Best Things To Do This Valentine's Day

Ahhh, it's the most (forced) romantic time of the year, Valentine's Day! Sure, Valentine's Day might be a heavily commercialised holiday that plays into mass consumerism and social pressures, but couldn't we all use a little extra love and TLC right now? So why not lean in and make it one to remember?

Love is in the air, and you're on the clock to find something to do to impress the significant other in your life. While dinner and drinks are a reliable option, use our handy guide of the best things to do this Valentine's Day to find something exciting to do this year. And even if you think V-Day is lame, you're as single as a Pringle, or are planning to spend the day with mates or glamming up for Galentine's Day, these are still pretty great deals worth checking out. Cupid called, and he said spots are filling up fast, so book ahead and score extra brownie points this Valentine's Day.

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For Fancy French Fare: Harriot, CBD

If you're looking to take things up a notch this V Day, head to French bistro, Harriot, for a special set menu priced at $175 per person. Sip on champagne as you snack on a selection of small plates specially designed by Head Chef James Kelly, before sampling the likes of bluefin tuna with fermented porcini, polenta ravioli with corn and truffle and duck with plum and rainbow chard. Finish sweet with Valencia orange sherbert with makrut lime, buckwheat ice cream, grilled cherries and chocolate. 

For a Romantic Movie Under the Stars: Moonlight Cinema, Botanical Gardens

Perennial favourite summer to-do, Moonlight Cinema at the Botanical Gardens is turning up the heat this February with a dedicated Week of Romance. A curated line-up of loved-up films, spanning feel-good rom-coms to darker stories of obsession and desire, is in store for those wanting to spend an evening under the stars. Catch the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights on Valentine's Day, but we suggest booking your spot ASAP before it sells out. 

For a Pumping Pasta Party: Marameo, CBD

Head to the city's pasta palace, Marameo, this Valentine's Day for a generous set menu featuring many of the restaurant's crowd favourites. Start with scallops in garlic butter and mortadella and salami gnocco fritto, before moving on to crab linguine and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. For $85 per person, you'll also get to indulge in tableside tiramisu. 

For a Cheeky Night at the Museum: Museum of Desire, Collingwood

Explore a whole new world of art, play and sensual pleasure at the Museum of Desire this Valentine's Day, as it opens its doors to the ultimate VIP Valentine's Day Weekend, celebrating all things love and lust. Experience live performance art, intimate installations, sensory encounters, and romantic mischief throughout the weekend, curated to seamlessly blend art, intimacy, play, and pleasure. From complimentary kissing booth portraits to spicy lucky dips and naked body painting, there's no better place to turn up the heat, or rekindle that spark this V Day. 

For Prosecco, Pizza and Pistachios: Figlia, Brunswick East

Whether you're trying to impress your partner or planning a rowdy night out with your gals, you can't go wrong with prosecco, pizza and pistachio-crowned cherry sorbet. Beloved neighbourhood pizzeria Figlia is offering a hearty set menu this February 14th, including cacio e pepe arancini, prawns with anchovy butter, scallop ravioli and your choice of pizza, for $100 per person. 

For a Nostalgic Roller-Skating Ride: Dewberry Roller-Rama, Southbank

Channel your inner 90s child with a retro rollerskating session this Valentine's Day weekend. To celebrate the relaunch of its most requested fragrance of all time, Dewberry, The Body Shop is delivering a pop-up roller rink full of 90s energy — think disco vibes and DJs, free samples, and Dewberry-flavoured gelato. While the event is free, it's essential that you book in advance to secure your session. The perfect way to entertain your date, or get the gals out and about, this V-Day. 

For an Interactive Dessert at a Glam Hotel: W Melbourne, CBD

This year, W Melbourne, one of the city's most glammed-up and design-forward hotels, is offering three distinct Valentine's Day experiences, all with the same romantic ending. Whether you choose to go for refined Italian dining at Lollo, an intimate omakase at Warabi, or casual cocktails at Curious, you'll get to experience the signature interactive dessert moment designed for Valentine's Day. The Heart's a Mess dessert features an edible rose cracked over the dish upon serving. 

For Those Who Don't Want a Set Menu: Daphne, Brunswick East

While set menus are certainly a great option for celebrating, if you want to keep things casual this Valentine's Day, head to Hannah Green's new and highly acclaimed Daphne in Brunswick East. With a business-as-usual à la carte offering, you and your date can choose from a selection of snacks, such as mortadella skewers and beef tartare, before sharing hearty mains like calamari cavatelli and roast chicken with blistered grapes. 

For Those Looking for Sexy Speed Dating: High Note, Northcote

There's no need to be down in the dumps about being single this V Day, with this sexy speed dating event sure to spice up the most romantic day of the year. Crush Club, the beloved in-person dating series, is partnering with Skylab Radio to throw a flirty and fabulous event at High Note. This structured, yet low-pressure speed-dating scene will help you get off the apps and meet some other like-minded singles. It's open to those aged 25 to 35, with speed dating running from 7.10 to 8pm, followed by a free-entry party at High Note. 

For a Galentine's Day High Tea: Mary Eats Cake, Montrose and Brunswick

Make Valentine's Day all about the gals this year with Mary Eats Cake's high tea experience. Whether you're celebrating with best friends, family members or soul mates, do it with lamington scones, pink champagne cocktails and unlimited specialty teas. The experience is available at the stores in both Montrose and Brunswick from Wednesday, February 4th, to Sunday, March 1st.

For a Luxe Staycation, Pan Pacific Melbourne, South Wharf

Immerse yourself and your significant other in a world of luxury this Valentine's Day with a staycation at the Pan Pacific Melbourne. For one night only, the hotel's restaurant, DOC 37 Bar & Kitchen, is offering a specially curated four-course set menu featuring dishes such as seared scallops with caviar, oysters with champagne mignonette and beetroot macarons. To add to the romantic atmosphere, a live illustrator will sketch couples throughout the night, creating the perfect keepsake to remember this Valentine's Day.

Feature image: Kristoffer Paulsen, Harriot.