Eight Non-Lame Valentine's Day Date Ideas From Concrete Playground's Writers and Editors

If you've conveniently (or genuinely) forgotten about everyone's favourite fake holiday of the year, here's a timely reminder that Valentine's Day is nearly upon us.

While V-Day is hardly an occasion that's celebrated far and wide — Instagram seems to have missed that particular memo — we do admit that it's a great excuse to take your favourite human, best friend, partner-in-crime, won't-pick-up-their-socks-off-the-floor SO out for a well-deserved treat.

So, if you're wrangling your brain for plans this Valentine's Day, check out the best date ideas from Concrete Playground's writers and editors.

We've even included rom-com recommendations to help wrap up the evening afterwards. Call us Cupid.

SUZ TUCKER: Editorial Director, favourite rom-com is The Princess Bride

I'm not a big one for Valentine's Day, but I am very much into any excuse for good eating and drinking. This year, February 14 falls on a Monday night when a lot of restaurants and bars are typically closed, but you can still find a decent selection of bangers around the city that welcome Monday night guests.

My pick would be dinner at The Apollo. You ask for bar seating so you can chill at the big marble bar and hang with the wait staff while making your way through the taramasalata, signature saganaki with honey, and kritharaki pasta. Then top it off with the magnificent Avgolemono pie and a Greek Martini. That, to me, is true love.

ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor, favourite rom-com is Notting Hill

Valentine's Day is kind of like underseasoned, roasted brussel sprouts at the table: I could take it or leave it. That said, it does work as a great excuse to plan out some quality time with your partner. 

Considering it falls on the demonish side of the week this year (Monday), I'd recommend skipping the weekday dinner date altogether and planning a weekend getaway instead. Gather ye rosebuds etc etc.

After two years of travel deprivation, head out on an easy romantic weekend trip to the south coast, or make it a long weekend for a trip up to Queensland. If you really want to impress, Sydney's Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo boasts views over the harbour and overnight glamping. Or, go all out and book an overnight stay at the northern beaches' luxury floating villa.

MELANIE COLWELL: National Branded Content Editor, favourite rom-com is You've Got Mail

Pastry is my love language. Croissants, kouign-amanns, tarts — if butter is the main ingredient, I'm sold. So, I will be swapping the traditional date night for a sunrise walk followed by a pastry-forward breakfast picnic.

Want to follow my lead? You have several quality options. You could do the Bondi to Bronte coastal trek, then head up to Iggy's for a feta croissant. Or, stroll (or cycle) around Centennial Park before heading to Lode for a LuMi Pithivier pie (trust me, it's worth the extra effort). Or, take a wander through the Royal Botanic Garden to watch the harbour wake up before visiting Flour and Stone for a canele (or two).

Whether you're into V-Day or not, you'll be starting the day on a (sugar) high. Bonus: your evening is then free for… other activities. 

Destination NSW

NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager, favourite rom-com is While You Were Sleeping

Valentine's Day is the worst. I love love, don't get me wrong, but I've always been of the belief that if you need to be told when to celebrate it, you're either not doing right or you're seriously lacking in imagination. I feel the same way about theme parties, for the record. If you really want to surprise your boo this February 14, do something on February 13 instead. Whatever you decide to do, you can rest assured your person will definitely be surprised — and, maybe more importantly, you won't be surrounded by performatively affectionate couples.

The question remains though, of what to do on the 14th. It's on a Monday this year which means that your options are somewhat limited (take that, Cupid!), but, this being Sydney, there's still plenty to do. Whether you're with someone or not, why not spend the evening with friends instead? Grab a group serve of fish and chips from Petersham's excellent Fich and take it down to the Glebe parklands for a twilight dinner by the bay. Or, take a stroll along one of the city's many delightful foreshore walks — Curl Curl to Freshwater is always a great shout if you're north of the bridge, while the path between Doll's Point and Sandringham is super pleasant as well.

La Niña keeping you indoors? Find a screen, grab some bevs and hate-watch MAFS instead.

Destination NSW

COURTNEY AMMENHAUSER: Branded Content Manager, favourite rom-com is 10 Things I Hate About You

Valentine's Day can be a real vomit-inducing time for some. And, depending on where you sit on the romance and relationship scale, you might find yourself cruising around with a sick bag on Feb 14. But, if you do want to show some love to yourself, your mates or your significant other on a whim, my pick is an ocean swim. 

To start, you'll be literally taking your clothes off so, um, I dunno, but that seems kinda intimate to me. Plus, you can make this activity as romantic as you like by pairing it with a post-swim picnic, a sunset wine by the sea and maybe, just maybe, a Notebook-esque smooch in the rain if La Nina shows up. Hot.

Destinations at the top of my loved-up V-Day swim list include Mahon Pool, Parsley Bay and Milk Beach.

Cassandra Hannagan

SARAH WARD: Associate Editor, favourite rom-com is Singin' In The Rain 

Don't let anyone tell you that going to the cinema on Valentine's Day is boring. We've all had those perfect movie dates that genuinely feel like something out of a movie, where you and your other half connect over something glorious on the big screen — or even something so terrible that it's still glorious — and it instantly bonds you. And that kind of experience transcends manufactured occasions like this one if you're watching the right movie with the right person. (Yes, a film critic would say this, but that's because it's true.)

Sydney's wonderful Golden Age Cinema and Bar doesn't actually open on Mondays, so it misses February 14 this year, but seeing a movie there — and grabbing a cocktail to go with it — is a great date idea all-year round. The Surry Hills spot is showing swoon-worthy flicks the day before V-Day, however, which includes falling head over heels for Nicolas Cage and Cher in Moonstruck. But even if you opt for something more recent at your local or even for a movie date at home, there's a reason the whole concept is a tried-and-trusted go-to.

BEN HANSEN: Staff Writer, favourite rom-com is The Big Sick

For me, a trip to the art gallery or museum is the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day activity. If you've got work, treat yourself, take the afternoon off and beeline to your local cultural haven. No booking required, generally free and you get a big dose of awe-inspiring art to get the feels flowing.

There's plenty to marvel at in Sydney at the moment. The Art Gallery of NSW's brilliant exhibition The Purple House and its blockbuster Henri Matisse retrospective Matisse: Life and Spirit. The Powerhouse Ultimo's current run of exhibitions that weaves in history, nature and music. And if you want to soak in some fresh air while you're at it, The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens has a huge plant and sculpture exhibition running right now.

Once you've had your cultural fix you can keep the date rolling with a glass of wine at a nearby bar. Bitter Phew and Rambling Rascal are walking distance from the AGNSW, while Opera Bar is a stone's throw from The Calyx and The Glebe Hotel's beer garden is calling out for a post-Powerhouse beverage.

SARAH TEMPLETON: Associate Editor, favourite rom-com is Crazy Stupid Love 

I'm not really a huge Valentine's Day person for a myriad of reasons, the main one being that being out and about for dinner and drinks on V-Day is slightly embarrassing in a way I can't quite put my finger on. It gives me the same feeling as being on a nice walk and then having to turn around and head back in the same direction I came from. Why is that always slightly embarrassing? Anyway, I digress.

The last few years my boyfriend and I have done the same thing and it's become my favourite V-Day tradition. We find a mountain (read: small hill of some description) and head up it to watch the sunset with a bottle of wine and a pack of filthy fried chicken.

A big bucket of KFC Wicked Wings is my personal pick, but you can also support local by getting some gourmet Korean-style fried chicken, some spicy Mexican wings, or whatever your bag is. Take a speaker and play some tunes, drink Shiraz out of plastic cups and enjoy the cute romantic vibes without having to fight for a 7pm booking somewhere.