Valentine’s Day Date Ideas That Cost A Little But Mean A Lot
Dating on a dime
By Eva Wright | 12th February 2026Cupid’s arrow is flying straight toward 14 February, and while Valentine’s Day often comes with candlelit dinners and buzzy wine bars, those plans can sometimes sting the bank account. The good news? The best dates aren’t about how much you spend — they’re about how you spend the time together.
So, in celebration of something you truly can’t put a price on, here are a few thoughtful, fun and budget-friendly ways to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other — without discreetly checking your bank balance mid-date.
Because true love? Totally priceless.
1. Netflix & Chill (For Real)
A classic for a reason. A cosy night in with great company and a solid movie lineup is a foolproof mood-setter. Grab a blanket for two, a bowl of heart-shaped lollies and settle in.
Style-approved rom-coms: How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Notebook (obviously)
2. MasterChef, but make it romantic
Turn dinner into a game. Flip a coin to decide who’s cooking what, then rate each other’s dishes out of ten for some flirty competition. You take starters and mains, I’ll handle sides and dessert — deal?
Pro tip: a glass of wine is mandatory to keep the peace if tensions rise in the kitchen.
3. Moonlight Cinema magic
Ready to swap the couch for some open-air romance? Moonlight Cinema at Roma Street Parklands’ amphitheatre has you covered. From now until 15 February, catch a lineup of love-filled films under the stars, with Wuthering Heights screening on the 14th. Tickets start at just $20, proving you can have a dreamy date without breaking the bank.
4. Takeaway + BYO in the park
Low effort, high reward. Pick up takeaway, pack a picnic rug. and BYO your favourite drinks. Whether it’s pepperoni pizza with Aperol spritzes or BBQ chicken with a chilled sauv blanc, Brisbane’s parks make the perfect backdrop. We’d recommend trying one of these top pizza joints and heading to New Farm Park or South Bank to sit by the river.
Bonus: this idea doubles as a top-tier Galentine’s plan too.
5. Get artsy
Art galleries = culture, conversation starters, and free aircon. Make a date of wandering through an exhibition together and get a little creative. Is there a piece of art that represents your relationship? A sculpture that looks suspiciously like your partner? Cute, thoughtful and zero dollars spent. Check out our round-up of Brisbane’s best art galleries.
6. Eyes up
Sometimes the most romantic moments are the simplest. Head outside or find a balcony and catch a golden summer sunset. For extra points, surprise your partner with a picnic and a bottle of wine. Later on, look up. Stargazing never goes out of style — and if you’re willing to venture slightly out of the city, you might even catch a shooting star.
Imagery: @donniesbne, @ebonyyshield, Dupe (@ashdiego)
