Dating on a Budget

London Late: The Perfect Date

Show off your cultural credentials with London's Lates programme.

Venues such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Whitechapel Gallery, the ICA, the Science Museum and the Design Museum all take part. The Lates programme includes talks, film screenings, workshops and late openings on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The events often cost less than £10 and the late gallery openings are usually free. Visit the Lates website for more information.

Enjoy A Musical Date in London

If music is the food of love, as Shakespeare suggested, why not treat your date to a gig in London?

These venues all showcase great new bands with many gig tickets costing just £6-8. And with all that rock going on, there'll be no awkward silences!

• Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen
• Islington Academy
• Bull and Gate
• University of London Union (ULU)
• Purple Turtle

Chat-ups and Candlelight at the Sir John Soane's Museum

The quirky Sir John Soane's Museum is full of antiques and artwork – a real talking point for your evening, and entrance is free.

Nothing ups the romance like a little mood lighting, so visit on the first Tuesday of the month when the museum has a special candlelit opening. (Warn your date in advance that the museum usually has a bit of a queue to get in.)

Cheap Comedy In London

Laughter is a great ice-breaker so why not see some comedy on your date?

The Chuckle Club at the Tutu's in Kings College bar has a legendary comedy night every Saturday. Some of the best names in the business have worked there, including Jo Brand, Jimmy Carr and even Robin Williams!

Tickets are £12 but this includes admission to the nightclub after the show (if things are going well) and, as it's a student bar, you'll be saving on drinks!

Alternatively, head to The 99 Club in Leicester Square. This venue attracts some great comedians. Book your tickets in advance, and on Tuesday nights, entrance is just £8 if you book in advance.

Dinner and A Movie in London

It's the classic date: dinner and a movie. In London, you can do both on a budget. Just head to London Bridge where you'll find a variety of budget eats, including TAS, Wagamama and Nandos.

Then wander over to Roxy Bar & Screen where you can see films for just £3 from Sunday to Wednesday. If you feel peckish again, they serve a selection of food, mostly sourced from nearby Borough Market, with lite bites starting at £2.50.

Lazy Sunday on the Southbank

The Southbank is the perfect place for a romantic afternoon. Stroll along the banks of the Thames and take in London's sexy skyline. Then head to Concrete café in The Hayward for a coffee and delicious home-made cake.

Pop into Foyles bookshop and impress your loved-one with your literary knowledge. Or if that's a bit too pricey, visit the Southbank's Book Market underneath Waterloo Bridge where you can leaf through some second-hand classics.

Even if you don't find "the one", you'll love dating in London for less! 

For more budget ideas, read Good Value Restaurants and Value Pubs and Bars.