Manchester is one of the North's most vibrant cities, bursting with energy and character that makes it a perfect place to visit. Whether you're going on a day trip, staying one night or a whole weekend, you'll never be short of things to do in Manchester.
Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the city has a rich history in science, politics, music, arts, and sport, to name but a few. From world-famous football stadiums to an iconic music scene and culture, Manchester has so much to explore. The city centre is jam-packed with diverse bars and restaurants, spanning a range of cuisines to suit your mood. If you're looking to shop 'til you drop, head to the renowned Trafford Centre or take a stroll around the Northern Quarter for independent shopping and crafts. There's also a variety of museums, galleries and more to discover, along with all the concerts and music festivals you don’t want to miss.
Outside of the city centre, Greater Manchester has more to enjoy. Take in the sights of the countryside, visit a traditional pub for a Sunday roast, or go further afield to one of the nearby market towns for a wander. Make the most of your visit with a sightseeing tour and take in everything the gateway to the North has to offer.
For discounted access to attractions across Greater Manchester, discover the Visit Manchester Pass, a digital 1, 2, or 3-day digital visitor pass so you can save on your trip while seeing more of what the city has to offer.
The best food and drink in Manchester
Manchester’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering a vibrant array of food and drink options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From Michelin-guide restaurants to bustling food halls, you will find dedicated restaurants to satisfy any of your sweet and savoury cravings, and maybe even a tour or two!
Ancoats, known as Manchester’s newest ‘cool’ neighbourhood, is home to an eclectic mix of eateries where you can enjoy everything from artisanal pizzas at Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana to a Michelin-star experience at mana.
For those who prefer a fine dining experience, Peter Street Kitchen, located inside The Edwardian Hotel, delivers an unforgettable culinary journey through fine contemporary Japanese and Mexican cuisines. The city’s promising coffee and brunch scene is also not to be missed, with numerous independent cafes serving expertly brewed coffee alongside delicious pastries and light bites, such as Federal and Ezra & Gil.
Beer enthusiasts will find their haven in Manchester’s numerous craft breweries and pubs offering a wide selection of locally brewed ales and lagers, including Track Brewing Co and The Marble Arch. A short train journey from the centre, Stockport is rising in popularity with the Underbanks boasting impressive food spots and bars.
Discover the many food halls around the city, where you’ll find extraordinary world cuisine under one roof. Make your way to MediaCity and try Kargo MKT, with waterfront outdoor sitting and featuring an impressive 20 independent kitchens, or discover Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter, a popular foodie spot inside a former Victorian building.
If you want to eat your way around the city, join Scranchester, a dedicated food tour where you’ll discover Manchester’s food history, or try out the Manchester Wine Tours, run by a dedicated wine expert that will show you some of the best wines in the city.
There is no shortage of food and drink options to choose from in Manchester, to get you filled with energy for your visit.
The heart and soul of Manchester
Boasting a rich heritage and a thriving arts scene, Manchester is a cultural powerhouse. It was the birthplace of British Suffragette activist Emmeline Pankhurst, the city where the world’s first stored-program computer was invented, and the home to the world’s longest running soap opera – Coronation Street.
The world’s first industrial city, Manchester was a hub for the cotton industry with its many mills and warehouses. At the Science and Industry Museum, you can explore fascinating exhibitions on the city’s industrial past and its influence around the globe. Manchester is also a UNESCO City of Literature, and you can delve into its literary past by visiting North and South author Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and the iconic Chetham’s Library, the oldest library in the English-speaking world.
Manchester Art Gallery offers a stunning collection of British and European art spanning centuries and genres, including Pre-Raphaelite paintings, while the Whitworth Art Gallery, houses an impressive collection of contemporary pieces. Salford Museum & Art Gallery is a striking building that features a reconstructed Victorian street, Lark Hill Place, displaying original shop fronts.
Manchester’s musical legacy is legendary, having been the stage for iconic moments such as the infamous “Judas!” shout as Bob Dylan played the electric guitar, or the 1976 Sex Pistols gig at Free Trade Hall that would become the inspiration for world-renowned bands including The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division, all hailing from Manchester.
Music fans can revel in the impressive programme of events and the many live music venues, including two of the biggest arenas in the UK, AO Arena and Co-op Live, both of which welcome world-renowned artists to the stage. More intimate spots, including restored chapel Albert Hall and Band on the Wall, one of the oldest venues in Manchester, are favourites amongst locals and visitors alike.
Palace Theatre and Opera House regularly welcome popular musicals and plays, while Aviva Studios, home to Factory International, adapts to any event, from intimate gigs to huge exhibitions. It is also home to the biennial Manchester International Festival, an international arts festival bringing exciting artists from around the world to showcase new original work.
Manchester’s cultural landscape is wide and varied, whether you’re looking to attend a world-class gig or dive into the rich history of the city, there is something to inspire everyone.
Take in Manchester's iconic attractions
Manchester is full of attractions that cater to all interests and ages, with plenty of interesting museums, stunning galleries and iconic stadium tours.
A striking neo-Gothic Grade I-listed building in the heart of the city, John Rylands Library offers a glimpse into the past with its extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts and archives, and is popular amongst visitors due to its spectacular reading room. The stunning Manchester Cathedral is a must-visit, a wonder of the medieval times restored during the Victorian era, open for visitors and events, including special candlelight concerts.
Football devotees can walk the steps of their idols by visiting Old Trafford, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ and home to Manchester United, or the Etihad Stadium, the modern ground where Manchester City play. Both stadiums offer behind-the-scenes tours, providing fascinating insights into the world of these legendary teams. The National Football Museum is a must-visit for fans, offering interactive exhibitions packed with historic memorabilia of the ‘beautiful game’.
Trafford Palazzo is home to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, which features miniature versions of Manchester landmarks, and SEA LIFE, with its mesmerising ocean tunnel. Dinosaur enthusiasts will want to meet Stan the T-Rex at Manchester Museum, where you’ll also find the incredible South Asian and Egyptian galleries, and a vivarium housing critically endangered species.
If you’re an avid soap opera fan, the Coronation Street Experience is a must-do while you’re in Manchester. Located in MediaCity, the tour will take you through the iconic locations of the TV show.
For those seeking a touch of nature, the East Lancashire Railway in Bury offers a magical day aboard a real steam train, with 12 miles of gorgeous countryside for you to hop-on and hop-off as you want. In Altrincham you can wander the stunning grounds of Dunham Massey, watching the herd of fallow dear that roam free in the parkland.
There are plenty more attractions to discover across Manchester, and you can make the most of your days with the Visit Manchester Pass, which includes an array of attractions and a variety of discounts for you to enjoy.
Trains to Manchester
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Find trains to ManchesterRest and rejuvenate in Manchester
Seeking to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body? Manchester’s green spaces can provide a moment of quiet for the mind, while the many vegetarian and vegan food options will fuel your body with delicious goodness.
The Midland Hotel’s Rena Spa provides a serene oasis in the heart of the city, with a range of treatments including massages, facials, and holistic therapies alongside transformative thermal experiences. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range gym, King Street Townhouse offers a luxurious fitness experience with dedicated personal trainers.
Join the cutest yoga session in Manchester with Paws Yoga, where cuddly puppies will roam around the class, socialise and help you relax. If you want to sit down with a coffee and a sweet treat, head to CuppaPug and play with adorable pugs for a day filled with happiness. Feel Good Club is a café and venue looking to spread positivity in the community through good food and special events, including live music, comedy nights and artist showcases.
Take a relaxing stroll through RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and see yourself surrounded by the beautiful blooming plants and enjoy the serenity of the garden. For a nature-escape in the city centre, discover Castlefield Viaduct, a Victorian-era steel viaduct transformed into a gorgeous urban park that brings stillness to the hustling and bustling of the city.
Over 200 years ago, one of Salford’s reverends taught the moral values of a ‘meat-free’ diet, leading to the establishment of the Vegetarian Society. Nowadays, Manchester is home to an array of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, from an exclusive fine dining experience at The Walled Gardens, to the decadent junk-food menu of Wholesome Junkies.
Manchester is here to make you feel good, whether with a morning walk through the gardens or a relaxing afternoon at the spa, you will go back home feeling rejuvenated.
Manchester for adventure seekers
Get your adrenaline pumping in Manchester with a variety of thrilling activities. From skiing to kayaking, or trying your hand at padel, the city has plenty of action-packed experiences to suit your taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a brand-new beginner, Chill Factore in Trafford provides the perfect setting for skiing and snowboarding with the UK’s longest indoor ski slope or enjoy a fun indoor snow day with the whole family. If you’ve always wanted to feel the thrill of flying, iFLY is the ultimate indoor skydiving experience.
In Sale Water Park there are plenty of water sports to experience, including kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding, against a beautiful backdrop of woodland perfect for walk. The park is also part of the GM Ringway, Greater Manchester’s walking trail that connects the area surrounding the city through a 200-mile walking route split into 20 stages.
Try a popular racquet spot at Manchester’s own club de padel, where four state-of-the-art courts are available for you to play with friends or join a public session and meet fellow padel devotees. For the indoor climbing fans, Parthian Climbing is home to a 20m lead wall and dedicated bouldering areas. Or if you’re looking for a combat sport, The Archertype is an archery tag venue for a dynamic and unique experience with friends and family.
Test your problem-solving skills at Breakout Manchester and escape from a variety of stimulating worlds or practice your aim with Whistle Punks in a friendly competition of axe throwing. If you’re a video game afficionado, Chaos Karts throws you right into wild virtual racing worlds, as you hop into a real kart and drive your way around an immersive track.
As you drive, ski or climb your way across Manchester, you’ll discover this city will get your heartbeat up with the exciting activities on offer.
Unmissable shopping & events in Manchester
Manchester is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end to quirky independent stores.
The Manchester Arndale shopping centre, located in the heart of the city, is one of the largest in the UK and features a wide range of popular retail chains. The Trafford Centre, a short drive from the city centre, offers an impressive selection of high-street and designer brands, as well as a variety of food and drink options and entertainment facilities, including a cinema, mini golf and bowling.
For a more unique shopping experience, head to the Northern Quarter, where you’ll find an array of vintage shops, record stores and independent traders. Afflecks is a multi-storey treasure trove of jewellery, clothing and one-of-a-kind items, while the Manchester Craft and Design Centre provides a platform for local artists and makers to showcase their products.
Manchester’s event calendar is packed with exciting experiences throughout the year, with exciting parades and performances regularly taking over the city.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year, Manchester lights up with the famous red lanterns, live performances and funfairs, along with the popular Dragon Parade. The stunning Manchester Flower Festival, held every year in May, floods the streets with the colours and scents of flowers as intricate displays are placed across the city as it welcomes the sunnier seasons. In August, the Manchester Pride Festival celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ community with a huge parade that brings thousands to the streets, a vibrant party in the city’s Gay Village and plenty of cultural events that welcome everyone. The Manchester Christmas Markets, spread across the city centre during the festive season, brings a magical atmosphere to the city with their ski-chalet stalls, selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious seasonal food and drink.
Whichever season you visit, you will always find a city alive with celebrations and parties, ready to welcome you with open arms.
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