You don’t have to spend a gazillion dollars to impress your date. We’ve got a few budget-friendly ways to show some love in Hong Kong.
Take a Hike
There’s nothing quite like taking to the hills together, admiring the view on the way up and celebrating victory while you reach the top. Whether you’re a regular to Hong Kong’s hiking trails or a total newbie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take things easy with one of the Mid-Levels–Peak routes, or tackle Wilson Trail Sections 1 and 2, which take you from Stanley to Quarry Bay through the Twins and Violet Hill.
Mid-Levels to the Peak: Start at Kotewall Road, Mid-Levels next to the Public Toilet (15-minute walk from Conduit Road on the top of the Central–Mid-Levels Escalators).
Wilson Trail Sections 1 and 2: Start at Stanley Gap Road (bus 6, 6A or 260 from Central).
Learn Something New
Some people say that the couple that learns together, stays together — so go and get educated at one of Hong Kong’s many public museums. Best of all, they’re free to enter on Wednesdays. These include the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum (housed in the dome-like structure on the TST waterfront) and the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, just to name a few. Our favorite is the Hong Kong History Museum, which offers a fascinating walk all the way back to Hong Kong’s prehistoric times.
Reach for the Stars
Is there anything more romantic than stargazing together? Head to the Astropark in Sai Kung, where you’ll find designated observation areas both for casual users and amateur astronomers. Grab a spot on the grass, snuggle up and look out for the North Star, which can be seen from here on a clear night.
Astropark, Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, High Island Reservoir, Sai Kung Country Park, 2721-0226.
Drink to a View
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy a drink together while admiring the city’s panoramas. There are tons of public areas by the waterfront where you can chill out with a beer from 7-Eleven — the IFC roof garden, the outdoor area by Pier 7 Cafe & Bar at Central Ferry Piers, and the rooftop space at The Pawn are just a few of your options.
IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central; Pier 7, Central Ferry Piers, 8 Man Kwong Street, Central; The Pawn, 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai.
Picnic in the Park
Impress your date with a picnic spread in one of Hong Kong’s lush parks. While there are plenty of green spots dotted around the city, your best bet is the Jordan Valley Park in Clear Water Bay. Granted, it used to be a landfill site, but it has since been transformed into an expanse of greenery that’s great for a quiet day in the sun.
71 New Clear Water Bay Road, Clear Water Bay, 2342-2241.
Go Island-Hopping
Tired of running into every one of your friends/exes/ex-coworker/boss on your date nights? Escape to one of the outlying islands for a day trip. It’ll be a day of minimal costs — you’ll have to pay for the ferry over and back, but generally speaking, costs of a day out on the islands are nowhere near what you’d drop on a meal in the city. We love Cheung Chau for its friendly vibe, Peng Chau for its devil-may-care attitude and deserted Po Toi for an adventurous day out.
Cheung Chau: From Central Pier 5; Peng Chau: From Central Pier 6; Po Toi: From Stanley Blake Pier.
Visit the Aviary
We’ll bet visiting an aviary isn’t high on your agenda for dates — so how about shaking things up with a trip to the Edward Youde Aviary? Bonus: check out the lily ponds and cool fountain at Hong Kong Park next door — a romantic, selfie-friendly spot.
Albany Road, Central, 2530-0154.
Lend a Hand
Animal-loving couples, look to the SPCA for its volunteering program. You can take dogs under its care for walks and exercise or become a kennel keeper, assisting the SPCA behind the scenes. Now you’ll just have to fight the urge to adopt one together…
[updated June 2018]
