Not only does it give you memories, but sucking the marrow out of life will make you wiser and kinder. As such, we’ve curated a list of 101 unique bucket list ideas. Our goal was to include options for all budgets. So pour a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s take a magical carpet through our bucket list ideas for couples.
101 Couples’ Bucket List Ideas To Check Off Your List
1. Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
It may be a cliche, but there’s a reason: viewing Paris from the top of the iconic radio tower is breathtaking. Besides, there are few places better to people-watch, French wine is amazing, and the country’s cuisine is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
2. Take a Bubble Bath Together
Are you a fan of romance? Then jump in the tub with your partner. Light some candles, add some scents, and let the bubbles flow. Remember, you don’t have to get the most expensive soap option — bubbles from the dollar store work just as well as the ones from a luxury brand. Or, if you don’t have bubbles, use your shampoo.
3. Climb a Mountain Together
Are you and your partner the outdoorsy types? Then why not set a goal to climb a mountain together? If you want to summit K-12 or Everest, have at it. But don’t forget there are less threatening options where you don’t need to risk life and limb. Choose a mountain suitable for your skills and ensure your equipment is safe.
4. Take a Week-Long Drum Class in Cuba
Are you and your honey musically inclined? If so, consider taking a week-long percussion class at Havannah Music. Get instruction from some of the country’s best percussionists during the day, and enjoy the vibrant Cuban culture at night.
5. Invent a Recipe Together
Has your meal routine become a dull conveyor belt of the same seven recipes? Is your culinary profile as bland as a beige wall? Spice things up by creating new recipes — and do it together. Not every creation will qualify you for “Top Chef,” but you may invent something delectable. And most importantly, you’ll have fun doing it. Besides, you can always dial up a pizza if things go awry.
6. Create a Couple’s Playlist
Maybe it’s a rainy day — or perhaps it’s beautiful, and you don’t feel like leaving the house. Whichever the case, if you’re spending a day in and chillaxing, make a soundtrack for the day.
7. Train for a Marathon Together
Exercising with your romantic partner builds a strong bond, as does striving for goals together. Both activities pump more feel-good hormones throughout the body, leaving happier, healthier, and more relaxed. (Plus, you’ll probably be a bit better looking.) So strap on some sneakers and get trotting. Heck, who knows, one day, you may find yourself on the cover of “Health” magazine. Anything is possible.
8. Read a Book Together
OK, so maybe you don’t read as much as you should. You’re not alone. Check out these stats according to Literacy Inc.
33% of people never read a book after graduating high school80% of American families don’t buy a single new book in a given year70% of American adults have not set foot in a bookstore in over five years
So crack open a book together and create a book club for two. When it’s time to get together to discuss it, get a great bottle of wine and some fine cheese to add a little sophistication. Couples who read six or more books together in a year tend to be wealthier, healthier, and wiser.
9. Gamble in Monte Carlo
Good things come in small packages. Evidence: Monaco. At 0.78 square miles, the city-state is the world’s second smallest country with the globe’s highest GDP. If you plan to pick up a pied-a-terre in the Riviera, a place in Monaco will set you back at least $3.1 million — for a studio apartment. But traveling to Monaco for a day is a lot more reasonable. Make it more budget-friendly by gambling at the world-famous casino, but stay in a hotel just outside the micronation in neighboring France or nearby Italy.
10. Go to the Smithsonian Museums in DC
The Smithsonian collection of museums in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, is phenomenal. Plus, the city is teeming with hundreds of galleries and places to tour. Check out the International Spy Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Rent a car for the day and head to the suburbs to spend the day at President Lincoln’s Cottage.[3]
11. Plant a Garden Together
Tending to a garden is wonderful for your well-being. Not only can you nurse food from seed to table, but the act of gardening is great exercise. You’ll both feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you have your first meal that features food you’ve grown.
12. Go to a Religious Service that’s Not of Your Faith
Whether you’re religious or not, spend one Friday, Saturday, or Sunday going to a religious service you know nothing about. Always call ahead to make sure guests are welcome. We become more compassionate, kind, and open-minded when we learn about and meet people of different faiths.
13. Visit Your Hometowns
If growing up wasn’t the best time of your life, skip this one. But for all the people out there who have fond memories of their hometowns, why not take your partner to where it all started?
14. Go Camping Together
You haven’t lived until you’ve spent a night under the stars. There are thousands, if not millions, of camping grounds around the world. Pick a country and go! If your budget is tight? Pick a place close to home.
15. Go Hiking in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is magnificent. Book a week-long vacation in the region if you and your partner are the hiking types. If the Grand Canyon is a little too far, find a place nearby.
16. Make Candles Together
There’s just something about candles. Maybe they connect us to a higher plane — or perhaps everyone looks better in candlelight. Whichever the case, grab a wax kit and have a ball. Pick up some essential oils to make your candles smell yummy.
17. Go to Svalbard in the Summer
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, and Spitsbergen, the island’s main town, is the world’s northernmost settlement. It’s so far up that the sun doesn’t set in the summer. If you’re anxious to see the world’s southernmost populated town, head to Puerto Williams off the coast of South America. And if the hottest place on the planet is more up your alley, make your way to Death Valley, California. Fun Fact: The climates of Puerto Williams and Svalbard are somewhat similar; they just experience the seasons in reverse.
18. Take Dance Classes Together
Who cares if you have two left feet? Sign up for a dance class together. It’s something to break up your week, dance is great exercise, and you may become more coordinated.
19. Get a Cat
As anyone with a cat will tell you, the little fur balls are underrated. People think they’re rude and obnoxious. Sure, maybe they can be. But who can’t? After a couple of weeks with one in your family, you’ll discover that cats have the best personalities — even the ones who can’t be bothered — and when they finally fall in love with you, there’s no greater love in the world.
20. Get a Dog
Dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friends. They’re lovable, huggable, and loyal. Welcoming a dog into your life has the power to change it for the better. So if you’re looking for a confidant and unconditional love, invite a four-paw into your life.
21. Take a Cross-Country Road Trip
Get the car tuned up and hit the road. Pick a route with the best weather, cheapest gas, and attractions that interest you along the way.
22. Have Sex Outside
Being a bit naughty can be exhilarating. But make sure you’re alone. Nobody wants to see you having sex in the middle of a dance floor. But by all means, find a secluded beach and have fun! Just remember to bring a towel.
23. Book a Trip on the Orient Express
In the not-too-distant past, train travel was as elegant as it got — and the Orient Express was the crème de la crème. While the original route hasn’t been around for decades, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express has kept the tradition of luxury train travel alive — complete with fine china and crystal stemware. Don’t forget to pack a few formal outfits, and be sure to bring along an Agatha Christie book to complete the experience.
24. Book a Trip on The Canadian
Canada is a natural wonder, and a train trip on The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver is exquisite. Plus, it costs significantly less than the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, which operates in Europe. The trip takes three to four days, depending on weather conditions and the time of year.
25. Take a Train Ride to the City Nearest to You
You don’t need to lay out mega bucks to enjoy a train ride. When’s the last time you took the train to the nearest city for a day of sightseeing? Make sure your phone has juice so you can take lots of pics.
26. Do a Reality Show Marathon
Whether it’s Ice Road Truckers or 90-Day Fiance, everyone has a favorite, guilty-pleasure reality show. Next time the weather isn’t cooperating, program your own reality-show marathon. Take turns picking episodes and order delivery. And by all means, stay in your pajamas all day long!
27. Plan Your Own Restaurant Week
Treat yourself to a restaurant week. You don’t need to wait for a formula opportunity, either. Make a schedule for eating out every day in your area. You’ll be doing your part by investing in your community — plus, it gives you a week off from cooking supper.
28. Go Sailing
Imagine the wind kissing your face as you skim across a body of water. You’re dressed like a “blue blood,” and maybe there’s even a little prosecco in the mix. Dock shoes? Check. That’s the sailing experience; everyone should try it at least once. No need to travel to the Mediterranean; instead, find a local sailing school and sign up.
29. Rent a Sports Car for the Day
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to be sporty for the day. Find a rental place that leases out fancy cars for the day instead. Before you go, set a plan. Will you drive down to the beach or go shopping around town?
30. Go Ice Skating
OK, you may not be the next Sonja Henie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give ice skating a try. Spend a couple of hours at an ice-skating rink together. Make sure your bottom is padded if it’s your first time — because unless you actually ARE the next Sonja Henie, expect to fall…a lot!
31. Spend a Weekend in the Hamptons
Hang out with America’s well-heeled and rent a house in the Hamptons for a summer week. If you want to people-watch, go during the Fourth of July weekend (and prepare to pay quadruple for the experience.) For those in search of more budget-friendly options, head there in May or September when the weather is still good but the season isn’t in full swing.
32. Go to Disney
If it’s good enough for Superbowl-winning quarterbacks, it may be great for you, too. Currently, there are 12 Disney-themed parks in six locations: California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and China. Pick one or hit up all 12.
33. Sneak Into a Second Movie
Have you ever “movie hopped” (i.e., go to a multiplex theater, pay for one movie, and then duck into a second one when the first is over)? Sure, it may not be the most mature thing to do, but it can be fun. What happens if you get caught? In 9.9 out of 10 cases, they’ll simply make you pay for the second movie and send you on your way.
34. Go to a Couple’s Counselor at Least One Month
Even if you don’t have marital problems, going to a couple’s counselor for at least one month can be a wonderful experience. It’s a way to get to know your partner a little bit better — even if you’ve been together for decades.
35. Get Professional Photos Taken
Book a professional photographer, get dolled up and do a professional photoshoot together. You’ll be able to cherish the pictures forever.
36. Audit a Class Together
It’s never too late to learn. Find a subject you’re both interested in and audit a class at a local college. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll get another degree.
37. Go to Buckingham Palace
Despite the prevalence of democratic rule, there are 26 monarchies still operating to this day. The British Royal Family is the most famous, and Buckingham Palace is their London stronghold. Carve out a week to check it out — especially the changing of the guards. If you live in North America and London is too expensive, head up to Ottawa, Canada, where they do the same guard pageantry every morning in the summer.
38. Learn an Instrument Together
Playing an instrument is great for the brain, and some studies suggest that it protects people against degenerative brain conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. If you don’t want to play the same thing, pick two complimentary instruments so you can duet together.
39. Go to a Foreign Film Together
Have you ever been to a foreign film? It’s a slightly different experience because the theaters in which they’re screened are typically a tad more avant-garde. It’s an experience, and you may discover that you’re a fan of films from around the world.
40. Try Indian Food Together
Some people can’t handle Indian food; others can’t live without it. If you’ve never tried southern Asian cuisine, give it a shot. But beware: Indian food is SPI-CY!
41. Go to a Jai Alai Game
Have you ever heard of jai alai? It’s a wall-and-ball game, and they play on courts called frontons. Currently, only one remaining jai alai facility in Miami, Florida, is active in the US.
42. Take a Cruise
Cruises aren’t for everyone, but they may be for you if you enjoy being on the open water and visiting several places in a week. There’s always entertainment and tons to do on the ship — plus plenty of opportunities to get dressed up. There are cruises for every budget. Pick one and have fun!
43. Throw a Halloween Party
Decorate the house and invite the gang over for the spookiest day of the year. Get in the mood and make costumes mandatory. And don’t forget the apple-bobbing bin!
44. Hold a Wine Tasting
Pick up a charcuterie platter and a case of wine. That’s all you need to hold a wine tasting. If you want to put a cherry on top, hire a sommelier for the evening to walk you through all the blends.
45. Go to Pike Place Market in Seattle
With the Rockies on one side and the gleaming Pacific Ocean on the other, Washington State is one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Plan a trip to Seattle to check out the scene, and spend a few hours checking out the famous Pike Place Market.
46. Paint a Room Together
Painting a room can give a whole new look, and doing it yourself can be much less expensive than hiring a professional. Moreover, pairing it with a six-pack and pizza is a good time.
47. Go on Vacation for the Holidays
Imagine a Christmas or Hanukkah without having to do all the cooking, decorating, and hosting. Blissful, right? Take the year off and go on a couples’ holiday vacation. Consider it a relaxation present to yourselves.
48. Get a Couple’s Massage
Massages are excellent for the body, mind, and soul — and they feel great! Book a couples massage — either at home or at a spa.
49. Do Your Own Mini-Golf Open
So you may not be Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam, but you may be a mini-golf champ. Enlist some friends and set up a mini-golf tournament — or make it a couples affair. You can go every night for a week or pick a two-day-a-week schedule for a month-long tourney.
50. Take an Ocean Liner
Ocean Liners are to cruises as private jets are to commercial flights. They’re more sophisticated and cross an entire ocean. Be like Rose and Jack and enjoy an Atlantic voyage romance.
51. Rent an RV
If you feel safer on land, why not rent an RV for a week or more and head out on the open road? RVs have come a long way, and many are better appointed than hotel suites. Plenty of places rent out RVs, and there are hundreds of RV campgrounds across the country.
52. Move to a Place Where You Don’t Know Anybody
Are you looking for a fresh start? Maybe you don’t need one, but you’re anxious for a change of scenery. Either way, consider moving to a place where you don’t know anyone. Doing so will force you to get out and make friends, which can be a super experience for couples who’ve been stuck in a long-term rut.
53. Volunteer Together
Lending a helping hand is one of the better things you can do in life. Pick a cause you both care about and volunteer for an organization. Remember: You needn’t be monogamous to charities and foundations. Spread the wealth!
54. Go on a Triple Date With Your Parents
Make your parents happy and ask them to go on a triple date with you and your partner. (Warning: this may not be the best idea when there’s tension between the two familial camps.)
55. Go to the School Play
Even if you don’t have kids, attending the annual school play in your area can be a fun couple’s date. Sit in the back row so you can cut out if…um…you need to. Want To Get Matching Couple Tattoos? 75 Soulmate Tats That Are Decidedly Dope 159 Romantic Things To Do With the One You Love Show Your Girlfriend The Best Time Ever With These 27 Fun Things To Do Together
56. Go to the Top of the Empire State Building
View the city that never sleeps from the tippy top of the Empire State Building. There’s an observation deck on the 102nd floor. But prepare to pay top dollar. A single ticket can cost between $45 and $85, depending on the time of year.
57. Start a Vlog or Podcast Together
Have you and your partner always dreamed of being stars? Then start a vlog or podcast together. Who knows, you may be the next big online sensation and find yourself raking in the big bucks.
58. Clean Out the Garage or Attic
At first, it feels like torture. It’s dirty; you may even come face-to-face with a mouse or seven. But once you acclimate and start finding treasures from the past, your mood is bound to lift. The bonus is the overwhelming sense of satisfaction you’ll bask in when the task is done, and everything is clean and organized!
59. Take an Art Class
Maybe a hidden artist is lurking in you or your partner. Take an art class to find out. Painting, sculpture, pottery — the choice is yours.
60. Go to a Broadway Show
Make your way to the Big Apple and see an honest-to-goodness Broadway Show on the Great White Way. For discounts, head to the TKTS booth in time square. It’s like the Expedia of Broadway shows, where you can sometimes score tickets for 50% off.
61. Make Your Own Beer or Wine
Have you ever made beer or wine? Truth be told, the beer can get a little stinky (because of the hops). And wine takes quite a while to finish. Regardless, both are fun bucket list things to do.
62. Write a Book Together
So you may not be budding Shakespearean authors — but who has time for all those “thees and thous” anyway? Besides, nobody writes well the first time around. Not even Shakespeare! The magic is in the editing. So why not try your hand at writing a book together about a topic you both love? Or, you can script a steamy romance — the best-selling fiction genre in the world.
63. Go on a Safari
Watching fascinating animals from the safety of a vehicle is a longstanding tradition in Africa, but safaris exist worldwide, including in the United States. So pick one and go!
64. Have a Child
If your dream is having a child, it’s one of the most popular bucket list things you can do. Imagine a bundle of joy that’s the perfect mix of you and your partner. We’re “awwwwww-ing” just thinking about it.
65. Don’t Have a Child
Some people love kids…and others don’t. If you don’t have a desire to have kids, don’t! It’s perfectly acceptable. After all, think of all the “bucket-list money” you’ll have to do other things on this list. Plus, you’ll never have to deal with PTA drama and competition.
66. Go on a Hike
Spending time in the great outdoors is an excellent way to stay fit and clear your mind. Going on a bucket-list hike with your partner is a wonderful idea. Try to do it when the weather is ideal, and go for one day or several. Just make sure you have the right equipment and a rescue kit.
67. Picnic Riverside, Pondside, or Lakeside
It’s romantic to sit on the banks of a river, pond, or lake — especially if the bugs aren’t out. So pack a yummy lunch and pair it with a lovely bottle of wine. Again, make sure your phone is fully charged for nature pics.
68. Learn a Foreign Language Together
Learning a foreign language is another one of those things that keeps your brain agile as you age. As such, learning a foreign language with your partner is both a way to bond and stay healthy.
69. Make Pasta From Scratch Together
Pre-made pasta is perfectly fine. But homemade pasta is delectable! It melts in your mouth. Making it takes a while, and it’s the perfect time to spend time with your honey — then enjoy a delicious meal together.
70. Learn a Martial Art Together
Doing martial arts burns calories and teaches you how to defend yourself. Moreover, it’s a way to get another insight into various Asian cultures.
71. Have a Hot Wing Competition
Have you ever seen “Hot Ones” — the YouTube show where celebrities are interviewed while tasting increasingly hotter wings? It’s hilarious. Why not do a couple’s “Hot Ones.” The winner doesn’t have to cook for the week. If you’re a social couple, plan a “Hot Ones” party with your pals.
72. Have an At-Home Movie Marathon
Schedule an at-home movie marathon. If you’re budget conscious and don’t have many streaming websites, remember that nearly all streaming platforms offer a free introductory week to see if you like the service. So plan it out, then sign up for your free weeks. If you do it right, you won’t have to pay a cent!
73. Go Horseback Riding
Trotting along a nature trail on the back of a majestic horse is glorious, and it makes for an excellent day out with your better half.
74. Spend a Month on Lake Como
Lake Como is a wealthy enclave in Italy with mansions that wreath the iconic, gorgeous body of water. It’s beyond breathtaking and a great destination to put on any couple’s bucket list.
75. Spend a Night in a Hotel Near You
Go on a staycation! Get a room or suite at a five-star hotel nearby. Since you’re not paying for a flight, go big!
76. Look Through Old Yearbooks Together
Were you a geek in high school? A jock? A loner? Share that time with your significant other by looking through old yearbooks together and telling stories. It’s a bonding experience that should be on every couple’s bucket list.
77. Keep a Joint Journal
Do you journal? Have you ever tried keeping a joint journal with your lover? Sometimes, it’s hard to say things to peoples’ faces — good and bad — and passing a journal back and forth can help you work through issues and build a stronger emotional connection.
78. Go to the Ballet, Symphony, or Opera
Most people don’t go to the ballet, symphony, or opera these days. Add sophisticated activities to your couple’s bucket list to fill your life with a little “posh.”
79. Go Skiing
Swoosh down the slopes with the love of your life. If money isn’t a problem, head to France, Switzerland, Austria, or Norway. If you’re not a part of the 1%, Colorado, Vermont, Utah, and Washington States all have respectable mountains.
80. Invent a Cocktail Together
Mix a dash of this and a dash of that to make a unique, signature cocktail. It may take some time, and you may bomb badly before finding the perfect mixture, but getting it right will be a blast.
81. Renovate a Bathroom Yourselves
Everyone knows that home improvement stars are a gift from heaven — even for people who’ve never picked up a tool in their lives. Why not step it up a level and renovate a room? Starting with bathrooms is smart because they’re small. But hire a plumber to do the complicated installation of anything water- or electric-related.
82. Get a Portrait Painted of the Two of You
You’re the king and queen of your own worlds, so do what the monarchs do and sit for a painted portrait together.
83. Get a Couples Tattoo
Another popular activity for a couple’s bucket list is to get inked together. Get something that fits your taste and lifestyle and compliments each other. Click here for some ideas.
84. Go to Fiji
Imagine waking up in a tropical oasis, in a private hut over the water featuring a glass floor and private pool. This can happen in Fiji, one of the most stunning, relaxing places on Earth.
85. Go to a Beer Fest
Make your way to Germany for the original Oktoberfest, or just head to the American Midwest, the unofficial home of beer fests.
86. Wear Matching Outfits
Sure, it may be a tad corny, but wearing matching outfits is a nerdy thing every couple should try once. No, Halloween costumes don’t count. The object of this exercise is to invite the snickers and stares — and laugh about it together.
87. Try Water Skiing Together
Learning how to water ski is a lot like learning how to ride a bike. In the beginning, it’s awkward and challenging. But once you get the hang of it, try not to fall in love with it!
88. Go to a Mystery Room
Mystery rooms are to the 2020s as laser tag was to the 1990s. It’s the perfect activity for couples who enjoy playing detective. Follow the clues!
89. Go to a Taping of Saturday Night Live
“Saturday Night Live” is one of the longest-running television shows still on the air, and seeing it in the studio is a unique experience. It’s an excellent addition to the bucket lists of silver-screen fans.
90. Go to a Renaissance Fair
There’s a reason why medieval shows are still popular — people love that period of history! Experience a simulated middle-age fair at least once. The turkey drums are gigantic, and the costumes are on-point.
91. Head to Your Favorite Movie City
Do you love the movie “Casablanca”? Or perhaps “Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrels” is more your scene. Wherever you fall, consider adding a trip to your favorite movie city to your bucket list.
92. Build a Dream House
You’ve done well for yourself and have saved a lot of money. Why not spend your proceeds on a dream house? This is a perfect idea for homebodies who love nothing more than to sit around their homes and hang out. However, prepare yourself for hiccups and delays.
93. Swim in Every Ocean
Make a point to swim in every ocean on the Earth with your boo. How many oceans are there? Technically, there’s only one world ocean. However, by convention, it’s split into four parts: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic.
94. Check Out Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s poshest, most beautiful, vibrant parts. Bring your wallet, spend time shopping, and feast on insanely great food.
95. Do a Zillion-Piece Puzzle Together
Who cares if it takes you an entire year? Get one of those twelve-zillion-piece jigsaw puzzles and do a bit each night together. When it’s finished, get it framed, or do like the Buddhists do with their sand paintings and simply break it apart.
96. Go to a Poetry Reading
Poetry readings give you something to talk about. Hit one up and head to dinner afterward to discuss your thoughts about the works presented. It’s a great excuse to get philosophical.
97. Go to Carnival in Rio
Get ready to party in Brazil! The country holds a magnificent carnival a few days before lent every year. It’s South America’s equivalent to New Orleans mardi gras. But it’s bigger, better, and a lot more colorful.
98. Do a Month-Long Challenge Together
Have you ever wondered how you’d feel if you didn’t watch TV for a month? Or gave up social media? Sugar? Soda? Instead of thinking about it, enlist your partner and embark on the journey together.
99. Stay at an Ice Hotel
In a word, ice hotels are AWESOME! Yearly, some go up in Canada and Northern Europe. Pick one, buy a bunch of thermals, and enjoy one of the planet’s most unique experiences.
100. See the Pyramids of Giza
The pyramids of Giza are otherworldly. The towering tombs have ruled the desert for millennia and serve as a good reminder that the human race is capable of miraculous achievements when we work together.
101. Be a Rebel and Don’t Have a Bucket List
Are you disorganized? Are you more spontaneous by nature? Then forget about making a bucket list! Instead, fly by the seat of your pants, and go where spontaneity points you. It’s just as exciting. We hope you enjoyed our ultimate couples bucket list. Remember: We only get one life. Be safe. Make it count. But most importantly, have fun!
