For decades now, dates have been all about dinner and a movie, which tends to get a tad boring after a while. So, switch it up and surprise your date with these 15 date ideas, which don’t involve going to a restaurant! And for my single folks out there, take yourself on a date.
16 Offbeat Date Ideas That Don't Involve A Candle-Lit Dinner
Overview
- 1. Ride Around The Town
- 2. Bowling & Video Games At Smaaash
- 3. Explore NGMA
- 4. Heritage Walks With A Hint Of Historic Talks
- 5. A Picnic Date
- 6. Watch A Movie In The Open
- 7. Rock Climbing
- 8. Street Food Hopping
- 9. Pottery Date
- 10. Mystery Rooms
- 11. Triveni Kala Sangam
- 12. Live Gigs at Akshara Theatre
- 13. The Indian Coffee House
- 14. Swimming Pool Date
- 15. Kite-Flying at Haveli Dharampura
- 16. Strawberry Picking At Saraf Farms
Ride Around The Town
You can take each other for a ride (forgive me, it was right there!). But on a serious note, for the perfect way to soak in the morning sun, we recommend the Old Delhi route where you’ll be part of a larger group of course. It starts at the crack of dawn though, so if you’re not a morning person, this might not be a good fit. Alternatively, cycling around Lodhi Gardens amongst the beautiful wall murals will make for an extremely cool, fun, and memorable date, trust me. Check out their website here for more details.
Timings: Their cycle tours usually start at 6:45 AM
Price: Starting at INR 2000
Bowling & Video Games At Smaaash
This one got the most votes at LBB HQ. A snazzy gaming, dining, and chilling place, Smaaash is perfect for surprising your date; play a game of air hockey, compete in those basketball booths and if you both have a competitive spirit, test your game in the bowling alleys among other options.
Timings: 12 PM - 12 AM
Price: INR 799
Explore NGMA
For the more culturally inclined, Delhi has a host of excellent galleries, museums, and exhibits you can check out. The National Gallery of Modern Art is a treasure trove of modern art and an excellent starting point for your date. It's quiet, calm, and rather intimate if both of you love art and are interested in learning and exploring.
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Price: INR 20 (INR 500 for foreign nationals)
Heritage Walks With A Hint Of Historic Talks
Pick a route and company, and sign up for a curated walking tour. The heritage walks in Mehrauli Archeological Parks, Hauz Khas, Nehru Park, and Lodi Garden are great bets to fall in love with your date and your city all over again. We highly recommend Enroute Indian History to book a memorable experience.
Timings: Depends on the walk you are choosing, but their Mehrauli Archeological Guided Tour starts at 4 PM.
Price: Starting at INR 600
A Picnic Date
Pick up your baskets and mats, and head out for a picnic with your significant other. There's something about picnics that will always be filled with warmth, fun, and laid-back vibes. You can find some of the best picnic spots in the city here. Sunder Nagar is a favourite among all when the weather's great and since they have the Fabcafe by the Lake, you can ditch carrying food with you if it's a hassle.
Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM
Price: Free entry
Watch A Movie In The Open
A trend that started in the 80s, open-air or drive-in cinema experiences are some of the most romantic dates you can go on! Sunset Cinema Club screens several movies throughout the week at different locations in Delhi, so go on and book your tickets now!
Timings: 6:30 PM onwards
Price: INR 500
Rock Climbing
One of the best bonding exercises out there, rock climbing is a super fun date idea for folks in Delhi. It'll test your fitness and your trust in each other. We recommend booking a slot at Boulder Box for a super fun time. Or, check out our list of indoor activities in Delhi if climbing is not your thing.
For Boulder Box:
Timings: For 9 AM - 9:30 PM
Price: Single entry at INR 800
Street Food Hopping
If you're the couple that lives and dies for food, then it's always a good idea to strike off some places from that street food bucket list of yours. Golgappas for appetizers, chole bhature for mains, and jalebi for dessert—it really doesn't get any better than this. Our current favourite spot is Prince Chaat Corner, GK-1 because that palak patta chaat always slaps.
LBB Tip: Need Delhi street food recommendations? Don't miss on our guide here.
Price: Depends on where you go but starts approximately at INR 20
Pottery Date
Get down and dirty with one of the most fun activities you can plan with your significant other. It’s fun and intimate, and you get a chance to indulge in your Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze Ghost fantasy! (JK) You can check out a host of the best pottery classes here.
Mystery Rooms
If the both of you love an adrenaline rush, solving puzzles and running against time, then a date to Mystery Rooms is perfect! They’re located in several locations across Delhi, the main ones being Rajouri Garden and Connaught Place.
Timings: 11 AM - 11 PM
Price: Depends on the activity you are choosing.
Triveni Kala Sangam
Picture this, a walk through art exhibits, sipping on one of the best ice teas in town with the faint sound of a sitar recital practice in the background. Triveni Kala Sangam is a rather iconic cultural and arts complex that makes for a perfect date spot with a mix of both—exploration and having the freedom to sit in one place and chat!
Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM
Price: Free entry
Live Gigs at Akshara Theatre
Small, intimate, and dim, there’s always something happening at Akshara Theater, from live gigs to plays. If you and your partner are someone who loves indulging in artsy things, then this is perfect for you.
Timings: 11:30 AM - 9 PM (But closes at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays)
Price: Tickets start at INR 150; check out their schedule here.
The Indian Coffee House
The Indian Coffee House emerged in Delhi in 1957, and since then has been a sort of hub for coffee, dosas and other South Indian delicacies. It still has its old-world charm and literally feels like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Go here when the weather’s good, sip on some coffee (which is delicious btw) and get a chance to indulge in some charming quiet time with your boo. Please be careful of the monkeys though!
Timings: 9 AM - 9 PM
Price: Their hot coffee starts at INR 50
Swimming Pool Date
Kick back with a couple of cocktails and music. A pool date is a great romantic getaway. It’s intimate, fun and unique, and the Delhi weather right now is quite supportive of this idea. You can check out places for a poolside getaway here.
Kite-Flying at Haveli Dharampura
A 200-year-old haveli nestled in the heart of Delhi, Haveli Dharampura, hosts kite-flying activities that are aided with a fancy three-course high tea. It’s breathtakingly beautiful to fill up the summer skies with kites, especially with your significant other by your side.
Timings: 4 PM - 6:30 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Price: INR 2,500
Strawberry Picking At Saraf Farms
Want to take the day slow and spend some peaceful time with your S.O.? Go strawberry picking at Saraf Farms. The strawberry picking package, which can be booked through their website for INR 899, includes two hours of strawberry picking, a farm tour, a welcome drink (strawberry leaves tea) and 200 grams of their juicy fresh strawberries.
Timings: 4 PM - 6:30 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Price: INR 2,500
