Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Media City, Salford Quays, Manchester, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Imperial war museum North and the lowry theater in Manchesterduring sunset, England
Panoramic image Manchester city skyline touched by the golden color of the Sunset
Panoramic View of Manchester Skyline showing old warehouse and chimney.
Sir Alex Ferguson stand of Old Trafford football stadium, Old Trafford is the largest stadium home of Manchester united football club.
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Most popular experiences in Manchester

Tours & day trips

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Snowdonia, Chester & North Wales from Manchester

Snowdonia, Chester & North Wales from Manchester

Activity duration is 10 hours and 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €108 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Manchester Self Guided Audio Experience

Manchester Self Guided Audio Experience

Activity duration is 9 hours
2.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Price is €5 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €68 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities
Private Cocktail Making Class in Manchester

Private Cocktail Making Class in Manchester

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
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Attractions

See all 8 activities
SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €23 per adult
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What to do in Manchester

Popular places to visit

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Cheer on soccer players during an exhilarating match and tour this 75,000-capacity stadium, home to one of Britain’s greatest soccer teams.

Old Trafford
Manchester Skyline and Manchester Sport City

Etihad Stadium

Catch an event at Etihad Stadium during your trip to Manchester. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

Etihad Stadium
Trafford Centre

Trafford Centre

During your trip to Manchester, you can enjoy retail therapy at Trafford Centre. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Trafford Centre
www.alamy.com

Heaton Park

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Heaton Park, a popular green space in Manchester. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Heaton Park
www.alamy.com

Deansgate

During your trip to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Deansgate. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Deansgate
View from the footpath along Rochdale canal in the Castlefield area in the center of Manchester, England towards a historic steel railway bridge

Canal Street

During your visit to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Canal Street. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Canal Street
University of Manchester

University of Manchester

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Manchester during your travels in Manchester. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

University of Manchester
Piccadilly Gardens

Piccadilly Gardens

Watch the world go by and take a look at Manchester’s most controversial architecture at the city’s busiest green space and transport hub.

Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester_ManchesterArena_6079173-2

AO Arena

Catch an event at AO Arena during your trip to Cheetham Hill. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

AO Arena

Where to stay in Manchester

Find the best Manchester areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Manchester
Learn more about Manchester

Manchester City Centre

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Manchester City Centre. Check out top attractions like Manchester Art Gallery and St. Peter's Square, and jump on the metro at St Peters Square Station or Mosley Street Station to see more of the city.

Photo by Keely Butler
Open Photo by Keely Butler

Northern Quarter

Northern Quarter is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Market Street and Affleck's Palace.

Aerial view of Manchester’s skyline with clustered tall modern towers photographed over Ancoats area.

Ancoats

While Ancoats may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Manchester Arndale and Printworks.

Castlefield Manchester UK

Castlefield

Castlefield is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Castlefield Roman Fort and Castlefield Bowl while in the area.

Old Trafford

Travellers choose Old Trafford for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Trafford Bar Tram Stop or Old Trafford Tram Stop and check out top sights like Old Trafford.

Adobe

Bolton

Chadderton
Photo by Bill Boaden (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Chadderton

Warrington

Warrington

Wigan

Wigan

Adobe

Wilmslow

Marple Flight Locks and Lockside Mill Cheshire England.

Stockport

Beautiful aerial view of the Hyde park in London, UK. Magical sunset view over the park with London skyline on the horizon.

Hyde

Panoramic sunrise aerial view of Castlefield in Manchester featuring the Bridgewater Canal, viaducts, and Merchants’ Warehouse.

Sale

Frequently asked questions

Is Manchester worth visiting?
With a blend of walking trails and cycling, there's no shortage of things to do in Manchester. While you're here, visit O2 Apollo Manchester, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Manchester?
Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester Museum are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Manchester while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Manchester?
Don't leave without exploring O2 Apollo Manchester, rated the top tourist attraction in Manchester.
Is three days enough to stay in Manchester?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Opera House with a three-day stay in Manchester. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and head to Greater Manchester.
Is Manchester a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Manchester, such as O2 Apollo Manchester and Manchester Palace Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from central Manchester is Manchester City Centre and Piccadilly is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Manchester with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Manchester with kids.

What to do in Manchester for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Manchester, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Deansgate or Canal Street.
Are there free things to do in Manchester?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Manchester is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Manchester Cathedral is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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