If you’re looking for date ideas in Manchester that aren’t just going to the pub for a drink, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled a guide to finding the best date ideas in Manchester, including fun date ideas, date night ideas and, of course, cheap date ideas in Manchester. Read on to find out more!
And just so you know - nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in Manchester.
Best Date Ideas Manchester
If you’re really stuck for date ideas in Manchester, try these!
Try an Outdoor Escape Room in Manchester Together
Combining the fun and excitement of an escape room without the creepiness of physically locking your date in with you, this is one of the best date ideas in Manchester for couples who like a bit of adventure.
This thrilling activity not only tests your teamwork and problem-solving skills, but also allows you to bond as you work together to unravel mysteries and solve puzzles, all while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings of the city.
Step Back in Time at Staircase House
Take a romantic journey through history at Staircase House, where you and your loved one can explore the fascinating interiors of a 15th-century home.
Wander through the meticulously restored rooms, marvel at the period furnishings, and gain insights into the lives of those who once lived there. Bonus: it’s totally free to visit!
Sample Global Flavours at Mackie Mayor Foodhall
The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach - and there’s nowhere better to win over both of your beau’s vital organs than Mackie Mayor.
For couples with a passion for culinary exploration, Mackie Mayor Market is a must-visit. This bustling food hall offers a diverse array of global cuisines and artisanal delights. Share dishes from different corners of the world, savouring the opportunity to taste and discover new flavours together - and thank us later when it becomes your go-to anniversary celebration venue.
Go on An Interactive Self-Guided Walking Tour
Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Manchester, where you and your partner can explore the city at your own pace. Tours like these come complete with interactive features, allowing you to learn about Manchester's history, landmarks, and hidden gems in a fun but challenging way.
It's also a leisurely way to bond, chat, and absorb the city's rich culture while enjoying each other's company - and they come with pub, bar and café recommendations to enjoy along the way too!
Devour Dumplings in Manchester Chinatown
One of the best date ideas in Manchester for foodies, a visit to Manchester’s iconic Chinatown is the perfect blend of delicious and romantic.
Journey through Manchester's Chinatown as you savour delectable dumplings and other Asian culinary treasures. The charming ambiance, aromatic flavours, and wide variety of dishes create the perfect setting for a romantic meal, letting you share not only food but also a cultural experience with your loved one.
Bonus tip: If you love dumplings as much as I do, head to The Little Yang Sing on George Street.
Go on a Treasure or Scavenger Hunt Through Manchester
Inject a sense of adventure into your date by embarking on a treasure or scavenger hunt through the vibrant streets of Manchester.
This engaging activity encourages teamwork and exploration as you follow clues, solve riddles, and uncover hidden gems across the city. Pick from three original routes that promise an exciting and interactive experience to help you get to know your date (and find out how good their sense of direction is!).
Fun Date Ideas Manchester
Whether you’re looking for first date ideas in Manchester or you want to liven up a long-term romance, these fun date ideas are here to help - just take your pick!
Get Giggly at The Frog and Bucket
Couples that laugh together, stay together.
Just because you’re serious about wanting to impress your partner, it doesn’t mean your date ideas have to be. Invite your other half along for a night of laughs at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club and enjoy a night of stand-up comedy that will have you both feeling more at ease.
Psst: The Frog and Bucket also serves up some incredible comfort foods like burgers, pizza and nachos, as well as an extensive drinks menu that caters for all tastes (including soft drinks and alcohol-free alternatives!)
Choose Who Will Be Player 1 and 2 Get Gaming at NQ64
For fun date ideas in Manchester that are low-key and weatherproof, what could be better than a visit to an arcade?
Embrace your collective competitive spirits and let loose at NQ64, a retro gaming bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Challenge each other to classic arcade games and reminisce about your gaming adventures of the past. Expect laughter, enjoyment and perhaps even a chance to show off your elite skills (or get humbled by your partner!)
Psst: Did you know that we have an interactive urban adventure route through the Northern Quarter? When you’ve finished playing our trail and you’ve had your fill of fresh air, why not head inside to NQ64 and let the games continue!
Show Chivalry Isn’t Dead at Stockport Plaza Cinema
For fun date ideas in Manchester that speak to the hearts of movie buffs, this one’s for you.
Impress your date with a touch of old-school charm at Stockport Plaza, a vintage cinema that exudes a sense of nostalgia and Hollywood glamour. Enjoy a classic movie date in a more exciting venue than your local and spend some quality time with your date like your grandparents did.
Remember to hold the door open to love, share a bucket of popcorn and make a trip to the 1930s café for bonus romance points!
Become Star-Crossed Lovers at Jodrell Bank
For a truly out-of-this-world date (see what we did there?) head to Jodrell Bank Observatory.
For anybody who’s interested in science and especially physics, this is an unmissable venue for a date. At Jodrell Bank Observatory, the pair of you can learn about the mysteries of the universe together or explore the cosmos like you’re the only two left on Earth.
Ideal for deep thinkers or lovers of the starry skies at night, this fun date idea packs education, romance and mystery into one accessible venue.
View Incredible Art at Manchester Art Gallery
For some Manchester date ideas that appeal to art lovers, we have some good news: Manchester is full of incredible art galleries, and the most famous is one of our absolute favourites.
A date at Manchester Art Gallery promises an immersive experience where you and your partner can take your time exploring classic masterpieces and contemporary works.
It’s a great choice for new couples to get to know each other’s tastes and interests, but it’s equally good for lovers who’ve taken a few trips around the sun together due to the vast array of things to see and do.
Plan A Romantic Walk In and Around Manchester
Sometimes, the simplest dates are the most delightful.
For date ideas in Manchester that really take the pressure off, consider going on one of these walks in and around Manchester. Any of these routes give you ample opportunity to explore parks, historic streets and scenic spots hand-in-hand, and you can always up the romance factor by bringing along a picnic (or a thermos of hot chocolate, if it’s cold outside).
Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the canal or a hike in the nearby countryside, you’ll get quality time together in one of the best cities in the world - and what more could you ask for than that?
Explore The Evolution of Clothes at The Gallery of Costume
Is your date a bit of a fashionista? Or do you, metaphorically or otherwise, wear the light-up-flared trousers?
If so, you might want to consider taking your partner on a fashionable journey through time at The Gallery of Costume. This unique venue allows you to trace the evolution of clothing styles and trends, enabling you to get up close with garments which were once considered the height of fashion.
Whether you're fashion enthusiasts or simply curious about history, you'll find this exploration of attire fascinating.
Wander Around Chetham’s Library
Romance and books are almost synonymous with each other, and to really impress your book-loving partner you need only head to Chetham’s Library.
Chetham's Library offers a charming setting for a date steeped in history and literary charm. As you wander among the ancient shelves and centuries-old books, you can almost hear the old books whispering secrets of the past. Invite your bookworm or history buff date on a tour of the library and explore together while metaphorically writing your own love story.
Bonus: If your partner happens to be a cat lover - you can even see Medieval cat flaps installed centuries ago for the rat-catching felines of Manchester!
Summary
So there you have it! 15+ date ideas in Manchester that are fun, romantic and don’t break the bank!
At CityDays, we create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and hidden secrets.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Manchester here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!