With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, you are probably thinking about where to bring your beloved for a date. Luckily, you don’t need to go out of the city to find romantic places. Here are some of the best spots in Manila for that lovey-dovey Valentine’s date.
Manila romantic places no. 1: Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
Since many Valentine’s dates are often centered around a romantic dinner, then you would want to find a restaurant with that perfect ambiance. The Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant in Julieta Circle, Quezon City is a great pick here. It is an old house that has been turned into a restaurant, adding to that rustic vibe.
You and your date get to walk through a cobbled pathway, similar to the ones you see in romantic movies, to reach the front door. Upon entering, you are greeted by the many carefully set tables. But if you prefer a more intimate spot, the restaurant has tables for two set up on the balconies. These are covered by glass windows so you can enjoy more privacy.
Of course, the main star of any Valentine’s dinner is the food. And Lemuria doesn’t disappoint on this part. The restaurant features a French-Mediterranean cuisine that you and your date will like. They also have a Valentine’s Day menu comprised of six full courses, including crab and short ribs. You can even choose a wine perfect for the occasion.
Manila romantic places no. 2: Conspiracy Garden Cafe
Of course, not everyone has the money to splurge on that fancy Valentine’s date dinner. The Conspiracy Garden Cafe along Visayas Avenue is a great option if you have a tight budget. Its price range is typically under 1000 pesos, which is well within most couple’s reach.
At that price range, you will be treated to great tasting food. Conspiracy offers a wide selection of local and foreign-inspired dishes like seafood chowder, baked tahong, and tanguigue steak. While these aren’t the fanciest dishes, they make for a hearty meal you and your date will enjoy.
But you aren’t visiting the Conspiracy Garden Cafe just for the food. The restaurants also host nightly performances by popular and up and coming independent musicians like Bullet Dumas, Jhonoy Danao, and Joey Ayala. There is also poetry reading if you are more inclined to it. And you can even belt out a few verses for your beloved during open mic nights. They will really love that unique romantic gesture.
Manila romantic place no. 3: Intramuros
Just dining out on Valentine’s Day can get boring for some. So, if you are the type of couple who prefer to go on an adventure together, then Intramuros is a good place to head out to. You will be surprised at the variety of things you and your love can do at the old fort city.
One of the first things to try out here is the walking tour. While you can take a guided tour, it’s also a good idea to explore the Walled city at your leisure. Some of the great spots to check out are:
- Plaza Roma
- Bahay Tsinoy
- Casa Manila
- San Agustin Church and Museum
Like everything else inside Intramuros, all these places have preserved their historic architecture. As such, they will be perfect for re-enacting all your Crisostomo and Maria Clara fantasies. Do note that some places might have a “no photos” policy, so you should inquire first.
Manila romantic place no. 4: National Museum of The Philippines
Another great place for lovers who want a different Valentine’s experience is the National Museum of the Philippines in Ermita. Not only will you learn a lot of great things about the country but you will also get some great photo ops for your Valentine’s album.
There is a lot of ground to cover here since the National Museum is comprised of different buildings. The National Museum of Fine Arts is probably the one that you will associate with a romantic Valentine’s date. Here, you can view the works of great artists like Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, and Guillermo Tolentino.
If both of you are more inclined towards the sciences, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural Sciences are must-see. Both of you will marvel at the different artifacts chronicling our country’s natural history. To cap that romantic date, you can daydream under the stars at the nearby National Planetarium.
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s date in these places
The spots listed here are just some of the great romantic places scattered around Manila. Check them out and you are sure to find one that will make that day truly special for you and your loved one. Enjoy and have a fun Valentine’s.