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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.

Things to do in Manchester

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Don’t miss the UK-exclusive last ever shows from The Eagles at Manchester’s vibrant new venue, Co-op Live.

Get your concert tickets

Manchester Co-Op Live

Promotional artwork for the final Eagles show at Manchester Co-Op Live
The Eagles – The Long Goodbye Final Tour

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

Explore Canal Street

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

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?

Book a tour of Old Trafford

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

mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

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

Book a Manchester Music Walkabout now

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

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Mackie Mayor, food shot
Mackie Mayor

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

Tuck into Scranchester

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

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

Adam Pester/Memphis Medium

DJ at Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester
Ducie Street Warehouse

Explore Manchester’s rich rainbow history on this expert-led walking tour of Canal Street.

Book the LGBTQIA+ Manchester Walking Tour

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Gay couples standing together and having drinks
Alternative Manchester LGBTQIA+ Walking Tour

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

Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography

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

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

Sparkle Weekend

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

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

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

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 bit of top-class pampering at at this city-centre hotel.

Find out more about King Street Townhouse

Ben Jury

Manchester

New Forest Water Park
King Street Townhouse

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

Explore Rena Spa at the Midland

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

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.

Book Imperial War Museum North

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 café.

Discover Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

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

Vegan Philly cheesesteak, loaded fries and mac ’n’ cheese? This food stall is 100% plant-based…

More about Herbivorous

Herbivorous

A cheesestake from Herbivorous in Manchester
Herbivorous

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

Visit Northern Roots

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

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

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 present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.

Visit Manchester Art Gallery

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.

Book tickets for the Science and Industry Museum

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

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

"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.

Live music and more at Band on the Wall

Jody Hartley

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

Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Manchester, England

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

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

Book a snow session at Chill Factore

Chill Factore

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

Craft Beer Tours

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

Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography

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.

Book a tour of the Manchester Gin Distillery

Manchester Gin

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.

Book a whistle-stop guided tour of Manchester

Marketing Manchester

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.

Book tickets to the National Football Museum

Chris Payne Images

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

Marketing Manchester

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 a spa day with Re:Treat

Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel

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

University of Manchester

Manchester, England

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

Don’t miss the UK-exclusive last ever shows from The Eagles at Manchester’s vibrant new venue, Co-op Live.

Get your concert tickets

Manchester Co-Op Live

Promotional artwork for the final Eagles show at Manchester Co-Op Live
The Eagles – The Long Goodbye Final Tour

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

Explore Canal Street

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

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?

Book a tour of Old Trafford

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

mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

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

Book a Manchester Music Walkabout now

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

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Mackie Mayor, food shot
Mackie Mayor

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

Tuck into Scranchester

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

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

Adam Pester/Memphis Medium

DJ at Ducie Street Warehouse Manchester
Ducie Street Warehouse

Explore Manchester’s rich rainbow history on this expert-led walking tour of Canal Street.

Book the LGBTQIA+ Manchester Walking Tour

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Gay couples standing together and having drinks
Alternative Manchester LGBTQIA+ Walking Tour

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

Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography

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

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

Sparkle Weekend

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

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

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

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 bit of top-class pampering at at this city-centre hotel.

Find out more about King Street Townhouse

Ben Jury

Manchester

New Forest Water Park
King Street Townhouse

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

Explore Rena Spa at the Midland

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

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.

Book Imperial War Museum North

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 café.

Discover Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

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

Vegan Philly cheesesteak, loaded fries and mac ’n’ cheese? This food stall is 100% plant-based…

More about Herbivorous

Herbivorous

A cheesestake from Herbivorous in Manchester
Herbivorous

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

Visit Northern Roots

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

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

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 present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.

Visit Manchester Art Gallery

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.

Book tickets for the Science and Industry Museum

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

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

"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.

Live music and more at Band on the Wall

Jody Hartley

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

Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Manchester, England

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

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

Book a snow session at Chill Factore

Chill Factore

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

Craft Beer Tours

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

Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography

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.

Book a tour of the Manchester Gin Distillery

Manchester Gin

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.

Book a whistle-stop guided tour of Manchester

Marketing Manchester

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.

Book tickets to the National Football Museum

Chris Payne Images

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

Marketing Manchester

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 a spa day with Re:Treat

Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel

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

University of Manchester

Manchester, England

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

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.

Oh Me Oh My

Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

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

VisitBritain/Becky Stacey

A woman with her arms raised enjoying the view from high

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

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 history and tales of Romans, to seeing the animal kingdom at Chester Zoo.

VisitBritain/Lisa Ruohoniemi

Street with some historic houses and shops

From its beginnings as a Norman Fortress, Lancaster’s buildings, streets and locals can tell tales of gigantic proportions.

Marketing Lancashire

 External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, its a place for outdoor lovers, adrenaline cravers and creative thinkers.

Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

Getting to Manchester

Manchester is located in the north of England, situated in the county of Greater Manchester.  Manchester Airport is one north England’s main international hubs, welcoming travellers from all over the world. As the largest airport outside of London, Manchester flies to around 225 destinations worldwide. Manchester is approximately 200 miles (322km) north of London and it takes just over 2 hours when travelling from London to Manchester by train.

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.