Things for couples to do in Manchester

If you’re trying to plan date night but you’re stuck for ideas, then look no further. Here’s some of our suggestions for things to do for couples in Manchester. 

For a date full of culture, head to the Manchester Art Gallery and take in the two floors of painting and exhibitions. Manchester Art Gallery is free to enter and open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. The first floor tells a story using pieces from 1600s-1800s, with a designated area specifically for Art in the Netherlands, while the second floor contains exhibits which change a few times a year. If you’ve worked up an appetite after all that walking, take your partner to the café and enjoy a coffee and a cake and put your feet up for a minute. On your way out, visit the gift shop where you can buy your partner a postcard version of their favourite work of art. 

Manchester is home to a number of theatres, so why not take advantage of having them so nearby? Whether you prefer musicals or serious dramas, there will be a show for everyone, so keep an eye out for something that catches your eye. Make it an event and dress up, book a romantic dinner, and then watch the performers take to the stage and immerse yourselves in another world for a couple of hours. If you know that your partner loves the stage, this will be top of the list of romantic things you can do in Manchester. 

If puzzles are your thing, put your relationship to the test by attempting an escape room. Breakout Manchester has rooms such as The Cursed Carnival, The Magic Emporium, The Detective Agency, and much more so, whether you fancy the spy life or trying your hand at magic, there’s a room for you. Sci-fi, Wild West, or pirate fans should pay a visit to Escape Hunt where the themed rooms will feel like real life. For couples who like a challenge, this is a twist on your everyday date idea. 

For a delicious high quality meal, visit 63 Degrees. Coffee experts say this is the perfect temperature for coffee to be served at, and the chef at 63 Degrees specialises in cooking his food at exactly 63 degrees to get a unique flavour and texture. The French cocktails are not to be missed either! 

20 Stories is a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of Manchester. Try out the restaurant or the cocktail bar and head out onto the terrace where you can cosy up with a drink around the firepits. Gin fans should keep Three Little Words in mind - with an extensive gin-based cocktail menu, you’ll never run out of options. Pair the cocktails with bar nibbles or small plates such as focaccia or triple-cooked chips and enjoy. 

Add an exciting twist to your evening and book a table at The Washhouse for an experience like no other. The venue may look unassuming, set up as a laundromat with nothing but washing machines and a telephone but, once you get inside, you’ll find a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The “Soft Brex-fast” is served with a bowl of Coco Pops and the cocktail is in a glass milk bottle, while the “This Mary Ain’t Going Nowhere” is a spicy, chorizo infused Bloody Mary. Plan your visit by booking a “wash” online and once you arrive, speak into the phone on the wall and watch the magic happen.

For more inspiration, read our blog on the best places to eat in Deansgate or things to do in Manchester when it rains.