Dating on a budget can be hard, especially when on a student budget. Luckily London has many cheap date options available. Dinner and a movie can get a bit repetitive, so it’s a good idea to shake things up every once in a while. Interrobang has complied some unique and classic date ideas that are a surefire way to save money and have a great time.

GRAB A BITE AT EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

El Furniture Warehouse is a local bar best known for their incredibly cheap food. Everything on the menu is only $6. Although the bar can get busy, it’s worth it to get inside and listen to some good music and enjoy a surprisingly inexpensive meal. If you want to avoid the bar crowd, try to go during the day or early on in the evening. On the contrary, if bar hopping is your thing, El Furniture Warehouse is in between a few bars that are worth hitting up on Richmond Row.


PICNIC AT SPRINGBANK PARK

A classic but romantic date idea is a simple picnic. Picnics are not only romantic, they can be very cheap. Simply packing a meal and enjoying the scenery is great way to spend an afternoon with your significant other. Springbank Park is arguably one of London’s nicest parks. However, be wary of where you decide to eat. Like most of London, Springbank Park has a lot of geese that can – and will – chase you if you’re not careful. Fortunately there are picnic tables, and as long as you don’t bug the geese they probably won’t bother you.

DAY TRIP TO PORT STANLEY

If you’re craving a day at the beach and don’t want to deal with the crowds of Grand Bend, Port Stanley is a great alternative. Port Stanley is less than an hour away from London and is great inexpensive date idea to get out of town without spending a fortune. SoLo on Main is great seafood restaurant not too far from the beach that is great add-on if you’re willing to spend a little extra.

HIT UP THE COVENT GARDEN MARKET

One of London’s best attractions is the Covent Garden Market. There you can find locally made foods and other goods for a reasonable price. On the second level, you can catch a show at Original Kids Theatre and enjoy London’s youth talents perform different plays and musicals.

MUSEUM LONDON

For the artsy couple this is a dream date idea. Museum London is an art museum where admission is by donation. There you can see works from the Group of Seven along with many other Canadian and local artists. Free guided tours are offered Sundays at 2 p.m. The museum has many different themes throughout the year along with workshops and other activities. Events and workshops often aren’t free and require registration beforehand. Restaurants and a gift shop are also found inside. For more information visit museumlondon.ca.