Dating in Manila — 3 Amazing dating ideas for any budget

From budget-friendly street eats to rooftop cocktails and late-night karaoke, here’s how to make Dating in Manila work — even if the traffic makes you want to give up

Dating in Manila doesn’t try to be romantic — it just is, in a loud, messy, “why is everyone honking?” kind of way. This isn’t Palawan with its jaw-dropping lagoons or Boracay’s powdery white sand. This is the capital. Concrete, traffic jams, malls bigger than small countries, and street food that could either make you fall in love or regret your life choices.

But here’s the thing: Dating in Manila works because it’s real. It’s noisy, it’s crowded, and sometimes you’ll be stuck in traffic longer than the actual date. Yet it’s also where cheap eats, city views, and late-night adventures come together to create surprisingly memorable moments. Whether you’re broke, comfortable, or loaded, Manila has an option.

Cheap & Cheerful Dating in Manila (Low Budget)

If your wallet’s tighter than EDSA at rush hour, don’t worry. Dating in Manila has endless budget-friendly dates.

Street Food Crawl — Isaw (grilled chicken intestines), kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), and balut (the infamous duck embryo). Nothing says romance like daring your date to try one.

Mall Culture — Filipinos love malls. They’re air-conditioned, safe, and full of cheap eats and free entertainment. From SM Megamall to Mall of Asia, you’ll never run out of people-watching spots.

Intramuros Stroll — Manila’s historic walled city. Free (or cheap), and bonus points if you pretend you know history.

Adventure & Fun Dating in Manila (Medium Budget)

If you can spend a bit more, Dating in Manila can get fun.
Karaoke Nights — It’s basically the Filipino mating call. Rent a private karaoke room and sing your lungs out. Extra points if you nail an Air Supply ballad.

Rooftop Bars — Head to Poblacion or BGC for skyline views and cocktails. Drinks aren’t cheap, but the view (and Instagram posts) will distract from your empty wallet.

Cultural Spots — The National Museum, art galleries in Makati, or catching a local gig. You look cultured, your date thinks you’re deep — win-win.

Luxury Romance Dating in Manila (High Budget)

If you’ve got pesos to burn, Dating in Manila can go glam.

Fine Dining — Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end steakhouses, or hotel dining in places like The Peninsula. Classy, expensive, and unforgettable.

Staycations — Manila hotels are no joke. Infinity pools, skyline views, and spa packages make for a quick romantic escape without leaving the city.

Helicopter Ride Over Manila Bay — Yes, it’s a thing. Pricey, but your date will never forget it.