Planning what to do on a first date can be overwhelming for everyone. We all know that first impressions count, and between worrying about what to wear and how to keep the conversation going, you may also be anxious to plan a date that is both enjoyable, unique and still easy on your bank balance. Table for Two has got some ideas that will help you to think a little outside of the box when planning your first date so that you can set the scene for connection and romance, creating what will hopefully be a memorable experience to be repeated. 

Singapore is a vibrant melting pot of culture with a buzzing urban scene and a great selection of cafes, museums and art exhibits, but even so, it’s not all about city life. Singapore is fast becoming an incredibly green and sustainable city with plenty of parks, forests and beautiful nature trails. Just a little out of town you’ll find places to hike in tropical nature, wildlife and of course, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a Unesco World Heritage site. 

We’ve put together a variety of date ideas that are affordable, original and guaranteed to get the romantic sparks flying! 

Wander the Streets of Kampong Glam 

Discover and explore the colourful streets of Singapore’s oldest urban quarter and original Malaysian Muslim enclave at your own pace. This is where today you’ll find the old rubbing shoulders with the new. This area is home to traditional shops and trendy boutiques, hip restaurants, cool cafes and Singapore’s first permanent outdoor art exhibition – the Gelam Gallery. 

Planning a date here provides you with a fun day out simply enjoying the cool atmosphere and soaking up the buzzy vibe together. You could explore the Sultan Mosque, lose yourselves wandering the colourful back alleys or get chatting in one of the unique little cafes or cocktail bars. 

This neighbourhood is also full of alternative eateries that don’t cost a fortune with everything from dim sum to authentic Malay cuisine and Middle Eastern bakeries. There’s something deeply romantic and fun about discovering parts of the city together and being open to new ways of seeing things. 

Connect over Art and Culture

There are lots of museums and galleries in Singapore that do not charge an entry fee so you can wander to your heart’s content and get your fair share of art and culture on a date. Plan a day exploring the breathtakingly beautiful National Gallery Singapore or steep yourself in history and heritage at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Those who prefer more of a contemporary or cutting edge scene can head to Gillman Barracks or Tanjong Pagar Distripark where you’ll also find vibrant murals painted on the outsides of buildings. 

Taking in art and learning new things can lead to scintillating conversations and reveal more about what you have in common with your date on a deeper level. 

Nature, Fresh Air and Sunsets 

If you both love nature, wildlife and lush greenery, exploring open spaces and scenic spots together can be incredibly exhilarating and set the scene for a budding romance. Bring a picnic and enjoy some downtime after your hike chilling in one of the many parks. 

Choose from spending time at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or following the treetop walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. Alternatively take a ten-kilometre stroll along the Southern Ridges trail – a series of picture-perfect pathways and trails connecting the city’s most scenic parks and gardens including Mount Faber Park, where you could arrive in time for a glorious sunset over the glimmering city lights. 

The serene and pretty Changi Point Coastal Walk is another good romantic choice for a peaceful stroll at sunset looking out across the rocky coastline towards Johor.

If your outdoor date goes well, you can always head to another nature spot for your next meet-up! 

Be open to Exploring Somewhere New 

Often it turns out that the best times are spontaneous and completely unplanned. 

Forget Google Maps and the obvious recommendations and choose to explore a part of the city neither of you knows very well.

Getting intentionally lost with someone as you aimlessly explore whatever takes your fancy will teach you a lot about your connection! Spend a few hours exploring a new neighbourhood, discovering its quirks, people watching, and wandering in and out of quaint little stores, bookshops, cafes and restaurants.

You never know where you’ll end up and what surprises await you as you go with the flow. You’ll also get a little insight into your compatibility when you both allow the day to take its own course. 

We hope these suggestions help you to enjoy exploring the city together and eliminate any financial worries so that you can fully relax and be in the moment with your date.