Valentine's Day ideas

Theatre doesn't get much more cockle-warming than the surprising wee Edinburgh Fringe hit Midsummer (a play with songs). The acoustic musical built for two is packed with absurd romance and is best served prior to a drink at Clarence Street's Grandma's Bar. 

For tragic romance at its best, check out Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunning spectacle of lights, music, colour and costume, Love Never Dies, then head to Tio's for a cocktail – the new Spanish bar from a couple of the Shady Pines barkeeps has all the mood lighting and tequila you'll need to keep your blood pumping. 

Star-crossed lovers will get a kick out of the Sydney Observatory's special Valentine's Day tour, which includes wine, supper and full use of the observatory (90-minute sessions between 7–10.30pm, $82 per couple). After the tour, head down the hill to Japanese restaurant/bar Saké for melt-in-your-mouth teriyaki burger balls and a romance-rousing Saké bomb. 

If you can’t buy her Tiffany why not take her to see the next best thing? To mark the Hallmark holiday, the Moonlight Cinema will be screening romantic classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, so pack your best picnic and see the sun set over Centennial Park before falling in love with Holly Golightly. After the film, pop on over to the Wine Library for a glass of plonk to finish off the night.

For open-air fun of a different kind, head to Hunky Dory Social Club. The cool Paddo bar is hosting a special Valentine’s dinner with a five-course set menu (drinks included) and a live jazz trio on their rooftop ($140–$160 per couple). With appetite sated, stroll on over to Love Tilly Devine for a nightcap – the teeny tiny wine bar is about as intimate as it gets. 

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