Visit Manchester

Visit Manchester

Youthful, diverse, energetic and bursting with character; Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK right now where everybody and anybody is very warmly welcomed. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for culture, sport, nightlife, family-friendly adventures or just good fun.

Feel the buzz of this vibrant city, the famous music scene, iconic football teams, revolutionary history and trend-setting neighbourhoods. Explore the unique and independent bars, restaurants, shops, theatres and museums that Manchester has to offer. Manchester city centre is jam-packed with unique and eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, museums, galleries, hotels and places to stay, whilst the surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs offer a patch-work of visitor experiences including quaint market towns, traditional pubs and beautiful green spaces and waterways to be explored on foot or bike.

Getting to Manchester

There are three main stations in Manchester city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. With direct rail services from across the country, getting here is easy, and you can reach the centre of Manchester from Chester and Cheshire in around 1 hour.

The city region is easily navigated, with great transport links both in and around Greater Manchester.

Things to see, do and discover

Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. Explore the sights, sounds and stories of the city with unique sightseeing experiences, from city walks to taxi tours.

Culture 

Manchester’s arts and culture scene is thriving. Uncover the city's fascinating past through iconic landmarks, museums, and heritage sites that tell the story of Manchester's evolution. Be absorbed by beautiful attractions and explore rich history and gothic architecture at John Rylands Library and Manchester Cathedral, be inspired by changing exhibitions, where creativity and history converge, at Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth, and Manchester Museum. Experience unmissable events at Aviva Studios, enjoy award-winning  performances at the Palace Theatre and Lowry, and if you’re looking for fun for all the family the Science and Industry Museum is perfect for curious minds, with hands-on experiences, laughs, and lots of cool science facts.

Sport 

Of course, Manchester is a city synonymous with sport, and you can’t talk about Manchester without mentioning football. Whether it’s a matchday or non-matchday, there’s always something going on with stadium tours at both Manchester City and Manchester United football clubs, where you can follow in players’ footsteps as you walk through the players’ tunnel, explore home team dressing rooms, and snap a pitch-side selfie. Discover more of the social history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum.

Emirates Old Trafford is home to Lancashire Cricket Club, and also plays regular host to electrifying fixtures such as England ODI and Test Match games.  Alongside this, Manchester attracts sporting events including cycling, rugby, swimming, squash, and so much more across its world-class purpose-built venues.

Music

Immerse yourself in Manchester's legendary live music and entertainment scene. From intimate clubs to world-class arenas, explore the city's diverse musical landscape. The AO Arena and Co-op Live offer an eclectic line-up of chart-topping artists and pop-stars from across the globe, whilst you can discover the best of Manchester’s emerging artists and talent with gigs at trendy pubs and clubs like Night and Day, YES and Band on the Wall.

Food and drink

The city is becoming a global destination for food and drink. With restaurants and bars opening weekly, the city is fast establishing itself as one of the UK’s most exciting and thriving foodie destinations. Manchester offers some unmissable dining experiences, with fine dining at Adam Reid at The French, or Tom Barnes’ new venture SKOF, which was recently awarded Manchester’s latest Michelin Star. Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea in an all-electric black cab whilst on a comprehensive tour of Manchester, or explore the local produce with pop-up markets and street food. New in town, Lina Stores brings classic Italian dishes and charm to Manchester, while Cut & Craft is a stylish spot for steak and cocktails in a beautiful, listed building. There really is something to suit everyone’s tastes in Manchester.

Shopping

Manchester is a global shopping destination, drawing visitors from all over the country, with high-end luxury, unique finds, and great deals.

Shop ‘til you drop at luxury department stores like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and visit boutique designer districts around King Street, Spinningfields and New Cathedral Street. Manchester’s thriving Jewellery Quarter is perfect for treating yourself, with exclusive timepieces, contemporary designs and vintage treasures.

Alternative and creative, The Northern Quarter, is home to countless vintage and independent stores, record shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. The famous Affleck’s Emporium holds four floors of independent designers and traders, while Manchester Craft and Design Centre houses artists' studios selling local designs, jewellery, bags and accessories in a restored Victorian fish and poultry market.

LGBTQ+ 

Manchester is one of the world’s leading gay-friendly cities, with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene centred around the world famous Canal Street – home of “The Village”. With a combination of eclectic bars, clubs, restaurants and green spaces set alongside a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal, Manchester’s Gay Village has something to suit all tastes. The Village is also famous for hosting Manchester Pride, a city-wide celebration and one of the biggest Pride events in the UK.