Skip to main content

Why we love Manchester

Once the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, Manchester’s 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.

Things to do in Manchester

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s queer scene.

Explore Canal Street

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Bar Pop, Canal Street
Canal Street

Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.

Find shopping heaven at Afflecks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Couple at 'Ginger's Comfort Emprium' Afflecks Palace
Afflecks

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

In a beautiful gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.

Be inspired by Manchester Museum

Photo by: mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

Strut through the streets and discover the venues and places that make up Manchester’s musical legacy.

Embark on a Manchester Music Walkabout now

Photo by: Manchester Music Walkabout Tour

A group of people on a music themed tour of Manchester
Manchester Music Walkabout Tour

This street food market is set in an impressive Victorian building, and is open from breakfast to supper.

Grab a table at Mackie Mayor

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Mackie Mayor, food shot
Mackie Mayor

This foodie tour visits fantastic cafes, food stalls, delis and more, tasting multiple dishes as you walk.

Tuck into Scranchester

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Girl taking a picture of her food at Mackie Mayor
Scranchester

This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.

Explore Escape to Freight Island

Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Cocktail bar at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester
Freight Island

With its chic bar, restaurant, hotel and art house cinema, this is a mini neighbourhood all of its own.

Discover Ducie Street Warehouse

Photo by: Adam Pester/Memphis Medium

DJ at Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester
Ducie Street Warehouse

Manchester Pride

15th - 25th August 2025

The city is home to one of Britain’s biggest Pride festivals, and the Gay Village is its vibrant epicentre.

Get tickets for Manchester Pride

Photo by: Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography

Performer on stage greets the crowd during a Manchester Pride event
Manchester Pride

Sparkle Weekend

27th - 29th June 2025

The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.

Discover Sparkle Weekend

Photo by: Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography

Sparkle Weekend
Sparkle Weekend

With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.

What’s on at Manchester Gay Village

Location: Manchester

Crowds of people walking along Manchester's Canal Street
Manchester Gay Village

From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.

See what’s on at the Manchester Opera House

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An exterior shot of Manchester's Opera House
Manchester Opera House

This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.

Visit Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Photo by: National Trust/Nick Meers

The Orangery at Dunham Massey, viewed across the lawn from the East side of the hall
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Treat yourself to a bit of top-class pampering at this city-centre hotel.

Find out more about King Street Townhouse

Photo by: The Hut Group

Food placed above a bath in a hotel room in Manchester's King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse

Sneak away to this spa hideaway to discover indulgent treatments and a heated swimming pool.

Explore Rena Spa at the Midland

Photo by: Rina Spa

Relaxation pods in Rina Spa at The Midland, Manchester
Rena Spa at the Midland

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.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

From the First World War to the present day, Imperial War Museum North tells over a century of stories from Britain’s conflicts.

Visit the Imperial War Museum North

Photo by: Imperial War Museums

Two people looking upwards at an exhibit in Manchester Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum North

Sustainable, ethical and delicious: that’s the mission of the People’s History Museum cafe.

Discover Open Kitchen

Photo by: Open Kitchen

An exterior shot of Open Kitchen in Manchester's People's History Museum
Open Kitchen

Maybe you’ll try beekeeping, explore on horseback, or venture off-road on a cycling trip?

Visit Northern Roots

Photo by: Alan Hamer/Northern Roots/Marketing Manchester

A woman and a child preparing a plant during growing activities at Northern Roots, Manchester
Northern Roots

Check out Manchester’s hipster hotspot: take a Skyliner art tour and discover its urban past.

Find out more about Skyliner’s art tours

Photo by: skylinermcr

Standing infront of a mural
Skyliner, Manchester

This historic theatre is a hot ticket for star-studded productions, with a vibrant line-up of shows.

Find out what’s on at Palace Theatre Manchester

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An audience watching a performance in Manchester's Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre Manchester

This collection spans from ancient Egypt to the present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.

Visit Manchester Art Gallery

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

A couple examining a piece of art in Manchester's Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

Discover the human stories and remarkable innovations behind Manchester’s industrial history.

Visit the Science and Industry Museum

Photo by: Science Museum Group

A technician preparing an exhibit at Manchester's Science Museum
Science and Industry Museum

MediaCity is an iconic waterside destination located just outside of the city centre.

Find out more about MediaCity UK

Photo by: Media City UK

A band playing in the outside square of Manchester's Media City
MediaCity UK

An award-winning theatre and shopping centre, combined in one beautifully restored Victorian complex.

What’s on at Royal Exchange Manchester

Photo by: "Rich J Jones Photography/Royal

The lobby of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester
Royal Exchange Manchester

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.

Plan a tour of Chetham’s Library

Photo by: Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

Rows of bookcases in Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in England
Chetham's Library

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.

Enjoy a snow session at Chill Factore

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester
Chill Factore

Tour Manchester sampling the best of its booming craft beer scene at the same time.

Discover the craft beer scene in Manchester

Photo by: Craft Beer Tours

Location: Manchester, England

A group of people on a craft beer tour in Manchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Get back to nature and count the critters as you walk past woodland, hills and water.

Plan a walk in nature at Dove Stone reservoir

Photo by: Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography

Location: Manchester, England

An outdoor shot of Dovestone Reservoir in the Peak District
Dove Stone Reservoir

Inspired by the city it was created in, explore the award-winning Manchester Gin Distillery.

Explore Manchester Gin Distillery

Photo by: Manchester Gin

Location: Manchester, England

A row of mini gin distilleries set up for tasting sessions at Manchester Gin
Manchester Gin

See Manchester’s top sites from the comfort of this black electric cab.

Enjoy a whistle-stop guided tour of Manchester

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

People having a picnic as part of a taxi tour in Manchester
Manchester Taxi Tours

Test your ball skills and football knowledge at the interactive National Football Museum.

Visit the National Football Museum

Photo by: Chris Payne Images

Location: Manchester, England

A group of people taking part in a penalty shootout exhibit in the National Football Museum in Manchester
National Football Museum

From opera to musicals, theatre to comedy, The Lowry is a creative space for all.

Plan a visit to The Lawry

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

A couple looking at art displays in The Lowry, Greater Manchester
The Lowry

Leave your stresses at the door as you step into this sanctuary.

Find inner peace with Re:Treat

Photo by: Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel

Location: Manchester, England

A woman receiving a massage at RE:TREAT in the Lowry Hotel in Greater Manchester
RE:TREAT at The Lowry Hotel

Home to historic and contemporary art, explore The Whitworth gallery, park and grounds.

Plan a visit to The Whitworth gallery and grounds

Photo by: University of Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

An exterior view of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester
The Whitworth

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.

Explore Manchester International Festival

Photo by: Mark Waugh

Location: Manchester

Manchester International Festival
Manchester International Festival

This is target practice with a difference – will you hit the bullseye?

Aim for success at Whistle Punks

Photo by: Matador Network/Yousef Al Sudais

A man thows an axe at a target at Whistle Punks.
Whistle Punks axe throwing

Grab a stein of German lager and enjoy a lively cabaret show at Alberts Schloss.

Be dazzled by Kunst Kabaret

Photo by: VisitBritain/Zut Media

A Cabaret performer on stage at a local bar.
Kunst Kabaret

Take a tour of this unusual Grade II listed former swimming pool complex, once home to the first public jacuzzi.

Dip into history at Victoria Baths

Photo by: @mylesoh86/@victoriabaths

Location: Manchester

Close up of clothing on market stall at Victoria Baths with coloured lights in the background
Victoria Baths

The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s queer scene.

Explore Canal Street

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Bar Pop, Canal Street
Canal Street

Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.

Find shopping heaven at Afflecks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Couple at 'Ginger's Comfort Emprium' Afflecks Palace
Afflecks

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

In a beautiful gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.

Be inspired by Manchester Museum

Photo by: mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

Strut through the streets and discover the venues and places that make up Manchester’s musical legacy.

Embark on a Manchester Music Walkabout now

Photo by: Manchester Music Walkabout Tour

A group of people on a music themed tour of Manchester
Manchester Music Walkabout Tour

This street food market is set in an impressive Victorian building, and is open from breakfast to supper.

Grab a table at Mackie Mayor

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Mackie Mayor, food shot
Mackie Mayor

This foodie tour visits fantastic cafes, food stalls, delis and more, tasting multiple dishes as you walk.

Tuck into Scranchester

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Girl taking a picture of her food at Mackie Mayor
Scranchester

This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.

Explore Escape to Freight Island

Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Cocktail bar at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester
Freight Island

With its chic bar, restaurant, hotel and art house cinema, this is a mini neighbourhood all of its own.

Discover Ducie Street Warehouse

Photo by: Adam Pester/Memphis Medium

DJ at Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester
Ducie Street Warehouse

Manchester Pride

15th - 25th August 2025

The city is home to one of Britain’s biggest Pride festivals, and the Gay Village is its vibrant epicentre.

Get tickets for Manchester Pride

Photo by: Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography

Performer on stage greets the crowd during a Manchester Pride event
Manchester Pride

Sparkle Weekend

27th - 29th June 2025

The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.

Discover Sparkle Weekend

Photo by: Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography

Sparkle Weekend
Sparkle Weekend

With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.

What’s on at Manchester Gay Village

Location: Manchester

Crowds of people walking along Manchester's Canal Street
Manchester Gay Village

From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.

See what’s on at the Manchester Opera House

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An exterior shot of Manchester's Opera House
Manchester Opera House

This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.

Visit Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Photo by: National Trust/Nick Meers

The Orangery at Dunham Massey, viewed across the lawn from the East side of the hall
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens

Treat yourself to a bit of top-class pampering at this city-centre hotel.

Find out more about King Street Townhouse

Photo by: The Hut Group

Food placed above a bath in a hotel room in Manchester's King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse

Sneak away to this spa hideaway to discover indulgent treatments and a heated swimming pool.

Explore Rena Spa at the Midland

Photo by: Rina Spa

Relaxation pods in Rina Spa at The Midland, Manchester
Rena Spa at the Midland

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.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

From the First World War to the present day, Imperial War Museum North tells over a century of stories from Britain’s conflicts.

Visit the Imperial War Museum North

Photo by: Imperial War Museums

Two people looking upwards at an exhibit in Manchester Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum North

Sustainable, ethical and delicious: that’s the mission of the People’s History Museum cafe.

Discover Open Kitchen

Photo by: Open Kitchen

An exterior shot of Open Kitchen in Manchester's People's History Museum
Open Kitchen

Maybe you’ll try beekeeping, explore on horseback, or venture off-road on a cycling trip?

Visit Northern Roots

Photo by: Alan Hamer/Northern Roots/Marketing Manchester

A woman and a child preparing a plant during growing activities at Northern Roots, Manchester
Northern Roots

Check out Manchester’s hipster hotspot: take a Skyliner art tour and discover its urban past.

Find out more about Skyliner’s art tours

Photo by: skylinermcr

Standing infront of a mural
Skyliner, Manchester

This historic theatre is a hot ticket for star-studded productions, with a vibrant line-up of shows.

Find out what’s on at Palace Theatre Manchester

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An audience watching a performance in Manchester's Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre Manchester

This collection spans from ancient Egypt to the present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.

Visit Manchester Art Gallery

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

A couple examining a piece of art in Manchester's Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

Discover the human stories and remarkable innovations behind Manchester’s industrial history.

Visit the Science and Industry Museum

Photo by: Science Museum Group

A technician preparing an exhibit at Manchester's Science Museum
Science and Industry Museum

MediaCity is an iconic waterside destination located just outside of the city centre.

Find out more about MediaCity UK

Photo by: Media City UK

A band playing in the outside square of Manchester's Media City
MediaCity UK

An award-winning theatre and shopping centre, combined in one beautifully restored Victorian complex.

What’s on at Royal Exchange Manchester

Photo by: "Rich J Jones Photography/Royal

The lobby of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester
Royal Exchange Manchester

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.

Plan a tour of Chetham’s Library

Photo by: Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

Rows of bookcases in Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in England
Chetham's Library

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.

Enjoy a snow session at Chill Factore

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester
Chill Factore

Tour Manchester sampling the best of its booming craft beer scene at the same time.

Discover the craft beer scene in Manchester

Photo by: Craft Beer Tours

Location: Manchester, England

A group of people on a craft beer tour in Manchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Get back to nature and count the critters as you walk past woodland, hills and water.

Plan a walk in nature at Dove Stone reservoir

Photo by: Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography

Location: Manchester, England

An outdoor shot of Dovestone Reservoir in the Peak District
Dove Stone Reservoir

Inspired by the city it was created in, explore the award-winning Manchester Gin Distillery.

Explore Manchester Gin Distillery

Photo by: Manchester Gin

Location: Manchester, England

A row of mini gin distilleries set up for tasting sessions at Manchester Gin
Manchester Gin

See Manchester’s top sites from the comfort of this black electric cab.

Enjoy a whistle-stop guided tour of Manchester

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

People having a picnic as part of a taxi tour in Manchester
Manchester Taxi Tours

Test your ball skills and football knowledge at the interactive National Football Museum.

Visit the National Football Museum

Photo by: Chris Payne Images

Location: Manchester, England

A group of people taking part in a penalty shootout exhibit in the National Football Museum in Manchester
National Football Museum

From opera to musicals, theatre to comedy, The Lowry is a creative space for all.

Plan a visit to The Lawry

Photo by: Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

A couple looking at art displays in The Lowry, Greater Manchester
The Lowry

Leave your stresses at the door as you step into this sanctuary.

Find inner peace with Re:Treat

Photo by: Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel

Location: Manchester, England

A woman receiving a massage at RE:TREAT in the Lowry Hotel in Greater Manchester
RE:TREAT at The Lowry Hotel

Home to historic and contemporary art, explore The Whitworth gallery, park and grounds.

Plan a visit to The Whitworth gallery and grounds

Photo by: University of Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

An exterior view of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester
The Whitworth

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.

Explore Manchester International Festival

Photo by: Mark Waugh

Location: Manchester

Manchester International Festival
Manchester International Festival

This is target practice with a difference – will you hit the bullseye?

Aim for success at Whistle Punks

Photo by: Matador Network/Yousef Al Sudais

A man thows an axe at a target at Whistle Punks.
Whistle Punks axe throwing

Grab a stein of German lager and enjoy a lively cabaret show at Alberts Schloss.

Be dazzled by Kunst Kabaret

Photo by: VisitBritain/Zut Media

A Cabaret performer on stage at a local bar.
Kunst Kabaret

Take a tour of this unusual Grade II listed former swimming pool complex, once home to the first public jacuzzi.

Dip into history at Victoria Baths

Photo by: @mylesoh86/@victoriabaths

Location: Manchester

Close up of clothing on market stall at Victoria Baths with coloured lights in the background
Victoria Baths

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.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Location: Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Location: The Peak District, England

Woman skipping on rocks at edge of hill. Landscape view

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

Chester’s charm is captivating and unmissable, from city walls oozing with Roman history to Chester Zoo's magnificent animal kingdom.

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/trabantos

Location: Chester, England

View of residential houses alongside river Dee in Chester, England.

Unlock the secrets of historic Lancaster, from its medieval castle to its quayside.

Photo by: Visit Lancashire/Gregg Wolstenholme

Location: Lancaster, England

Ashton Memorial, Lancaster from the air looking out across Morecambe Bay

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield
Stoke-on-Trent, England

Welcome to the World Capital of Ceramics, with art at its heart.

Photo by: Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent LVEP/Tony Pleavin

A woman and a man tour a museum

Explore the cities and national parks of England's north west on this five day itinerary.

Photo by: Liverpool One Shopping Centre

Location: Liverpool, England

Outdoor grassy steps of a shopping centre

Getting to Manchester

Manchester is located in the north of England, situated in the county of Greater Manchester.  Manchester Airport is one of the north of England’s main international hubs, welcoming travellers from all over the world. As the largest airport outside of London, Manchester flies to almost 190 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.

By 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.

By train

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.

By bike

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.