Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Looking for some amazing Manchester date ideas? We’ve got you covered!
Whether you are looking for spots for a first date in Manchester or want to take your partner on a unique date night soon, you will find everything you need here.
I love discovering new places in Manchester and recommending unique experiences.
In this article, you will find loads of ideas for a date night in Manchester. We’ve included famous music spots, beautiful restaurants, hidden bars, activities and more.
1. Watching a movie at Everyman Cinema
📍ADDRESS: ABC Building, 23 Quay St, Manchester M3 4AS – Find on Google Maps
When it comes to romantic cinemas in Manchester, nothing beats Everyman.
Located on Quay Street, near the Opera House, Everyman offers a luxury cinema experience. Here you can forget about cheap seats, you will get full sofas!
It’s super comfortable. The sofas of course are but everything around it made so you are as cosy as you can be. You get a small table for your food and drinks as well as a footrest.
Each sofa is for two people so you can snuggle with your partner and enjoy the movie.
🍸 It’s also worth noting that the bar at Everyman is very pretty and cosy. It has a very romantic vibe and is a great place to start your evening so make sure to come a bit early to enjoy it.
It’s quite hidden, most people don’t know about it and they serve amazing cocktails (their Old Fashioned is incredible).
2. Dinner at Platzki
Platzki is a cute restaurant in Deansgate serving traditional Polish cuisine with a modern twist.
All in all, the restaurant has a very fancy (but don’t worry, prices are not that fancy!) vibe and the brick arches with all the plants are simply gorgeous.
You’ve got to try their pierogies, which are a staple in Polish cooking. Platzki’s perogies are stuffed with pork and packed with flavour.
If you are unfamiliar with Polish cuisine, be sure to ask your waitstaff for advice on the best dishes to try, they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
In terms of drinks, they have a selection of local and Polish beverages including Lech lager and Fortuna cherry lager but also amazing cocktails! Make sure to try their espresso martini, it’s pure heaven.
3. The Refuge
When it comes to classy date spots in Manchester, the Refuge sets the standard!
It’s located on Oxford Street, in the Kimpton Clocktower hotel and is open to everyone. A lot of people assume you have to stay at the hotel to go there but you don’t.
It’s such as great spot for a date in Manchester since it’s beautifully decorated and very romantic.
If you get there early, make sure to go to the garden area behind the bar. There are loads of plants and trees and it’s much quieter.
In the summer, you may also be interested in going to the open air garden at the back.
4. Live Music at Band on the Wall
This is a great idea if you have a music lover in your life or if you are looking for a fun and lively date activity. From rock music to reggae, Band on the Wall showcases a wide variety of music.
It’s located on Swan Street in the Northern Quarter and it’s a not-for-profit music venue that’s run by the Inner City music charity.
The venue has been around since the 1930s so they’ve pretty much nailed it in terms of atmosphere and a fantastic musical set-up.
They host band nights, DJ sets and some performances appear to be literally placed “on the wall”. They host an array of shows from relaxed jazz nights to the main music room with a lively bar.
Be sure to check out what’s on at Band on the Wall for your next Manchester date night.
5. NQ64
The main NQ64 is a fun arcade bar on Short Street in the Northern Quarter but there is also a NQ64 on Peter Street.
Head down some back alley steps into a room filled from top-to-toe in graffiti and you will know you are in NQ64.
This drinking den is decked out not just with your favourite drinks and music but also some of the best retro arcade games and even classic console games.
Think Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Golden Axe. They’ve got vintage consoles like the Nintendo N64, SNES and Mega Drive.
Gone are the days your parents are screaming at you to get off the PlayStation.
You can enjoy these retro arcade games all night long.
Alongside gaming, you can enjoy their bar and happy hour deals too.
6. Tapas at Evuna
Evuna is a great place in Manchester to enjoy authentic Spanish food.
Located at 277-279 Deansgate and 79 Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, this is a lovely relaxed restaurant to go for a date night.
Evuna has been supplying Manchester with high-end Spanish wines for more than a decade but they also serve up some incredible tapas dishes.
There are plenty of plates to choose from and tapas are great for sharing on a date night.
From their nibble and side dishes like the “chickpea salad” and “manchego cheese” to vegetarian places like the famous patatas bravas, they certainly deliver on presentation and flavour.
For meat lovers try the albondigas which are pork and beef meatballs in a delicious tomato sauce.
You will come away from Evuna feeling like you’ve just visited Spain and it might just become your go-to Manchester restaurant.
7. Lane7
Are you thinking of first date ideas in Manchester?
Why not keep it classic and simple with a trip to Lane7 bowling. Lane7 in Manchester is at 235 Deansgate.
Lane7 is the ultimate activity packed date destination with 11 bowling lanes, numerous arcade games, foosball, darts and beer pong.
This bowling alley even has some celebrity and sporting prestige, with Usain Bolt having visited before.
The bowling lanes themselves are covered from floor to ceiling in neon graffiti giving it a hectic yet fun vibe.
Compete with your partner to see who is the best at bowling and then by the time you’ve finished you’ll have probably worked up an appetite.
The Fat Hippo has a restaurant inside Lane7 so no need to go hungry.
Why not order one of their large and legendary burgers? There are a myriad of burgers to choose from including beef, chicken and vegan options.
Their Hangover III burger is incredibly delicious with buttermilk chicken, bacon, cheese and BBQ sauce. To round off a perfect meal be sure to head to the bar for some of the best margaritas in town.
8. Point Blank
Located at 78 Deansgate Point Blank Shooting is a quirky day date idea in Manchester that brings a touch of America to the streets of the north.
Point Blank was the UK’s first-ever simulator shooting range.
Everyone’s seen those shooting ranges in American films, well these guns and the shooting range have all been made safe and switched out for laser technology.
You can choose from a selection of real-replica guns including AK-47’s, M1911 and Glocks to practice your accuracy, timing and automatic response.
Before starting, you will be given a full run-through of how to use the guns and what is the best way to score well and beat your date!
As well as the shooting range there is also an American-style speakeasy bar.
They serve up all the classic American grub like nachos, hot dogs, pizza and even tater tots as well as amazing cocktails, shots, wine and beer.
9. Frog and Bucket
For fun date ideas in Manchester, why not head to the Frog and Bucket comedy club. There’s nothing better than laughing out loud on a date.
For a first date, it takes out all the nerves and for those who have been together for a long time it’s a happy reminder to always laugh.
The Frog and Bucket on Oldham Street is one of the longest running and most famous comedy clubs in Manchester.
The club has always been associated with the likes of Johnny Vegas, Jason Manford and John Bishop who regularly performed here in their early days.
Between Monday and Saturday, the Frog and Bucket hosts a number of local, national and international comics from professionals to amateurs.
In fact, the amateur night is a great place to start and you may end up finding your favourite comic.
In terms of tickets, you can buy just comedy tickets or ones that include food and drink as well.
The intimate comedy club atmosphere means you feel really connected to the comics and the other audience members.
10. Virtual Hideout
Virtual Hideout is a gaming centre that focuses on virtual reality games. Located on Church Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter this is a great place for first timers and gaming experts.
If you want to find date activities in Manchester that are unique then this is a good option.
You need to first book a single or double headset room and then you will be provided with VR HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets.
Book a double headset room for a double date.
If you are completely new to the virtual reality scene then you can get some assistance with all the gear.
It’s a great date idea for bonding, laughing (at the ridiculous hand waving whilst wearing the VR goggles) and getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
There are plenty of games to keep you entertained. In fact, there are 100 gaming and VR experiences on offer at Virtual Hideout.
Their sports games recreate the real thing so you will be convinced you really are playing basketball, tennis, baseball and more.
It’s not just sports, there are crime games, horror and a ton of action games to get stuck into.
Realistic virtual sports experiences using advanced physics that recreate the real experience, include baseball, ping pong, basketball, golf and tennis.
11. Candlelight concert at Manchester Cathedral
It may be that you’ve heard of the candlelight concerts that have been taking place across the UK and Europe.
Attending a candlelight concert at the cathedral makes for a super romantic date in Manchester.
The Candlelight Concerts are classical music concerts that are performed in and among thousands of flickering candles.
Is there anything more simple and romantic than candlelight? The Candlelight Concerts are run by Fever and you can check out their concert list here.
The Manchester performances are held at the beautiful and regal Manchester Cathedral.
Manchester Cathedral is 800 years old and is also a Grade I listed building.
Step inside and absorb yourself in the sounds of Chopin or Vivaldi.
The original shows on offer by Fever featured performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons but Candlelight Concerts have since broadened their target audience by including an array of pop music options.
Think ABBA being played on the violin, there’s even a candlelight tribute to Daft Punk.
Performances are usually around an hour long with an interval.
Afterwards, you can head out to one of the top restaurants in Manchester, to continue your date night.
12. Drinks on the rooftop of 20 Stories
Manchester might not offer Eiffel Tower-style views of the city but it does its best with the rooftop terrace and restaurant at 20 Stories.
20 Stories is a modern and luxurious looking dining and cocktail establishment on the 19th storey of the building at No 1 Spinningfield.
20 Stories is ideal for romantic dates in Manchester, whether you want to stay a while and enjoy dinner or just head to the rooftop for drinks, you will surely impress your date.
Head there on a clear sunny evening and you will enjoy impressive and expansive views of Manchester.
There’s a large outdoor terrace area with fire pits and a grill, offering more laid back food menu items and of course drinks service.
Their drinks menu is extensive with everything from cocktails to beers and ciders, Scotch whiskey and rum.
Inside there is a high end restaurant which also has lovely views of the city. There’s just something about looking out across a city at night that is super romantic.
13. Dinner at Tattu
For another of the best date ideas in Manchester check out Tattu for a romantic meal.
Tattu now has a few locations around the UK all showcasing the best of modern Chinese cuisine.
Manchester’s Tattu location is on Gartside Street in Spinningfield.
The restaurant’s interior is elegant and has many touches of Asia. From the pink cherry blossom tree to the lantern-style lighting this place is modern and trendy.
You can choose between the tasting menu and the a la carte menu.
If you are not too sure what to get but are keen to try as much as you can then the tasting menu is a good place to start.
Some of Tattu’s best dishes include the caramel soy beef fillet and the sesame roasted scallops with Chinese sauce.
Tattu’s service and care over their customers really makes this an excellent date night restaurant.
It’s well worth saving up for the high end contemporary Chinese feast that’s on offer at Tattu.
14. Dog Bowl
Date ideas in Manchester don’t have to be flashy or highly unique, sometimes a good classic date night is all that’s needed.
Dog Bowl on Whitworth Street West, right across from Manchester Oxford Road train station is a bowling alley with style.
Gone are the days where your only bowling option is the slightly dilapidated Hollywood Bowl.
Dog Bowl has a real modern feel and five bowling lanes.
The lanes are sleek and wooden and the ball dispensers are comically inspired by the black dog logo of Dog Bowl.
As well as the bowling alley there are also arcade games supplied by NQ64, Northern Quarters retro arcade bar. So when the bowling is done be sure to play a game or two.
As well as bowling and gaming there is also a fantastic cocktail bar and a hearty food menu.
On weekdays they do an excellent Beer Burger Bowl deal that includes one bowling game.
15. Wine Tasting at Salut Wines
Salut Wines offers an avant-garde wine-tasting experience that is bound to impress for a date idea.
Salut Wines is located on Copper Street close to the Manchester Art Gallery.
You can join Salut Wines wine tasting event that allows you to sample and gain knowledge about a wide selection of wines.
There are two wine tasting events on offer at Salut Wines.
There’s a larger 10 to 35 people group, where you will be provided with a plate of nibbles, a selection of wines and a glass of fizz at an additional charge.
Or how about trying the Enomatic tasting machine (which is basically like a wine bar without the bartender).
You simply top up a card at the bar and then you can try 32 wines at your own pace.
16. Dinner at Mana
For classic yet sophisticated date night ideas in Manchester head for dinner at Mana.
Mana is a high end restaurant serving British dishes with wonderful wine pairings.
Mana can also boast the title of being Manchester’s first Michelin Star restaurant. You’ll find Mana on Blossom Street in the trendy Ancoats area of Manchester.
One of the main focuses at Mana is seasonal British produce.
The chef and co-owner at Mana is Simon Martin who previously worked at the acclaimed Noma in Copenhagen.
He concentrates on seasonal ingredients some of which may only be available for a few weeks each year.
As is the case with many Michelin Star high end restaurants the menu is set and includes around thirteen dishes!
This allows the chefs to showcase their culinary talents and flavour combinations whilst giving diners a full experience. If you are on a date looking to impress, dinner at Mana will certainly not disappoint.
17. Dinner at Sunset by Australasia
Sunset by Australasia is in Spinningfields on The Avenue.
If you’re looking for date day ideas in Manchester or a sophisticated evening dinner date plan then Sunset is the place to be.
Sunset is inside Australasia and accessed via a semi-secret staircase.
The restaurant is unapologetically pink and perfect for girly girls or just people who appreciate good interior decor.
The stylish bar and plush seating makes this a romantic and luxurious place for a date whilst still being affordable.
This restaurant does serve up bento box afternoon tea and lunch but dinner is the main event.
This Asian-inspired restaurant serves a number of small plates that are great for splitting so you can try even more of their food.
Try the tempura squid, lemongrass chicken skewers or pork wontons, they will go down an absolute treat.
This is also a great place for a sushi date with their mixed sushi and vegetarian sushi plates.
You’ve definitely got to try some of their cocktails too.
Their Prosecco Sorbet Sunrisers go down in an absolute storm, especially on a warm summer’s evening.
18. Freight Island
Want to go for a dinner date but not sure what food to eat?
Freight Island is ideal for first date ideas in Manchester. Freight Island is a little outside of Manchester’s main attractions but is still only a three minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station.
Freight Island is a food hall that is half indoors and half outdoors.
It is named Freight Island because it used to be the former freight facility for Manchester’s railway system.
If you picture containers and mismatched furniture you’re right on track.
If you want to take your date somewhere with a ton of food options this is the place.
Voodoo Ray’s serves up NYC-style pizza. Mi & Pho offer exceptionally yummy Vietnamese food (which if you haven’t tried you are absolutely missing out).
Head to Burgerism for juicy hearty burgers and Mega Gyros is ideal for reliving your Greek holidays.
There are also a ton of drink options too. Check out Freight Island Bar for craft beer, The Tap Room for local Manchester beers, and Jane Eyre Cocktail Bar for fantastic happy hour deals.
19. Karaoke
For date activities in Manchester where you need to lose your inhibitions quickly, try karaoke. Manchester’s entertainment scene is booming and karaoke is no exception.
One of the most popular karaoke spots in the city is K2 Karaoke on George Street in Chinatown.
There’s definitely a Chinese vibe to this place and if you know anything about Chinese people, they take karaoke (or KTV as they call it) very seriously!
K2 has great happy hour deals that will fuel your courage for singing beautiful songs extremely badly.
Or why not head to The Millstone in the Northern Quarter? Karaoke is usually held on a Thursday and Friday and the place gets packed.
Whether you have the confidence to stand up on a stage in front of a crowd of people or you’d just prefer watching this is a great atmospheric Manchester joint.
Some of the other popular karaoke joints in Manchester include, The Lawn Club, The Blues Kitchen, The Goose, Bar Pop and Bandaoke at Bunny Jackson’s.
20. Junkyard Golf
Junkyard Golf takes crazy golf to a whole new level.
This junk-inspired indoor crazy golf course is perfect for fun date ideas in Manchester.
Whether you visit in the day or at night, Junkyard Golf is great for whiling away a few hours.
Junkyard Golf is on First Street just a 10 minute walk from Manchester Oxford Road train station.
There are three courses to choose from, strangely named Bozo, Pablo and Gary.
From the tropical terror of tombs and skulls on the Pablo course to disco-inspired Gary and the creepy clowns of the Bozo course there’s plenty to see and interact with.
As well as crazy golf, Junkyard also has a number of bars. There are actually five bars in total, three of which are dotted throughout the golf course.
So, you can drink as you work your way around the course.
If you are students looking for a more affordable date night, be sure to utilize the 50% off student discount that’s on selected days of the week.
21. Cocktail Making Class
Manchester has well and truly arrived on the scene as one of the best nightlife destinations in the UK.
Locals and tourists alike love a good night out in Manchester, checking out the litany of pubs and bars whilst sampling an array of delicious and decadent cocktails and beers.
If you are a fan of a cocktail but have been dying to learn how to make them at home, then why not go on a cocktail-making date.
Whether you join a cocktail-making class as part of a group or a private session you will have so much fun learning and creating.
There are a number of amazing bars in Manchester that offer cocktail-making classes.
Some of these include Revolution Bar, The Alchemist, Revolución de Cuba, the Slug and Lettuce, Dirty Martini and The Botanist.
Follow well trained bartenders as they teach you the art of balancing mixer and alcohol whilst adding those final garnishes.
With all these ideas for a date in Manchester, you shouldn’t have any problem planning your amazing night! Have fun!
You may also be interested in:
