Manchester, a vibrant city in the northwest of England, is packed with culture, history, music, sports, and endless activities for all kinds of travelers. Whether you're a history buff, a football fanatic, a foodie, or a lover of arts and architecture, you'll find a wide range of things to do in Manchester that suit your interests.
One of the most popular things to do in Manchester is visiting the iconic Old Trafford Stadium, home to Manchester United. For Manchester City fans, the Etihad Stadium offers an equally thrilling experience. But the excitement doesn't stop at football—exploring the Museum of Science and Industry and the Manchester Art Gallery are two fantastic things to do in Manchester for those who enjoy culture and learning.
Things to Do in Manchester
If you're into shopping and food, the Northern Quarter is a must-visit. Known for its independent boutiques, trendy cafés, and street art, this district is full of exciting things to do in Manchester day and night. You can also explore the Arndale Centre for a more mainstream shopping experience.
The city is also rich in music history, having been the launching pad for legendary bands like Oasis and The Smiths. Visiting the Manchester Music Walk of Fame or taking a guided music tour are unique things to do in Manchester that you won’t want to miss. Another unforgettable experience is catching a live concert at the AO Arena, one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, strolling around Heaton Park or taking a canal cruise offer relaxing things to do in Manchester with scenic views. And don’t forget the culinary scene—sampling international dishes at the Curry Mile or dining at top-rated restaurants adds flavorful things to do in Manchester to your list.
With its dynamic energy and diverse offerings, it’s clear that there are countless things to do in Manchester. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, discovering new things to do in Manchester is part of the charm. Let the adventure begin!
1. Eat and drink around Ancoats
What is it? This canalside area is now a place to live. With a wave of regeneration, this former textile district is popular with seasoned locals and traveling foodies.
Why go? Ancoats was long known as ‘Little Italy’, becoming a favorite hangout for food-obsessed millennials who lived in expensive dog houses. Honor that tradition with a great pizza at Original Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, which has proven so popular since opening in 2015 that it’s spread across the country. Or, if you’re looking for something spicier, try Nam or Viet Shack for Sriracha-spiked noodles, sour papaya salad and dip-worthy broth.
If you prefer seasonal small plates that are bigger than their heads with natural wines, try Erst, Canto, Elnecott or Flood (technically in New Islington but it’s as far away as Cork). Sunny day hotspot Ancoats Marina also serves small plates, so wander around with a crouton at indie bakery Pollen on a lazy Sunday.
2. Eat big at the Warehouse Project
What is it? Ten thousand people under one roof, partying in a mega warehouse.
Why go? Started in 2006 by local nightlife mogul Sacha Lord, The Warehouse Project (or WHP) has become an iconic after-hours institution. Relocating at a nomadic pace from Boddingtons Brewery to a Victoria warehouse under Manchester Piccadilly, it’s now housed in the sprawling Mayfield Depot.
Each season runs from September to September in New York City and is packed with basically every artist you can imagine; last year, guests included Biceps, John Hopkins, Kerry Chandler, Jeddah G, Joy Orbison, Elijah Rose, the entire Rush Hour crew, DJ Boring, Bradley Zero, Dan Shake and Elkka (to prove a point, it’s one night, Saturday 16 September). Tickets are naturally selling like hotcakes covered in gold leaf, so get in quick.
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3. Go Gothic at the John Rylands Library
What is it? Enriqueta Rylands created the library in memory of her husband, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who became Manchester’s first multinational by owning the UK’s largest textile manufacturing business. The building features a reading room, a library and a tall, spiral staircase.
Why go? In times of distress and need for spiritual guidance, you can wander into the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, a late Victorian neo-Gothic splendor that looks like a church. Inside, however, you’ll find something truly soul-stirring – nearly 200,000 books.
ICYMI: This year, it’s also celebrating the 125th anniversary of Rylands125 – which may sound like a naff sports bar, but is actually a special year-round event. This includes the grand opening of the Collections Gallery, which will showcase everything from the early parts of the New Testament to the notebooks of Joy Division Manager Rob Gretton. A new exhibition – The Secret Public – opens in May, featuring 100 posters, magazines, books and photographs from author John Savage’s extensive archive of LGTBQ+ research materials.
4. Sample Mackie Mayor’s Street Food
What’s this? Incredibly hungry and indecisive? You have to check out all the gastronomic options on offer at Mackie Mayor and Manchester’s other great food markets.
Why go? Mackie Mayor is a huge converted Grade II-listed building that seats 400 people and promises cracking food from nine independent kitchens, including Broth’s excellent new wave ramen and Pico’s tacos. If you can’t get enough, head to Grub for an ever-rotating selection of local and plant-based options. Finally, try Society, which has five local indie kitchens (including Burger King’s Slap & Pickle) and 40 different beers on tap.
Don’t miss: Close to Altrincham but keen on Mackie Mayor’s food? Head to its reborn sister venue, Alti Market, for similar food and a change of scenery.
5. Marvel at Factory International
What is it? A historic cultural venue in the heart of the city, now open from June 2023. It’s quickly become home to the city’s aesthetic and temporary digs for cutting-edge artists from around the world. It’s no wonder TIME included it in their list of the best places in the world for 2024; it really is that great.
Why go? It would be a bit premature to call Factory International (or Aviva Studios, if you want the building’s technical name) iconic – but it really isn’t far off. For scale’s sake: it’s the largest public investment in a cultural project in the UK since Tate Modern, spanning 143,000 sq ft and costing just over £250 million to build. It’s already hosted exclusive shows by the likes of Yayoi Kusama, Danny Boyle and Laurie Anderson, and gigs by Sampha, Doves and Fontaines D.C.
Even when there’s no show, there’s a huge, Barbican-adjacent venue (The Social) to grab a drink or, if you’re lucky, a poetry reading. It’s a bit of a cliché, obviously, but it’s put Manchester on the map for a new generation of creatives and rivals any other cultural venue. Honestly.
Don’t miss: Factory International is now the Manchester International Festival, or MIF for short, a two-and-a-half-week celebration of the arts and will return in 2025 (3-20 July) under the leadership of new creative director Low Kee Hong. You might even catch some rays in Festival Square, the outer area.
6. Discover the city’s best record stores
What’s this? Independent record stores like Vinyl Exchange, Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records have been providing Manx with mega tunes for years, paving the way for the next generation of local bands.
Why go? The city centre’s vinyl emporiums have become world-renowned for their collections. But there are some hidden gems in the suburbs too. For example, wander into Burnage, and you’ll find the immortal sifters on the Oasis song ‘Shakermaker’.
Down the road in Chorlton, Kingby Records offers a treasure trove of rare cuts from the Wet Wet Wet and Meat Loaf albums that no one wants anymore. In fact, Kingby’s collection is so good that some people regularly come from New York to visit (bring an empty suitcase and leave with one that doesn’t zip up).
7. Have a pint at the Old Wellington Inn
What is it? Manchester’s only historic pub, first opened in 1552.
Why go? It’s a slice of old Manchester, and a great place for a sunny day too. If you’re up for a historic pub crawl, check out the aged but equally great Sinclair’s Oyster Bar next door, and also Britton’s Protection, a legendary ale house where the wounded from the Peterloo massacre were treated.
Don’t miss: You might miss it because it’s so small; pop into The Circus Tavern on Portland Street, the smallest pub in town and one of the smallest in the whole country. But the best is Peveril of the Peak – or The Pave for short – a green-headed powerhouse of a public house with jukebox, pool table, dartboard and some of the best atmosphere around.
8. Catch some rays at Chorlton Water Park
What’s this? Deflate your lilo and let loose on the beach balls – we’re not talking about a water amusement park – ala the Algarve. Instead, we’re talking about Chorlton Water Park, a lakeside nature reserve in south Manchester.
Why go? This park (along with its equally stunning friend, Sail Water Park) becomes a total hotspot as soon as the sun comes out. And if it rains? Fire up your Mac! You can walk (or run) around the reservoirs, post up by the waterfront with a picnic (head to Unicorn Grocery first for the ultimate picnic) or go canoeing, kayaking, rowing and anything else that will float your boat. Just remember that you can only officially dive into the water during certain times.
Don’t miss: If you’re up for some wild swimming, Lamb Falls near Hebden Bridge is probably a good bet. Also, let’s just say that the ‘no swimming’ sign at Pickmere Lake is not being properly obeyed.
9. Go on a craft beer (or wine) tour
What is it? Manchester produces some of the best craft beer in the world, so make sure you hit up some of its best breweries and beer houses.
Why go? Take a beeline – or should that be a beerline? – to craft bars like the Pelican, Piccadilly Tap (run by the team behind London’s Euston Tap) and Beermouth, all within a few minutes’ walk of Piccadilly Gardens.
After something more specific? Try one of the several bars run by local brewers; the new kid-on-the-block North Westward Ho from Pomona Island, Blackjack Brewery’s Smithfield Market Tavern (right next to Band on the Wall), Seven Bro7 Horses Bar in Ancoats or the historic Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road, which is showcasing Marble’s new beers.
Don’t miss: More about the wine person? Skip the pint and book the Manchester Wine Tour, a group tour that stops at the city’s best spots (casual and fancy). Private tours are also available.
10. Fill your stomach in Chinatown
What is it? The second-largest Chinatown doesn’t just serve Chinese food; it’s home to a variety of Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Japanese cuisine.
Why go? If you’re into East Asian cuisine of any kind, skip the Big Four and head to the area’s authentic supermarkets. Blue Whale is king when it comes to picking up fresh seafood from the tank, while Hang On Hong and its delivery service Tuk Tuk Mart have a great collection of fresh herbs and essentials. Not keen on getting out the oak? Head to Pho Quy for the best Vietnamese food you’ll ever eat or join the serpentine queue at Happy Seasons for its signature roasts.
11. Check out Manchester’s best vintage shops
What’s this? A vintage day every day on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter. We think this street has the oldest shops in the whole of the UK.
Why go? On a budget? This is your haven. Starting in Piccadilly Gardens, head into Blue Rinse, a huge vintage emporium that regularly sells out. There’s also a permanent kilo sale behind Blue Rinse (alongside NQ64) where you can pick up a bargain.
Then, there’s Afflecks, Pop Boutique (they also have a standalone shop across the road) and Jaffa, which has been popular with 80s scene kids since the early 1990s. A few doors down you’ll find equally fat cows, dressed in two-storey suits and always perfectly arranged window displays to entice you in.
Next up are Oxfam Originals (your 80s dream suit here) and Gone Fishing, whose hangar is a hangout with bangers, especially retro Italian gear from Stone Island, Missoni and CP Company. To complete the loop, walk a few steps opposite Pop Boutique.
12. Go football crazy at Manchester United Stadium
What is it? Both United and City's grounds offer tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities; football fans, you're welcome here.
Why go? Where would Manchester be without its never-ending, chant-inducing football? The first thing that comes to mind when anyone in the world mentions their Manchester is the National Football Museum. With two major teams (fierce rivals and, of course, legions of fans) and the National Football Museum in the city centre, it's safe to say that some Mancunians - and tourists - live and breathe football.
Both United and City’s grounds offer tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities, and you could easily spend your entire month’s salary in their shops. For those with a more general interest in sport, the NFM offers a great opportunity to learn about your team’s league history, test your football skills and learn about the history of the beautiful game.
🤫 Insider tip: At the NFM, you can see the 1966 World Cup ball, Sam Taylor-Wood’s artwork of a sleeping Beckham, Maradona’s 1986 ‘Hand of God’ match shirt and postcards of women’s football players from 1906.
13. Have a great night out in the Gay Village
What is it? Centred on vibrant nightlife hotspot Canal Street, Manchester’s Gay Village is a technical space devoted almost entirely to LGBTQ+ bars, pubs, clubs and sex shops.
Why go? Compared to most of the city, the Village - as it's nicknamed - is open almost all the time and is a hive of funky bangers. Head to the area's beating heart - Bar Pop - for a drag night or crawl into The Molly House, Thompson's Arms or The Goose for a pint and pop into a safe space.
There's also private members' venue The Eagle and basement musical theatre themed Bar Oscar if you fancy a bit more pizzazz. If you're heading there during the day, don't forget to check out the poignant Alan Turing memorial in Sackville Gardens.
14. Immerse yourself in culture at The Lowry
What is it? Named after the Mancunian name, The Lowry is a three-performance venue that hosts music, comedy and more.
Why go? A long time ago, some very clever people decided that the place where Salford and Trafford meet – the derelict wharf, once a bustling dockland – would make an ideal leisure destination. So now we have a wonderful waterfront location just ten minutes from the city centre. The Lowry is a fascinating venue for top theatre, from world premieres to West End hits. When the show is over, you can explore the shops, cinema, restaurants and more.
15. Get creative at the Craft and Design Centre
What is it? Art, craft, jewellery and painting stalls showcasing the city’s creativity.
Why go? When it comes to making things, Manchester is the queen bee. Relying on its hard-working industrial past, the city is alive with creatives and ready to teach you how to do it. Head to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre in NQ and discover over 30 independent artists under one roof, pick up the perfect staycation souvenir or challenge yourself in one of their many jewellery or painting workshops. Or head to the sleek lifestyle store Form, starting from the wafer-thin Ancoats Alley on Bradley Street, where classes are regularly held on terrazzo tiles, natural candle making and embroidery.
16. Discover history at Manchester Museum
What is it? The city’s best-known museum, renowned for its collections of natural history and human artefacts.
Why go? Two years and £15 million later it has reopened to public acclaim with refurbished galleries and a new exhibition space. Packed with over four million objects of all kinds, the new title act is Egypt’s Golden Mummy explores beliefs about the afterlife from the Greco-Roman era of ancient Egypt. There’s also a new permanent South Asia gallery, the first of its kind in the UK. Plus – for some proper T-rextasia – dinosaurs!
17. See a show at the Royal Exchange
What’s it like? Manchester is home to some of the UK’s best theatres, showcasing audience-pleasing music and fearless performance art. The most famous of these is the Royal Exchange, which produces an interesting mix of radically updated classics and bold new writing.
Why go? There’s more to the Royal Exchange than just the Royal Exchange. Try heading to Ancoats for the Hope Mill Theatre (known for producing some excellent musicals) or Home, a £25 million arts complex with a penchant for high-quality fringe shows and boundary-breaking performance art. If comedy is more your thing, watch local favourites take to the stage at Gulliver's or meet the next generation of stand-ups at Frog & Bucket.
18. Check out some indie bookshops
What's this? Oh, it's part of the city's literary culture that has made Manchester a UNESCO City of Literature. It's no big deal.
Why go? Manchester's UNESCO recognition celebrates writers like Anthony Burgess and Elizabeth Gaskell, stories old and new, and our thriving independent shops like Bopcap Books and Chorlton Books keep the city's literary heritage alive.
And it's not just here: if you're not averse to a verse or two, head to the Manchester Poetry Library, or if mags are more your bag, ricochet between Village Books and Unitom and discuss their famous titles.
19. Go to the BBC 6 Music Festival
What is it? The radio station's premier celebration of independent artists and venues, made for 6 music dads and sonic youngsters - and will likely return to Man on his knees again in 2026.
Why go? BBC 6 Music continues to push the boundaries of public service broadcasting, bucking trends and bringing all sorts of weird and wonderful new sounds to the airwaves. Here's your chance to experience it all again - back in Greater Manchester's spiritual home - with a host of gigs spread across the city.
This year, you'll see artists such as barking madcap rockers Fat Dog; Mercury Prize-winning English Teacher; mood-boosting jazz group Ezra Collective; and the world premiere of new work by K Tempest. It's also a great way to experience some of Manchester's best venues - from basements to newly opened - as part of a very pleasant crowd.
20. Bargain at a Flea Market
What is it? It's true what we said about Manchester not being a dusty archive. But there are plenty of top-drawer antique shops to browse on a slow weekend afternoon, mostly located in the suburbs.
Why go? It's a lot more fun than getting fooled by Facebook Marketplace or getting lost in IKEA - and there's no assembly required. Stockport has a number of shops with carefully curated retro decor: check out vintage emporium and furniture specialist Rare Finds. Then, in Levee, there's hypermarket Levenshulme Antiques Village, which stocks some of Manchester's best vintage and mid-century suppliers, based in Chorlton.
21. Get cultured at Manchester Art Gallery
What is it? A major gallery in the city centre.
Why go? Manchester Art Gallery is a great place for major exhibitions and a remarkable collection of fine art, ceramics and clothing.
Don’t miss: For more art (without the tedium), head to The Whitworth for a variety of exhibitions (and a lovely park nearby), and check out RAG Gallery in Chorlton, which plays a leading role in performance art and the work of young local creatives.
22. Check out Manchester’s intimate music venues
What is it? Manchester’s many brilliant small music venues showcase upcoming acts and welcome returning heroes.
Why go? They’re as much a glimpse into the future as they are a history lesson. Night and Day was once a hot spot for everyone from Sean Ryder to Liam Gallagher - or enjoy a gig opposite Gulliver's with its companion and splashy beer fountains.
For bigger gigs, there's the legendary and newly reformed Band On The Wall (the Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division have played here) just around the corner. If you fancy a bit of a wander, head to Oxford Road and check out student staple and new band haven Big Hands, or catch a big name in the late-night bar and club's millennial pink basement or the recently-restored Gorilla.
Don't miss: Want something a little more spacious? Head to New Century, a legendary 1,000-capacity venue from the Sixties that has lain dormant for decades. Recently renovated but still boasting its iconic spring dancefloor and left field lights, it’s now home to the city’s most discreet bookings and a food and drink social hub downstairs.
23. Enjoy a crazy Orbital Rave
What is it? A world-class club north of Manchester’s ring road.
Why go? From new, trendy venues to legendary cult venues, Manchester’s best nightlife is to the north and fringes of Ancoats. Start at the sinister ‘shop of iniquity’ Pastéis – the city’s best-kept secret – for its spooky gothic interior, swashbuckling bookshelves and forgotten soul-searching. From there, you can head further afield to the all-night hub of Hidden, banging club The Loft or the sheer hedonism of The White Hotel, one of the UK’s best after-dark establishments.
Don’t miss: Pub parties are also a big deal around these edges. Joseph Holt’s boozer Derby Brewery Arms (DBA to locals) is home to some mega nights out (shouting out to Transform) and The Eagle Inn boasts a bare-bones, exposed brick backroom that’s made for airy revelry.
24. Take a stroll in Stockport
What is it? Manchester’s most exciting suburb and just a nine-minute train ride from Piccadilly.
Why go? Locals may be a little taken aback by DJ Luke Unabomber’s deliberately sly claim that ‘Stockport is the new Berlin’ – but it’s certainly a creative place for now (and worth a day trip). The wave of independent businesses is seemingly endless; check out the thriving Well Plant Shop, zine haven Rare Mags and vinyl trove SK1 Records for starters. If you’re into antiques and knick-knacks, head to Rare Finds, Scound or Top of the Town.
Want some top-notch scones? Try ridiculously busy slow food spot Where the Light Gets In or its sister bakery Yellowhammer, and head for a pint at the apothecary-inspired The Cracked Actor or local institution Baker’s Vaults.
Don’t miss: For something a little more quirky, head to the Hat Works Museum and see your cap mingle with milliners of yesteryear.
25. Walk along Beach Road
What is it? A cozy, pretty street in the suburb of Chorlton, packed with independent cafes and shops.
Why go? After a night on the tiles, unplaster yourself with a top-notch Bloody Mary at Instagram hotspot The Laundrette or the best Guinness in South Manchester at The Bowling Green. If you're keen on your tapas, Bar San Juan is legendary (and one of the best restaurants in the entire city) where authentic Spanish small plates are served with a sanguine vibe and vats of sangria.
Things to Do in Manchester – FAQ
1. What are the top attractions to visit in Manchester?
Manchester is home to several iconic attractions. Top places include:
- Manchester Museum
- Science and Industry Museum
- Old Trafford Stadium (home of Manchester United)
- Etihad Stadium (home of Manchester City)
- John Rylands Library
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Northern Quarter (famous for street art and indie shops)
2. Is Manchester good for shopping?
Yes! Manchester is a shopping haven. Check out:
- Manchester Arndale
- The Trafford Centre
- Market Street
- Afflecks (a quirky indoor market in the Northern Quarter)
3. What can you do in Manchester for free?
There are plenty of free things to do, including:
- Visiting museums like the Manchester Museum or the People’s History Museum
- Exploring Heaton Park or Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
- Admiring the street art in the Northern Quarter
- Wandering around Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
4. What are some fun activities to do in Manchester with kids?
- AND Discovery Centre
- Sea Life Manchester
- Science and Industry Museum
- Play Factore (indoor play arena)
- Heaton Park (in
- LEGOLcludes an animal center and boating lake)
5. Where can I experience Manchester’s nightlife?
For vibrant nightlife, head to:
- Deansgate Locks – bars and clubs along the canal
- Northern Quarter – cool bars and live music
- The Gay Village (Canal Street) – inclusive and lively
- Oxford Road – home to student bars and live venues
6. Are there any good day trips from Manchester?
Yes! Some great nearby places include:
- Liverpool (just 45 minutes away)
- The Peak District National Park
- Chester – known for Roman history and its zoo
- York – full of medieval charm
7. What is Manchester famous for?
Manchester is known for:
- Its musical heritage (Oasis, The Smiths, etc.)
- Legendary football clubs (Manchester United & City)
- The Industrial Revolution
- Rich cultural diversity and history
- World-class education (University of Manchester)
8. How do I get around Manchester?
The city has a well-connected transport system:
- Trams (Metrolink) – fast and efficient
- Buses – cover all parts of the city
- Walking – many attractions are close to each other
- Taxis and Ubers are easily available
Conclusion
Manchester is a dynamic and diverse city with something to offer every kind of traveler. Whether you're a history lover, a football fanatic, a shopaholic, or simply looking for a fun family day out, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. From world-class museums and iconic stadiums to vibrant nightlife and charming neighborhoods, Manchester is a city that never disappoints.
Planning a trip to Manchester? Use this FAQ as your quick guide to explore the best attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences the city has to offer.