Things To Do For Couples In Manchester

Competitive couples rejoice; it's time to find out whether you've got what it takes to be crowned winning bakers. The Big Manchester Bake is a baking experience that provides you with all the ingredients and equipment, so you can whisk up a tasty treat with 90 minutes on the clock. Better yet? One duo per session will be awarded top prize.

One of the most fun things to do in Manchester at night for couples, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is an unmissable prison-themed immersive experience. It'll have you both donning orange jumpsuits, smuggling liquor past the warden and sipping bespoke blends whipped up by inmate bartenders, all while behind bars. You'll even get to snap a mugshot so you'll have something to remember the night by.

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. Whether you're grabbing one of their sustainable cuts of meat with sides like truffle mac 'n' cheese or a pea and burrata ravioli, this spot is bound to impress your date.

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.

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 pretty pink interiors which are perfect for a pic on the 'Gram, these guys have dates covered with a combination of laidback and luxury vibes all in one place. They've got a pretty extensive list of sake on the menu too, pairing perfectly with the oysters and sashimi dishes available.

Mixing stunning food and a celebrity chef status with quirky decor like exposed brick ceilings and huge gold-adorned sofas, 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 eatery in Manchester235 casino, which is perfect for fancy date nights or anniversary celebrations. Their menu changes regularly, but you can expect the likes of wagyu ox cheek or Ribblesdale sheep's cheese pasta here as well as a fantastic afternoon tea.

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 through the process. Not only that, but all the materials you need will be provided and you can go and grab drinks at any time from the fully-stocked bar before leaving with your very own masterpiece.

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 and a glass of prosecco on arrival, before learning how to whip up four different sushi pieces including cucumber maki, salmon nigiri and crunchy California rolls. The expert guides will teach you all about knife skills and how to create the perfect roll too.

Both relaxed and intimate, Project Halcyon is a cool cocktail bar found on the bottom floor of the historic venue Bonded Warehouse. Inspired by 1920s speakeasies, the talented team use their on-site distillery and lab to whip up the most creative concoctions around on an ever changing menu. There's plenty of wine and beer on tap here too, as well as an exclusive absinthe parlour with traditional fountains and a still room which hosts masterclasses and tasting sessions on a regular basis.

For your next date, consider this top pick of outdoor activities where you'll go on a treasure hunt across the city, costing just £19.99 for the two of you. Solve clues, crack codes and decipher puzzles to reveal your prize, which is 20% off food and drink at a local pub - if you can find it. The best part is you can choose to do this activity any time that suits you.

Hey there, gin lovers. Ready for an immersive gin-making experience to shake up your boring ol' dinner and date night? With a G and T in hand, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery will show you the ropes of distillery life, take you through a guided tasting of their core gin range, and teach you the art of making your own unique bottle to take home at their gin making for two event.

Want your date night to be nothing short of lavish? Located in the iconic Free Trade Hall, Peter Street Kitchen is the swanky destination for you. Thanks to a range of Japanese fine dining and Mexican small plates like grilled lobster gyoza tacos and wagyu fried rice, all washed down with fancy wine or sake cocktails, this Spinningfields spot is sure to impress.

Dig into delicate finger sandwiches, sweet treats and indulgent desserts at Cherry Jam's Saturday afternoon tea, or vibe to some cracking tunes while enjoying charcuterie boards to share at their monthly R&B or Top Of The Pops supper club. Better yet, these are bottomless affairs, so you'll enjoy unlimited draught beers and cocktails too. 

Show off your sporty side by arranging a couples outing to Sixes: Manchester's one and only interactive cricket club with AR batting technology. Challenge your other half to games of virtual football, simulator bowling and more before ending the night with cocktails and epic eats like loaded fries, nachos and juicy burgers. They've even got a classy Champagne bar for a romantic drink afterwards.

Adult playgrounds in Manchester don't get much better than Boom Battle Bar in the Printworks. There's something for everyone, with games ranging from prosecco pong or shuffleboard to AR darts and axe throwing - as well as private karaoke rooms and DJ sets every weekend. You'll also be fed and watered by tasty street food like loaded fries or chicken wings and Instagrammable cocktails to boot.

For couples who love to get a little competitive, Treetop Adventure Golf features two indoor 18-hole courses, with themes of tropical or ancient explorers. While you whizz round the course, sip exotic cocktails from The Thirsty Toucan Bar, before finishing up with tantalising handmade slices served by Pizza Cabana. Don't forget to play the bonus 19th hole either, as you may even win a free game.

Grand Pacific is, as the name suggests, pretty damn impressive. Think tropical interiors inspired by destinations all around the world, while fronting architecture from the 19th century. This opulent Spring Gardens spot is serving up an array of pan-Asian delights, including lamb massaman curry, crispy Szechuan squid and roast seabream with a Thai green broth.

The Fitzgerald is a sultry speakeasy-style spot in the Northern Quarter, and every third Saturday of the month you can find a secret bottomless brunch here. This quirky event involves two hours of live entertainment while you sip on endless booze, as well as munching on tasty plates like halloumi burgers, veggie tacos or barbecue chicken tenders before having a boogie.

Late-night live music joint The Blues Kitchen is one slick destination for your next date, thanks to DJ sets every weekend and a spacious venue that's perfect for drinking and dancing all night long. From weekend hip hop bottomless brunches to evening jazz shows and soulful Southern American food like bacon cheeseburgers or smoked back baby ribs, this one's got to be on the list.

The Four Sisters Gin Making Experience is the perfect date idea for those of you who like to get a little creative with your drinks. You'll learn to create your very own recipe from a choice of fragrant ingredients, while enjoying tasty tipples and learning about the history of distilling. The best part? You can reorder your personalised concoction from 11 Central whenever you fancy. And if you don't feel like doing the hard work, there's a gin tasting experience, too. 

Upgrading your couples day out will all rums from the exhibitors including in the £27.50 per person ticket price, the Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025 is a great pick for July. The one-day festival is the original, dedicated rum festival in Manchester and comes complete with a rum cocktail bar and food for extra purchases throughout the day too.

Topping it off? The chance to add on a seminar with top brand to your ticket for an extra tenner each.

Fancy jazzing it up on date night with a selection of 28 arcade games? Then head to NQ64 on Peter Street, or over to its sister site in Manchester's Northern Quarter for an evening packed with competitive, flirty fun. Show off your moves with Dance Stage 2 Euro Mix or shoot 'em up with Time Crisis 2 or 3. There's also a delicious array of themed cocktails to enjoy, such as the fruity spritz Lara's Lost.

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 electronic dartboards and interactive gaming options. Plus, there's also thirst-quenching cocktails like the Raspberry Rose Champagne blend or a frozen Paradise Paloma, as well as tantalising sharing paddles of pizza to fuel your game.

The Library Champagne Bar is one of the city's most unique date night spots, situated just a short walk away from Deansgate. Work your way through a vast selection of signature cocktails and bubbles here, as well as tasty dishes such as seared tuna niçoise salad, corn-fed chicken club sandwiches or lemon basil risotto. Even better? You and your date can tuck into traditional or Champagne afternoon teas, starting from just £34 per person.

From cocktail masterclasses and bottomless board game brunches 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, with tickets to their events starting from as little as £6 per person.

If you want to explore more of the city while sipping some of the tastiest tipples around, Gin Journey Manchester is the perfect quirky date idea for you. You'll visit a number of bars, distilleries and secret drinking dens, while local expert Jono Ojinnaka talks you through the area and the drinks.

Sample a gin taster and a carefully crafted cocktail at each of the four venues, included in the price of your £49.50 ticket. 

Do you and your partner love to get competitive? Then Courts Club is just the place for you. Located at Good Yard Park in Spinningfields, this unique activity bar is equipped with a full basketball and tennis court that you can book with your other half. That's not all though, as they've got plenty of indoor and outdoor tables where you can enjoy cocktails, draught beer and more. Hungry? They've also got hearty sandiwches, loaded gyros and refreshing salads too.

The simulation range at Point Blank Shooting is perfect for competitive couples, allowing you to get stuck into over 200 games and missions on the big screen across your session. Not only that, but the two for £12 cocktail happy hours and Sunday bottomless brunches aren't to be missed, complete with unlimited pizzas and themed concoctions like the AK 40 Lemon or a tequila-based From Dusk Til Dawn.

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 scrumptious small plates like burrata salad or triple-cooked chips, or opt for moreish mains or a tasty brunch - washed down with a fair few gins, naturally.

If you and your other half love to get a little competitive, then Electric Shuffle is the perfect place for you. Found on Deansgate, the retro-industrial bar has high-tech shuffleboard complete with fun twists on the game and automatic scoring. Head over for their boozy brunch too, where you'll get an hour of gaming, two hours of unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco each. 

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, where a talented instructor will be on hand to give you guidance throughout - with tickets starting from just £29 per person.

If you and your partner love beer and are itching to uncover how it's made, then this Microbrewery Experience has got to be one of the best indoor couples activities in Manchester for adults. Think behind the scenes brewhouse tours, alongside plenty of tastings and taproom visits along the way - sampling everything from IPAs to grisettes.

Are you a couple of beer lovers? Then BrewDog's beer school at their rooftop bar Doghouse should stand out for your next date. You'll get guided through tasters of the brand's favourites by an expert team member, enjoying five 1/3 pints of their freshest tipples and a tasty cheeseboard to pair with them, all for just £25 per person. What's more, this fun spot hosts live acoustic music every Saturday or yoga and brunch sessions too.

Impress your partner by showing off your skills at top gaming bar 1UP, complete with over 50 board games, arcade machines and retro consoles. Jump back in time with the help of these timeless old-school offerings, as well as custom-built themed decor like an eight-foot statue of Donkey Kong and Tetris blocks in the toilet. They've also got a themed beer garden and a selection of tasty wings to level-up the experience.

Planning date night but ran out of ideas? Set off on an interactive walking tour with CityDays Manchester together and discover hidden gems. Work together to solve the clues that are sent to your phone to reveal your path past iconic buildings, via a cute cafe or two and discover your new favourite spot along with a healthy dose of facts.

David Hockney has always been ahead of his time, and Bigger And Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away) at Aviva Studios proves it once again.

This immersive experience turns his paintings and sketches into a dynamic spectacle accompanied by a score composed by Nicol Muhly that'll have you craning your neck and gasping in awe. Tickets are available from £10 each and it's perfect for art lovers, casual culture seekers, and even that friend who doesn't really do museums.

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 opulent gold and green interiors and tasty treats on date night - we're talking lobster linguini, chargrilled halloumi with mixed grains or a classic Shepherd's pie.

No guide to date night is complete without Tattu, the lush restaurant and bar in Spinningfields that takes sultry dining to a whole new level. There are incredible cocktails to sip, plus a whole menu of modern Chinese cuisine to chow down on from shredded beef spring rolls to Shanghai black cod, while surrounded by Art Deco touches and those famous blossom trees.

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. Found on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, this spot is serving small plates like tacos and bao buns, alongside classic desserts and intriguing cocktails or natural wines wines to wash it all down.

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 everywhere from the Wharf City Trail to Medlock Valley Way. Explore city trails, canalside jaunts and country park destinations, ranging from short strolls to six-mile hikes.

Mix up your usual outings by taking your other half to DNA VR Manchester, situated in the city centre. 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. With space for up to 15 players at a time, this spot is ideal for group dates too.

A slinky spot in an unassuming part of the city, The Dakota Grill is a restaurant found in the boutique Dakota Hotel, that's also one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Manchester. Boasting sleek interiors and a menu of classic cocktails perfectly matched with impressive dishes like wagyu rib-eye steak or king prawn and coconut curry, this is one for your hit list. They've even got a bespoke Champagne Room too.