Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Manchester, UK. Photos taken near the Manchester ship canal.
A modern cityscape with a river, a bridge, and several high-rise buildings.
A waterfront cityscape with modern architecture, including a distinctive building with a curved roof and a cylindrical structure with a golden facade.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and a river in the background.
A cityscape with a prominent red brick building, a river, and a mix of residential and commercial skyscrapers.

Things to do

MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

HK$719
per adult
MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

HK$164
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket
Small-Group Windermere, Lancaster & Lake District Day Tour

Windermere, Lancaster & Lake District from Manchester

HK$983
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Windermere, Lancaster & Lake District from Manchester
Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

HK$615
per adult
Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket
The Tales from the Dales & Brontë Country from Manchester

The Tales from the Dales & Brontë Country from Manchester

HK$719
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Tales from the Dales & Brontë Country from Manchester
Explore Manchester Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide

Explore Manchester Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide

HK$45
per adult
Explore Manchester Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide
Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket

Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket

HK$164
per adult
Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket
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What to do in Manchester

Stay near popular Manchester attractions

A football stadium with red seating and a green pitch.

Old Trafford

8.6/10 (2,130 reviews)
Old Trafford showcases Manchester United's rich football legacy and trophy-filled museum. Take the guided tour through players' tunnels and dressing rooms for an authentic behind-the-scenes experience.
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Where to stay in Manchester

Find the best Manchester areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Manchester
Learn more about Manchester
A historic bridge, a modern skyscraper, and a traditional building with a tower at night.

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.

A sculpture of a bee with the letters "MCR" on it, placed in front of a mural with bees and honeycombs.
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.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a prominent tower, and a partly cloudy sky.

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.

A modern bridge with cables, a river, and a tall building in the background.

Castlefield

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

A modern glass building with a curved facade, traffic lights, and a car in the foreground.
Photo by Aliya Bokhari
Open Photo by Aliya Bokhari

New Cross

While there might not be top attractions in New Cross, you can explore the larger area and discover places like National Football Museum and Printworks.

A historic stone structure with a pointed arch, surrounded by trees and a calm lake reflecting the sky.

Bolton

A narrowboat on a calm canal, a stone house with a garden, and a large tree in the background.

Cheadle

A historic building with a red brick facade, a prominent entrance with a large archway, and a flag on top. There are cars parked in front, and a street sign indicating a one-way street.

Warrington

A canal with buildings on one side and a grassy area with red shrubs in the foreground.

Wigan

A red post box on a grassy path with a tree and brick wall in the background.

Wilmslow

A canal under a stone bridge with brick buildings and a museum in the background.

Oldham

A butterfly on yellow flowers.

Prestwich

A close-up of a plant with green leaves and small orange berries, covered in dew and spider webs.

Rochdale

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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