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Things To Do in Manchester
Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester.
Be absorbed by the beautiful attractions such as the gothic architecture at John Rylands Library and Manchester Cathedral ; take in fine art at Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth ; discover history, old and new, at Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North ; see contemporary arts redefined at HOME ; or even learn to ski at Chill Factore .
Of course, Manchester is synonymous with football; it’s written in our DNA. So make some time to make a tour of the grounds of Manchester United and Manchester City , and discover the social history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum . You can guarantee a ticket to any Manchester United home game with a Matchday VIP Experience.
For those who enjoy getting active , a short journey from the city centre provides access to beautiful walks within Greater Manchester , such as Hollingworth Lake , Heaton Park , Sale Water Park and Haigh Hall .
And if you need to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. The Science and Industry Museum , Play Factore and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre are great fun for all the family.
Manchester is renowned for its entertainment , with a plethora of cinemas , theatre and legendary clubs for great night-time amusement. There are many opportunities to go sightseeing in Greater Manchester, with a number of walking tours , bus and taxi tours such as the Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour .
As the Gateway to the North , its easy to expand your Manchester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and York.
Things to do in Manchester - Highlights
Take a look at some of our current highlights of what you can do in Manchester
The Whitworth
The Whitworth is proudly part of the University of Manchester and serves as a bridge between the…
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum has been at the heart of the city’s cultural scene for more than 130 years…
Jodrell Bank
Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio…
Knowsley Safari
Where rhino stomp and lions roar, the safari by the city, and so much more. Experience…
Rabbie's Tours
About Rabbie's small-group tours of the UK, Ireland & Europe are driven by curiosity and…
Manchester City Football Club Stadium and Club Tour
Manchester City Stadium Tour is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…
Gulliver's World Resort
With a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and shows to see each day, Gulliver's World…
Manchester Storm Ice Hockey
Manchester Storm is one of the UK's premier ice hockey teams, offering thrilling, fast-paced…
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals based in beautiful, award-winning…
Old Trafford Tour & Museum
Old Trafford Tour & Museum offers a behind the scenes look at the world’s most iconic…
RHS Garden Bridgewater
RHS Garden Bridgewater is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions…
In this section
Attractions.
Explore Manchester's attractions with our guide, featuring a curated selection of landmarks…
Tours & Sightseeing
Embark on an immersive adventure with our guided tours and sightseeing experiences in Manchester…
Uncover a world of excitement in Manchester with our guide to a myriad of activities. From cultural…
Entertainment
Discover a world of entertainment in Manchester with our comprehensive guide. From live performances…
Explore Greater Manchester
Explore Greater Manchester with our guide. Discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic…
Manchester - Gateway To The North
Thanks to our position in the heart of the country, Manchester is the gateway to the…
Sustainable things to do
Find attractions and experiences in Manchester that are working towards minimising their carbon…
Discover Greater Manchester's diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes.
Spinningfields
Explore the diverse offerings of Spinningfields, a central hub in Manchester known for its dining…
MediaCity and The Quays
A unique waterfront location and home to the BBC and ITV, MediaCity and The Quays is home to the…
Lying to the northeast of Manchester, the borough of Oldham is a great combination of spectacular…
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Visit manchester well.
Discover how to make your visit to Manchester sustainable. Enjoy our walkable city, extensive public transport, farm-to-table dining, eco-friendly hotels, and local attractions. Find tips on sustainable travel, accommodations, and activities to help Manchester achieve its Net Zero target by 2038.
Essential Manchester
Read some of our guides for more suggestions on things to do in Manchester
A guide to MediaCity & The Quays
MediaCity and The Quays is an iconic waterfront destination positioned on the banks of the historic…
Plan your visit to Manchester to see Oasis
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The best bars and restaurants to try before or after a gig in Manchester
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Why we love Manchester
Home to world-famous football , renowned art galleries and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester. Once the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, its former industrial buildings now bounce with energy. From the creative to culinary, there’s a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered.
Discover hip new restaurants, diverse food halls, markets and food tours . Stay at quirky or indulgent hotels that fill its once dormant factories. Discover the Norther Quarter and Explore Ancoats . Spend a day rummaging through vintage record stores and retro shops, or head to one of Britain’s most famous gay villages. With a cuisine as diverse as its people, an art scene full of creativity and a nightlife that will leave you dancing from dusk ‘til dawn, you’ll find there’s so much to discover.
Jody Hartley
Manchester, England
Band on the Wall
With live gigs, club nights, shows and more, Band on the Wall is one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues. Celebrating the UK’s diverse communities, there’s also learning sessions, access for all and a speak-easy-style bar for drinks and snacks, too.
RHS/Trevor Ray Hart
Flourishing flora at RHS Garden Bridgewater
Immerse yourself in one of the largest gardening projects in Europe at RHS Garden Bridgewater . Explore the 11-acre walled garden and grab a bite to eat at the Bridgewater Café that has its fruit and vegetables supplied by the evolving Kitchen Garden.
VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett
Home of the quirky and eclectic, Afflecks is a haven for the different, the diverse and the bold. Wander through the maze of indie stalls, zero-waste shops and vintage treasures – you’ll be sure to pick up something unique.
Canal Street
Canal Street is packed with an array of village bars, pubs, tearooms and places to stay. The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s vibrant queer scene. Look out for a range of events, including Trans festival Sparkle and the Bear’s Bash.
Manchester’s flavours at Mackie Mayor
Tuck into deliciously diverse food at this iconic Grade II listed heritage building. On the fringes of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter, Mackie Mayor offers a buzzing scene for foodies. Dine on rustic sourdough pizza or try its hanger steak.
Things to do in Manchester
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The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s queer scene.
Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.
Football in Manchester
Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?
VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
Manchester Museum
In a beautiful Gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.
Manchester Music Walkabout Tour
Strut through the streets and discover the venues and places that make up Manchester’s musical legacy.
Mackie Mayor
This street food market is set in an impressive Victorian building, and is open from breakfast to supper.
Scranchester
This foodie tour visits fantastic cafés, food stalls, delis and more, tasting multiple dishes as you walk.
Freight Island
This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.
Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island
Ducie Street Warehouse
With its chic bar, restaurant, hotel and art house cinema, this is a mini neighbourhood all of its own.
Adam Pester/Memphis Medium
Alternative Manchester LGBTQIA+ Walking Tour
Explore Manchester’s rich rainbow history on this expert-led walking tour of Canal Street.
VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Manchester Pride
The city is home to one of Britain’s biggest Pride festivals, and the Gay Village is its vibrant epicentre.
Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography
Sparkle Weekend
The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.
Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography
Manchester Gay Village
With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.
Manchester Opera House
From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.
AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens
This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.
National Trust/Nick Meers
King Street Townhouse
Treat yourself to bit of top-class pampering at at this city-centre hotel.
Rena Spa at the Midland
Sneak away to this spa hideaway to discover indulgent treatments and a heated swimming pool.
Castlefield Viaduct
A once disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th century features.
National Trust/Annapurna Mellor
Imperial War Museum North
From the First World War to the present day, Imperial War Museum North tells over a century of stories from Britain’s conflicts.
Imperial War Museums
Open Kitchen
Sustainable, ethical and delicious: that’s the mission of the People’s History Museum café.
Herbivorous
Vegan Philly cheesesteak, loaded fries and mac ’n’ cheese? This food stall is 100% plant-based…
Northern Roots
Maybe you’ll try beekeeping, explore on horseback, or venture off-road on a cycling trip?
Alan Hamer/Northern Roots/Marketing Manchester
Skyliner, Manchester
Check out Manchester’s hipster hotspot, take a Skyliner art tour and discover its urban past.
skylinermcr
Palace Theatre Manchester
This historic theatre is a hot ticket for star-studded productions, with a vibrant line-up of shows.
Manchester Art Gallery
This collection spans from Ancient Egypt to present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.
Marketing Manchester
Science and Industry Museum
Discover the human stories and remarkable innovations behind Manchester’s industrial history.
Science Museum Group
MediaCity UK
MediaCity is an iconic waterside destination located just outside of the city centre.
Media City UK
Royal Exchange Manchester
An award-winning theatre and shopping centre, combined in one beautifully restored Victorian complex.
"Rich J Jones Photography/Royal
Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.
Chetham's Library
Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.
Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester
Chill Factore
From pro's to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.
Craft Beer Tour Manchester
Tour Manchester sampling the best of its booming craft beer scene at the same time.
Craft Beer Tours
Dove Stone Reservoir
Get back to nature and count the critters as you walk past woodland, hills and water.
Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography
Manchester Gin
Inspired by the city it was created in, explore the award-winning Manchester Gin Distillery.
Manchester Taxi Tours
See Manchester’s top sites from the comfort of this black electric cab.
National Football Museum
Test your ball skills and football knowledge at the interactive National Football Museum.
Chris Payne Images
From opera to musicals, theatre to comedy, The Lowry is a creative space for all.
RE:TREAT at The Lowry Hotel
Leave your stresses at the door as you step into this sanctuary.
Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel
The Whitworth
Home to historic and contemporary art, explore The Whitworth gallery, park and grounds.
University of Manchester
Manchester International Festival
Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.
Featured things to do
Matt Eachus/Manchester City Centre BID
Manchester Flower Festival
As warmer weather finally arrives, the city starts to bloom. The Manchester Flower Festival takes over the city, flowing with floral installations.
Manchester Pride Festival
Manchester in the summertime bursts with the colour and excitement of its annual Pride Festival. Expect a jam-packed weekend with popular events Gay Village and Pride Parade.
Scranchester Tours
Eat your way around Manchester’s top-notch food scene with Scranchester Tours. Along the way, you’ll learn loads about the city’s food history, from Ancoats’ Little Italy to the birth of vegetarianism.
VisitManchester
Christmas Markets
Soak up the festive spirit at Manchester Christmas Market – explore the city centre filled with food stalls, independent craft sellers, and locally brewed ales this festive season.
Places to stay in Manchester
Northern quarter.
From dirty street food to hidden bars and shops filled with memorabilia, look no further than a stay in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
City centre
For some retail therapy and places to eat around every corner, stay in the heart of Manchester.
Salford Quays
With a wealth of world-class entertainment, sporting activities and cultural facilities on offer, stay in this unique waterfront destination.
Explore nearby
From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.
Oh Me Oh My
Peak District
For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.
VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough
The Peak District, England
A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.
VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton
Chester is captivating with unmissable attractions such as its historic Roman City Walls to Chester Zoo's animal kingdom. See the best things to do here.
VisitBritain/Lisa Ruohoniemi
From its beginnings as a Norman Fortress, Lancaster’s historic buildings and attractions tell epic tales and offer plenty of things to do.
Marketing Lancashire
Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is a place for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.
Salt St for The Outdoor City
Getting to Manchester
Manchester is located in the north of England, situated in the county of Greater Manchester. Manchester Airport is one north England’s main international hubs, welcoming travellers from all over the world. As the largest airport outside of London, Manchester flies to around 225 destinations worldwide.
Manchester is approximately 200 miles (322km) north of London and it takes just over two hours to travel from London to Manchester by train. It’s easy to take a train to Manchester from all of Britain’s cities.
Getting around
With fantastic public transport served by bus, tram and rail, it’s super easy to explore Manchester. Plan your journey with Transport for Greater Manchester, jump aboard a free bus or pick up a System One Travelcard for seamless travel via rail, tram and bus.
Greater Manchester is served by the Bee Network which also covers the tram network. With hundreds of routes which run throughout the city, affordable and flexible tickets can be used on any bus and tram.
With one of the best tram networks in Britain, it’s easy to get around by Metrolink which sits under the Bee Network . You can also plan train journeys and book tickets on the main rail network .
A bike-friendly city, there are loads of cycle routes and dedicated lanes, making exploring by bike hassle-free.
Want to know more?
Don’t forget to check out Visit Manchester, where you’ll find top tips on what to see and do, and much more.
The top 12 things to do in Manchester
Oct 5, 2022 • 7 min read
Manchester is a famously queer-friendly city especially the village around Canal Street © trabantos / Getty Images
Mancunians are fiercely proud of their city. And rightly so as the ever-growing metropolis houses an impressive collection of attractions, with options to appease even the most cultured visitors.
It’s not just football and great music, either. Awesome art galleries, museums with free entry and all manner of festivals are possible contenders for your itinerary. Not sure where to start? Here’s just a snapshot of the best things to do in Manchester.
1. Go to a gig
The Madchester years may be over and the Haçienda long gone (or, rather, remodeled as a block of flats), but Manchester ’s musical spirit remains very much alive. The city has nurtured numerous bands over the years and still plays host to countless live music venues.
Attending a gig is easily one of the best things to do in Manchester at night. Band on the Wall and the Deaf Institute showcase an eclectic mix of up-and-coming acts, while the MEN Arena is the domain of globally renowned superstars. You could also treat your ears to free live jazz at friendly neighborhood bar Matt and Phreds or listen to classical masterpieces courtesy of the Hallé Orchestra at Bridgewater Hall .
Detour: The Science and Industry Museum's Turn It Up: The power of music exhibit lets visitors get hands-on with music making, with displays that include odd and groundbreaking instruments and a space to create your own masterpiece.
2. Explore the Northern Quarter
Manchester’s hippest neighborhood sits a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Gardens and offers numerous refreshing alternatives to the chain cafes and high street stores of nearby Market Street.
As well as being adorned with thought-provoking street art, the Northern Quarter’s red brick buildings are filled with vintage clothing shops, indie record stores and quirky themed bars.
Some of the best restaurants in Manchester can be found here, too. Head to Northern Soul Grilled Cheese for a cheap and indulgently cheesy lunch. You could also join the queue for a table at Aussie-run brunch spot, Federal , where great coffee is served alongside plates piled high with smashed avocado, grilled halloumi and freshly-baked sourdough toast.
Local tip: With lots of boutique hotels and situated in a convenient location, the Northern Quarter is also a good place to stay in Manchester.
3. Indulge your inner football fan
Manchester is the home of not one, but two legendary football teams. Whether your loyalties lie with Manchester City or Manchester United , you’ll find much to entertain you at the National Football Museum . Tucked behind the cathedral, it’s the biggest museum of its kind and one of the most popular attractions in Manchester.
Local Tip: Rather see a ball being kicked across the pitch? The Premier League season kicks off in early September, with matches hosted at both the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford. Pick up tickets for as little as £20 or go inside Old Trafford during a private stadium tour.
4. Tick off some museums
There’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in Manchester. With no fewer than ten museums located within the city limits, it’s an excellent place to expand your knowledge on a range of different subjects.
Learn about the Suffragette Movement at the Pankhurst Centre or uncover the city’s natural history at the Manchester Museum . The Imperial War Museum North in Salford Quays is as educational and evocative as its London counterpart.
Visiting with kids? The Science and Industry Museum is hands down one of the best things to do in Manchester as a family. It’s lodged inside the oldest railway terminus in the world and has some brilliant interactive exhibits, including astronaut virtual reality experiences for wannabe space explorers.
5. John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library – with its Gothic facade and dramatic interiors that wouldn’t look out of place in a Sherlock Holmes mystery – is more than just a giant storehouse for rare books. It’s stood on the same spot on Deansgate since the 1890s and is probably the city’s most impressive heritage site.
A visit to the library is one of the best things to do in Manchester, whether you’re a certified bookworm or not. Entry is free and it’ll take you less than an hour to admire its wood-paneled reading rooms, sweeping stone staircases and glass cases filled with fading, antique papyrus.
6. Eat your way around the city
If you take away one piece of advice, let it be this: always come to Manchester with an appetite. The city has some serious culinary credentials, spanning Michelin-starred fine dining to vegan-friendly fast food. Mouth-watering global cuisine is always on the menu, too.
Ancoats (the Northern Quarter’s equally cool neighbor) is Manchester’s unofficial Little Italy and where you’ll be able to gorge on stonebaked pizza and other carb-heavy delights. For fragrant ramen and delectable dim sum, the brightly decorated restaurants of Chinatown are your best bet.
Local Tip: Searching for a cozy Sunday lunch spot? Book a table at Sam’s Chop House . It’s one of the best pubs in Manchester and still has the same moody Victorian decor as it did when it opened in 1868.
7. Check out the city’s craft beer scene
Manchester is swiftly catching up with the capital when it comes to craft beer. A good chunk of its breweries (many of them with onsite bars) lie a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. This includes trendy Cloudwater Brewing Co and the slightly more rustic Alphabet Brewing Company.
Detour: Prefer a G&T? The Manchester Gin distillery behind the Odeon Great Northern offers terrific tasting tours.
8. Hit up a market
Sucker for a good market? Manchester has plenty. Foodies will be thoroughly satisfied with the treats on offer at Altrincham Market and Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter. If it's vintage treasures you’re seeking, make a beeline for eclectic Afflecks on Church Street. There’s also the Didsbury Maker’s Market – an emporium of locally made gifts and crafts – which sets up shop just off Burton Road on the last Sunday of every month.
9. Salford Quays
Looking for things to do outside Manchester City Center? Hop on the tram and head for Salford Quays. The modern waterfront district is on the site of the former Manchester Docks and serves as the home of the BBC and ITV in the North. You’ll spot their studio buildings in the aptly named MediaCityUK .
Directly opposite is The Quays, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Within it is the Lowry , one of the top-performing arts centers in the region, and Salford Water Sports Centre where you can hire paddleboards or kayaks to explore the surrounding canals.
10. Attend one of Manchester’s many festivals
No matter the season , there’s bound to be a festival to take your fancy. Mancunians love to celebrate, whether that’s by heading en masse to Heaton Park for the Parklife music festival or by lining the streets of the Gay Village for the annual Pride parade.
You could also enjoy avant-garde film screenings and immersive performance art at the biannual Manchester International Festival or join in with the Lunar New Year festivities in Manchester’s Chinatown in early February.
11. Take a dip at Victoria Baths
This early Edwardian swimming pool turned cultural events venue is worth trekking up Oxford Road for. Victoria Baths first opened in 1906, and it’s managed to retain its period beauty. Original tiles cover the walls of the entrance hall, while powder blue changing cubicles with red and white striped curtains line the edge of the female baths.
The long-term goal is to refurbish it as a public pool and Turkish bath. For now, though, Victoria Baths is open for tours between March and September.
Local tip: Various events are held throughout the year too, including the Vintage Home Show in June and a pop-up festive cinema in December.
12. Embark on an art-themed tour of the city
Art fanatics will be in their element in Manchester. The Whitworth Art Gallery ’s collections are vast and include prints by Renoir and Cezanne, as well as a room dedicated entirely to wonderfully colorful wallpaper.
Back in the city center, Manchester Art Gallery is a haven for fine art aficionados and usually has a fantastic temporary modern art exhibition. You could also browse bold works with hefty price tags at Castle Fine Art Gallery on King Street.
Local tip: After a unique date idea? Leisurely uncovering the street art of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats – preferably with a coffee in hand – is one of our top things to do in Manchester as a couple.
This article was first published Apr 21, 2022 and updated Oct 5, 2022.
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