Valentine's Day date ideas that won't break the bank

The highest point on Hong Kong island, the Peak offers a truly stunning view of Hong Kong's glistening skyline and Victoria Harbour. This is the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day for those who love a romantic stroll with a remarkable view of Hong Kong's neon-lit skyscrapers. You can also head down to the harbour for some quiet time, pop open a bottle of wine under the night sky and simply enjoy the company of your loved one.

If you are a couple that enjoys art exhibitions, then exploring the multiple galleries that line Hollywood road is a great way to spend Valentine's Day. From the cultural, artistic landmark of Tai Kwun to the relatively smaller galleries, Hollywood Road is a fantastic place to get your fix of art and history with your partner. From murals lining the street walls and traditional Chinese art at Joyce Gallery to more contemporary paintings at Karin Weber and photography exhibitions in La Galerie Paris 1839, there are beautiful displays to suit all tastes.

Also known as the 'world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant', this is the perfect place to take your partner without forking out a lot of cash. This humble and unpretentious restaurant is well-loved for serving up the most authentic dim sum flavours in a casual setting. Dim Sum baskets adorn the walls, and you can take a peek into the open kitchen as the chefs make your food. Best known for its pork buns and steamed egg cakes, simplicity in this cheap and delicious diner is key.

For an easy-going two-player date, head to game cafe Wheat and Wood where two hours of play ($100) comes with free-flow non-alcoholic drinks and any alcoholic drink at a markdown of $35. The cafe stocks over a hundred games, including Cards Against Humanity, Scrabble, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic (oh, the irony!), and more – perfect for getting to know your date’s sense of humour and strategy.

LPS Lab in Causeway Bay is on a mission to make it possible for people to buy a cup of coffee under $20 without resorting to 7-Eleven or Ikea, and we salute them for it. This literal hole-in-the-wall on Sun Wui Road offers Italian coffee, yoghurt gelato, pu’er tea, liu bao tea, oat milk ($10), and even affogato ($15) for prices that allow you to buy all the coffee and ice cream your date can take!

Who says an intimate Valentine's date has to be at a high-end restaurant? Sometimes a good-old picnic is a perfect way to spend an evening with your date. Just scour your local ParknShop for some picnic food or whip up some snacks from the leftover ingredients from your refrigerator and head to Hong Kong Park. Green, urban and serene, it has an aviary, a lush playground, fountains and even a lily pond. So pop open a bottle of wine, enjoy the snacks and scenic beauty to enjoy a perfect romantic evening!

If you enjoy breaking a sweat with your partner, then hiking up dragon's back might just be the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. Hailed as Hong Kong's most picturesque hiking route, its meandering pathway boasts a spectacular view of southern Hong Kong Island and its shoreline. The trail ends at the Big Wave Bay, a beach where you can relax with your date after that bout of exercise. Take a dip into the cold water or surf the waves! A perfectly wallet-friendly excursion for athletic couples to celebrate this romantic tradition.

If you would rather spend the day far away from the hustle and bustle of this crowded city, take a day trip to Lamma Island. A short trip away from Central, its gleaning white beaches and delicious seafood restaurants are perfect for a relaxed, romantic getaway. Couples can traverse Yung Shue Wan's narrow alleyways, which is lined with little souvenir shops, fresh markets, and cafes. If you wish for a quieter romantic retreat, head to Sok Kwu Wan, the fishing village a short ferry ride away from Yung Shue Wan. With its excellent seafood restaurants and the breathtaking views from the harbour, it's the perfect place to catch the sunset on Valentine's Day.

If you're not sure what your date wants to eat, just bring them to Tai On Building, where they're guaranteed to find what they fancy. This H-block apartment building not only exemplifies 1960s residential architecture, but it's also home to some of the best places in the city to get street food. From cart noodles and bubble tea to Hainanese chicken rice, eggettes, Taiwanese bites, and much more.