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Want to get all lovely dovey on Valentine’s Day, but don’t quite have the spending power to splurge? Never fear, we’ve thought of some brilliant alternative date ideas to get you inspired!
If you need proof that you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a romantic time with your loved one, look no further!
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
A good date doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, so why not try a good old-fashioned picnic? Head to your local wet market or Park n’ Shop and stock up on some picnic foods, or just use whatever you’ve got left in your fridge – we’re thinking an epic overnight pressed sandwich (see here for some recipe inspiration!).
Get some napkins, chuck some snacks in a bag and don’t forget a big water bottle! If you’ve saved up some cash, splash out on a bottle of sparkly stuff (just make sure you bring some cups, plus the equipment to open the bottle itself!). Dig out your sexiest backpack and stuff it with all your picnic supplies (mossie repellent for summer… thermal blankets for winter) – spending done!
Now you can either just head to your favourite Hong Kong park for your picnic (see our guide to picnic spots here), or try one of our city’s glorious hikes (check out our Top 5 here, or if you’re a beginner, these ones might be a better choice) to work up an appetite!
DAY TRIPPING
Why not get cultural with your beau and experience one of Hong Kong’s best days out? From cycling along the waterfront in Cheung Chau (our very own version of a seaside town!) to chowing down on scrummy Lamma seafood and whiling away the day at secluded beaches, click here for our fab guide to some of Hong Kong’s very best day trips. Not only will you be able to try something different and explore somewhere new with your date, but you might just see a different side of Hong Kong… it always surprises us!
One of our favourite places to explore is the sleepy fishing village of Tai O on Lantau. Try going on the $20 pink dolphin boat trip – that’s right, it’s only $20! Trust us, it’s definitely not a scam either; we’ve actually seen these wonderful Hong Kong icons for ourselves on one of the tours… and the pink is very relevant for Valentine’s (and Sassy), don’t you think?! P.S Click here to find out more about Hong Kong dolphins, how you can help and where to donate.
SEEING STARS
The iconic Star Ferry is a symbol of Hong Kong and at only $2.50, this is one trip that won’t break the bank! Not only is it super cheap, but it’s also a great way to see our dazzling harbour at night. Head over to TST, sit along the Avenue of Stars with a couple of 7-Eleven beers and gaze at the killer view of the city lights… you can’t go wrong with this!
PICTURE PERFECT
The cinema is getting ridiculously expensive in Hong Kong… especially if you go for a 3D film. At nearly $75-$120 a pop (plus those inflated popcorn prices… and those dreaded 3D glasses!), you can end up spending a mini fortune on a cinema trip here. So why not get creative and try to recreate your own cinematic experience – in the comfort of your own home!
Buy some popcorn from the supermarket, get your favourite film ready, grab a duvet… and lights out, it’s movie time! For the more tech-savvy Sassy readers out there who might have a projector at home, you can hook up your DVD player and screen your film onto a plain white wall for the full cinema effect. And there’s no annoying cinema latecomers, mobile phone ringing or adverts before the film this way either!
A COUPLE THAT VOLUNTEERS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER…
Ok, we might have just made up that saying on the spot… but there are so many great volunteering opportunities in Hong Kong, you can’t not give it a go. It’s also a good way to get to know someone and do something different! Take a look at our articles here and here for some great Hong Kong volunteering options… or check out our Sassy Supports articles for inspiration! It might not be the sexiest date in the world, but what’s more attractive than kindness?
CHEAP EATS
Going out for dinner is the all-time classic date night, but those sky-high Valentine’s Day menus might take up your whole month’s wages! Here are a few of our fave cheaper foodie spots that dish out some thrifty-but-tasty deals… We’re all about the steals here at Sassy!
ABC Kitchen
ABC Kitchen is a TRUE find. With good Italian food at more than reasonable prices, this is a great one if you’re happy to go casual. The red and white checked tablecloths in the middle of a quintessentially Hong Kong cooked food market should make for some interesting dinner conversation! Check out our list of BYOB and low corkage favourites here for some more dining inspiration.
ABC Kitchen, Shop 7, Food Market, 1 Queen Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
9278 8227
Dalat Vietnamese
Dalat is my favourite Vietnamese joint in Hong Kong! It’s not that it’s particularly different to the others out there, but this place always serves consistently delicious food – at wallet-friendly prices. The lemongrass pork chop with rice is super popular, whilst the beef pho is a particular favourite of my boyfriend’s thanks to its flavourful broth. Good food and a cheap-and-cheerful atmosphere? That’s the way to go!
Dalat G/F, 10 Anton Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2527 6788
Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan is one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, so we had to include it here! The delicious dim sum really is spectacular; with fresh ingredients and possibly the best char siu bao in Hong Kong, this will win over any dim sum-loving dates in your life. Make sure you go at non-peak times or be prepared to get there early and grab a ticket in advance, as the queues can be massive!
Tim Ho Wan, Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station, Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2332 3078. See other HK locations here.
Hopefully you’ve now found some Valentine’s Day inspiration that will go easy on your wallet! Who said that romance had to come at a price?
Want more date night inspiration? Check out a few of our favourite unique and unusual Hong Kong date ideas here!
