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If you’ve booked a mini-break to Manchester with your significant other or you live in the city and you’re looking for new things to do, I’ve rounded up some of the best things for couples to do in Manchester. There’s plenty to do in the city for date nights.
From activities in Manchester for couples like ten-pin bowling and second-hand shopping to relaxing with a cocktail, this list will help you make the most of your time together in Manchester. Oh, and it wouldn’t be a Manchester list without some music-related activities.
Read on for some fun things to do in Manchester for couples.
Play games at Dog Bowl
One of the most fun things to do for couples in Manchester is to visit Dog Bowl and play some games. They have ten-pin bowling and retro arcade games so you can challenge your partner.
They also serve food with a menu featuring burgers and pizzas, plus a range of delicious cocktails and craft beers as well as non-alcoholic options.
See a football match
You can’t visit Manchester without doing something to do with football. The city has two huge Premier League teams – Manchester City and Manchester United and both of their grounds are in the city.
Even if you’re not into football, the atmosphere in the ground will help you both get into it. You can grab food and drinks at the bar inside before heading to your seats.
Tickets can be tricky to get so try to book as far in advance as possible.
Free walking tour
A free walking tour is my favourite way to discover a new city, and I have done lots of them when travelling as a couple. A walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and learn more about the history and heritage of the city.
This one takes you around some of the most important buildings in Manchester including the Free Trade Hall, the Midland Hotel, and the Albert Hall.
Book a free walking tour of Manchester
Go record shopping
It’s not just football that Manchester is famous for, it’s also known for its incredible music scene. Manchester is home to several independent record stores including Vinyl Exchange, Eastern Bloc, and Piccadilly Records.
Browse through the second-hand and new records and share in the nostalgia of older music.
Enjoy cocktails with a view at Cloud23
One of my favourite bars in Manchester is Cloud23, on the 23rd floor of the landmark Beetham Tower in the city. The bar has fantastic views over the city and serves signature cocktails, champagne, and afternoon tea.
Cloud23 is perfect for a romantic afternoon or evening. Make a reservation in advance to ensure that you can get a table – it can get busy here at peak times like the weekend.
See live music at The Blues Kitchen
Another fun thing for couples to do in Manchester is to see some live music at The Blues Kitchen. At this cool restaurant they have live music every evening until late.
They also have a great menu with barbecue food, burgers and cocktails. I went here just before Christmas and saw a gospel group singing Christmas songs – it was amazing!
Visit the National Football Museum
Another football thing for couples to do in Manchester is to visit the National Football Museum in the city centre. It has the world’s most extensive collection of football objects and archives with over 2,500 objects on display.
From vintage football shirts and boots to trophies and cups, there is so much to see here and you can easily spend a few hours looking around. I’ve visited here a couple of times and the last time I visited, I noticed there had been a lot of additions detailing the history of the women’s game which I loved!
Marvel at the paintings in the Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery is a cultured way to spend an afternoon in the city. It’s the perfect rainy day activity and it’s free to enter.
They have over 2,500 pieces of art including sculptures and paintings. Lots of the artworks here have been inspired by Manchester or created by people from the city.
The building that the art gallery is housed in is pretty impressive too – it’s over 200 years old.
Browse independent crafts at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre
If you’re a crafty couple then a trip to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre (MCAD) in the Northern Quarter should be on your weekend itinerary. This building used to be a daily market but it now functions as a creative space for local makers and visitors.
You’ll find over 30 independent artists with quirky crafts, designs, and artworks. You can find everything here including jewellery, textiles, accessories, ceramics, glass, prints, and homeware.
There’s also a cafe where you can grab a cuppa and a bite to eat.
Eat pizza at Diecast
For a great place to eat in Manchester try Diecast. Diecast is a new addition to Manchester’s food and drink scene and offers a creative neighbourhood with a beer hall and the Leno Ex Machina pizzeria.
The pizza is fantastic and they also serve a range of cocktails. There’s a DJ here too, spinning tunes until late but the music is a good volume that doesn’t get in the way of conversation.
Create a self-guided music tour
One of the best fun things to do in Manchester for couples is to take a self guided music tour. As I’ve already mentioned, Manchester has a brilliant music scene and musical heritage.
My fiancé loves music so when we visited Manchester, I designed a self-guided music tour. The tour included the record shops I’ve already mentioned plus other locations that have a musical heritage.
Try Salford Lads Club which has a room dedicated to The Smiths, Epping Walk Bridge where one of the most famous pictures of Joy Division was taken, and the modern flats that are built on the site of the legendary Hacienda nightclub.
Do a stadium tour
Ok, this is the last football-related activity on my list of days out in Manchester for couples. You can do a stadium tour of both Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.
We did the Old Trafford Stadium tour where we got to walk out of the tunnel, see the dressing rooms, and sit in the stadium seats. Walk in the footsteps of the players and see the press room where the manager gives their press conferences.
A stadium tour is a must-do for anyone who is interested in football.
Skiing at Chill Factore
If you’re both active, one of the fun things to do in Manchester for couples is to visit Chill Factore. Chill Factore is the UK’s longest indoor snow slope and offers skiing and snowboarding.
You can book a session if you know what you’re doing or take a skiing or snowboarding lesson if you’re beginners.
Go shopping at The Trafford Centre
If you both like shopping then the Trafford Centre is a must-visit in Manchester. With a mixture of high end designer department stores like Selfridges, and high street favourites, you could spend hours browsing the shops here.
When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, you can head to one of the many restaurants to refuel. There’s also laser quest, arcade games, a cinema, and mini golf.
It’s easy to get here from the city centre, just hop on the tram and it’s around a 20 minute journey.
Head out to the Peak District
If you’re staying in Manchester for a few days, and you’ve seen enough of the Manchester attractions for couples, why not head out of the city into the nearby countryside? Walks in the hills of the Peak District are within a 40 minute drive and it’s a beautiful place to visit.
Routes close by include Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the national park, Bleaklow and the plane crash site, and Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. Wander hand in hand through the beautiful countryside and enjoy the views.
Where to stay as a couple in Manchester
One for the football fans
My boyfriend is a big Manchester United fan, so where better for us to stay than Hotel Football? Hotel Football is a unique football-themed hotel which overlooks the Old Trafford football ground, home to Manchester United.
It’s owned by former Man U players Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, and Gary Neville. We stayed in one of the Class of 92 rooms which has a stadium view, memorabilia on the walls, and a complimentary mini bar.
Best for location
If you’re looking for somewhere with easy walking access to Manchester’s city centre sights then Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel would be a great choice. The hotel is just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station and overlooks the Piccadilly Gardens.
I stayed there in December and had a fantastic view over the Christmas market. The hotel has a gym, bar, and complimentary high-speed wi-fi.
I stayed in a Privilege room which had an LED TV, complimentary bottled water, and a Nespresso coffee machine. My favourite thing about staying in Mercure hotels is the fantastic breakfast they offer.
You can choose from a hot and cold buffet breakfast including full English options, pastries, meats and cheeses, and cereal.
Book Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
Cheap and cheerful
If you’re on a budget city break, you can’t go wrong with a stay at YHA Manchester. Located in Castlefield, just a 15-minute walk from all the sights of the city centre, this hostel has vibrant social spaces and private rooms in Manchester.
The hostel has free on-site parking, a bar and restaurant, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast.
Manchester offers a vibrant array of activities for couples, from exploring its rich history and culture to indulging in its thriving food scene and enjoying romantic strolls through beautiful parks.
Whether you’re catching a live show, discovering hidden gems in the Northern Quarter, or simply unwinding in a cozy café, Manchester is brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable memories together. If you’re planning a family getaway instead, you might want to consider the exciting adventures awaiting just a short drive away.
