The Best Things to Do in Manchester

Explore 250 years of innovations and ideas that started in Manchester and changed the world. Discover the city’s industrial heritage through interactive exhibits, historic machinery, and fascinating demonstrations.

Home to an outstanding collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design, and contemporary art. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.

The national museum of democracy tells the story of working people’s struggles for rights and representation. Explore the largest collection of political and trade union banners in the world.

Meet Stan the T-Rex, explore ancient Egyptian artifacts, and discover natural history collections from around the world. The recently renovated museum offers an immersive journey through time and cultures.

Set in a beautiful park, this award-winning gallery houses historic fine art, modern masterpieces, and a renowned textile collection. The gallery’s innovative design connects art with the natural surroundings.

Housed in a striking Daniel Libeskind-designed building, this powerful museum explores how war shapes lives. Experience the immersive Big Picture Show and discover personal stories of conflict.

Home to the world’s greatest football collection, this interactive museum celebrates the beautiful game’s past and present. Test your skills, see the FA Cup, and discover the social history of football.

Go behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium. Sit in Pep Guardiola’s dugout seat, visit the players’ tunnel, and explore the luxurious changing rooms on this award-winning tour.

Visit the legendary Old Trafford stadium, see the trophy cabinet, and walk through the players’ tunnel. The museum showcases the club’s rich history from the Busby Babes to the Fergie era.

Discover Manchester’s vibrant street art scene on a guided tour through the creative Northern Quarter. See works by local and international artists, including the iconic 22 Bees mural commemorating the Manchester Arena attack.

Follow in the footsteps of legendary bands like Joy Division, The Smiths, and Oasis. Visit iconic locations from album covers, former venues like the Haçienda, and the studios where musical history was made.

Step onto the iconic cobbles of Britain’s longest-running soap opera. Tour the outdoor sets at MediaCityUK, visit the famous Rovers Return pub, and discover behind-the-scenes secrets from the show’s 60+ year history.

Explore Manchester’s 58km of canals that once powered the industrial revolution. Follow the towpaths from Castlefield to Ancoats, discovering converted warehouses, colorful narrowboats, and waterside cafés along the way.

Follow the worker bee symbol, Manchester’s emblem since the Industrial Revolution, across the city. Spot bee mosaics, sculptures, and street art that celebrate Manchester’s industrious spirit and community pride.

Discover Manchester’s diverse architectural heritage, from Victorian neo-Gothic masterpieces like John Rylands Library to contemporary icons like the Beetham Tower. Learn how the city’s buildings tell the story of its evolution.

Manchester’s largest park offers 600 acres of green space, a boating lake, animal centre, and historic hall. Climb to the park’s highest point for spectacular views across the city and beyond to the Pennines.

This hidden gem in Didsbury features beautiful rockeries, ponds, and woodland walks. The botanical gardens showcase rare plants and offer a tranquil escape just a short bus ride from the city center.

Explore Manchester’s Roman origins at this unique urban park. See the reconstructed Roman fort, walk along peaceful canals, and discover how this area launched the industrial revolution with the world’s first industrial canal.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s newest garden is a stunning 154-acre green space created in the historic grounds of Worsley New Hall. Explore the walled garden, Chinese streamside garden, and community growing spaces.

This local nature reserve centers around a picturesque lake with walking trails, wildlife habitats, and picnic areas. Connected to the River Mersey trail, it’s perfect for cycling, walking, or simply relaxing by the water.

Surrounding the Whitworth Art Gallery, this beautiful park features outdoor sculptures, mature trees, and open lawns. The gallery’s glass extension creates a stunning dialogue between art and nature in this peaceful university setting.

This iconic emporium houses dozens of independent retailers across four floors. Explore eclectic shops selling everything from vintage clothing and vinyl records to handmade jewelry and alternative fashion.

Manchester’s creative heart is home to independent record stores, vintage boutiques, and artisan coffee shops. Browse vinyl at Piccadilly Records, discover unique gifts at Oklahoma, or hunt for vintage treasures at COW.

Housed in a former Victorian fish market, this creative hub features studio-shops where you can watch artists and makers at work. Find handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and artwork direct from the creators.

From mid-November to December, the city center transforms with over 300 beautifully decorated stalls selling festive gifts, food, and drinks. Don’t miss the famous Yorkshire pudding wraps and mulled wine!

This monthly market in the Northern Quarter showcases the best local food producers, artists, and craftspeople. Browse handmade goods, sample artisanal food, and meet the makers behind the products.

This award-winning community market runs weekly from March to December. Visit for local produce, street food, vintage finds, and handcrafted goods in this diverse south Manchester neighborhood.

Manchester boasts the second-largest Chinatown in the UK. Explore authentic Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries centered around the ornate arch on Faulkner Street. Perfect for dim sum, hot pot, and bubble tea.

Housed in a restored Grade II listed market building, this food hall brings together independent food vendors under one spectacular roof. Share communal tables as you enjoy everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood.

Stretching along Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, this famous culinary destination features dozens of South Asian restaurants, sweet shops, and shisha cafés. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse flavors of the Indian subcontinent.

Manchester’s largest street food fair features rotating independent food traders, craft beer, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visit their permanent site at Red Bank for weekend food fairs and their plant-powered Sunday events.

Discover historic  Manchester pubs, from the Victorian splendor of The Marble Arch to the tiled façade of The Peveril of the Peak. Visit Mr Thomas’s Chop House for traditional British fare in a Grade II listed building.

Once the world’s first industrial suburb, Ancoats is now Manchester’s hippest food neighborhood. Enjoy sourdough pizza at Rudy’s, Portuguese small plates at Canto, or Japanese tea at Pollen Bakery in this regenerated district.

Just an hour from Manchester, Britain’s first national park offers stunning landscapes, historic villages, and excellent hiking. Visit Edale, Castleton’s caves, or the magnificent Chatsworth House for a perfect day in the countryside.

This historic Roman city features the unique elevated ‘Rows’ shopping galleries, the most complete city walls in Britain, and a magnificent cathedral. Just 40 minutes by train from Manchester, it’s perfect for history lovers.

Visit the city of The Beatles, explore the revitalized Albert Dock, and discover world-class museums and galleries. Just 35 minutes by train, Liverpool offers maritime heritage, musical history, and friendly Scouse culture.

This picturesque market town in the Calder Valley is known for its independent spirit, creative community, and beautiful setting. Explore quirky shops, canal-side cafés, and nearby walking trails in “the coolest place to live in Britain.”

Home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating exploration of astronomy and space science. Interactive exhibits, beautiful gardens, and the awe-inspiring 76-meter telescope make for an inspiring day out.

Just a short tram ride from the city center, this regenerated dockland is home to The Lowry arts center, Imperial War Museum North, and MediaCity UK where the BBC and ITV are based. Great for culture, architecture, and waterside dining.

This biennial celebration of original work and special events takes place in venues across the city. MIF showcases new works from across the spectrum of performing arts, visual arts, and popular culture.

This annual LGBTQ+ celebration features a vibrant parade, the Gay Village Party, Superbia cultural events, and the candlelit vigil. One of the UK’s largest Pride events, it transforms the city each August Bank Holiday weekend.

Manchester’s Chinatown hosts spectacular celebrations with dragon dances, martial arts displays, street food, and a magnificent fireworks finale. The festivities center around the ornate arch and extend throughout the city center.

The city transforms during the festive season with the famous Christmas Markets, ice skating at Cathedral Gardens, and spectacular lights. Enjoy mulled wine, international street food, and unique gifts across multiple city center locations.

The city’s longest-running music festival brings together established stars and emerging talent across multiple venues. Enjoy performances ranging from traditional jazz to cutting-edge fusion in intimate settings and public spaces.

Europe’s largest 10K running event takes over the city streets each May. Join thousands of runners of all abilities, enjoy the supportive atmosphere, and experience Manchester from a unique perspective as you run past iconic landmarks.