Melbourne’s Most Romantic Winter Date Spots
Melbourne can be magical in winter. It may not snow, and the weather might be miserable, but there are plenty of places to find refuge – and love – in this magnificent city. We’ve found just a few of the best date spots to warm up this winter season.
Pixel Alley
Pixel Alley – Melbourne’s super-cool arcade bar on Smith Street – is the perfect spot to enjoy a night out with that special someone in a laidback, fun environment. Other than levelling up your cool factor with your inside knowledge of the hippest spots in town, the delicious cocktails and funky Fitzroy vibe are always a winner. Playing retro arcade games and pinball machines in competition with each other or teaming up to crush another team is also part and parcel!
“I love this place. It is like one of those old school video arcades, complete with a bunch of old school games (as well as a room full of pinball machines), but what sets this place apart is that it is also a bar. Now that is awesome… I have to say that this is definitely one of those places I’m going to visit again.” – David Sarkies
Winter in Fed Square
Rather than fight the cold, why not join it? At Winter in Fed Square throughout June and July, you and your date can check out the fantastic events and activities around Fed Square. Enjoy a romantic ice skate on the river terrace pop-up rink, spectacular light displays and installations, a 4.5-metre high sonic light bubble that responds to human touch with visuals and sounds, and a winter solstice celebration including a campfire jam. Beautiful lights, ice skating and warm cuddles? Sounds like the perfect date to us!
“Fantastic Melbourne Icon which has aged well, lots of space to enjoy with friends and family.” – whipcracks
Lui Bar
Words cannot describe the extraordinary views at Lui Bar. This place is the perfect for when you want to impress your date, what with its elegant, classy and swoon-worthy cocktail bar that oozes elegance. The delicately crafted cocktails are made with precision, and the bartenders are constantly experimenting and refining new techniques and flavours. Grab a comfy seat by the window and gaze out across the twinkling city skyline, because Lui Bar is the place to fall in love.
“This somewhat hidden bar up in the 55th level of the Rialto building is a gem! We went there for drinks and was asked to wait downstairs at the lobby for someone to take us up. It was a fancy and sleek look which made the night amazing! Drinks and food was also fancy to live up to their name! Also you can’t miss out on the view outside. Will definitely be back!!” – Oreo88
The Night Cat
A Melbourne institution for over two decades, The Night Cat is as funky as its name implies. With all kinds of live music acts playing, The Night Cat’s goal is to get you up and dancing! Add some spice and passion to your date by heading to the pumping Fitzroy club on Sunday evenings for salsa dance lessons followed by live Latin music to put your new jive into action. Nothing is sexier than strutting your stuff on the dance floor, so get ready to heat up your winter nights because this cat’s got all the right moves.
“Has great live music, from Jazz to Funk and occasionally has dance classes which are a lot of fun for couples starting from beginners to the most experienced. If you aren’t up for dancing, I recommend going just to check out some of the amazing dancers that frequent the club and like to show off their talents, great to watch.” – David Fraymann
Winter Night Market
The incredibly popular Winter Night Market at the Queen Vic Markets is one of Melbourne’s pure delights. Every Wednesday night, you and your date can taste a diverse range of flavours, enjoy the array of roving entertainers, and shop for one-of-a-kind local artisan and designer pieces from the huge selection of stalls and vendors. The weather might be chilly, but cosy in with your special someone, sip on some mulled wine, and enjoy a relaxing and casual winter date.
“Probably my favourite place to shop in Melbourne. After a while, you get to know your favourite traders for meat, seafood, fruit & veg, and deli items. So much variety and everything is super fresh.” – NoTime
