Johannesburg, a city buzzing with electric life, offers an eclectic range of activities and events sure to impress any date. From intimate date nights to something a bit more risqué, whether it’s a first date or a long-term relationship, we have gathered the best date ideas in Johannesburg for what to do around town with that special someone.

To Be a Bonsai

More than just a nursery, To Be A Bonsai is a space where founder Clive shares what he’s learnt through the years, taking couples through the traditional Japanese art of Bonsai, teaching the process of styling and caring for your very own tree.

Through workshops, one-on-one guidance, and a thoughtfully curated collection of trees that are available to view and purchase by request, this is a perfect date for those looking to show off their green thumbs.

When: Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm
Where: To Be a Bonsai, Volstruis Cres, Randpark Ridge, Randburg

Website: tobeabonsai.com | Tel: 083 325 0509

Paint Nite

Whether experienced or unskilled, Paint Nite offers a great opportunity for a creative date, free of judgement. It provides the perfect space to let loose together in an atmosphere resembling more a party than an art class. A local artist takes the guests step-by-step through the painting process.

The events are held in restaurants, and all the painting supplies are provided. There are more than 30 venues to choose from in South Africa’s major metros.

If painting isn’t your cup of tea, try some of the other creative experiences. From Design-a-Sign – designing a wooden sign through a little DIY, some stencilling, and a lot of laughs – to painting a wine glass, gin glass, or a wine bottle with fairy lights. They even do takkie painting, making sure all creatives are accounted for.

They also offer private parties, corporate outings and team-building events as well as bachelorette parties.

Cost: From R450pp, book online

When: Thursday to Sunday, from 2pm, 6.30pm and 7pm
Where: Various suburbs

Website: paintnite.com/za/ | Email: [email protected]

Traveling Date Night at Indaba Hotel

Warm evenings call for romance, adventure, and a little indulgence. This is one of those charming date ideas in Johannesburg for foodies. Join Indaba Hotel on the first Thursday of every month for an unforgettable 4-stop dining journey across the Hotel property:

• Sundowner cocktail and canapés at the Gin School
• Dinner and a glass of wine at Epsom Restaurant
• Dessert and bubbly at the Indaba Tasting Room
• Fire-side s’mores and a nightcap in the Courtyard

Cost: R765 per couple, book via email at [email protected]

When: First Thursday of every month
Where: Indaba Hotel, cnr. Winnie Mandela Drive & Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Check out more experiences at Indaba Hotel

Dinner Time Stories

For the budding foodies who also enjoy a bit of theatre, Dinner Time Stories provides the perfect date night out.

Dinner Time Stories is an international, hi-tech phenomenon. An inventive two-hour dining extravaganza, which is based around the culinary exploits of Le Petit Chef (only 58mm tall) following the route of Marco Polo.

Using a mash-up of 3D visual artistry, storytelling, flavours, sights, sounds and tastes, the show’s substantial six-course menu takes couples on a unique culinary journey across the regions visited by the legendary traveller on the Silk Route.

The mood, music, table patterns, props and decorations all change with the chapters of the story, making it an immersive, theatrical meal.

The menu is never disclosed beforehand, but guests are in the highly capable hands of award-winning Executive Chef Tristan Latouf. Everything the diner experiences is authentically sourced from the country of origin, making this the most affordable way to travel and taste your way across a continent, visiting Arabia, India, the peaks of the Himalayas and finally, China, before returning to the point of origin, Marseilles, France.

Le Petit Chef prepares vegetarian, halaal-friendly and kosher-friendly meals with or without seafood options.

Cost: From R475pp, book online

When: Various days from 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Where: Blueberry Hill Hotel, 3 Blueberry St, Honeydew, Roodepoort

Website: www.dinnertimestories.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 08126626612

Date Nights & Darts

Forking Good offers a romantic, casual experience with their Date Nights & Darts special.

The experience includes a shared starter of either flatbread and Mediterranean dips, crispy chicken wings, or pork burnt ends. The main feature is a burger, pizza or pasta dish, followed by a shared dessert of either waffles or churros, and two cappuccinos. As for the play part of the evening, couples can go at it for 30 minutes of darts, adding an interactive and fun element to a typical date night.

Cost: From R549 per couple. Booking is essential.

When: Monday to Thursday, from 5pm
Where: Forking Good, 298 Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton

Website: www.forkinggood.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 087 265 4229

WhiskyBrother & Co

At WhiskyBrother & Co, the whisky connoisseur can impress their date with their knowledge as they experience the eclectic offering of whiskies and tastings.

WhiskyBrother & Co provides a selection of 1275 whiskies from 20 different countries. They cover every style and category of whisky and add new whiskies on a weekly basis. The range includes bottles from Scotland that have been bottled exclusively and thus are not available anywhere else. Every whisky in their bar is on the menu and can be ordered in either a standard pour (25ml) or a taster (15ml).

And to make the date special, why not try either their formal or informal whisky tastings? The informal tasting allows a chance to get to know each other over 5 different whiskies. Done in a casual setting, a presenter provides an introduction and overview of the tasting and checks back regularly to provide more information and answer any questions. Booking is not required. For more attention on the 5 whiskies themselves, the formal tasting lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Done in a private setting, the presenter is there throughout and leads the tasting from start to finish. Booking is required. All tastings are based on a theme and allow for an immersive experience.

Cost: Dependent on the tasting. Book online

Where: WhiskyBrother & Co, Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Rd, Morningside, Sandton | WhiskyBrother & Co, Hyde Park Corner, 6th Rd, Hyde Park, Sandton

Website: www.whiskybrother.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 883 3762

COCO CRAFT Studio

If you’re big on crafts or new ways to spend some quality time with your partner, Coco Craft Studio offers fun and unique rug tufting classes in Johannesburg. This craft class in Midrand provides a relaxing and beginner-friendly space for you to experience the magic of tufting by learning how to set up your own frame, operate tufting guns and finish your design.

This nifty craft workshop at Prison Break Market in Midrand allows you to make shaggy wares for your home, like cute and quirky rugs and interesting wall art. With their know-how and their tools, you’ll be tufting rugs, wall hangings, and frames in no time. 

The session includes an insightful introduction to rug tufting and basic techniques, and share the colours available before you get to try your own design. An instructor is on standby to help you make tufting rugs, wall hangings, and mirror frames in no time.

Cost: From 1150pp, book online

When: Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Where: Prison Break Market, 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH, Johannesburg

Website: www.cococraftstudio.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 729 1203

Romantic Horse Ride at Shepherd’s Fold Stables

Let love take the reins with a visit to Shepherd’s Fold Stables in Lanseria, where you can enjoy the outdoors and enjoy a new hobby together.

Shepherd’s Fold offers a variety of trail ride options to allow visitors to explore the amazing landscape on horseback and is well equipped to accommodate riders of every level and experience.

The guided trail rides offer a fantastic experience of the picturesque valleys, and the trails go through the most beautiful routes, stopping along the way to take in the stunning views of Joburg, the Magaliesburg and the Cradle of Humankind.

Shepherd’s Fold also offers horse riding lessons, pony camps and pony rides (for the little ones).

Situated in the lovely Elandsdrift Valley in Lanseria, bordering the Cradle of Humankind, the stables are a short distance from the suburbs of Fourways, Krugersdorp and Honeydew.

This date idea is novel, exciting, and definitely worth a try, so saddle up for a great adventure.

Cost: From R300pp for a 30-minute trail ride | From R400pp for a 45-minute trail ride | From R450pp for a 1-hour trail ride | From R650pp for a a 1.5-hour trail ride. Book online

Where: Shepherd’s Fold Stables, 55 Sunset Dr, Lanseria
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm | Trail Rides seven days a week from 8am to 5pm

Website:  shepherdsfoldstables.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 084 220 2657

Helivate Helicopter Services

In today’s hustle and bustle, we need time to spoil our loved ones, and a trip through the clouds makes anyone feel like they’re on top of the world.

Helivate Helicopter Services believes life can’t be all work and no play. So they’ve created a variety of “special helicopter experiences” to share. No matter your personality or budget, they have the perfect solution for creating a lasting memory.

Romance, adventure, family, food, fun, nature, wildlife, privacy, and even proposals – Helivate have it all. And if they don’t, they will design it especially for you. For Helivate Helicopter Services, it’s all about sharing the joy of helicopter flight and providing the perfect moment for you to enjoy with the special people in your life.

One awesome option that Helivate offers is the Special Moments Helicopter Package, where couples are invited to sip on a glass of bubbly while admiring the beautiful view of the Magaliesburg Mountain Range and part of the Joburg skyline from a mountaintop.

There are plenty of other date ideas for couples on their website, too, and they also offer various combinations and times to suit your every need, so contact them today to plan something special.

Cost: From R4900, book online

When: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm. Sunday, 8am to 5pm
Where: Helivate Helicopter Services, Jack Taylor Airport, Krugersdorp Aerodrome, Barta St, Krugersdorp

Website: helivate.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 969 3317

DateFactory

We get it – it’s hard to find the time and creativity to plan something special for your partner. One local company has created the perfect solution to make date night super easy.

Launched in 2016, the team at DateFactory plans, packs, and ships a complete date in a discreet box right to your doorstep, anywhere in South Africa. Most people have busy lifestyles with work and children and everything in between neglect having new and fun experiences with their partners.

This is where DateFactory comes in. They have multiple date boxes with exciting themes to choose from in order to make romance easy. Although the exact contents of each box are a secret, there will always be something to drink, something to eat, and something to do. The Belfiore box, for example, features Tic-Tac-Toe so you and your sweetheart can take a trip down memory lane with an adult spin! It also features some awesome Mexican food ideas to make together and great conversation starters to create some intimacy in your relationship.

Whether you want a once-off date experience or a subscription service to make every date night memorable, DateFactory has you covered – and they offer gift vouchers and digital dates that go directly to your email once ordered, so a divine date has never been easier.

Cost: From R580, book online

Website: datefactory.co.za |  Email: [email protected] | Tel: 064 901 3347

Taste The Movies

There’s nothing quite like a movie night with your favourite person, and Taste The Movies elevates this experience by transforming iconic films into immersive culinary journeys, where every dish is timed to the screen and designed to be experienced in the moment.

From the first scene to the closing credits, the film’s plot unfolds on your plate, and every dish of the multi-course meal is meticulously timed so you eat the exact food appearing on screen.is timed to the screen and designed to be experienced in the moment.

Cost: From R1000

When: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm (7pm on movie nights).
Where: Hyatt House, 125 Ann Crescent, Sandton, Johannesburg,

Website: tastethemovie.co.za | Email: [email protected]/[email protected] | Tel: 010 601 1234

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