Date nights don’t always have to be lavish or expensive! For those “just because” dates, or special occasions where you want to stay within a certain budget, here are a few budget-friendly dates you can try around Metro Manila:
Play board games at All aBOARD XP by Gaming Library
All aBOARD XP by Gaming Library lets you and your date try and play as many board games as you want for as low as PHP 150 per hour per person. Just choose from their vast library of fun and exciting board games and play away. What better way to spend a date night than with board games that will strengthen your relationship?
Visit All aBOARD XP by Gaming Library at 3/F Uptown Mall, BGC; and at Level 4 The Block, SM Noth EDSA, QC.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/GamingLibrary
instagram.com/gaminglib
Visit the National Museum
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There’s nothing like an educational trip to the National Museum of the Philippines to make a memorable date! You can check out famous local artwork such as The Spoliarium, look at historical artifacts, learn about Philippine history, and take lots of photos. The best part? Admission to the National Museum is free.
Visit the National Museum of the Philippines at Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila City.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines
instagram.com/natmuseumph
Go on a Binondo Food Crawl
What’s a date without great food? The best way to keep your tummies happy in a budget-friendly way is to go on a food crawl! It’s like an affordable tasting menu experience where you can choose what to eat and how much to spend. And where else should you do a gastronomic food crawl than in the oldest Chinatown in the world? Binondo is home to many legendary food spots in the country.
Check out these 6 Dim Sum Places To Visit When In Binondo!
Go on a trip to Manila Zoo
The Manila Zoo just reopened in 2022 after undergoing major renovations. Now, you and your date can check out about a thousand animals including the Bengal tiger, the Philippine deer, the Philippine Serpent Eagle, and a lot more. Tickets for Manila City residents cost PHP 150, while non-residents can avail of tickets for PHP 300.
PS. There’s a cafe inside the zoo you can check out for refreshments!
Visit the Manila Zoo at M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila City.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/ManilaZooPH.OfficialPage
Enjoy a short cruise with Cruise by The Bay
Want to experience a cruise or a relaxing boat ride but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet? Try the Cruise by The Bay experience at SM Mall of Asia! For as low as PHP 200 per head, this cruise experience will take you on a romantic 30-minute boat ride along Manila Bay. After the ride, you can then check out the SM by The Bay Amusement Park.
Cruise by the Bay is located at the SM by The Bay Amusement Park, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Book a photoshoot at a self-shoot studio
Bring home a sweet souvenir from your date by booking a photoshoot at one of the many self-shoot studios in Metro Manila! The best thing about these photoshoots is that you and your date can take photos the way you want to and at your own pace—no awkwardness with a photographer at all. You can book a self-shoot studio for as low as PHP 400 per session.
Find a self-shoot studio near your location: 13 Cool Self-Shoot Studios to Try in Metro Manila.
Stroll around the La Mesa Eco Park
If you and your date want to escape from the noise of the city and enjoy nature without going out of town, you might want to visit the La Mesa Eco Park on your next date. Entrance is free and you can enjoy strolling (or jogging or biking) around the nature park for the whole day! We’d also recommend that you bring a mat and some food for an instant romantic picnic date.
Visit the La Mesa Eco Park at La Mesa Dam Compound, Greater Lagro, Quezon City.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/lamesaecoparkofficial
Go on a walking tour in Intramuros
Going on a walking tour inside the famous Walled City a.k.a. Intramuros will surely make for an eventful date day with the many museums and historic sites. You can choose to join a guided walking tour, or just go around at your own pace and choose which museums to check out. Some museums are free to visit, while some have a very minimal entrance fee.
Enjoy coffee with a movie at The Director’s Cafe
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The Director’s Cafe is a great coffee spot in Manila City where you can enjoy some coffee and watch a movie on the second floor. With a minimum order of PHP 300, you can watch a movie in their theater area. It’s a great date idea for those who love coffee and movies!
Visit The Director’s Cafe at Unit C 1059 Arellano Ave Cor. Estrada Street, Malate, Manila.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/thedirectorscafe
instagram.com/thedirectorscafe
Do arts & crafts at Artboom
At Artboom, you and your date can experience creating cool artwork and crafts such as pouches, paperweights, scented candles, slime, cupcakes, and even abstract artwork. There’s no entrance fee—you just have to pay for the activity you want to try. Rates start at PHP 100!
Visit Artboom at 4/F Eastwood Mall, Quezon City.
Follow them on social media for updates:
facebook.com/artboomph
instagram.com/artboomph
What’s your budget-friendly date of choice? Share it with us!
Featured photo from La Mesa Ecopark / SM by the Bay Amusement Park / The Director’s Cafe
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