We won’t shame you if Valentine’s Day slipped your mind. But we can’t guarantee that your beau won’t be mad. Save yourself the headache and bookmark one of these last-minute date ideas in Singapore – these include learning about film photography, chilling at a board game café, and building some trust at a bouldering gym.
RECOMMENDED: The most romantic Valentine's Day dinners in Singapore and The best Valentine's Day events in Singapore
Have a travel-themed photoshoot
Fasten your seatbelts and simulate an overseas vacation with your beau at Solace Airlines, an airplane-inspired photobooth by Solace Studios. This self-shot photo studio at Haji Lane adopts the trendy Gen Z style of shooting pictures from a high and wide angle, with airplane lavatory rooms and lounges to snap your photos in.
Learn about film photography with Objectifs
Why use Instagram filters when you can get that same effect with film? Sure, it’s much more convenient, but shooting with film provides a satisfying challenge. Singapore has a healthy film community and you and your boo can delve deep into all things film by joining workshops hosted by Objectifs to learn the intricate process of film photography.
Hunt for street art murals around Singapore
Light up your Instagram feed with a special Valentine’s Day shot in front of a beautiful mural. Pose in front of Medley Alley at Katong – it’ll make you look as if you’ve sprouted majestic wings – or head to Art Porters to snap a shot of the peculiar yet adorable-looking duo of rabbits.
Shop for gaming gear at The Laboratory by Reformd
Upgrade your gaming setup together this Valentine’s Day with a shopping spree at The Laboratory by Reformd. Whether you like your keyboard to clack, thock, or stay silent while you type, this store has a diverse selection of keycaps, switches, bases, and more accessories to choose from. It’s a pleasure shopping at the physical store too – its spacious showroom has multiple keyboard setups to test out and helpful staff.
Hit the arcades for some old-school fun
Step away from the computer games and head out to Singapore’s best arcades for some old-school fun instead. Challenge your partner to a game of hoops or bump it out with electric karts. Other nostalgic favourites include pinball and air hockey – or you know, you can get romantic and try to win a plushie for your lover at the claw machine.
Hang at a board game café
Switch things up and plan a wholesome date at a board game café. The Mind Café is the most well-known and has over 700 board games to keep you entertained, ranging from long-drawn strategy games to social deduction puzzlers. Make it a double date to double up on the fun.
Take a hike
Take a break from the gym with a date in the great outdoors. There are many spots in Singapore to check out, including the well-loved Rifle Range Nature Park and Rail Corridor (North). Hike up to a 31-metre-high lookout deck and try to spot colugos at Rifle Range, or soak in the rustic charm of the Rail Corridor running from Kranji to Hillview MRT stations. Or, explore the newly opened Mandai Boardwalk and the revamped Chinese and Japanese Gardens at Jurong Lake Gardens.
Scale some heights at a bouldering gym
At first pass, bouldering and rock climbing seem like solo sports – but they are actually suited as a couple or even group activity. While it’s up to you to do the climbing, it helps a lot to have a partner to point out climbing holds that’ll get you to the top. And in rock climbing, a reliable belayer is absolutely essential to safety – that’s a great trust-building activity right there
Work out the kinks at a spa
All that working out has got to take a toll on the muscles. This Valentine’s Day, sign up for a relaxing massage together at one of these stellar spas. Deep tissue massages, scrubs, and facials are all on the menu – just remember to ask for a couple room to keep it sweet.
Make pasta on a rooftop at The Sundowner
Take this foodie partnership further and put your cooking skills to the test. The Sundowner runs food-related workshops on its breezy rooftop, our favourite being its pasta-making workshop. Learn how to make squid ink pasta from scratch, whip up a pasta sauce, and sit down for a romantic meal.
Pack a picnic
These gorgeous picnic spots in Singapore are worth leaving the house for. Despite getting some fresh air, packing a picnic also means that you have full control over the spread. Want to go full gourmet with cheese boards and charcuterie? Go ham. Want to keep it simple with takeaway sushi, pizzas, and the like? That’s game too.
Hunt for hidden food gems around Singapore
You and your partner likely already know the best food spots around town, but for a city so small, there are a surprising number of hidden gems that are yet to be discovered. We’ve got some suggestions from Farrer Park to Bras Basah and Bugis – but you can easily point blindly on a map and go on a Valentine’s Day food hunt of your own.
Thrift for party threads
Look good on the dancefloor with some new party threads. Instead of shopping from the usual brand name suspects, switch it up this Valentine’s Day with a thrift shopping date. You’ll be surprised at the pre-loved gems you can find at our best thrift stores, running the style gamut from graphic tees and more street cool to Prada and Burberry.
Treat your date to a tipple at a bar
Singapore’s full of world-class bars, so take your date out for a tipple after that romantic meal. Choose from our list of 50 best bars in Singapore, which includes innovative cocktail joints and natural wine bars. For something more laidback, head to Offtrack, a bar, restaurant and music den in one.
Tune into live music
Trade in the thumping party beats for some live music. Catch local live bands strutting their stuff at joints like Stage and Timbre, or sway to jazz, blues and funk at the likes of Monti and Maduro. Find what rocks your boat in our round-up of the best live music venues in Singapore.
Catch a romantic movie outdoors with Nightflix Somerset
This one requires you to venture further from home, but the romantic vibes are worth the travel. Nightflix Somerset holds outdoor film screenings every 1st Saturday of the month at Somerset Youth Park. The event is free with limited seating available, and you can make it homey by bringing a comfy picnic mat and plush pillows. Don’t forget to bring your own phone and headphones for the audio.
Rediscover your neighbourhood park
Can’t muster up the will to head far from home? You can still link hands for a romantic walk around your neighbourhood park. Thankfully, there are many beautiful green spaces near residential homes to admire – that is, if you can look away from each other long enough. Here’s our list of the best local parks by neighbourhood for some inspiration for your next outdoor date.
Cook gourmet food at home
When all you want is each other’s company, staying home might be the best option. You can still make it special by preparing a romantic meal together. Get your groceries delivered to your doorstep with these services, and turn to the internet for some meal ideas.
