Industrial, rebellious, creative… Manchester is a city that never fails to impress, no matter the time of year. As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, modern football, and legendary bands like Oasis, The Smiths, and Joy Division, it blends history, underground culture, and innovation with a unique energy. What are the best things to do in Manchester? The possibilities are endless!
From iconic stadiums and colorful street art to fascinating museums and lively pubs, the city is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into music, football, gastronomy, or architecture, Manchester is full of surprises waiting around every corner.
Explore the inner workings of football at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium
Manchester lives and breathes football, and two legendary stadiums draw fans from around the world.
Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, offers guided tours that take you through the club’s history, locker rooms, and player tunnel. The Etihad Stadium, Manchester City’s fortress, provides an immersive experience with augmented reality to relive the team’s greatest moments.
For a truly local experience, watch a match in a pub. The Mary D’s Beamish Bar is a must-visit for its electric atmosphere on game days.
Immerse yourself in the street art and bohemian vibes of the Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative hub. Once an industrial area, it has transformed into an artistic epicenter filled with vibrant street art, vintage shops, and independent cafés. Forget big-brand stores—here, the walls tell the story of the city’s musical and cultural history, making it a paradise for street art lovers, music fans, and those who enjoy unique shopping experiences.
- Street Art Tour – Explore the district’s most iconic murals.
- Afflecks – A maze of vintage stores, thrift shops, and punk accessories.
- Piccadilly Records – A must-visit vinyl shop for collectors.
- Manchester Craft & Design Centre – A space dedicated to local artisans.
Dive into culture at Manchester Art Gallery and Whitworth Art Gallery
Manchester is a city of art in every form, and its museums showcase this perfectly. The Manchester Art Gallery, located in the city center, houses an impressive collection ranging from Pre-Raphaelite paintings to modern and contemporary art. Alongside its permanent exhibits, the gallery hosts thought-provoking temporary exhibitions tackling themes like feminism and social activism.
Further south, nestled in a lush park, the Whitworth Art Gallery offers a more contemporary approach to art. Its sleek, modern architecture contrasts beautifully with Manchester’s industrial past. Inside, you’ll find immersive installations, avant-garde sculptures, and textile artworks that highlight the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Experience Manchester’s legendary music scene
Manchester has produced some of the greatest bands in rock and pop history. Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Stone Roses—the city has shaped British music and remains a global music hub, where every street echoes with its iconic legacy.
Concert venues are sacred spaces for music fans. Band on the Wall, operating since the 1930s, welcomes both rock legends and emerging artists. The Deaf Institute, with its retro décor and grand chandeliers, is perfect for discovering the latest indie talent.
For a deeper dive, the Manchester Music Tour takes you to the city’s most legendary spots, from the former Factory Records headquarters to the Salford Lads’ Club, made famous by The Smiths on The Queen Is Dead album cover. Packed with hidden stories, legendary concerts, and behind-the-scenes insights, this is a must for any music lover.
Discover Manchester from its canals
Often called the Venice of the North, Manchester is crisscrossed by historic canals that offer a unique perspective of the city. A canal cruise is the perfect way to take in Manchester’s mix of old and new.
- Sail past landmarks like Castlefield and MediaCityUK, home to the BBC studios.
- Glide beneath 19th-century iron bridges and past red-brick warehouses, remnants of Manchester’s industrial past.
- Enjoy a bar-service cruise, sipping a gin and tonic while taking in the city from the water.
Step back in rime at the John Rylands Library
With its neo-Gothic architecture and vaulted ceilings, the John Rylands Library looks like something straight out of Harry Potter. Home to rare manuscripts and historic books, it offers a magical, timeless atmosphere, perfect for a quiet escape from the city’s buzz.
Discover how Manchester changed the world at the Science and Industry Museum
As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was home to many inventions that shaped the modern world. The Science and Industry Museum tells this story through steam locomotives, interactive exhibits, and even the world’s first modern computer, designed in Manchester.
Wander through Castlefield’s roman ruins and tranquil canals
Castlefield is one of Manchester’s oldest and most picturesque districts. Its history dates back to Roman times when a military fort called Mamucium was built here—an early foundation of what would become modern-day Manchester. Today, the remains of this ancient fortress stand as a reminder of the city’s imperial past.
But Castlefield is also a symbol of Manchester’s industrial heritage. Its winding canals, which played a crucial role in the city’s 19th-century growth, are now lined with colorful houseboats, iron bridges, and red-brick warehouses converted into trendy bars and apartments. A stroll along the Bridgewater Canal reveals a mix of history and modern charm, with lively terraces and hidden gardens along the way.
End your walk with a drink at The Wharf, a cozy pub with an incredible waterside view. Its warm atmosphere and great selection of craft beers make it the perfect spot to relax after exploring this historic neighborhood.
Soak in the skyline from the top of Beetham Tower
At 169 meters, Beetham Tower is Manchester’s tallest skyscraper and one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. Its top floor is home to Cloud 23, a chic cocktail bar offering breathtaking panoramic views.
The best time to visit? Sunset, when the city lights start twinkling, and the skyline turns golden. Sit back with a cocktail and enjoy the show.
Unusual things to do in Manchester: the city’s most surprising tours
Want to step off the beaten path? Manchester has plenty of unique experiences to offer:
- Haunted Pub Tour – Manchester is full of pubs with eerie ghost stories, including The Peveril of the Peak and The Shakespeare.
- Victoria Baths – A former Art Nouveau public bathhouse where you can explore its beautifully preserved, class-divided swimming pools.
- The Mayfield Ghost Station – A long-abandoned underground train station that now hosts immersive cultural events.
