Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

A waterfront cityscape with a prominent building on the right, a calm river, and a clear blue sky.
A modern cityscape with a river, a bridge, and several high-rise buildings.
A waterfront cityscape with modern architecture, including a distinctive building with a curved roof and a cylindrical structure with a golden facade.
A cityscape with modern architecture, a river, and a round building with a glass exterior.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and a river in the background.

Things to do

Small-Group Derbyshire, the Peak District & Poole's Cavern

Idyllic England: Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester

P6,073
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Idyllic England: Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

P1,301
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket
Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

P1,231
per adult
Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour

Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour

P1,231
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour
Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket

Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket

P1,235
per adult
Bridgewater: Royal Horticultural Society Garden Ticket
MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

P4,842
per adult
MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
North Wales & Caernarfon Castle Full-Day Tour from Manchester

North Wales & Caernarfon Castle Full-Day Tour from Manchester

P5,663
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
North Wales & Caernarfon Castle Full-Day Tour from Manchester
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What to do in Manchester

Stay near popular Manchester attractions

A football stadium with red seating and a green pitch.

Old Trafford

8.6/10 (2,130 reviews)
Old Trafford showcases Manchester United's rich football legacy and trophy-filled museum. Take the guided tour through players' tunnels and dressing rooms for an authentic behind-the-scenes experience.
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Where to stay in Manchester

Find the best Manchester areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Manchester
Learn more about Manchester
A historic bridge, a modern skyscraper, and a traditional building with a tower at night.

Manchester City Centre

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Manchester City Centre. Check out top attractions like Manchester Art Gallery and St. Peter's Square, and jump on the metro at St Peters Square Station or Mosley Street Station to see more of the city.

A sculpture of a bee with the letters "MCR" on it, placed in front of a mural with bees and honeycombs.
Photo by Keely Butler
Open Photo by Keely Butler

Northern Quarter

Northern Quarter is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Market Street and Affleck's Palace.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a prominent tower, and a partly cloudy sky.

Ancoats

Though Ancoats might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Manchester Arndale and Printworks.

A modern bridge with cables, a river, and a tall building in the background.

Castlefield

Castlefield is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Castlefield Bowl and Deansgate while in the area.

A spacious train station with a high, glass-roofed ceiling and a modern train on the platform.
Photo by Richard Sutcliffe
Open Photo by Richard Sutcliffe

Piccadilly

When in Piccadilly and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Canal Street or Manchester Conference Centre and hop on the metro to see more the city at Picadilly Gardens Station or Mosley Street Station.

A canal with buildings on one side and a grassy area with red shrubs in the foreground.

Wigan

A butterfly on yellow flowers.

Prestwich

A canal with a lock gate, a brick building, and a grassy path.

Stockport

A large brick building with a pond in front, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Altrincham

A canal with boats, a brick building, and a car parked on the side.

Lymm

A rural road with a brick barn and wooden fence.
Photo by SMJ (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Atherton

A brick house with a red door, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with grass, dandelions, and various shrubs.
Photo by David Dixon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Droylsden

A railway station sign, a stone wall, a blue fence, and a red brick building.

Urmston

Frequently asked questions

Is Manchester worth visiting?
With a blend of walking trails and cycling, there's no shortage of things to do in Manchester. While you're here, visit O2 Apollo Manchester, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Manchester?
Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester Museum are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Manchester while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Manchester?
Don't leave without exploring O2 Apollo Manchester, rated the top tourist attraction in Manchester.
Is three days enough to stay in Manchester?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Opera House with a three-day stay in Manchester. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and head to Greater Manchester.
Is Manchester a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Manchester, such as O2 Apollo Manchester and Manchester Palace Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometers from central Manchester is Manchester City Centre and Piccadilly is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Manchester with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Manchester with kids.

What to do in Manchester for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Manchester, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Deansgate or Canal Street.
Are there free things to do in Manchester?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Manchester is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Manchester Cathedral is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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