Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

St. Peter\'s Square featuring a square or plaza, a city and railway items
Manchester Art Gallery featuring interior views and art as well as an individual female
Manchester
Manchester City Hall which includes heritage architecture and interior views
Manchester City Hall showing heritage architecture and interior views

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Most popular experiences in Manchester

Tours & day trips

See all 86 activities
Snowdonia, Chester & North Wales from Manchester

Snowdonia, Chester & North Wales from Manchester

Activity duration is 10 hours and 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €104 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 35 activities
Manchester Haunt Quest: Solve the Mystery of the Pusher

Manchester Haunt Quest: Solve the Mystery of the Pusher

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €9 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Hard Rock Cafe Manchester Dining Experience

Hard Rock Cafe Manchester Dining Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 42 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €30 per traveller
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Pottery painting class in Manchester

Pottery painting class in Manchester

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €17 per adult
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Attractions

See all 5 activities
SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €23 per adult
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What to do in Manchester

Popular places to visit

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Cheer on soccer players during an exhilarating match and tour this 75,000-capacity stadium, home to one of Britain’s greatest soccer teams.

Old Trafford
Trafford Centre

Trafford Centre

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Trafford Centre, a favourite shopping spot in Manchester. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums.

Trafford Centre
Heaton Park

Heaton Park

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Heaton Park, a popular green space in Manchester. Experience the area's fascinating museums and entertainment choices.

Heaton Park
Etihad Stadium

Etihad Stadium

Catch an event at Etihad Stadium during your trip to Manchester. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Etihad Stadium
Deansgate

Deansgate

During your trip to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Deansgate. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Deansgate
AO Arena

AO Arena

Catch an event at AO Arena during your trip to Cheetham Hill. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.

AO Arena
University of Manchester

University of Manchester

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Manchester during your travels in Manchester. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.

University of Manchester
Piccadilly Gardens which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and a city

Piccadilly Gardens

Watch the world go by and take a look at Manchester’s most controversial architecture at the city’s busiest green space and transport hub.

Piccadilly Gardens
Canal Street

Canal Street

During your visit to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Canal Street. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Canal Street

Areas of Manchester

Albert Square featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

Manchester City Centre

4/5(2,171 area reviews)

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.

Manchester City Centre
Old Trafford featuring a statue or sculpture

Old Trafford

Travellers choose Old Trafford for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Trafford Bar Tram Stop or Old Trafford Tram Stop and check out top sights like Old Trafford.

Old Trafford
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Northern Quarter

4/5(353 area reviews)

Taste craft beers and stroll down the lively streets of this alternative district, noticing the vinyl record stores, street art and indie fashion boutiques.

Northern Quarter
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Piccadilly

If you're spending time in Piccadilly, check out sights like Market Street or Rochdale Canal and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Picadilly Gardens Station or Mosley Street Station.

Piccadilly
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Gay Village

While visiting Gay Village, you might make a stop by sights like Canal Street and Alan Turing Memorial.

Gay Village
Imperial War Museum North which includes interior views

Trafford Park

While you're in Trafford Park, take in top sights like Trafford Centre or Old Trafford, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkway Tram Stop or Village Tram Stop.

Trafford Park
Bolton

Bolton

Photo "Chadderton" by Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA)

Chadderton

Warrington which includes heritage architecture

Warrington

Photo by Adam Richardson

Wigan

Wilmslow

Wilmslow

Stockport

Stockport

Lymm which includes a small town or village, boating and a river or creek

Lymm

Photo by Sharon Harvey

Hyde

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from central Manchester is Manchester City Centre and Piccadilly is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Manchester with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Manchester Cathedral is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.