It’s date night! Whether you’ve been together for twenty years or two weeks, date night is a time to connect and enjoy each other’s company. However, it can be difficult coming up with date night ideas.
Lucky for you, you’re in Madison! There’s tons of places to go, things to eat, and experiences to be had. So get in touch with your romantic side and be inspired by our list of date night ideas in Madison.
Share A Romantic Dinner
Ah yes, the romantic dinner. What could be better than enjoying each other’s company over a delicious meal? Fortunately in Madison, a great restaurant isn’t hard to find. Here are a few of our favorites:
La Kitchenette - fabulous French cuisine with a charming, homey feel.
Osteria Papavero - authentic Italian with an extensive wine list.
Tempest Oyster Bar - great seafood (especially oysters) with live music on the weekends.
Lucille - wood-fired pizza in a three-story, industrial-chic tavern.
L’Etoile - if you’re really, really trying to impress somebody… fine dining at L’Etoile is the way to go.
Learn Something New Together
Tired of the same old routine? Shake things up by taking a class together and learning something new! Try your hand at wood burning, painting, pottery, crocheting, and so much more at Wheelhouse Studios, an open arts studio in Memorial Union.
Can’t resist the smell of freshly baked bread? Follow your nose to Madison Sourdough. Take your date to a class like Introduction to Sourdough Bread or Make and Take Pasta. Sounds like heaven!
Or how about yoga… on a rooftop? A small handful of yoga studios are offering the unique opportunity for you to get your vinyasa on high above the streets.
Get Moving
Madison is consistently rated one of the country’s top cycling cities! So grab some wheels (or rent some with Madison BCyle) and hit the bike trails. Take your date along the city’s most scenic trails like the Lake Monona Loop or UW-Madison’s Lakeshore Path.
But don’t stop there! Try out your sea legs by renting a boat from Wingra Boats, Brittingham Boats, and Olbrich Park Boat Rentals. Choose from paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and more. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with a romantic sunset cruise on the water.
Visit Madison’s Finest
When was the last time you took the time to be a tourist in your own city? Madison has a lot of great places to explore and enjoy.
Head to Henry Vilas Zoo for an afternoon surrounded by lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). Your date at the zoo will be easy on your wallet too -- it’s free.
If you’re seeking oneness with nature, wander the nearly 20 miles of trails at the UW Arboretum. What could be better than getting lost in nature with your sweetheart on a beautiful day?
How about wandering around a museum surrounded by beautiful works of art? Check out the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Pro tip: the rooftop sculpture garden is a great place to take a date for impressive views of State Street and the Capitol.
If art is not your style, there’s still plenty of museums to check out in Madison, including the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and even the Madison Children’s Museum (they have Adult Swim nights for grown-ups too).
Put On Your Explorer Hats
Get lost together! Wander your way through some of Madison’s best streets and neighborhoods. Take a stroll down Willy Street for a laid back, eclectic experience. Try Monroe Street restaurants like Everly or Miko Poke. Of course, State Street is always a good choice. It’s filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes with plenty of outdoor seating and a great view of the Capitol.
Get Outside
There’s no shortage of great outdoor space to enjoy in Madison. From picnics in the park to meals shared on rooftops or patios, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a bite al fresco. Try Robina Courtyard for all the patio and none of the street traffic (not to mention some exquisite evening ambiance). Or make a night of it with a stroll through Olbrich Botanical Gardens followed by the Biergarten at Olbrich Park.
Bust Out Your Dancing Shoes (Or Not)
How about a little live music for your date night? If you’re in Madison, you’re in the right place! Catch a show at Majestic Theatre, The Sylvee, Orpheum Theater, or High Noon Saloon. You can even get a discount on your hotel room when you attend concerts and events at any of these venues.
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, Concerts on the Square may be just the thing. Lay out a blanket on Capitol lawn, unpack your picnic, pour some wine, and have yourself a beautiful evening.
Enjoy The Governor’s Club Lounge & Jacuzzi Suites
The ultimate treat for you and your sweetheart! Stay at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club in your very own whirlpool suite. Located on the Governor’s Club executive level, our luxurious whirlpool suites offer the perfect accommodations for a romantic getaway.
Plus, you have access to the Governor’s Club, which includes complimentary continental breakfast, top-shelf cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Just imagine sipping cocktails in the private lounge with breathtaking views of the Capitol, then retiring to your suite with your own private whirlpool...
Book your romantic getaway today! No matter what you do, we hope you enjoy your date night in Madison.