Are you and your significant other running out of ideas on how to hangout? Have you already tried the traditional candlelit dinners or hanging in cafés too many times? Do you both want to try things you haven’t done before? Do you want to explore weird places that’ll blow your minds? Today in this blog post, we’re going to share the best places to go in Manila for couples. These places are the city’s pride where you can indeed find a lot of fun things to do. So definitely buckle up and enjoy until the end of this read!
Romantic Cafés and Restaurants
One of the countless options for you and your special someone is to have a solemn and intimate moment. And those moments are possible in spaces that allow you two to be closer. Now, this is where cafés enter the scene. In cafés, you can have a quiet time to the both of you. You’ll definitely have the opportunity for deep talks or conversations. Moreover, there are café’s that are way more special than others because of their unique perks. Here, we list some of the best café’s in Manila where you can truly have a romantic experience!
1. Van Gogh is Bipolar
This is a restaurant that’s full of really delicious food that you and your partner can really enjoy. Moreover, there’s actually a special reason for its name. Its owner Jetro Rafael has been diagnosed as bipolar just like the world famous painter Van Gogh.
This restaurant will introduce you to a lot of visual treats first. The walls are full of art. Additionally, there are numerous clocks, teapots, hats, and trinkets everywhere. Furthermore, you will need to follow its eight strict rules.
First, only twelve diners can be accommodated indoors. For this reason, you and your partner must really have a reservation first. Second, stupid and idiots are welcome. Third, there are no servers. Because of this, you must ring the bell by the kitchen window for any assistance. Fourth, write your name and orders on papers that are provided. Fifth, tea drinkers will make their own tea. Don’t worry though on this one since there are instructions for you to follow. Sixth, place your soiled dishes by the kitchen window after eating. Seventh, paying is done by yourselves too. You’ll write your own receipt, put payment in the red box, and then get your change. Lastly, carve your name on the tea bar. Then write down your dark secret inside the dark room.
Furthermore, its menu choices are named after famous bipolar personalities. Additionally, the owner sees to it that each dish will unleash the visitor’s happy hormones. Take note that they have a 3, 4, and 5-course meals. At the same time, you and your partner can choose a “Happy” or “Chill” for your main course.
Van Gogh is Bipolar is in 154 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, Metro Manila.
2. Sip & Gogh
This is a paint and sip studio where you and your partner can relax and enjoy. Indeed, you’ll be painting together while sipping your fancy drink. Take note that they have several branches such as in Ayala Heights, Eastwood, Kapitolyo, Alabang, Atelier, Century Mall, The Podium, and in the Congressional.
Pick a branch first then schedule a reservation. You can do so through online. Just check out Sip & Gogh. Indeed, this is another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples.
Romantic Spots
Another one of the long list of date ideas is to go to spots that are just simply romantic. You and your significant other can absolutely just stroll around. Strolling around and doing nothing but just enjoying the views are indeed good for the both of you. Here, we list some of the best spots in Manila where you can truly have a romantic experience!
1. Ayala Triangle Gardens
These gardens are in a 20,000 square meters area that’s now considered as a haven of lush greenery. There are rain trees, golden palms, fire trees, kamuning, and podo cerpus. At the same time, there are also public art pieces here by some of the country’s leading artists. Indeed, this is another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples. That’s especially if you and your partner’s idea of dating is experiencing serenity together. Certainly, if you and your significant other are both nature lovers, these gardens are a treat!
Moreover, just take note that there are strict guidelines to follow when you’re in these gardens. Furthermore, the main attractions there are the Filipinas Heritage Library and the Gabriela Silang Monument. In addition to this, there are also the Ninoy Aquino Monument and Sultan Kudarat Monument.
On the other hand, if you and your partner suddenly have cravings, don’t worry. There are many restaurants around the area! There are the Amici, Banapple, BreadTalk, Bon Chon Chicken, C.B.D., and Caramia Gelateria. Additionally, there are also the Chef Laudico’s Bfast, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Golden Spoon. If you think now that those complete the list, you’re wrong. Other available restaurants near the gardens are the Kanin Club, MoMo Café, Omakase, Poco Deli, and Wee Nam Kee.
2. Greenbelt Chapel
Another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples is this. You can divert away from the usual dating tradition of cinema hopping or candlelit dinners. Dating can definitely also be going to the chapel together. It’s certainly sweet to nourish your spirituality with your significant other. At the same time, look at it as baring a really personal side of you to your partner. And we all know that vulnerability is indeed a very important ingredient for successful relationships.
This chapel is in the middle of the Greenbelt Park. Additionally, the chapel has been standing for more than 25 years already. It’s truly a contrast to its surrounding which is busy and noisy with its countless business establishments. On the other hand, this is also another reason why couples will enjoy going here. Despite the flocking of too many people around, you decide to be still with your partner.
Take note that masses from Monday to Friday are on 7:15 am, 12: 15 nn, 5:45 pm, and 7:00 pm. On Saturday, the mass is on at 12:15 pm. However, on Sunday, the schedules are on 7:15 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, and 12:00 pm. In addition to this, the late afternoon masses on that day are on 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:30 pm.
Romantic Activities
Moreover, you and your special someone may not be the laidback type of people. If that’s the case, you’ll surely appreciate more if your date involves actual activities to do. For this reason, make sure that your planned hangout offers fun things to take up your time. Here, we list the best places to go in Manila for couples that are seeking more interactive activities together!
1. Ride a Gondola at Venice Grand Canal Mall
The Venice Grand Canal Mall is a picturesque lifestyle and shopping center. That’s why this mall isn’t your typical shopping mall. You and your significant other will surely enjoy the romantic feels of this place. It’s because it definitely resembles the romantic city of Italy. You’ll certainly be treated to Italian sights, sounds, as well as dining experience. Furthermore, you and your partner will get the most of this place by riding a Gondola. It’s actually a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat. Sometimes, the gondoliers in charge sing songs too!
Take note that this is in Upper McKinley Rd Cluster B, McKinley Hill Garden Villas, Taguig City.
2. Cycling around Old Manila-Intramuros
This one is definitely a very common dating activity for couples. It’s because Intramuros has always been a place where people flock to get this charming and nostalgic feels. Intramuros is a historic walled area within the modern city of Manila, thus explaining the nostalgic atmosphere.
Moreover, there’s a “Bambike” option for you to tour around the Walled City. Here, you’ll use bikes made from bamboo. Now, that’s surely a fun thing to do with your partner that at the same time is environmental-friendly. Take note also that the romantic ambience is very much more prominent around sunset!
3. Exploring the entirety of Old Manila on a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Another way to enjoy Intramuros and the entire Old Manila is to ride horse-drawn carriages. You and your partner will see Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Rizal Park, and other treasures of Old Manila. Indeed, this is another one of the best ways for couples to enjoy Manila at its finest.
Romantic Movie Dates
Of course and without a doubt, romantic dates won’t be complete without movie watching. When you hear of dates, one of the first things you think of is one in a cinema. It’s definitely intimate because you two are sitting close to each other in a dark lit hall. You also share a bucket of popcorn. Moreover, you both ogle at a film and ask questions about it from time to time. It’s also a bonus if both of you actually anticipated the movie. For these reasons, we list some of the movie theaters where you can truly have a romantic experience!
1. Cinema ‘76
This is the “pioneering micro-cinema dedicated to bringing the latest and classic Filipino films as well as Hollywood and foreign films.” Cinema ’76 is a theatrical venue that you and your significant other can visit if films are your thing. Moreover, this micro-cinema is originally in San Juan City. However, it added a new branch in Quezon City. The latter is a 70-seater MP4 cinema and a 130-seater DCP cinema.
Take note that they have daily and weekly theatrical releases. Additionally, they have block screenings, cinema rental, and film festival. They also offer film workshops and master classes.
2. Cinematheque Centre Manila
Another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples is this. It’s actually a part of the Sineng Pambansa or National Cinema program. That’s a Film Development Council of the Philippines’s program. The Cinematheque Centre Manila is a venue to bring Filipino films closer to the Filipinos. If you and your partner are film aficionados, you may try going here too.
3. BlueWater Day Spa
If you and your partner is in for a movie theater massage therapy, then lucky you! Basically, they combine what most people like: movie and massage! At the same time, they’re also the first in the world to do so!
Imagine you and your partner enjoying a really good movie while getting a relaxing massage. Sounds so lovely, isn’t it? One of its famous branches is its Ortigas branch. It’s in the 2nd Floor BPI Greentop Condominium, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila. Moreover, it’s open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Indeed, BlueWater Day Spa is another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples.
Romantic Museum Dates
Last but definitely not the least, you and your significant other may be art lovers. If that’s the case, you’ll certainly both enjoy museum dates. In addition to this, couples dating in museums have so many things to do. First, you can simply stroll around and gaze at different artworks. Art lovers are already fulfilled with that. Next, you can both enjoy taking photographs of the said masterpieces. At the same time, you can take aesthetic pictures of each other as well. This is actually one of the reasons why artsy couples are adorable! Moreover, there are other museums that aren’t for artworks but for something else quirky. And that quirkiness is in a good way!
Here, we list some of the museums where you can truly have a romantic experience!
1. National Museum of the Philippines
One of the best places to go in Manila for couples is this one. This is actually an umbrella government organization that oversees a number of museums such as the National Art Gallery and Museum of the Filipino People. Additionally, they also have the Planetarium, National Museum of Fine Arts, and National Museum of Natural History.
You and your special someone will certainly enjoy hanging around and basking in the glory of some of the country’s brilliant works of art. If you’re both art enthusiasts, then you’ll surely love this! It’s located in P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila. Furthermore, it’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
2. Casa Manila
Another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples is this one. This is a museum that depicts colonial lifestyle during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. If you and your partner are both history lovers as well as nostalgic people, you’ll enjoy this one. They definitely have a lot of antique and vintage stuff there!
Casa Manila has a stone and wood structure designed by architect J. Ramon L. Faustmann. Moreover, it’s indeed a copy an 1850s San Nicolas House. The latter was located in Calle Jaboneros.
3. Destileria Limtuaco Museum
This is situated inside a bahay-na-bato in Intramuros, Manila. This is the country’s oldest and largest distillery, established round 160 years ago. When you and your partner go here, you’ll be introduced to a walk-through of their distillation process. Additionally, you can also have a fancy taste-test drinks at the bar. Indeed, this is another one of the best places to go in Manila for couples.
4. Dessert Museum
“Here at the dessert museum, we want you to have your cake and eat it too!”
First, know upfront that this isn’t your typical museum. This sweet wonderland museum consists of “eight mouthwatering rooms of sugar-filled happiness.” You’ll definitely be in for a visual treat of sweets. Moreover, you and your special someone can slide, jump, play, and swing in here. Of course, there are various desserts you can try as well. Furthermore, each dessert has fun facts you’ll surely have fun knowing. For these reasons, this museum is indeed an interactive “eat as you play and learn experience.”
Also, take note that this is an IG-worthy place. Don’t forget to bring your cameras. You and your special person will look more adorable with a literal sweet backdrop, right?
Moreover, they have this Exclusive Date Package. It’s a two hour tour with a unique bouquet, piñata, photo op, as well as 5-6 desserts. At the same time, you can choose whether to have add-ons or not. The add-ons available are the following: video coverage, cake pops, ice cream, big personalized mallows, small personalized mallows, candy cake, Fat Unicorn cake, TDM souvenir bag, photobook, and sugar cookies. It’s all for PHP4, 999. Booking for tickets can be done online at The Dessert Museum.
This museum is located at Unit 124, 126, 127a, Coral Way, S Maison Mall. It’s below the Conrad Hotel Manila, Hilton’s Worldwide Luxury Property. Additionally, they’re open from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Just remember that if you’re going to buy the tickets directly there, their last are sold by 8:00 pm.
5. Upside Down Museum
Another untypical museum for you and your significant other to visit is this one. Basically, this one offers turning houses upside down! Yes, you read that right! They have the Leaning House, Floating Corner, Upside Down House, Mirror House, Giant Sneaker- Giant Headset, The World of Comfort, The Inverted Steel Bridge, and more! So it’s really a laughter-inducing experience because once you see how your photos look like, you’ll definitely lose it!
Furthermore, take note that this museum’s inspiration was taken from Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and United States of America. It’s also a 1, 700 sq. feet area that you and your special someone can enjoy for only PHP450 each.
Lastly, this is located in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. For other inquiries, visit Upside Down Museum.
Wrapping Up
Always remember to make every date special. Definitely make sure to give your significant other a good time. Life hasn’t been this stressful ever and the time he/she has with you is one which must be completely of leisure. At the same time, it’s the same on your side. See to it that you’ll enjoy too. Truly bear in mind that your time together is important to nourish your relationship. These best places to go in Manila for couples will absolutely give you the most romantic experiences ever!
