Quirky Date Ideas In Glasgow

• Location: Merchant Square, 11 Bell Street, G1 1NU
• Date type: arcade, activity, competitive
• Why we recommend: this place brings you the ultimate hit of nostalgia, encouraging some flirty competition as you work your way through old-school arcade machines while sipping themed cocktails

Fancy trying something new with your other half? Then head to NQ64 in Merchant City, where there are more than 40 different retro arcade machines and consoles to get competitive over, while unleashing your inner kid together.

They've got everything from Guitar Hero to Mortal Kombat and Time Crisis 3 here, surrounded by dark walls covered in neon graffiti. Thirsty? You can sip on tasty themed cocktails like a Lemmingade or the Power Star martini while you play.

• Location: 44 West George Street, G2 1DH
• Date type: food, drink, live music
• Why we recommend: this uniquely decorated bar is perfect for a fun but casual date night, complete with a delicious menu of Irish fare and a regular lineup of live music

Impress your date with a trip to one of the city's quirkiest boozers, Waxy O'Connor's. Boasting enchanted wood-like carpentry, stone walls and stained glass windows, it's a real feast for the eyes. Plus, they host live music here on a regular basis.

There is plenty of Guinness to be enjoyed here, and their food menu fuses the best of Irish and Scottish cuisines. Think spice bags, bacon double cheese burgers or even Guinness mac 'n' cheese.

For a date night with a difference, head to Old Skool Bingo at Manuka. These themed events are all about throwback tunes, with live DJs playing RnB hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s as MC hosts lead the fun.

As well as high-energy rounds of bingo, you can sing your heart out and get involved in dance-offs, with some cracking prizes up for grabs. Plus, tickets start from just £19.80 each.

• Location: Prince Consort Albert Equestrian Statue, George Square, G2 1EG
• Date type: outdoor, activity, immersive
• Why we recommend: a brilliant way to explore more of the city, this interactive murder mystery experience will have you combining your skills to solve clues together - an excellent way to bond

Get ready for a heart-pounding, interactive experience with the Murder Mystery in Glasgow. Using a cutting-edge mobile app, you'll play the role of a private investigator on the trail of the murderer who's taken down the infamous politician Chester Monte.

As you explore the city's seedy streets, you'll crack codes, interrogate virtual suspects, and piece together crucial clues to uncover the truth. It's like living your own detective movie - filled with danger, suspense, and mystery. The city is counting on you, so are you ready to crack the case and save the day?

• Location: 191 Ingram Street, G1 1DA
• Date type: live music, food, drink, events
• Why we recommend: this gorgeous, multi-storey venue is packed full of great food, drink and entertainment, and there's always something new to try out

The Corinthian Club stretches over a whopping five floors, with some truly stunning bar and restaurant areas inside. Whether you're just after a chilled cocktail or you fancy attending their jazz nights with a two-course meal, themed afternoon teas or live music sessions, be sure to check them out.

Their day discos are also a great choice for couples who love to boogie. And when hunger strikes? Get stuck into the likes of haggis croquettes, aubergine schnitzel, aged beef burgers and so much more.

• Location: Unit C7, Intu, King's Inch Road, G51 4BP
• Date type: food, classes, activity
• Why we recommend: you'll get to learn a new skill together at this hands-on workshop, and the tasty selection of sushi on offer doesn't hurt either

Seeking out fun things to do for couples in Glasgow city centre? YO! are hosting a sushi school every Wednesday, where you can make all your favourite rolls with guidance from a talented chef. Expect to learn knife skills, rolling techniques and some of the best flavour combinations.

Prepare everything from cucumber maki to salmon nigiri and crunchy California rolls, with a fully vegetarian menu available too. What's more, they're throwing in a welcome drink and a selection of tasty snacks while you're here.

• Location: 17 Byres Road, G11 5RG
• Date type: quiz, music, events
• Why we recommend: this is much more than your standard quiz night - the playlist is incredible, and you'll be singing along non-stop

With DJs behind the decks, and rounds stuffed full of chart classics, old-school anthems, marvellous mash-ups and killer tunes from across the decades, Sounds Familiar makes for a perfect daytime date. 

This epic event has some serious calibre, having sold out Camden's Roundhouse, supported beloved boy band 5ive and played Glastonbury more times than David Bowie. Tickets start from just £8 and sell out fast - be sure to snap up a couple before they're gone.

• Location: 1154 Argyle Street, G3 8TE
• Date type: food, cocktails, afternoon tea
• Why we recommend: this is a classy choice for meals as a couple, and we especially love their afternoon teas. The interiors are gorgeous too, so you'll feel extra special while you're here

For a memorable date night, Derby Lane combines food, drinks, and atmosphere beautifully. Share indulgent dishes like lobster rolls, flat iron steak or pancakes, and pair with cocktails, wine or soft drinks. They even serve an elegant afternoon tea as well.

The Hamptons-style interiors, welcoming service, and relaxed, stylish ambience make it perfect for romantic evenings, special celebrations, or even first dates. The combination of high-quality food, top-tier drinks, and laid-back elegance makes Derby Lane one of the best date night spots in Glasgow.

• Location: 32 North Frederick Street, G1 2BS
• Date type: activity, darts, competitive
• Why we recommend: this activity bar is one of the quirkiest in the city, and we are always kept entertained by their digital darts experience. Plus, the cocktails are truly excellent

If you're on the hunt for some fun date ideas, we've got you covered with Flight Club. This fairground-inspired venue is known for its interactive darts experience, where you can play a range of fun minigames on their electronic boards - which even add up the scores for you as you play.

You can book an hour or a 90-minute session, while sipping creative cocktails from the bar. There's all sorts of tasty food on offer too, from chipotle steak tacos to halloumi sliders and tandoori chicken pizzas - ideal for sharing with your other half.

• Location: 100 West George Street, G2 1PP
• Date type: drinks, food
• Why we recommend: perfect for a breakfast date, Stack & Still offers a whopping 10 million different pancake combinations, each one guaranteed to be delicious

Whether the night before has stretched into the morning after or you're looking to mix up your dinner plans, Stack & Still is as quirky as they come. On top of being the UK's largest pancake house (with 10 million tasty combos), it also has a cool self-dispense bar.

Choose your style of pancake, before loading up on toppings like Oreo crumb, toffee sauce and meringue pieces, or opt for a savoury stack with eggs and bacon. Or if you really can't decide, there are set topping options too.

• Location: 146 Saltmarket, G1 5NF
• Date type: arcade, board games, competitive
• Why we recommend: an arcade bar and board game cafe in one, whatever kind of games you're into, you'll find them here

One of the coolest hangouts around, R-Cade is proving that couples who play together, stay together. Offering the ideal date night activity in Glasgow, this place lets you get stuck into a range of arcade machines and consoles from past and present, including Pac-Man, Super Mario and even Halo.

They've also got a boardgame cafe, where you can make it more chilled with an enormous array of games. While you're here, tuck into dishes like loaded nachos, toasties and spicy bean burgers.

Take a trip back in time on your next date night at the Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience. Berlinkys is bringing the magic of Motown back to life with a fantastic feast and classic hits.

Expect to groove to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops and Supremes. Ramp up the romance with a chicken or celeriac steak dinner for two, capped off with a decedent sticky toffee pudding.

• Location: 383 Byres Road, G12 8AU
• Date type: drinks, food
• Why we recommend: if you and your partner love gin, there's literally nowhere better to be than this charming Byres Road bar

This speakeasy-inspired haunt is dedicated to all things juniper and is one of the best first date ideas in Glasgow. Not sure what tipple to go for? The mixologists at beGin will help you find your ideal serve. Or you can opt for a flight, with each sip showcasing a special aspect of mother's ruin.

They serve food here as well, if you really want to make a night of it. We're talking steak frites, cod fish cakes and loaded nachos, with an indulgent chocolate brownie for dessert.

• Location: 82–100 Lancefield Street, G3 8JD
• Date type: golf, activity, competitive
• Why we recommend: crazy golf courses don't get much more unique than this, filled with graffiti and whacky obstacles, and the interactive darts throws in some extra fun

Fancy getting a little competitive with your other half? Then head to Golf Fang in Finnieston, the quirky venue that promises 18 unique holes of golfing fun. Expect colourful graffiti throughout, and plenty of whacky obstacles along the way, starting from just £12.50 per person to play.

They also offer interactive AR darts here for some added entertainment. Topping it all off? An extensive menu of juicy meat or plant-based burgers, katsu loaded fries, pulled pork-topped mac 'n' cheese and much more.

• Location: 1008 Argyle Street, G3 8LX
• Date type: food, drink, music
• Why we recommend: for a laid-back date night full of burgers and white Russians, you really can't go wrong here

Burgers, booze and a big bowling theme are the trademarks of this Argyle Street spot. Fronting a meat-heavy menu of massive patties and no less than 25 different types of white Russians, as well as lots of live music, Lebowskis is a fantastic date night restaurant.

There are countless burgers to choose from, including favourites like the hash brown-topped smoked barbecue beef patty or a plant-based burger with chilli and mint cucumber relish.

• Location: 1132 Argyle Street, G3 8TD
• Date type: food, drinks
• Why we recommend: this is one of the most unique dining experiences around, and with a new menu every six weeks, you'll always be able to try some bold new creations

If you're a foodie couple looking to get your teeth into something a little different, Six By Nico showcases a new menu of sublime plates every six weeks. These six-course feasts have a different theme every time, which you'll get to enjoy in a classy, intimate venue.

In the past, the fantastic team of chefs have crafted tasting menus based around funfairs, Alice in Wonderland, space and a British classic - chippies. Expect to see some truly unique dishes here.

• Location: St Enoch Centre, 55 St Enoch Square, G1 4BW
• Date type: activity, competitive, bowling
• Why we recommend: much more than your typical bowling alley, this graffiti-covered space offers countless forms of entertainment under one roof

Love to get one over on your other half? Competitive couples will love a trip to Level X Glasgow, where everything from VR arena gaming, arcades, bowling, golf, karaoke and more await across a cool, graffiti-covered space.

When you're done playing games and snapping pictures? Check out their food and drink menu, featuring inventive cocktails like The Drumstick or a Banana Rum Punch - paired with scrumptious pizzas and hot dogs.

• Location: 1008 Argyle Street, G3 8LX
• Date type: events, music, performances
• Why we recommend: something a little different to do on your next night out, The Poetry Club brings a unique approach to music and the arts in a cool, intimate space

One for the culture vultures and lovers with a little more edge, The Poetry Club showcases the very best rising talent across live music, spoken word and performance art. Tucked below SWG3, this is perfect if you're looking for fun date night ideas in Glasgow's West End.

Expect to see some of the top DJs in the business, as well as theatrical performances that will blow your mind - many of which are very budget-friendly too.

• Location: 124 Portman Street, G41 1EJ
• Date type: activity, competitive, nostalgic
• Why we recommend: the retro fairground feel to this venue always gives us a good time, and it really is unlike anywhere else in the city. Plus, the old-school menu takes us right back to childhood

If you're looking for fun date ideas in Glasgow, this joint has a series of reinvented fairground games for you to have a whack on - from Bulls AYE to Slam Drunk and Lucky Tosser. Expect to be getting competitive in no time, with creative cocktails to fuel you throughout.

Expect inventive tipples like the Clownstar martini or a Hubba Bubble. The food menu is equally nostalgic, featuring the likes of chilli hot dogs, chicken tenders and vegan burgers with all the trimmings.

• Location: 25 Tunnel Street, G3 8HL
• Date type: arcade, board games, competitive
• Why we recommend: the views here are unbeatable, looking out over the River Clyde and the whole city. We'd recommend checking out their music events for some added fun as well

Take your date for a night of sky-high sipping at gorgeous West End hangout Red Sky Bar. Located on the top of the Radisson Red, the alfresco haunt promises views across the city and sublime cocktails to boot - if that doesn't impress 'em, we don't know what will.

They often host live music here, from international DJs to local artists. But if you're after a more chilled afternoon or evening, simply sip pina coladas paired with Thai fried chicken and mac 'n' cheese bites. Even better? They serve afternoon tea too.

• Location: 1 King Street, G1 5QZ
• Date type: arcade, competitive
• Why we recommend: this is a great shout for activity-based dates, particularly for anyone who loves old-school gaming and craft beer

Super Bario is a chilled-out arcade that's great for a first date, boasting old school games (think Ridge Racer, Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat) and a bar full of craft beer.

It's definitely up there as one of the most fun things to do in Glasgow city centre for couples. Plus, they often host pub quizzes too.