Date night ideas in Hong Kong

Date night ideas in Hong Kong
Beautiful laser show scenery of Victoria harbor, Hong Kong. Source: Getty Images

Hong Kong dances with lights emanating from too many things to do, especially for couples seeking date night ideas. Planning a romantic date night in a city infamous for its density and fast pace can seem daunting. Aside from the sheer number of people, Hong Kong can sometimes feel unnavigable. So, how can you narrow down the best date locale among the city’s seemingly limitless restaurants, theaters, bars and other venues?

Who could resist an underground adventure with an incomparable cocktail, a silly evening of dancing or a light show so impressive it made the Guinness Book of World Records? Read on for a short but comprehensive list of date night ideas in Hong Kong.

Descend into Hong Kong’s boozy world of secrets

Any big city worth its salt has a respectable repertoire of speakeasies and dives. So, while going out for drinks might seem cliché for a first date, visiting a speakeasy is bound to make it onto your list of date ideas in Hong Kong. Whether you and your partner have been together for a while or you’re still getting to know one other, checking out hidden spots meant for liquid vice makes for a perfect late-night date in the city.

From a Spanish-themed cocktail bar with opulent interiors or a literary hangout equipped with barrel-aged spirits to a dark academia hideaway serving original cocktails or an old school medical office that heals ailments with botanical drinks and eats – Hong Kong’s secret nightlife won’t disappoint.

The Wise King

For couples seeking satisfying tapas, opt for The Wise King. Head over to Staunton Street in Soho to check out this speakeasy, which unsurprisingly sneaked onto Asia’s 50 Best Bars for its culinary excellence and signature cocktail named after 13th-century Spanish monarch King Alfonso X. For an immersive experience, dress up in dark tones to blend into the golden Damask scenery.

Address: 25 Staunton Street, Basement in Tsung Wing Lane, Soho Central

Frank’s Library

Couples that share a love of literature should explore Frank’s Library. Hidden away inside the popular Foxglove, Frank’s Library is just about as private as it gets. This cozy nook is tucked away in a secret alcove library accessed by a locked elevator panel.

Frank Minza, the bar’s namesake, is a fictional British adventurer invented by restaurant group Ming Fat House. This team of mixologists craft cocktails inspired by Frank’s global travels, from which he returned with a book full of “Travel Diary Cocktails.”

Address: Hidden in the depths of Foxglove, G/F 18 Ice House Street, Central

Stockton

Couples that swoon over the dark academia aesthetic should explore the vintage-furnished Stockton. To reach this speakeasy, you must creep down an alleyway in Central until you spot a light bulb dangling off a wall. Then you descend a stairway to discover a space riddled with antiques, bones and original cocktails. Transport yourself back to 19th-century London in this Hong Kong whiskey bar.

Address: Down a dark alleyway, 32 Wyndham St., Central

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour

Source: Ming Fat House

Lastly, for those couples who love organic everything. Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour sources local herbs and botanicals to bring you concoctions mixed with world-class gin. Don’t fear the entry designed to look like an old school doctor’s office. Dr. Fern might be the only doctor you’ll ever want to see.

Address: Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Sway to some live music on date night

While alcohol might be a social lubricant relied upon by many nervous daters, music is relaxing and electric. You can’t help but open yourself up when surrounded by so much sonic fun. Heading out to the dance floor might be intimidating, especially if you’re not yet comfortable with your partner, so skip the club and instead check out some live music.

Most live music venues double as restaurants and bars, so you can busy yourself with a drink or a meal if you’re too shy to shimmy in front of your date. Hong Kong’s live music scene demands to be witnessed. The city’s variety of venues would impress any musician or music lover.

Dada Bar + Lounge

Source: Dada Bar + Lounge

For couples on the hunt for a theatrical experience, head over to Dada Bar + Lounge in late summer for live jazz. If the name didn’t give it away, this venue exemplifies the tumult and anarchy of the Dada art movement, especially when it comes to the chaotic luxury interior.

Address: 2/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Grappa’s Cellar

Source: Grappa’s Cellar

Not worried about dancing in front of your date? Sometimes only an underground cellar will satisfy your live music cravings, in which case Grappa’s Cellar fits the bill.

This cavernous venue boasts a long list of genres from around the world, including swing, jazz, rock and more. But local bands also have a solid following here. Order some hearty Italian food after dancing to fuel up on carbs. For date night restaurants in Hong Kong, you can’t go wrong with their classic Italian fare.

Address: LG 08, Lower Ground Floor, Lee Garden Two, Causeway Bay

Find a fantastic vantage point for the world’s biggest permanent light and sound show

Hong Kong’s A Symphony of Lights is an unmissable experience, especially for couples who love to find cute spots to hang out and check out the scenery.  According to Guinness World Records, it is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.

As if Victoria Harbour didn’t glitter enough at twilight, more than 40 buildings on both sides display an orchestration of decorative lights and lasers in sync with music composed by Berlin-based composer Christian Steinhäuser, along with more than 100 musicians and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sydney-based Richard Lindsay from creative design Agency Artists in Motion was part of the team redesigning the spectacular light show in 2017. “We chose the overarching theme of togetherness as a way to enhance the skyline to sing together as one,”  explained Lindsay.

The 15-minute show begins every night at 8 p.m. So, you’ll have to squeeze in a few other items on your date, unless an under-15-minute date sounds good to you – and if it does, maybe you should break up?

Consider a sunset picnic or a post-light show dinner. Some of the best vantage points include Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Golden Bauhinia Square. Few events exude as much wonder and romance as this grand nightly symphony in Hong Kong. Plus, the central location means you’ll have plenty of options for other things to do afterward.

Note: Our team works hard to ensure the accuracy of our editorials. However, amid COVID-19 and social distancing measures, we recommend that you check the businesses’ websites for their operating hours.

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