The best places in Cardiff to take yourself on a solo date this Valentine’s Day

Who needs a date when Cardiff is the full package?


As Valentine’s Day fast approaches, the thought of romance haunts us singles like the question, “how’s your love life?”, from the grandparents at Christmas. Just when the blues of the gloomy, seasonal depression is slowly coming to an end, we get hit with Cupid’s broken bow and arrow which doesn’t feel too great. But why should we have to wait around for another to make the first move?

Living in Cardiff offers so many adorable, straight out of Pinterest spots, perfect for a bit of you time. It’s time to start taking care of ourselves this Valentine’s Day. So, here is a short guide for the best solo date spots for you and only you this 14th February:

Brunch at Milkwood

Milkwood in Pontcanna, just a short walk from Bute Park, offers a cosy cute café, making you feel the best, healthiest version of yourself. Sit with a book, your favourite show, or even with your own thoughts (try not to think about uni). Also, the avocado on toast with chilli oil is the closest thing to true love you’ll need this Valentines’ Day.

And don’t get me started on the skinny, salty fries, with so many more unique and cosy dishes which will make you feel warm and satisfied. With your favourite drink on the side, this charming café embraces every customer, perfect for a solo date.

Pint in Cardiff centre

If a pint is truly where your heart is, the Queen’s Vault, tucked away in the corner of central Cardiff is the perfect place for you.

Just a five minute walk away from the station as well as being close to the St David’s Centre (a cheeky solo shopping date after wouldn’t go a miss), this spot disconnects you from busy uni life and brings you back to you.

The local feeling, with cheap pints, cheap pub grub, and cosy corners all compliment the welcoming energy where you feel at home in a beautifully chaotic city.

Take yourself on a solo walk

Being on a student budget means sometimes a coffee shop date can stretch the bank account a bit too far over the edge, so a walk around the gorgeous Bute Park is the perfect place to compensate (and to walk off the YOLO hangover).

Stretching for miles, the park displays blankets of greenery with so many cute solo picnic spots on offer. Stopping off with a picnic rug, book or even a notepad can turn your day the right way round. Or on these chilly days, romanticising your life even more with a Twilight-themed playlist, with trees rustling through the wind really encourages you to embrace your cosy main character energy.

Please be safe though, and let someone know where you’re going!

Go to a bookshop

In the middle of the city centre in Waterstones, tucked away at the top floor, is their great café, perfect for a cheeky sweet treat and scattered in comforting décor, it encourages anyone to take a seat and enjoy a good read. This is a lovely relaxing solo date spot.

With endless books covering the walls, a break away from the screen, especially at this time of year, is more than needed. Trust me, your mental state will thank you.

Gym date

The gym is the perfect place for you to take care of yourself, making it the best space for a solo date.

With Pure Gyms dotted all around Cardiff and a The Gym on Queen Street, it couldn’t be easier to have some quality alone time.

Health really is wealth, and this Valentine’s Day, with your favourite tunes in, it’s time to concentrate on what makes you feel good and confident.

Hopefully with these solo date ideas you won’t feel too lonely, and maybe they’ll help you to learn how to appreciate some “you” time.