11 unusual date ideas in and around Johannesburg

Looking for a great date idea? We’ve unearthed 11 fun and unusual date ideas in and around Johannesburg.

Also read: 13 unusual places to eat in Joburg 

1. CityROCK, Randburg

R240 (for gear and entry, which includes access to all gym facilities and yoga for the day), cityrock.co.za 

Climbing together is a great active date. Start off by booking an Intro Course (R240) and learn the ropes of how to climb. If, like me, you loved it, you’ll find yourself craving more and pushing harder to try new climbs and different level routes (each colour ‘rock’ represents a different level of difficulty). You have to trust your partner totally to keep you safe and have the freedom to climb, which is great for bonding. Plus, it’s sure to stir up some healthy competition between the two of you.

2. Pretville, Hartbeespoort

R60 per person, pretville.co.za

This small 60s-Americana-themed town is perfect for snapping selfies with your other half. Originally a movie set, there are rooms and scenes set up all over with old cars and plenty of antiques thrown in too. Wander around, grab a milkshake from the very pink diner and be sure to watch a movie in the old theatre while you’re there. It’s normally an Afrikaans movie, but there are subtitles. Open on weekends and public holidays only.

Also read: 13 unusual places to eat in Joburg

3. Free Joburg Walking Tour, Braamfontein

Free! nielsontours.co.za

Starting at Park Station, this free walking tour is a great way to get to know the CBD. Choose to roam Braamfontein (15:30 every day) or the City Centre Tour (at 10:30 and 13:00 every day). You’ll take in the large open-air museum in the corporate mining district, see historical landmarks, such as the Chancellor House where Mandela worked as a lawyer in his younger days, the Beautiful Victorian Style Post Office or the buzzing Diagonal Street where you can buy your partner a corn on the cob or grab a beer in the old bar after the tour. (Just know, that even though it is free, a tip is normally granted at the end of the tour).

Also read: 17 awesome things to do in and around Braamfontein

4. Copperlake Pub Crawl, Fourways

R180 per person, copperlake.co.za

Inside the Copperlake Brewing Company. Photograph by Chris Davies.

If you’d rather get to know each other over a drink or five, why not get social on this party bus pub crawl. Every Friday the party bus departs from Copperlake Brewery in Broadacres at 18:30 and it stops at three of Fourways’ favourite craft pubs until 01:00, so you can hop on and off at any time. The price includes a complimentary Copperlake Beer and Cooler onboard and stops at Beerhouse and Hogshead in Douglasdale.

Also read: The ultimate Beer Route: from Joburg to North West 

5. Cheese fondue, Linden

R265 for two, Cheese Gourmet
Whats more romantic than sharing? This cosy little cheese cafe in Linden is an intimate restaurant and their traditional Swiss cheese fondue made with melted emmenthal and gruyere is bound to melt any heart. Served with chunky bread this is a casual dinner with a difference.

6. Gin Tasting, Maboneng

From R150 per person, timeanchor.co.za

While we’re on the subject of drinks, why not learn a little something while you do it? Only open on Saturdays and Sundays, tour The Tasting Room at Time Anchor Distillery and see how the grain-based spirits are made. People attending the tasting will arrive and be seated, get an introduction to Time Anchor Distillery followed by tasting of up to three of their Craft Gins. This is followed by a craft cocktail or G&T and a further discussion around the fascinating world of craft distilleries.

7. Go for a ride in a sidecar

From R1650 per couple, uralsidecartours.co.za

This is a great way of seeing the countryside. Head out to the Cradle of Humankind and soak up some sunshine from the saddle of a vintage motorbike. There’s a rug to pop over your knees and the ‘chauffeur’ wears a pair of old-school goggles to protect his eyes from the wind and dust. The Cradle day tour takes about five hours and includes a buffet breakfast. You can tweak this countryside ride to add stops such as Maropeng or the Sterkfontein Caves to your tour too.

8. Or take a tuk-tuk

From R20 per km for local trips, e-tuktuk.co.za

Going on a dinner date? How about skipping the average Uber ride and opt for something a little more exotic instead? The brightly coloured vessels of e-tuktuk is now on hand to whisk you about town and they go as far as Parkhurst, Greenside and to Park Station in the inner city. They are also more eco-friendly and fuel efficient.

 Also read: The ultimate guide to Melville

9. Hartbeespoort Cable Car, Hartbeespoort

R195 per person, hartiescableway.co.za

I must admit, I never made a big effort to go up this cable car, but when I finally found myself doing it, the views really did impress and lunch from this vantage point is pretty perfect. The cable car provides panoramic views of the Magaliesberg and the dam and, if it’s your birthday, entry is free.

10. Freakshakes, Parkhurst

From R89, craft.co.za

Want an excuse to get closer? Treat yo’selves to a decadent milkshake that’s best shared. Choose from three creations: a pink candy-filled strawberry shake topped with candy floss, a Belgian chocolate overdose topped with roasted marshmallows and the salted caramel delight filled with creme brûlée.

Also read: We test 10 of the best bakeries in JHB with just R50

11. Rooftop Salsa, Maboneng

R50 per person, find them on Facebook

Every Sunday from 3-7pm at 28 Auret Street near Maboneng you can salsa with pros. There’s a great mix of regulars – young and old folks, locals and foreigners. The atmosphere is great and the Afro-Cuban tunes will have you both swinging. Expect impromptu dance lessons, line dances and the perfect way to kiss the weekend goodbye.