So you've only gone and done it. You've found someone who actually wants to spend time with you. All your friends think you're couple goals, but hours spent simply staring into one another's eyes doesn't always cut it. So, the question is, how do you up your date night game? Lucky for you, we've rounded up some of the best things for couples to do in Manchester; from romantic restaurants to brewery tours and cocktail-heavy afternoon teas.
Last updated on 22nd September 2023
The city's home of Argentinian steaks, Latin flavours and top-notch wine, Gaucho is nestled in a converted church near Deansgate. From the building's original organ to sleek monochrome tones and a touch of cow print, this romantic restaurant is a gorgeous place to grab a bite.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 24th September 2023
One of the most fun things to do in Manchester at night for couples, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is an unmissable immersive experience. It'll have you both donning orange jumpsuits, smuggling liquor past the warden and sipping bespoke blends, all while behind bars.
Grand Pacific is, as the name suggests, pretty damn impressive. This opulent Spring Gardens spot is serving up an array of pan-Asian delights, including buri bop Korean hot plate, tempura szechuan sea bass and roast salmon with thai red-curried sprouting broccoli.
@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Sunday 24th September 2023
For your next date, consider this top pick of outdoor activities where you'll go on a treasure hunt across the city. Solve clues, crack codes and decipher puzzles to find your prize, which is 20% off food and drink at a local pub.
Do you want to earn reward points to spend on cool events and experiences with your other half? Book your next table through DesignMyNight's brand new search engine, which features 1000s of venues from across the UK.
Want your date night to be nothing short of lavish? Peter Street Kitchen is the swanky destination for you. Thanks to a range of Japanese fine dining and Mexican small plates, all washed down with fancy wine or sake cocktails, this Spinningfields spot is sure to impress.
@ Track Brewing Co. on Saturday 30th September 2023 and 13 other Saturdays
If you and your partner love beer or are itching to uncover how it's made, then this Microbrewery Experience is the best of indoor couples activities in Manchester for adults. Think behind the scenes brewhouse tours, alongside plenty of tastings and taproom visits along the way.
@ Peter Street Kitchen on Saturday 30th September 2023 and 5 other Saturdays
One of the best luxury things to do in Manchester as a couple, the Japanese whisky masterclasses at Peter Street Kitchen are sure to hit the spot when you want to ramp up the romance. You'll sip your way through plenty of spirits at the tasting and gobble up signature small plates too.
The ultimate one-stop-shop for a dreamy date night, Three Little Words is part of the Spirit of Manchester Distillery. Head here for a boozy lesson on the process, before tucking into an array of healthy small plates, moreish mains or a tasty brunch. Washed down with a fair few gins, naturally.
Put any driving debates to rest and hit the track at TeamSport, where you'll burn some rubber while battling it out to win eternal bragging rights. One of the best things to do during the day for couples in Manchester, this thrilling go karting experience promises you and your other half over 550 metres of multi-level track to race on.
Our Place Supper Club at Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar is a great way to enjoy a quirky dinner alongside your significant other. This event delves out local, seasonal, and sustainable food, with a little music or art thrown in for good measure.
@ Project Halcyon Distillery on Sun, 8th Oct 2023 @ 14:30 - 16:00
For something fun with your sweetheart, Project Halcyon Distillery are hosting The Journey of Juniper. The whole affair includes an arrival drink followed by a 90-minute interactive talk delivered by an award-winning bartender. Plus, you'll get to sample some spirits and sip on two cocktails.
@ MiniCine on Sunday 1st October 2023 and 2 other Sundays
Looking for unusual things to do in Manchester for couples? IndieFlicks is returning to the city. For just £8 per ticket, you'll be treated to a wonderfully varied selection of short films. Vote for your favourite on the night, grab some food and nab drinks from the bar too.
The simulation range at Point Blank Shooting is perfect for competitive couples, allowing you to get stuck into games and missions across your session. Not only that, but the 2 for £10 cocktail happy hours and Sunday bottomless brunches aren't to be missed.
On the last Thursday of every month, Provence hosts a wonderful wine tasting session. The laid-back yet fascinating event sees you sampling five stunning wines and discovering the tasting notes of each, plus nibbling on a range of snacks.
Late-night and live music joint The Blues Kitchen is one slick destination for your next date. From weekend bottomless brunches to evening jazz shows and soulful Southern American food, this one's got to be on the list.
Are you a couple of beer lovers? Then BrewDog's beer school should stand out for your next date. You'll get guided through tasters of the brand's favourites by an expert team member across the fun session.
Make your way to various bars across Manchester for Paint A Pic, where you and your boo will both take to the canvas with an expert on hand to guide you. Not only that, but you can go and grab drinks at any time.
Mixing stunning food with quirky decor, the James Martin Restaurant is a must-visit when you're looking to treat yourselves a little. Enjoy delicious dishes and great wines at this lovely Deansgate eatery, which is perfect for fancy date nights or anniversary celebrations.
If you're a pair of foodies in need of something to do together, then this fun masterclass at YO! is just the ticket. You'll be treated to gyozas on arrival, before learning how to whip up four different sushi pieces.
From cocktail classes and cookery events to musical bingo and streaming live sport, GRUB has all your drinking, dining or event needs sorted. Shimmy on over to the Red Bank venue to treat your boo to something a little different next time you go on a date.
Underground dining destination Australasia and pretty pink sister bar, Sunset, are serving up swanky dinner with drinks all in one neat package. From the Asian and Australian-inspired eats to interiors perfect for a pic on the 'Gram, these guys have dates covered.
Need plans with your other half? You'll certainly want to head to Boom Battle Bar in The Printworks. At this crackin' activity joint, you'll get to stuck into axe throwing, shuffleboard, karaoke, crazy golf and much more. As for the menu? Expect pizza or wings.
Paintvine hold a range of pottery decorating and painting events at Manchester watering holes, promising an art class where you can have a drink to-hand at all times. Venture over to create masterpieces alongside your boo with these fun activities.
Dig into delicate finger sandwiches, sweet treats and indulgent desserts at Cherry Jam's Saturday afternoon tea or bingo brunches. Better yet, these are bottomless affairs, so you'll enjoy unlimited draught beers and cocktails too.
Topping our list of fun things to do on a date in Manchester is this unique bar. Think darts, but supercharged, as Flight Club gives a whole new meaning to the game with its high-tech offering. Plus, there's also thirst-quenching cocktails, sharing plates and more.
No guide to date night is complete without Tattu, the lush restaurant and bar in Spinningfields. There are incredible cocktails to sip, plus a whole menu of modern Chinese cuisine to chow down on, while surrounded by Art Deco touches and those famous blossom trees.
After free things to do in Manchester for couples? Check out our guide to walks across the city and beyond, so you can have a hand-in-hand ramble with your boo. Explore city trails, canalside jaunts and country park destinations.
With stunning interiors and exciting cocktails, Cottonopolis is one of the date night bars to try out. Whether you're turning up for a couple of drinks or sampling some dishes from their eclectic menu, it always makes for a fun but intimate setting.
Wolf At The Door may tout an award-winning drinks list and mouthwatering food, but this laidback restaurant is a welcome retreat from the stuffier picks in the city. Think small plates, classic desserts and intriguing wines to wash it all down.
A swish dining destination thanks to its British brasserie, pan-Asian restaurant and rooftop bar, The Ivy Spinningfields is a truly beautiful place be to with your other half. Come for the interiors and tasty treats on date night.
Mix up your date night by taking your other half to DNA VR Manchester. Together, you can embark on all kinds of cool games and challenges using their VR technology, doing everything from earth discovery and boat racing to dancing and zombie battles.
