Things to do in Manchester

Manchester, set along the banks of the River Irwell, is a city renowned for its industrial heritage, musical legacy, and vibrant cultural scene. Once the heart of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester now boasts landmarks like the stunning Manchester Town Hall, a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, and the Science and Industry Museum, which showcases the city’s pioneering role in global innovation. These iconic sites highlight Manchester’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern, creative metropolis.

No visit to Manchester is complete without diving into its energetic atmosphere. The Northern Quarter is famous for its eclectic mix of independent boutiques, quirky cafés, and vibrant street art, while Spinningfields offers upscale dining and sophisticated nightlife. Visitors can also explore the renowned Manchester Art Gallery or take in a concert at the legendary Manchester Arena. Whether exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying its dynamic food scene, or soaking up its artistic vibe, Manchester promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Fun Activities

Manchester is notorious for its rainy weather, but you can also enjoy snow all year round if you look in the right place! Practice your skiing or snowboarding skills at Chill Factor, where you can whizz down the UK’s longest indoor slope – with real snow! If your skiing skills aren’t up to much, try your hand at the climbing wall or tube slide instead, or just mess about in the snow play area and pretend you’re up in the Alps. There’s also a Legoland Discovery in the Trafford Centre with an interactive ride and 4D cinema – perfect for younger kids.

As well as the above Manchester can offer you a hugh list of activities and days out, which include Escape Rooms, VR Experiences, Crazy Golf, Axe Throwing, Go Karting, Paintball, plus much more.

Eating Out

The stunning Edwardian architecture of The Corn Exchange houses loads of choices for eating out, albeit mostly chain restaurants like Cosy Club, Zizzi and Wahaca, but a good place to go for affordable meals. Vegetarians will feel very at home in Manchester – apparently the philosophy of not eating meat started here as far back as the 1700s, and vegans are well-catered for too with ‘Plant Powered Sundays’ at Grub Manchester.

Culture Vulture

Manchester has a reputation for being a ‘radial city’, especially when it comes to workers’ rights and the fight for female suffrage, so it makes sense to include a visit to The People’s Museum. It’s jam-packed with artefacts from political movements, including the huge banners that were taken on marches. 

You definitely won’t take it all in during one visit! Named after the famous ‘stick-man’ artist, The Lowry is a stunning complex of galleries, theatres and eateries in the Salford Quays, and entry to the gallery is free. You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Manchester

After Dark

Internationally known for both music and comedy, there’s always something going on in town. Deansgate Locks are down by the canal and offer loads of great venues in one picturesque area, such as Revolution and The Comedy Store, so you don’t have to traipse all around town. 

If you’re into 70’s punk music, you have to go to legendary pub Band on The Wall, which has been at the heart of Manchester’s music scene for decades and hosted early gigs by Joy Division, The Fall and Buzzcocks. The Great Northern Warehouse is also a great spot to find loads of nightlife attractions in one place, whether you fancy a flutter in the casino, beating your personal best at bowling or catching a film at the cinema.

Eating Out and Places to Stay in Manchester

For a memorable stay in Manchester, Hotels.com offers a wide selection of comfortable accommodations, perfect for exploring the city’s rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re looking for a stylish hotel in the city center or a cozy retreat in a trendy neighborhood, Hotels.com has options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. 

Indulge in an exciting culinary landscape, from award-winning restaurants to lively street food markets, and don’t miss iconic attractions like the Manchester Art Gallery, the historic John Rylands Library, and the lively Northern Quarter. With its unique blend of history, music, and modernity, Manchester guarantees an unforgettable experience for every visitor!

Something a bit different…

A short drive out of the city takes you into the beautiful Saddleworth Moors, where you can not only enjoy the fabulous views, or if you are in that area, or want to try your skills at Racing Simulator, then head to Stonerig Raceway, plus you can also try Formula One Simulation, or play with a massive Scalextric.

We hope that you enjoyed reading our article about Things to do in Manchester, as you can see you’ll probably find that a weekend away just won’t cut it. Start planning your next trip now.