We’d all prefer a regular date night, but conflicting schedules and busy lifestyles can often get in the way. Dating can often be pretty expensive and finding the perfect location on a limited budget can be difficult.
We’ve got you covered though – together with Angelic Diamonds, retailers of bespoke palladium engagement rings, we give you our price-smart guide to the perfect date whether you’re at home or on the other side of the world!
Paris
We’re starting off with everyone’s favourite romantic city, Paris. With a renowned reputation for being the city of romance, tourists flock to this city from all across the globe to experience this chic and stylish location. Home to more than a few of the great artists and writers of the world, this city exudes creativity and offers something for every taste.
Tried and tested
For a classic date, you could head down to one of the city’s chic restaurants for some delectable French cuisine. A three-course meal for two including wine will set you back €65 (£57.21). If you’re not too full afterwards you could head down to the cinema, where two tickets will cost around €20 (£17.60).
Budget friendly
Paris is surprisingly budget friendly, as it’s home to several beautiful bridges and charming buildings. The Pont des Arts bridge over the river Seine makes for a cute and casual date location with great views over the water. Many Parisians partake in the tradition of using padlocks to mark their love for one another, locking them to the bridge before throwing the key into the river below. A lock will only set you back a couple of euros, so this date idea is both romantic and easy on the wallet.
Something a little different
The Eiffel Tower is a classic date location any day of the year, but especially on valentine’s day. A meal with a view at the Eiffel Tower restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel will cost you about €120 each, however if you do want that sought-after window seat it will set you back €30 extra (£26.41). This date would make for a nice treat if you feel like splashing out for a special occasion. If you’re on a budget however, the tower itself is romantic enough and the views of the city below are spectacular.
New York
This famous city has something for everyone – with the bright lights of Times Square, the Empire State Building and Broadway right on your doorstep, the big apple offers a lot of choice for couples.
Tried and tested
For just $28 (£22.11), you could take your date out to the movies – after all, a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without one. A meal for two people (including wine) will typically cost around $111 (£87.66). To top off your date in style, why not try out one of Manhattans famous rooftop bars? A pint of lager will cost about $7, or if you’re looking for something a bit fancier a cocktail will cost around $14 (£11.06) – we’ll drink to that!
Budget friendly
If low-key dates are more your thing, you could take a trip down memory lane and visit some of the locations of your favourite movies. You could be strolling through Central Park like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or dining out in Katz Deli – the restaurant from When Harry Met Sally. If you fancy a little more, you could make like Leo and go for a walk through the financial district featured in the Wolf of Wall Street.
Something a little different
Do you feel like pulling out all the stops? Budget no issue? Why not book your very own private helicopter ride for two? A flight over the beautiful and famous landmarks of New York City will set you back $1,500 (£1,184.40), so you should get saving if this sounds like the date for you! You and your date will be treated to some stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building. This daring date definitely has the wow factor!
London
London is a great city for dating, with a huge selection of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you both entertained. The world is your oyster in this city, so as long as you know where you want to go, you’re in for a treat.
Tried and tested
For a taste of Hollywood, you can head down to Leicester Square. Every year some of the biggest stars in film walk the red carpet at one of the many premiers held here. If you can’t get on that elusive guestlist however, you can enjoy a date to the cinema for £23. A meal for two with wine and desert will cost you about £66 and if you fancy a pint, this will cost around £4.41, which isn’t too bad for a capital city. A cocktail will cost around £9, and cocktails in London are some of the most delicious in the world!
Budget friendly
London has many great museums on offer, which are packed full of interesting culture and history. If you’re on a budget, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern and The Natural History Museum are all free to enter. If museums aren’t your thing, why not try a spot of sightseeing? If you take a stroll down to Westminster Bridge, you can see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If you like street food, head on down to Southbank where you can enjoy some great views with your meal.
Something a little different
If you and your partner prefer the finer things in life, afternoon tea at one of London’s prestigious hotels is a must. You can enjoy a selection of traditional English scones, sandwiches and tea at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair for £50 each. If you have time (and money) to spare, a superior queen room at this hotel will cost you £690 a night.
Rome
We have always dreamed of visiting this stunning city. Steeped in interesting history and home to several iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, Rome is one dating location not to be missed.
Tried and tested
A cinema date is a tried and tested classic, and in Rome it’s fairly inexpensive. €17 (£14.96) will buy you two cinema tickets. If you’d like to try some famous Italian pasta in one of Rome’s many restaurants, €57 (£50.17) will get you a meal for two with drinks included.
Budget friendly
There is a lot to do in Rome for those on a budget. If you’re a history fan, Rome has many beautiful Chapels with amazing architecture. For a casual date idea, why not head down to one of the city’s laid-back cafes for a bit of people watching?
Something a little different
Are you and your date crazy about football? You could treat yourselves to an A.S Roma game at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino for €100 (£88.02). Before you book those tickets, be sure to check that your other half is into football – you don’t want to be the only one having fun after all!
