Dinner and a movie? Ahmedabad can do much better. If your idea of a date involves actually doing something rather than sitting across a table or staring at a screen, the city has plenty up its sleeve. From cycling along the Sabarmati Riverfront and taking a boat ride on the river to getting competitive at gaming arenas, wandering through art galleries or turning a street-food crawl at Manek Chowk into the evening’s main event, these 7 date ideas in Ahmedabad that are not movie or dinner dates bring a little more action to the usual plans. So, put the predictable plans on pause and pick an outing that gives you something to talk about afterwards.
For an artsy date, explore these Ahmedabad galleries
Skip the usual dinner-and-film routine and spend an afternoon arguing over which artwork deserves a second look. Ahmedabad has several galleries worth browsing, including NC Mehta Gallery, Archer Art Gallery, DRS Arts Company, Satya Art Gallery and 079 | Stories. Their collections span different forms and styles of art, giving you plenty to discuss as you move from one work to the next. Even if you are not particularly well-versed in art, wandering through a gallery together can make for an easy outing, with enough room for conversation.
Take a boat ride on the Sabarmati River
Trade the usual dinner reservation for a little time on the water. The Sabarmati Riverfront’s boating facilities offer plenty of options for an outing, from speedboats and pedal boats to aqua cycles and the popular double-decker Akshar Riverfront Cruise. Boating and water sports operate daily from 9 am to 10 pm, with standard tickets ranging from ₹100 to ₹500, depending on the ride you choose. If you want something simple, hop on a pedal boat, for a livelier outing, a speedboat should do the trick. Either way, it gives you a chance to see Ahmedabad from a rather different angle.
Take a walk through Ahmedabad’s historic landmarks
For a date with a little more history than small talk, head into Ahmedabad’s old quarters and explore the city’s heritage together. Start at Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived and worked, before moving towards Bhadra Fort and the centuries-old Teen Darwaza. Further along, the mysterious Jhulta Minar and Bai Harir ni Vav offer plenty to pause over, while Sarkhej Roza brings a quieter side of the city’s architectural history into the mix. You can also wander through Rani no Hajiro near Manek Chowk, where carved stone screens and old tombs sit right alongside the bustle of the market. It makes for an easy-going day of walking and exploring corners of Ahmedabad you may have otherwise missed.
Take your date on a street-food crawl at Manek Chowk
Manek Chowk is not exactly the place for a candlelit dinner and that is precisely the point. As Ahmedabad’s jewellery market winds down for the day, the streets turn into a late-night food trail where butter-heavy sandwiches and unusual combinations take centre stage. Make a game of ordering things neither of you has tried before, starting with the indulgent Ghotala Dosa or Ghughra Sandwich, cooling things down with Jamun Shots, then moving on to Bhaji Pav and Cheese Pulav. Leave room for a Pineapple Ice Cream Sandwich and Rabdi Kulfi. It is messy, loud and far more memorable than a standard meal.
Skip dinner & order in from Ahmedabad’s cloud kitchens
Some dates are better spent at home, especially when the alternative involves dressing up, sitting in traffic and hunting for a table. Order in from one of Ahmedabad’s many cloud kitchens and turn the living room into your dinner spot instead. The city has plenty to choose from, whether you are craving Gujarati comfort food from GJ Desi or Kana No Rotlo, pasta from Pasta Verse, Tex-Mex from The Mexican Tapas Bar or something lighter from The Simply Salad.
Rent a bicycle and explore Ahmedabad’s Riverfront
Turn the Sabarmati Riverfront into your cycling track and spend a few hours exploring the city on two wheels. The lower promenade is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, while the Riverfront stretches for more than 11 km along the water, making it easy to settle into a leisurely ride rather than race through it. For rentals, MYBYK Fun Zone operates under Sardar Bridge, while Riverfront Cycle Stand is another option at Usmanpura. Go early in the morning or around sunset and let the ride set the pace for the rest of the date.
Challenge each other at Ahmedabad’s gaming spots
A little competition can make for a far more entertaining outing, and Ahmedabad has plenty of places where you can put that theory to the test. Head to Bang Bang Adventures for paintball, race around the track at Republic of Karting, or work together to crack a case at Mystery Rooms. For something centred around screens and arcade-style play, Console Hub, AUG – Arena of Undefeated Gamers and Timezone have plenty to keep you occupied, while BounceUp adds a more active twist. Pick your game, set the stakes and see who handles losing better.
