Manchester
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, and diverse food halls and markets. Stay at quirky or indulgent hotels that fill its once dormant factories. 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.
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.
Flourishing flora at RHS Garden Bridgewater
Immerse yourself in one of the largest gardening projects in Europe. 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.
Afflecks
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.
Things to do in Manchester
Featured things to do
Tour the city
As warmer weather finally arrives, the city starts to bloom. Venture out by foot with anything from a taproom tour to a ghost-hunting walkabout.
Learn more about city tours
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.
Learn more about Manchester Pride
Food and Drink Festival
Tickle your taste buds at The Manchester Food and Drink Festival – journey through the flavours of the city and beyond as you dive into its vibrant food scene.
Learn more about Manchester Food and Drink Festival
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.
Learn more about Manchester Christmas MarketPlaces 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.
Getting around
You can fly from London in 1 hour, while a train takes just two hours. Manchester is one of north England’s major international airports so you can probably fly direct from your home country. As the largest airport outside London, Manchester flies to around 225 destinations worldwide.
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
Manchester is served by an excellent bus network, with hundreds of routes which run throughout the city.
By train
With one of the best tram networks in Britain, it’s easy to get around by Metrolink.
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 local celebrity top tips and much more.