Liverpool is the perfect place for date night!
We've got the wow factor when it comes to impressing people, whether you want to impress a first date, a friend visiting the city or just someone special in your life, there is no better place for that perfect date than Liverpool.
To help with the planning we have put together some examples of different things you can do in the city depending on what kind of date you are after. A first date, mate date, fun date, even a dog walking date, we’ve got you covered!
First Date
So, it’s your first date, and first impressions count. Maybe you want to start in a bar to break the ice and get the conversation rolling over a drink, we’d recommend meeting in The Merchant or Abditory, both bars boast great cocktails, boss music and a social, relaxed atmosphere for you to sit and chat.
You’ll be truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine. We would recommend dining in Salt House Bacaro on Castle Street for the most delicious Italian and Spanish sharing plates, or to Fazenda for a traditional Brazilian meal with their lavish salad bar and rotating servings of meats.
If the night is going well and you want to keep the drinks flowing, head over to Neighbourhood or Alchemist for trendsetting cocktails and watch the bars transform into some of the city’s best nightclubs.
Romantic Date
If you’re looking to pull out all the stops, we’d recommend booking a table at Panoramic 34 at sunset for a truly unique experience. Panoramic 34 is Liverpool’s tallest restaurant and gives breathtaking 360° view of the city’s skyline, iconic river and region beyond.
Another impressive restaurant for fine dining in Liverpool is multi award-winning London Carriage Works in the middle of Hope Street, the epicenter of the city’s fashionable Georgian Quarter. The restaurant serves modern British dishes complemented by local, fresh and seasonal produce.
Impress your date with your knowledge of Liverpool’s secret bars. 81 Ltd is a beautiful speakeasy bar on Seel Street, however you will have to text to receive a secret code to guarantee entrance. Similarly, around the corner you might initially struggle to find Berry and Rye, hidden away with no signage. But once you find the black door, give it a couple of knocks and you’ll be welcomed in. This compact bar oozes style, choose one of their incredible cocktails from inside the beautifully illustrated classic books, sit back, relax and enjoy the live jazz music.
Mate Date
If you haven’t experienced a night out in Liverpool before, then you’re missing out. We’re not even being biased; Liverpool’s nightlife was voted number 3 on Rough Guide’s Bucket List in 2017 – nestled between visiting the Great Wall of China and Siq to Petra! So, it’s officially up there with the best places to experience before you pop your clogs!
If you’re showing Liverpool off to a friend who hasn’t visited the city before, we recommend heading to the city’s ‘coolest’ area, the Baltic Triangle. It’s the place for fun, alternative dining, partying and even more partying.
Head to the Baltic Market tucked away behind Cains Brewery Village to find Liverpool’s first-ever street food market. Sample through the very best of Liverpool’s independent foodie vendors that change all the time so there's all the more reason to make that return trip. Get your hands on everything from Halloumi Fries to Japanese Bao Buns, stone baked pizzas and some epic bubble waffles.
Around the corner is Content, home to the revolutionary game Bongo’s Bingo. Expect impromptu raves, dance off’s and prizes so bad they’re good, you and your mate will have a great night out here.
If you end up heading back into town, we’d recommend heading to the Kazimier Garden, Crazy Pedro’s or Manolo to finish off an unforgettable night.
Fun Date
It’s not all about the candle lit dinners and fancy date nights, sometimes it’s all about the fun and there’s plenty to do in Liverpool for that alternative date night. Head down to The Baltic Triangle for a round of Ghetto Golf and challenge your date to see who can become the crazy golf champion.
If you fancy something more challenging book into one of Breakout’s escape rooms and work together to crack the codes and break out in one piece. If you manage to escape, head over to NQ64 for some cocktails and continue the competition with some vintage arcade games and retro games consoles. You can even book a lane at Liverpool's new bowling alley PINS to keep the competition
going.
Everyone loves a game of monopoly, right? What better way to spend an afternoon with your date than at Sugar & Dice, Liverpool’s very own board game cafe. If monopoly isn’t your thing then browse their incredible board game collection for something that takes your fancy.
You might not win anything but bragging rights will tide you over until your next date, a bit of friendly competition is always healthy!
Brunch Date
Sometimes it’s all about brunch and you can't go wrong with a Sunday morning date over a stack of pancakes. Head down to Moose Coffee on Dale Street or Hope Street for some impressive American pancakes, a glass of orange juice and a cosy chat.
If you fancy something a bit more traditional, The Brunch Club on Duke Street or The Quarter in The Georgian Quarter are the perfect places to grab a coffee and a full English breakfast whilst watching the world go by.
If you happen to meet up on a nice day, grab a coffee and pastry to go from Bold Street Coffee or Artisane and take a stroll round the city - breakfast has never been so romantic!
Cinema Date
If you’re both film fans then a cinema date is definitely a must! Head over to the Odeon in Liverpool ONE for those blockbuster films and then grab a post movie dinner out on the terrace.
If you fancy an independent film surrounded by some brilliant visual art then FACT on Wood Street is the perfect place for date night. Explore their fascinating exhibition, head up stairs for a relaxing drink at the bar and then enjoy your film!
For something a bit special, The Everyman Cinema on Victoria Street will definitely impress your date. Instead of the usual cinema seats you will find plush sofas for two and the option to have food and drink ordered to your own personal couch, this is definitely one for those special occasions.
Culture Date
For something a bit more relaxed, why not head out for a culture trip and explore Liverpool’s selection of museums and art galleries, there’s definitely plenty to keep you entertained for the day.
At the Royal Albert Dock you will find Tate Liverpool and it’s always worth taking a look in there for a selection of world famous art. Across the way on Liverpool’s Waterfront is the Museum of Liverpool, not only does it tell a brilliant story of Liverpool's past, it also boasts great views of the Three Graces, definitely a selfie moment!
Over at St George’s Quarter you will find The World Museum, The Walker Art Gallery and Central Library to explore. Discover the ancient history of Egypt at The World Museum, ponder over some Renaissance masterpieces at The Walker Art Gallery and be awed by the amazing Picton Reading Room or views from the roof terrace at Central Library. It will give you plenty of talking points and make for a great day out.
Dog Walking Date
If you’ve got a pet pooch that would like to join you on your date there are plenty of places that will accommodate you all. Crosby Beach is just a 15 minute train ride out of the city centre and is the perfect place for a romantic stroll whilst your canine friends enjoy running around in the sandy open space. For something a bit closer to the city action head to Sefton Park and explore the beautiful gardens or go on a hunt for the iconic Palm House.
If you all need a refreshment after the long walk, there are plenty of dog friendly bars and coffee shops that will happily serve your pup a bowl of water too. Brewdog on Colquitt Street, Thoughtfully Cafe on Duke Street and The Baltic Fleet and The Baltic Market in The Baltic Triangle will be more than welcoming of you and your pets. Who knew dog walking could be so romantic?
Theatre Date
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the theatre on date night and lucky enough, Liverpool has some world class theatres to help you plan for the perfect show. This year The Liverpool Empire Theatre has everything from touring West End productions of Heathers the Musical and The Book of Mormon to Mamma Mia! and Hairspray that will have you up on your feet dancing!
The Everyman and Playhouse Theatres have special productions of Six and Conversations with Stacey Dooley coming up and The Royal Court always has something funny on if you’re after a laugh at the theatre. Keep an eye out for what is going on at The Unity Theatre and The Epstein Theatre too, there is always something new and interesting going on down there.
Team the show with a romantic meal at your favourite restaurant and you’re in for a night you won't forget in a hurry. Break a leg!
There are plenty of things to do in Liverpool regardless of the occasion but these are just a few ideas to help you get the ball rolling and have that great day out, you never know, it might lead to something special...