Here are 10 new places to take your date in Manchester, for different student budgets

Because we’re all on a budget, aren’t we?

2 months ago

Whether you’re doing long distance, committing flat-cest, or going on a friend date, I’ve managed to compile a list of perfect date ideas from completely free to on the slightly more spenny side. This list was inspired by my long-distance boyfriend coming to visit and me having way too many ideas on where I wanted to take him – because why does Manchester have so much to do?

So, Iope your date enjoys Manchester! But if you’re reading this single, all these can be done with a friend or on your own too!

1. Cloud 23 in Deansgate Manchester (Price range: High)

Starting off with the fanciest place I’ve ever been to is the sky bar in the Hilton Deansgate Hotel. With a panoramic view of the city’s skyline, combined with a luxurious seating area and chandeliers, it truly is like an episode of Gossip Girl.

The only downside however is that one drink will probably cost you the same as a deposit for a house (I managed to drink one glass of wine for three hours). Disregarding this, it is a super romantic setting if you want a bit of a splurge.

2. Studio Bar, Fallowfield (Price range: Low)

A cheaper option is the pub quiz on a Monday night Studio Bar for £2. If you’re feeling competitive you could both play against each other, or alternatively play on the same team if quizzes aren’t your strong suit.

The quiz has around five rounds, mostly based on music and general knowledge, with the winner receiving a £100 bar tab. £50 each isn’t so bad right??

3. Gail’s cafe, Deansgate (Price range: Low)

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A recent discovery is Gail’s cafe, a cute cafe filled with gorgeous pastries and sweet treats. After exploring the city of Manchester with your date, a coffee is an absolute essential. With the rewards app you can even get a free barista made drink (no this isn’t sponsored). Be warned though, the queues are quite long – make sure you’re not in a rush!

4. Didsbury Park and Alexandra Park (Price range: Free)

For anyone who has scrolled to find the free ones you are so real for that. After spending your whole student loan on the above activities, you’re probably left wondering if there’s anything actually free in Manchester. As someone who ended up spending £40 on stagecoach in Freshers’ Week, I spent the entire next week finding free places I could go to which were actually fun. If you’re fancying a cute, picturesque walk, then my top recommendations would be Didsbury park or Alexandra Park!

5. University of Manchester Museum (Price range: Free)

If you’re really looking to gloat about going to a cool and historic university then the place I would take your date would be the museum (unless you met them here, but still would be cute to go and appreciate your uni together).

Filled with a bunch of artefacts and culture, you can both learn about Manchester’s complex history, and again completely free!

6. 19 Cafe Bar (Price range: Medium)

Tried and tested by me and my friend when we came on an open day, this place single handedly convinced me to come to university here (just kidding… or am I?).

7. Franco Manca (Price range: Medium)

Classic date is of course a meal. If you’re both tired of having the classic pesto pasta student meal every night then grab a pizza at Franco Manca. And, its student deal is £9.95 for a pizza and soft drink!

8. Afflecks (Price range: Depends on if you buy anything)

One of the coolest shops in Manchester is an independent shop called Afflecks, not far from Piccadilly Gardens. Could you class this as a date? Maybe not, but I had to add it because it has everything ranging from posters, badges, a cafe, vintage clothing and a photo booth. If you’ve ever been a fan of anything in your life, I guarantee there will be some form of memorabilia of it in this shop.

9. An event of sorts (Price range: Medium/high)

If there’s anything about Manchester is that it always has some kind of event on every week. Instagram is a good place to start to find out about events – one of my favourites has been Swiftogeddon at Freight Island!

10. The Vue, Printworks (Price range: Low)

One of my favourite date ideas is of course the cinema. There is so much coming out soon such as Wicked, Moana 2 and Venom: The Last Dance. Use Student Beans for two or one cinema tickets.