How to Spend a Romantic Night in Sydney From Check-in to Check-out

How to Spend a Romantic Night in Sydney From Check-in to Check-out

When you think of romance, it’s easy to get caught up in grand ideas like flying to Paris and showering your partner in French cuisine while whispering sweet nothings to them in the language of love. Now we’re not saying that’s something we can’t get behind, because we absolutely can. But Australia has plenty of romantic cities too and Sydney happens to be one of the greatest. With that in mind, we’ve put together the perfect date night itinerary for when you’re wanting to impress that special someone. From low-lit dinners at one of Australia’s most famous restaurants to sipping specially made cocktails at Prohibition-style bars and enjoying starlit harbourside cruises, the City of Love is closer than you think.

Check in at Fraser Suites Sydney

First things first, you’ll need a place to stay. Fraser Suites Sydney offers chic studios, apartments and penthouse suites that feature all the comforts of a high-end hotel with just a tad more privacy, which is always a plus when you’re hoping to make your vacation intimate and special. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the striking 41-storey glass high-rise is only a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions. Check in at 15.00pm and head up to your modern sweet to enjoy sprawling views of the world-renowned Darling Harbour and beyond.

Revitalise your body and mind

Kick off your love-fuelled jaunt with some downtime. Nothing takes it out of you like travelling, so it’s important to have some time to recharge to ensure that you and your partner have plenty of energy to enjoy the night ahead. Fortunately, Fraser Suites Sydney offers a modern wellness centre that is perfect for a little self-care. Take a dip in the indoor swimming pool before getting bubbly in the jacuzzi together and then finish things off with a quick steam in the sauna – it’ll leave you looking and feeling great.

Take a starlit cruise along the harbour

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a romantic walk under the stars but what might be even better is a cruise along one of the most famous harbours in the world. So why not indulge a little and sip some delicious sparkling champagne while you and your partner admire Sydney’s twinkling skyline on a Harbour Cruise.

Enjoy a waterfront dinner at Quay

When it comes to picking an intimate restaurant for a romantic evening, some boxes need to be ticked. Smooth and unobtrusive staff, soft lighting, an exceptional wine list and even better food are all a must. If any restaurant has all these things and more it’s Quay. A shining light amongst Australia’s fine dining scene, the award-winning restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling geometric windows offer stunning views of the Harbour Bridge, while inside the ten-course tasting menu is an incredible tour of Australian flavours mingled with French cooking techniques. Dishes like Ossetra caviar with sea cucumber crackling or roasted Maremma duck with pink radicchio will undoubtedly impress.

Have your cornflakes and eat them too at Dessert Kitchen

There’s no sweeter way to finish off a romantic dinner than by heading over to Dessert Kitchen for a sugary and delicious nightcap. But this venue isn’t your typical dessert bar. As the first Australian outlet of the Hong Kong phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that the eateries sweet treats are inspired by Asian cooking. Translucent blue noodles are combined with cornflakes, ice cream and a strangely fantastic milky soup to create a signature dish that’s perfect for recreating that lovey-dovey Aristocats spaghetti scene. If that’s not your thing, the rum-raisin ice cream paired with fruity and sharp grape-flavoured seaweed balls and cornflakes is another weird and wonderful creation worth a try.

Sip a few cocktails at a Prohibition-style bar

Love in the air might as well be the theme song of Eau de Vie in Darlinghurst. The Prohibition-style bar isn’t technically a speakeasy, but it might as well be. Tucked away at the back of the Kirketon Hotel, the entrance is unsigned and you’ll need the help of the concierge to pass through a seemingly unremarkable black door before passing into a magical bar.

Once inside you’ll know immediately why this bar is a famous first date spot. Candles flicker on dark wood tables, plush leather couches line the walls and an ornate glass cabinet houses the establishment's priciest gems. For an experience to remember, ditch the menus or, as the bartenders like to call them, security blankets, and let the friendly and knowledgeable staff suggest a few cocktails based on your normal drink preferences. Not only will you not be disappointed, you’ll also be amazed.

Indulge in a bountiful breakfast at The Grounds of the City

There’s a reason people find speakeasies romantic; there’s just something about a vintage atmosphere that is hard to resist. So, in keeping with the great time you’ll have had at Eau de Vie the night before and since check-out in isn’t until 11.00am (and it can be later upon request), why not keep the 1920s theme going and head to the Grounds of the City for a champagne breakfast?

The venue is an ode to all the best parts of the early 20th century, with intricate timber decor that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film, plush booths, mobile shoe shiners, an old-school tea trolley, polite staff in crisp uniforms, coffee sommeliers at the Barista’s Bar, and a jazz soundtrack Louis Armstrong would highly approve of. A bottle of Brut Pol Roger Brut, NV from Epernay, France is guaranteed to put stars in your cheri’s eyes, while dishes like warm chilli roasted corn, moreish chunky potato hash or the Ground’s continental selection of freshly baked pastries make for a satisfying start to the day.