valentine’s Day if good quality chocolate is involved. Find some of Adelaide’s finest chocolate, Haigh’s of course, at Beehive Corner, Adelaide Arcade or Adelaide Central Market Arcade to share with your special someone. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up an irresistible dessert like these Haigh’s chocolate self-saucing puddings. Then again, this chocolate is so good, you could present their plain buttons to your love and you’d still be in the good books.