Ever come across this saying?
“There’s no second chance at a first impression.”
This is especially relevant in this new age of online dating and Tinder swipes. With such a fast-paced screening process and a seemingly endless pool of options, it’s crucial to nail down all your Firsts – First message, First call and of course… your First date. Whether you’re a little tight on the pocket or willing to splurge a couple hundreds, here is a list of First date ideas that fit every budget. Check out our selected spots for both the budget conscious and the generous wallets:
THE PROJECTOR
A memorable night need not cost an arm or a leg; it could be something more unique and tailored to the specific interest of that special someone.
Credits: The Culture Trip
If your date appears to be the cultural sort, with a flair for the artistic, consider bringing him/her to The Projector – an independent cinema enclosed within four walls of the historically rich and nostalgic Golden Mile Tower. This single screen classic cinema brings together a careful curation of programmes unlike any other, showcasing indie, foreign, cult favorites, classics, arthouse, horror, local flicks and retrospectives. Even if you’re not a film buff, a little culture never killed nobody!
Damage: $13.50 (Standard), $10 (Concession)
Address: #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, S199589
Opening Hours: Depends
HOLEY MOLEY GOLF CLUB
Credits: 8 Days
The Holey Moley Golf Club is everything you’re looking for when planning a First date – casual, fun and fuss-free. Spend the evening goofing around in these exciting mini golf courses, as well as, take photos in their many pop-culture scenes that decorate the two-storey restaurant and cocktail bar.
Damage: $12 (9 holes), $24 (18 holes), $36 (27 holes)
Address: Clarke Quay, 3B River Valley Rd, S179024
Opening Hours: 12pm to 1am (Mon – Wed), 12pm to 2am (Thurs – Fri), 10am to 2am (Sat), 10am to 10pm (Sun)
THE GLASSHOUSE
Credits: Glasshouse Facebook
Opting for some peace and quiet? The Glasshouse checks all boxes with its small yet cozy interior, and beautiful garden-esque décor. Serving as a specialty coffee and toast bar, the café offers a limited variety but premium selection of in-house blends and gourmet spreads (i.e. Avocado & Dukkah, Seed & Nut Butter, etc) – the perfect place for your resident coffee connoisseur and the health conscious.
Damage: < $10 for coffee/toast
Address: #01-03 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, S187996
Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm (Mon – Fri), 9am to 6pm (Sat – Sun)
ARTEASTIQ
Credits: Arteastiq Website
At Arteastiq, you and your date can unleash your inner Picasso by creating a magnificent masterpiece OR just enjoy a good laugh from one’s lack of artistic skills. Either way, both will go home with beautiful memories and a memento to remember the night by.
Damage: $48 per session
Address: 333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, #04-14, S238897
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am to 10pm (Sat – Sun)
POLLEN
Credits: Asia Bars
Hidden within the floral pastures of the Flower Dome, you can bring your date for a romantic Afternoon Tea at POLLEN. Just imagine sipping English tea, nibbling on perfectly baked scones and then, taking a scenic stroll around the garden’s exotic exhibitions. How perfect is that? Furthermore, you can even request for a buggy service to and fro from the restaurant. Talk about impressive!
Damage: $38++ per pax (Includes free entry)
Address: 181 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, S018953
Opening Hours: 3pm to 5pm (Afternoon Tea)
COOLCATS
Credits: City Nomads
Personally, this is a must-visit cocktail bar for all Jazz lovers. With new acts every week, this swanky cocktail bar and live music venue is spearheading Singapore’s lifestyle scene by merging premium entertainment and cocktail innovation. As you and your date indulge in the bar’s signature concoctions, look forward to powerful performances by both local and international Jazz artistes. If you’re looking for somewhere classy and ambient, this is the place to be!
Damage: $24 – $26 per cocktail
Address: The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, S189764
Opening Hours: 8.30pm to 1am (Wed – Sat)
ANDSOFORTH
Credits: ANDSOFORTH
Break the ice with this one-of-a-kind immersive theatre and interactive dining experience. ANDSOFORTH offers a gastronomical journey like none other, promising to transport you and your date into a series of theatrical feasts immersed around stories, drama and secrets. Besides adventure, the dinner also guarantees suspense by keeping the meeting location secret until the day of the feast, and then stringing a slew of clues to guide diners to the final venue. To make your First date memorable, show him/her a different side of Singapore!
(P.s. Each ticket includes a 4-course dinner and 1 welcome alcoholic drink.)
Damage: $131 per pax
Address: Depends
Opening Hours: Depends
THE SUMMERHOUSE
Credits: The Ranting Panda
The Summerhouse Garden Domes present “Dine in The Dome” experience – a luxurious and exclusive private dining venue set within the lush verdant of the restaurant’s edible garden. In such an intimate setting, it makes a truly magical space for a romantic dinner for two under the stars. Though the price is a little steep, it does include a premium 9-course communal menu, complete with a bottle of wine. In an atmosphere like this, who wouldn’t fall in love?
Damage: $400++ for couple
Address: 2 Park Lane, S798387
Opening Hours: 6pm to 11pm (Wed – Sun)
LAVO
Credits: LAVO
No list is complete without mentioning the iconic Marina Bay Sands. As one of the two rooftop restaurants, LAVO combines both concepts of sophistication and soirée. Being an Italian-American restaurant, bar and nightclub all rolled into one, this multifaceted venue can certainly satiate even the broadest of interests and appetites. Whether your date is into fine dining, drinks or just a fun night of dancing – LAVO has got all areas covered.
Damage: $50 – $100 per pax
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Tower 1, S018956
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 2am (Sun – Mon), to 3am (Fri), to 4am (Sat)
