This fun, kitschy central city bar is always my destination at some point during a night out. Have a beer, or a whole Castlepoint, meet friends or a potential date, watch bands and dance the night away.

A favoured watering hole of Parliament workers, the Royal goes off on Friday nights. Give its Wednesday quiz night a whirl - it starts at 7pm, and there’s always at least one question you know the answer to!

If it’s an evening of beer, pool and pub grub you’re after, look no further than the Bristol. Also ideal for watching the footy, while every Tuesday night it hosts a quiz night (and it’s actually pretty easy!).

Ideal for brunch, a get-together outside or in a private room (friends favour it as an engagement party venue) or a giant jenga battle. Cruise in on a Tuesday or Thursday for a quiz, grab some tasty snacks and a pint, and you’re set!

Don’t let "Speight’s" put you off - this comfy suburban bar has some of the best pub grub in the city, heaps of wine, beer and spirits to choose from and even hosts a quiz night every Tuesday!

Heaps of gorgeous NZ and international clothing and jewellery to treat yourself or a loved one, stocking brands like Nyne, Chaos and Harmony, J Brand, Miss Wilson, along with Penny Foggo jewellery - there’s always something here to surprise and delight you!

So many cute trinkets, from jewellery and accessories to books, stationery and fun little keepsakes, at very affordable prices.

This Kiwi designer’s Wellington store is like a little shopping sanctuary in the city. Browse the racks for seasonal designs, or ooh and ahh over the jewellery cabinets. I adore this jewellery - especially the animal stacker rings, which make an ideal gift!

Win a lady’s heart with the jewellery, clothes and accessories on offer at this awesome boutique - nothing says "I love you" like a Meadowlark ring or Deadly Ponies bag!

I know I’m not the only one who’s caught themselves ogling the massive diamond engagement rings in the front window (don’t tell my boyfriend). If you REALLY love someone, you’ll save up and splurge on diamonds or other jewels from here - they also do custom design and diamond searches!

Along with all your emo/goth apparel needs, Calico Jacks sells Directions Hair Colour - my favourite for bright hair colours! Grab a few pots and mix em into new colours, keep them bright or add conditioner to make pastel shades.

This central store stocks all the top brands - like L’Oreal, Kerastase, Joico and many more - to keep your hair in top shape, whether it’s shampoo and conditioner, crazy product or styling tools you’re after.

The best place in town to buy bleach for creative home dyeing! Grab bleach powder and activator (they have several strength options), along with Fudge and other bright colour semi-permanent dyes, and the usual haircare and styling suspects.

Go see Tony for the best cut and style of your life! JAM are the pros when it comes to creative cuts and colour, extensions and Wellington’s best destination for dreads. While you’re there, stock up on Davines and EVO hair products (your hair will thank you) or a Cloud Nine - the "new GHD".

Every hair product, accessory or tool you could ever need, under one roof. Befriend a hairdresser and get them to take you on a shopping expedition here!

So many flavours of gelato to choose from! Or try an affogato with a flavour like chocolate chip or chocolate + espresso for the ultimate dessert.

The pizza and staff at Tommy Millions rule. I love the four cheese and the mushroom pizza, topped off with chilli oil. They also offer gelato and subs, and the staff are always super friendly and rad!

The perfect treat to cool down on a summer’s day at O Bay - just pop over the road and try one (or a few) of their many flavours!

The company behind the delicious sorbet and gelato at Kaffe Eis also sells its products to other cafes and stores. With so many flavours, you’ll never be stuck for choice.

Grab a gelato from the Freyberg Pool or Stock Exchange building while you wander around the waterfront on a hot day or cool night (be warned: hands may freeze). A really sweet ending to a date.

The name kinda says it all - $35 for an hour or relaxation massage or $45 for remedial. See Christine for one of the best massages in town.

Blissful massages, facials and other treatments in an inner-city location, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Lambton Quay. They have monthly specials, perfect for treating yourself to something new.

Heavenly massages and other relaxing therapies like reflexology, acupressure and rolfing, along with slightly more unusual techniques like energy healing and crystals, along with Bowen technique.

The full package when it comes to treating yourself. This sanctuary starts you off with a cup of tea on a day bed before your treatment - a massage (choose your own oil from a range of relaxing or invigorating options), facial, scrub, wrap, mani/pedi or many more options.

Without a doubt the best massage I’ve ever had. The perfect mix of painful and relaxing! Plus you get 20% off your first visit. Trust me, you’ll be going back.

For the first time, Wellington is holding its very own Oktoberfest on the waterfront: think Toast Martinborough but in town, with beer, and much cheaper! An unmissable chance to mix Kiwi brews and legit German beer (and to dress up like a beer wench!)

With 40 beers taps and its own microbrewery, the Fork & Brewer is a must-visit for beer fans, and is ideal for after-work or weekend drinks. It’s awesome!

With heaps of Kiwi and international beers on tap, the spacious Tap Haus makes a perfect drinking hole to start a night out, to meet up with friends, after-work drinks or a pre-sports-watching brew.

With a big international beer list and Bavarian food menu, Leuven is a slice of Europe in inner-city Wellington, and a great spot for lunch (with a sneaky beer), a date or after-work drinks.

Ideal for brunch, a get-together outside or in a private room (friends favour it as an engagement party venue) or a giant jenga battle. Cruise in on a Tuesday or Thursday for a quiz, grab some tasty snacks and a pint, and you’re set!