Try these 10 flirty summer date ideas on a budget

Long days, warm nights—summer provides the perfect setting for striking up romance. Whether you’re treating your long-time partner to a night on the town or getting to know a new love interest, investing in quality time together can sometimes get expensive. That’s why we’ve gathered up some inspiration to help you plan a budget-friendly rendezvous for two. These 10 date ideas will help you make memories to last a lifetime—without going over budget. 

If you’ve lived there for years or just moved in, summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the place you call home. To make this outing extra charming, pick up an old-school map and highlight an area you’ve never visited—whether it’s a district, a park, or even just a street—and enjoy feeling like a tourist in your own town. Choose specific locations on your way to act as milestones, like an ice cream shop you’ve never been to or an interesting monument, and be sure to take pictures along the way. 

Looking for a creative summer date idea that puts your green thumb to the test? Visit your local garden center and stock up on some house plants or greenery for your home. If you already live together, gardening can be a fun hobby to enjoy side-by-side all summer long. If you’re not ready to cohabitate, you’ll have a good excuse to message each other and check in on your plants’ progress. Why not try growing veggies like tomatoes or lettuce, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor in a romantic dinner for two?

You don’t need a fancy yacht or high-powered speed boat to take your date out on the water. Show them your sea-faring side by renting a rowboat or a canoe at your local lake or river. This often costs less than €20 per hour, and doesn’t require any expensive courses or equipment. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the shore or as you float out on the waves. Bonus points if you scout out the perfect, secluded spot to set up your picnic ahead of time.

Don’t live near water? Don’t worry. Sunset is another perfect excuse to dine al fresco in the warmer months. Lay down a cozy blanket and pack a Parisian-style picnic of crusty bread, cheese, grapes, and wine. Or, flip the old sunset cliche on its head and meet at sunrise instead. Bring a thermos of fresh coffee, croissants, and fruit to share together as the sun comes up. We promise you’ll be smiling for the rest of the day. 

Instead of simple beer or wine, cocktails can be a fun date activity as well as a tasty refreshment. Mojitos, margaritas, piña coladas—no matter if you pour them on ice or serve them frozen, making cocktails at home will save you a fortune compared to ordering at a bar or restaurant. Besides, everybody loves a date who can bartend.

According to a 2020 study from UC Berkeley, music affects 13 of our emotions including relaxation, joy, and amusement. Who wouldn’t want to stir up all those happy feelings on a date? Search for outdoor concerts in your area. Most cities and towns offer special events like this every summer either for free or at a low cost. Even if you can’t afford tickets to see your favorite artist, the atmosphere at a local classical concert or street performance is sure to shake things up.

Ready to meet each other’s friends and family? Why not host a barbecue with your significant other to get your nearest and dearest all together? Hosting a party doesn’t have to be too expensive, either. If you don’t have a yard or garden of your own, plenty of parks have grilling areas that are free for everyone to use. In fact, we’ve already put together the perfect guide to help you throw a summer barbecue on a budget. 

Working out in winter usually means expensive gym memberships or sports classes. But in the summer, working out outside is a great way to get your blood flowing while saving a little money. If you and your special someone are both fitness fans, why not ask them on an active date like biking, jogging, or yoga? Sharing a physical activity is a great way to bond—and if you’re lucky, it might become a regular habit.

If you live in the city, one of the cheapest and most romantic ideas for a summer date is to get out into nature for a little while. Find a green spot you can access by bike, train, or car (depending what’s available to you) and make a day of it. Bonus points if you find a place with a body of water for swimming. Bring books, blankets, snacks, cards—anything to pass the time while you enjoy your break from city life and get to know each other in a new setting.

Taking a summer road-trip together sounds like something from a movie. But, a long road trip to far-off places can really add up, so we’d recommend trying a quick day trip somewhere nearby. If you don’t stay overnight you’ll save on accommodation, but still have that sweet feeling of getting out of town. No car? No problem. Check the train schedule or pump up those bike tires. You’ll have to get a little creative to pull off this date on a budget, but we’re sure you’ll make it one for the books.

When you’re dating, splitting bills can get a little complicated. At N26, MoneyBeam makes it easy and painless to instantly send money to another N26 customer, so no more awkward moments. Save up for all your summer adventures with N26 Spaces, sub-accounts where you can set aside money alongside your main account. Open up to 10 Spaces, each with its own unique IBAN that lets you send and receive payments directly into that space. Discover even more innovative features from N26 and find the plan that’s right for you.