Manchester was recently voted one of the best cities in the world for good reason – it’s got loads to see and do plus a great vibe! Recognised for its friendliness, creativity, ‘coveted’ university and vibrant nightlife, the city is also home to two of the finest football teams in the world – Manchester United and rivals Manchester City, with fans visiting from all over the world to see the teams in action.
But Manchester is also much more than football with world-class dining and theatre options, state-of-the-art museums and TV studio tours. Whether you are heading there with your family or on a romantic trip, there is something for everyone.
Check out our recommended list of things to do in Manchester now and get your trip underway in style.
Things to do in Manchester: weekend ideas
Take in a football match
With Manchester boasting two of the planet’s most famous football clubs, taking in a game is definitely one of the best things to do in Manchester. Whether it’s at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, you’ll be sure to experience some great football, as well as an atmosphere to remember. If the game isn’t on, why not go on a stadium tour instead, where you’ll get a great insight into the history of the clubs, or have a bite to eat at the team’s cafe.
Both grounds are easily accessible from the city centre, with a number of buses and trams completing the route. Alternatively, you can also walk to either ground, which will take approximately 1 hour from the centre.
Visit one of the city’s museums
Sports fans should visit the National Football Museum, which takes a look at the history of the game and offers interactive activities. You’ll find Manchester attractions like this roughly a 1 minute walk from Manchester Victoria train station, in the north of the city centre.
Things to do in Manchester City Centre
Enjoy a show at Manchester Opera House
Located on Quay Street, only about an eight minute walk from Deansgate train station, you’ll find the beautiful Grade II listed Opera House. Having opened in the early 1900s, this building has hosted some incredible world premieres over the years. Get tickets to a famous musical, a hilarious comedy show or an opera. With a great array of performances, including ones for younger or more mature audiences, there’s something for everyone.
Head over to Chinatown
If you’re looking for places to go in Manchester, look no further than Chinatown. Believed to be Europe’s largest, this district in Manchester has a wide selection of food establishments, bakeries, businesses and supermarkets. A great place to build upon your love of Far-Eastern culture, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of treats on offer here.
It’s hard to miss Chinatown, with a three-tiered pagoda welcoming all visitors to the area. Whilst it’s great to visit throughout all seasons, it’s recommended to experience the Chinese New Year Celebrations in January, which are progressively becoming more and more popular.
Things to do in Manchester as a couple
Catch a film at IndieFlicks film festival
Get your popcorn ready and check out the Indie Flicks international film festival. Taking place on the first Monday of every month, this independent film festival is becoming more and more popular. Not only is this a great way for you to support up-and-coming filmmakers, but it also offers the perfect chance for you and your partner to do something a little different together.
Held in Chapeltown Picture House, in the Green Quarter of the city, it’s a great way to upgrade your standard cinema trip to something a little more interesting.
Hit the slopes at Chill Factore
If you’re feeling adventurous, then why not take your date to Chill Factore. Located about a 30min drive to the west of the city centre, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding throughout the year at the UK’s longest artificial slope. Boasting artificial snow and a course that’s nearly 200 metres long, it’s a great place to spend the day.
If you aren’t very confident on the slopes, you can opt to take private or group lessons and there is a range of equipment available to hire if you don’t have any. Without a doubt, this is one of the most fun things to do in Manchester.
Things to do in Manchester at night
Go to a comedy club
Manchester is renowned for its great comedy scene, with some hilarious acts plying their trade in the city. It has two purpose-built comedy clubs; The Comedy Store and Frog and Bucket, as well as loads of other independent gig venues which host comedy nights. So if you’re looking for a place to laugh the night away, this city has a venue that’s up your alley.
Hang out on Canal Street
Night owls should head to Canal Street, which is just south of Chinatown. It’s a really lively area with alresco drinking and loud music. The area welcomes all members of the LGBT society and is testimony to why Manchester is one of the world’s leading gay-friendly cities.
Soak up some jazz
With Manchester having developed such as well-established and vibrant music scene over the years, it was never going to be long before jazz found a foothold in the city. Dedicated jazz venue Matt and Phreds, located in the Northern Quarter on Tib Street, is just a nine minute walk from Manchester Victoria train station.
Things to do in Manchester for families
Check out Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
If you’re travelling with young kids, then a sure-fire win is to take them to see some animals. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm offers access to a great range of farm animals, such as donkeys and goats. There are even tortoises and peafowl that you’ll find in the area, too.
Kids can take part in a range of activities, including feeding and petting the animals. You can get to the farm via train from Manchester Victoria to Mills Hill, which takes about eight minutes.
Take a tour of the city
You can learn about the city’s industrial history and also many notable buildings and districts such as the Coronation Street tour, The Manchester Cathedral and Canal Street on an organised tour. If you’re with older children, then a walking tour might suffice. However, for those with young children, you can get a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Not only do these take you to your destination, but you will get commentary along the way explaining the history of the districts.
Things to do in Manchester today: FAQs
What else is there to do in Manchester?
Manchester has great places to eat and drink coffee. If you’re looking for a district to eat in, there’s no better area than Ancoats, near the Northern Quarter, offering perfect pizzas, brilliant brunches and cracking coffee.
If you want some spice, head to the world famous Curry Mile in the Rusholme district of Manchester.
Is Manchester, UK, worth visiting?
Manchester is a great city, which has a thriving art scene. Whether you want to go to a museum, listen to music or head to a comedy gig, there’s something for everyone. With lots of regeneration having taken place, it’s become a very popular place for retail and food too.
What is worth seeing in Manchester?
One of its most popular sites is the Manchester Central Library, which is one of the standout buildings in the city centre. Manchester Cathedral is also worth visiting, as it dominates the remaining part of medieval Manchester.
What is Manchester famous for?
From football to music and culture, Manchester is one of Britain’s most famous cities. Known for its industrial past, the city was famous for being a leading producer of cotton and textiles. The canal which runs through the center of the city formerly transported coal into Manchester’s industrial zone. The railway between Manchester and Liverpool was also the world’s first inter-city railway for passengers.
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