Some people hate it, some people love it; but no matter what your stance, you have to admit that love is definitely in the air come 14th February. Loved up and looking for date ideas? We've got everything from swish cocktail bars and fancy restaurants to romantic activities. Our guide has everything you need to make sure that your pick of things to do on Valentine's Day in Manchester really pops.
Looking for affordable but romantic Valentine's plans? Then head to All Bar One on King Street, where they're promising a cracking deal between the 12th and 15th February: four small plates and two glasses of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne for £39.
Their dishes range from beef brisket tacos to baked feta with hot honey or crispy cauliflower bites. Not in the area? Check out their Trafford Centre venue instead.
One of the best restaurants in Manchester for Valentine's Day, James Martin's venue is a haven of sumptuous British plates. Across the cool interiors, expect your romantic meal to be paired with plenty of wine too.
As seen on TV, The Cube is a brilliant gameshow experience that's been brought to life in Manchester. Found at Urban Playground in the Northern Quarter, this quirky activity venue gives you the chance to take part in one and two-player games that will test your balance, judgement, memory and speed.
There's also a mini golf experience on site, with three themed nine-hole courses to choose from. You can also nab delicious burgers from The Butcher, where they're slinging out everything from Buffalo chicken wings to halloumi fries and barbecue burgers.
If retro gaming is your love language, get yourself down to NQ64 in the Northern Quarter or over at Deansgate. It's packed with classic arcade machines and old school consoles, with all kinds of games up for grabs - from Guitar Hero and Pacman to Time Crisis and Street Fighter.
The cocktails are just as fun, like the Crash Bandicoot-inspired Aku Aku Fruit Punch and the chocolatey Mars Attacks. To celebrate Valentine's, Cupid is in town with a special couples package, giving you 25 tokens and two drinks for just £20.
Tucked away inside the ABC building in Spinningfields is Side Street, the accessible yet stylish events space and restaurant bar calling you for a relaxed Valentine's Day. Think retro surrounds alongside cocktails like the jam-infused Breakfast Martini or a classic margarita.
An approachable wine list also features, listed by popular tasting notes and mouth-feel to make your choice easy, including increasingly-popular orange wine by the glass or bottle. Craft beers top off the offering.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Wednesday 25th March 2026
Valentine's Day events in Manchester city centre? Let us introduce you to Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four. Get thrown in a cell with your partner in crime and have cocktails made for you by fellow inmates – created from your very own spirits that you've (hopefully) successfully smuggled past the Warden.
In need of a Valentine's idea? Offering a swish dinner, Grand Pacific is looking like a romantic choice this February. Nab a table at the Spring Gardens stunner and impress that special someone with elevated curries, fresh seafood and ribeye steaks.
With daily two-for-one cocktail happy hours, sensational small plates, sharing platters and fantastic fizz, Manchester's Slug & Lettuce bars give you plenty of reasons to stop by. Head into any across the city over Valentine's weekend and they get even better.
When you book a Girl Dinner between 9th-13th February, you can take your pick from the exclusive Galentine's dinner, with three courses and a drink for just £30. Round up three of more of your gals on the Friday night and you'll get a free glass of fizz for good measure.
Searching for something a little bit lavish to spoil your partner this year? Make it one of the city's most exciting restaurants. Peter Street Kitchen blends sharp modern interiors in a classic setting with an innovative menu of Mediterranean and Japanese flavours.
Celebrate from the First Sip – Prosecco welcome reception, only £5 per person
To make your Valentine's Day a double-date or group affair, check out Treetop Golf Manchester; the Amazonian rainforest-themed space that's home to two indoor, 18-hole mini golf courses. Navigate the landmarks and ancient wonders of this jungle while getting competitive - don't forget to keep an eye out for the Pizza Cabana and Thirsty Toucan Bar either.
From married couples to lovebirds that have only been on a few dates, 20 Stories is always a great date night idea. Check out the iconic sky-high space for cocktails, food and live music from resident DJs. Plus, there are views for days and some pretty beautiful interiors too.
Combining the stunning setting of Corn Exchange with quirky swing seating, pretty fairylights and jungle gym-inspired interiors? Indian street food spot, Mowgli. Grab a range of small plates to eat sharing-style, which come as and when they're done, to devour alongside your other half this Valentine's Day.
Don't miss out on the signature paneer, tender house lamb curry, gunpowder chicken and yoghurt chaat bombs, all washed down by tropical cocktails or beer.
@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Wednesday 25th March 2026
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity this Valentine's Day? Then check out The Big Manchester Bake which takes place on Stanley Street, in their dedicated baking marquee. You'll work in pairs to create your very own treat, competing against other duos to be crowned the champion bakers.
You'll be provided with instructions and pre-measured ingredients as part of your ticket. You'll have 90 minutes to get creative in the kitchen, before taking home some delicious goods to share.
A date night staple all year round thanks to theatrical cocktails, moody interiors and dimmed lighting, The Alchemist's Spinningfields, New York Street and Media City venues all have romance covered. From hot honey pork tacos for starters to next level chocolate brownies for dessert, their international plates are sure to hit the spot too.
In the mood for a night of botanical bliss? The Anthologist's interiors deliver just that, with a beautiful garden room feel and plush seating. Treat the pair of you to brunch, sharing platters, small plates or mains from their all-day menu.
Flirt over friendly competition this Valentine's with Social Darts at Flight Club. A reimagined version of the pub game, it's supercharged with interactive scoring and multiplayer head-to-heads.
As you fling arrows from the oche, there's small plates, sharing platters and pizza paddles to fuel your fun. When it's time to raise a glass to love, friendship or the situationships in between, take your pick of ice cold pints, worldly wines, bubbles and creative cocktails.
@ AREA Manchester on Saturday 28th March 2026 and 37 other Saturdays
Manchester Comedy Club offers the perfect Valentine's Day antidote of laughter. Every Saturday night at AREA Manchester, this lively comedy showcase delivers big laughs with tickets from just £15 - making it an ideal date night for couples who bond over humour.
Hosted by the glamorous Charli Angel and steered by the brilliantly sharp MC Mandy McCarthy, the night features a rotating lineup of comedians from across the UK and beyond.
@ PizzaLuxe on Various dates from Wednesday 25th March 2026
If it's a fun, foodie experience that you're after on the 14th, head to PizzaLuxe in Manchester Arndale for an all-you-can-eat feast with your beau. You can get your hands on unlimited Italian spritzes, draught beers or mocktails for 90 minutes.
Their bottomless brunch also features two hours of endless pizza, topped with everything from New York-style pepperoni to truffle and mushrooms or eight cheeses, with vegan and gluten-free options available too.
From pan-fried scallops to roasted monkfish and a chateaubriand for two, swanky York Street restaurant Browns is serving up one fine feast for the 14th of February. As for drinks? There's Champagne, pineapple picante or strawberry daquiri cocktails; lots of them, too.
Loft Social in Stockport offers a playful way to connect on Valentine's Day. Set inside a warm, plant-filled space, Loft Social reimagines classic games for a new crowd, making it ideal for couples who'd rather do something together than stare at menus all night.
From archery and pétanque to shuffleboard and disco curling, the games are designed to spark interaction without awkwardness - perfect for first dates, long-term loves, or anyone skipping the clichés altogether. With lanes booked per session rather than per person, it's relaxed, flexible and all about shared experience.
Feel the love of friendly competition this Valentine's Day at Electric Shuffle. The age-old game of shuffleboard takes many form here, with clever tech tracking every puck and cameras capturing your best bits.
Win, lose or draw, settle in for dinner for two while you're here. There's all kinds of sharing, caring dishes up for grabs, from sourdough pizza paddles to camembert, charcuterie and small plates. And while Saturdays normally mean only groups of six or more, they're letting twos play for the occasion.
Forgot the flowers? Don't sweat it. With a stunning menu of pan-Asian bites, Tattu Manchester should have enough wow-factor to keep your partner happy. Indulge in a selection of their finest modern Chinese plates and wash it all down with cocktails.
If you're on the lookout for a top-quality Indian restaurant, Dishoom is your best bet. Make your way here for a gorgeous date night at this swanky spot inspired by Bombay's old Iranian cafes, with a full three-course feast and cocktails waiting.
One of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester for Valentine's Day, Evuna is offering up plenty of Spanish tapas classics to celebrate with your other half. These sumptuous small plates range from fresh seafood and classic meats to vegetarian specials and larger favourites like paella.
When you're in the mood for a cute stroll, make the most of the great outdoors and head on these walks. From pretty waterside locations to quirky alleyways around the city centre, there's plenty of unique places to explore.
Looking for the total package? Make it a night to remember at Dakota Manchester. Not only is the gorgeous hotel offering an overnight stay, but also an indulgent meal at their restaurant. Think blue cheese gnocchi, chateaubriand steaks and king prawn curry, all accompanied by cocktails or Champagne.
Intimate corners and soulful tunes set the perfect backdrop to a romantic evening at Speak in Code. Not only will you find impressive cocktails and friendly service, but also low-key interiors filled with boozy memorabilia and leafy decor.
Gaucho only has one thing on its mind when it comes to love, and that's steak. Chomp away on some of the finest cuts thanks to their swanky St Mary's Street restaurant, with thirst-quenching wines and quality side dishes to boot. What more could you want on your special day?
If it's quirky cocktails you're after this Valentine's Day, head to The Washhouse in The Printworks area. It appears to be a launderette from the outside, but when you step through the door in the corner you'll find a speakeasy cocktail bar upstairs, complete with low lighting, dark furnishings and some weird and wonderful touches.
Their secretive menu explains the drinks through the vibe that they give off, all of them themed around different conspiracy theories and presented in unique ways. And after you've finished, be sure to check out the secret slide and the disco toilets.
