Date Night on a Budget

by Rebecca van Besouw | Oct 4, 2023 | Entertainment

view posts

Student budgets generally cannot cover elaborate romantic gestures, but there are still many options for dates beside bingeing Netflix with a partner. Pretoria is full of cheap activities that will impress a first date or provide something new to do with a long-term partner.

Art Galleries

Pretoria has a thriving art scene, and many galleries are free for students, including the UP-Javett gallery. Interpreting a piece of modern art together, learning about South Africa’s vibrant artistic history, or just sitting together taking in the beauty of human creativity makes for a date that is both romantic and sophisticated.

Ice Skating

The Grove Mall offers half price skating sessions on Tuesday nights, making this a cheap and fun option for an evening that might otherwise be mundane. Learning to skate together is an excellent excuse for physical contact, and hot drinks to warm up afterwards are a cute way to end the date.

Botanic Gardens

South Africa’s natural scenery is both unique and beautiful, and Pretoria’s botanic gardens are no exception. The gardens are full of gorgeous sights and forest paths to explore with a date. Take some snacks for a picnic, count the dassies in the rock garden, or admire the waterfall together for a romantic experience.

Trampoline Park

For a date that is both active and original, the Bounce trampoline park in Menlyn has student specials on jumping sessions. Whether impressing a partner with your athletic skills or simply having fun bouncing off the walls, this date is sure to be memorable.

Klapperkop Nature Reserve

Another date idea that makes the most of Pretoria’s natural surroundings is driving through the Klapperkop Nature Reserve. The reserve is free to enter, and also features hiking trails, a fort that is now a museum at the top of the hill, and 360 degree views of Pretoria. It could be the perfect place to get that cute couple’s photo.

Date View

Bring a blanket, drinks, some funky tunes and soak in a spectacular sunset with your special someone. Date view in Sterrewag, Pretoria is a quaint little viewing point that is often frequented by couples and friend groups alike.