Valentine's Day: 7 Unique First Date Ideas In Hong Kong

First dates can be quite standard—it's almost always "dinner and a drink"—but with so much to do in Hong Kong, there's no need to stick with the norm. It's time to think outside the box, get creative and bring some fun back into the game. From a private helicopter ride over the city to painting (and drinking) your own bottle of wine, we've rounded up some romantic activities that are sure to impress:

1. Dim sum making class

Above Photo: Courtesy of Peninsula, Hong Kong

Get acquainted with your date by trying your hand at "The Dim Sum Making Journey" at Peninsula, Hong Kong. From the kitchen of Spring Moon, which serves some of the finest dim sum in the city, the chefs will share their tips and tricks as you and your date work together to make some of Hong Kong's most traditional and beloved dishes. Worse comes to worst, if your date doesn't go well, you'll have plenty of delicious five-star dim sum to take home.

Find out more at peninsula.com

2. Helicopter tour of Hong Kong

Above Photo: Courtesy of Heliservices

Keen to make an unforgettable first impression? Take your date to new heights with a tour in the sky—without a doubt one of the best ways to see Hong Kong. There are plenty of options, from a quick 15-minute swoop over Hong Kong Island to a 45-minute tour from Victoria Harbour all the way to Lantau. With gorgeous aerial views of the city, it'll be hard not to fall in love (with the scenery or with the one you're sharing this incredible experience with).

Find out more at heliservices.com

3. Wine bottle painting

Above Photo: Courtesy of Klook

Sit back and relax in a cosy studio in Wan Chai's Star Street area and design your own bottle of wine—which you get to drink too, of course. If you're someone who gets nervous on first dates, having some wine and painting is a great way to de-stress and have something to talk about from the get-go. Once you start painting, you'll feel as though you're on your third or fourth date already.

Find out more at klook.com

4. Dining in an igloo

Above Photo: Courtesy of Tock

Dining in igloo-like domes has been all the rage in England, and Hong Kong is following suit. Enjoy some private time in Hong Kong's Igloo at Repulse Bay, which opened during Christmas and is taking bookings through February. Perched at the top of The Pulse, these igloos boast stunning beach views and are totally private, so you and your date can get to know each other without the noise of a regular restaurant.

Find out more at exploretock.com

5. Get your sweat on

Above Photo: Courtesy of Runway Pilates

If you and your date are both gym junkies, then work with what you have in common and go to a group class like bootcamp or HIIT. Not to mention, once you're both sweaty and pumped with adrenaline, you'll be in a great mood and ready to feast afterwards. You know what they say—"couples who gym together, stay together."

See our list of Hong Kong's most calorie-torching workouts here

6. Bowling

Above Photo: Courtesy of Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar

There's nothing like a bit of fun and cheeky competition to lighten the mood on a first date. Tucked away in Sai Kung, Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar has a great tropical set-up that will make you feel as though you've been whisked away from Hong Kong. After hitting the lanes, enjoy a couple of drinks at the bar and continue your date from there—a romantic stroll through Sai Kung perhaps?

Find out more at tikitiki.hk

7. Private cruise dinner

Above Photo: Courtesy of Pexels

Can you think of anything more romantic than a private three-course dinner on the water overlooking Hong Kong's glittering skyline? Neither can we. With wine in hand, all you and your date have to do is kick back and take in the gorgeous views from your private chartered yacht. A little warning though—this luxurious outing is going to set the bar pretty high for the second or third date, if you're lucky enough to get them.

Find out more at hongkongyachting.com

Topics

Dating Hong Kong

Tatler Asia