Going on dates is usually associated with fancy dinners, drinks at your favourite cocktail spot or a staycation at a sexy hotel. But hey, you don’t actually have to splurge to have a good time, especially if you both appreciate the city’s art and culture. We know times are hard – so we’ve come up with unique and adorable date ideas for art lovers. From bonding through painting, embarking on a public art trail and even taking your date through hell and back (seriously), keep things interesting with these best date ideas for art lovers.

1. Go on an art trail in the city

Cost: Free

For a unique and fun day date, grab your partner and embark on the various public art trails in Singapore. Start at Little India MRT station and weave through the district’s alleyways for the best street art in the culturally rich precinct, or marvel at impressive sculptures and historical monuments when you take a stroll from Dhoby Ghaut to Fort Canning Park. You can even stop by a cafe or restaurant along the way for a drink (or meal, if all that walking has made you hungry).

For more ideas, we’ve curated the best public art trails in Singapore.

2. Explore Gillman Barracks

Cost: Free

Is there a cooler place for a chill date than Gillman Barracks? The contemporary arts cluster is home to independent galleries, walls of public art and dining establishments surrounded by verdant greenery. Stop by Yavuz Gallery, Richard Koh Fine Art or Fost Gallery before grabbing waffle topped with ice cream at Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee or a drink at Hopscotch.

For an extensive guide to Gillman Barracks, check out our neighbourhood guide here.

3. Museum hopping

Phtotograph: National Museum of Singapore

Cost: Free entry for Singaporeans at selected museums; $40 for an all-access pass to the ArtScience Museum

Ah, there’s no better way to bond through a shared interest in art than going on a museum-hopping date. From a Gallery housing Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to hidden contemporary spots in the city, Singapore has it all. Check out our extensive list of the best museums in Singapore.

If budget is a concern, we’ve also curated a list of free museums you can head to.

4. Plan a mini-artist retreat – or staycation

Cost: Save or splurge, the sky is your limit

Turn off your phones and laptops and set up a peaceful place in your apartment to write or make art together without distractions. Or better yet, book a photogenic hotel room that might just inspire your next masterpiece. This way, you get to spend quality time together and do something you love while at it.

5. Art jamming

Cost: From $29.90 per pax

What’s cuter than a low-key yet romantic date splashing paint on a blank canvas? Cliches aside, art jamming is a therapeutic way to destress after a long week at school or work. Not only do you get to impress your date with your top-notch painting skills, it makes a great bonding activity too.

Don’t know where to go? Here’s our handy guide to the best art jamming studios in Singapore

6. Pottery classes

Cost: From $75 per class

Are you good with your hands? Well, then you’re in luck. Amp up your usual dates by going for a ceramic class together to make your own pottery. You can make your own cups, saucers, vases and unique pieces. Trust us, it’s going to be very rewarding to bring back your own masterpieces. And who knows, it might just kickstart a mutual hobby in ceramics.

Here, we’ve got a list of the best pottery classes for you to check out.

7. Thrift shopping

Cost: Free

Are you both sentimental individuals? Head to a thrift store – or second-hand furniture store – with your date to hunt for hidden treasures. Not only is it a unique date idea, but you’ll also learn more about each other along the way.

8. Go for a play

Cost: From $15 for smaller productions

Surprise your special person with tickets to watch a play – whether it’s by one of our biggest theatre companies or a fringe play. Need ideas? We’ve got a list of the best theatre productions you need to check out.

9. Take a dance class

Cost: From $15 per class

Thinking of a unique first date idea? Break the ice and take a dance class together – whether it’s sensual salsa dance classes or more upbeat swing classes. Heck, you can even go for pole classes as a couple. For ideas, check out the best dance studios and classes in Singapore.

10. Haw Par Villa

Cost: Free

Here’s one for the eccentric artsy couple. Discover Chinese folklore at Singapore’s largest outdoor gallery. Formerly the Tiger Balm Garden, the park is the brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire philanthropist behind Tiger Balm. The quirky cultural park is a treasure trove of statues and dioramas painted in bright, gaudy colours – perfect for that #couplegoals photo for the gram. Read more in our guide to Haw Par Villa.

Sadly, Haw Par Villa is closed for renovations at the moment. But put it down on your to-do list so you can be one of the first to experience it once it reopens.