As such an important spot for the country’s industrial, sporting and musical history, Manchester is a great place to visit. Not sure where to start? We’ve found some of best things to do in Manchester.
Whether you stay for a weekend, a week or a month, there’s plenty to see and do. Book a cheap flight to Manchester and start planning your next trip.
Visit England’s second city
Discover the best activities and things to visit in Manchester
Although there’s debate all over the country, Mancunians call their hometown the second (if not first) city in England. We’re not here to crown any specific city, but there’s definitely a case for Manchester being up there.
From rich sports history to vibrant neighbourhoods, it’s easy to understand why Manchester is a city that appeals to many.
8 of the best things to do in Manchester
Even if you’re only just beginning your holiday research, you’ve probably realised that there are too many attractions in Manchester to fit them into one visit. We’ve found eight of our favourites to help build your itinerary.
See Manchester Cathedral
Victoria Street
Dating back to 1421, Manchester Cathedral sits proudly in the city centre. Built in the gothic style, visitors are encouraged to drop in and visit throughout the week. Free guided tours are available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, although donations are gratefully accepted.
On most weeks there are also daily services (9am, 1.10pm and 3.30pm on weekdays). On Saturday there are just the two – 9am and 3.30pm – while Sunday has four: 8.45am, 10.30am, 3.30pm and 6pm. You can see a full calendar of services here.
Tour the stadiums
City of Manchester Stadium / Old Trafford
Football is the lifeblood of Manchester. Whether you’re sky blue, devil red or a neutral coming in peace, taking a tour of either the Etihad or Old Trafford is a great experience. You’ll get to walk the stands, see the museums and trophies, and even go in the dressing rooms and the manager’s dugout.
Ticket prices are similar. Manchester United charge £28 per adult; City £30. United £15 for children and concessions; City £18 for children (5-16), £23 for students and seniors, and children under five are free.
Insider tip:
Tours are available all days of the week, except on match days. Check the fixture list before you visit.
Take on the Crystal Maze challenge
Lower Byrom Street
British TV peaked in the 90s and perhaps the star show of all was The Crystal Maze. While the programme has gone off air, you can book in for a live escape room style experience.
Suitable for ages nine and up, you and your team go through four zones (Aztec, Futuristic, Medieval and Industrial) taking on four types of challenges (Mental, Mystery, Physical and Skill) before making your way to the cash grab in The Crystal Dome.
Tour the museums
Citywide
Museums are a great way to learn about a city’s history and Manchester is no exception. The only problem is deciding which museum(s) to go to. These attractions are some of the most popular things to do in Manchester, each with its own angle:
- Manchester Museum: Attached to the city’s university, this museum is more than 130 years old and has more than 4.5 million objects to browse.
- National Football Museum: Trace the history of the country’s favourite sport and see the 1966 World Cup trophy, the ball used in the final and Geoff Hurst’s iconic shirt.
- Science and Industry Museum: Manchester is known for its industrial roots, much of which has been preserved in this museum.
- People’s History Museum: Learn about the history of democracy and why it’s so important that we fight to protect it.
Visit Chinatown
Northwest Manchester
Manchester’s Chinatown, found in the northwest of the city, is the second largest in the UK (behind London’s). Take in the whole of Europe, and only Paris’ Chinatown is bigger.
In February, Chinatown is home to New Year festivities with an incredible Dragon Parade. But year round it’s full of shops, bakeries, and some of the best places to eat in Manchester.
Stroll through the Botanical Gardens
Didsbury
The twinned Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens are one of the best things to do in Manchester for nature lovers. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and wander through 90 acres of parkland. In that space, you can find an Alpine Garden, a pollinator-friendly WellBeeing Garden, and trees from all around the world. There’s also a family-run cafe on site when you want to have time to sit down.
Entry to the gardens is free.
Insider tip:
Fletcher Moss Park is a 10-minute walk from East Didsbury train station.
Visit Canal Street
Canal Street
If you’re looking for places to go out in Manchester, Canal Street (commonly known as the ‘gay village’) has a huge number of restaurants, bars and clubs that are open to all. The area has long been visited by city’s LGBTQ+ community, but it was only in the 1990s that it got official designation – and an introduction to the UK through Queer As Folk.
Today, it’s one of the liveliest areas of the city and a welcome space for everyone. Nearby Sackville Gardens is home to the Alan Turing Memorial, the famous WWII codebreaker who was infamously arrested and chemically castrated because of his sexuality.
Insider tip:
The Gay Village hosts Manchester’s Pride Festival in August each year.
Go back in time at The John Rylands Library
Deansgate
Built in the late 1890s, this memorial library is home to a huge collection of rare and antique books. The design is somewhere between an old style library and a cathedral, you can get lost in the architecture as well as the tomes. Among the special books are a Gutenberg Bible and illustrated medieval texts.
Entry is free from Wednesday to Saturday, but you have to reserve your spot online beforehand.
Top tips:
Manchester Airport is a 20 minute drive from the city centre.
Behind London, Manchester is the UK’s second largest city (with a population of 2.8 million).
Keen to get around the city easily? Hire a car at Manchester Airport and enjoy the freedom of your own wheels.
Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
