Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

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Water way canal area in Manchester ,North west England
Modern apartments on both side of river Irwell passing through Manchester city center, UK.
Panoramic view of Manchester, England, UK
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Most popular experiences in Manchester

Tours & day trips

See all 97 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 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 410 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 45 activities
Manchester Taxi Tours with Mike

Manchester Taxi Tours with Mike

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 677 per traveller*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 21 activities
Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience

Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
5.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 162 per adult
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Attractions

See all 7 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 RM 108 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Cocktail Making Experience in Wigan Gin Bar

Cocktail Making Experience in Wigan Gin Bar

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 162 per adult
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What to do in Manchester

Popular places to visit

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

4/5(350 reviews)

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
Espectacular view of this glamorous mall. Manchester United Kingdom

Trafford Centre

4/5(208 reviews)

During your trip to Manchester, you can enjoy retail therapy at Trafford Centre. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Trafford Centre
Manchester Skyline and Manchester Sport City

Etihad Stadium

4.5/5(141 reviews)

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

Etihad Stadium
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Heaton Park

4/5(64 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Heaton Park, a lovely green space in Manchester. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Heaton Park
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Deansgate

4/5(111 reviews)

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
Manchester_ManchesterArena_6079173-2

AO Arena

4.5/5(234 reviews)

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

AO Arena
Shadows of neo-gothic towers, spires and roofs from the main University of Manchester building showing up really well on the modern rotundity of University Place, opposite.

University of Manchester

4/5(168 reviews)

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 top-notch restaurants.

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

Piccadilly Gardens

4/5(211 reviews)

Kick back and relax at Manchester’s most popular green space and transport hub, and marvel at the city’s most controversial architecture.

Piccadilly Gardens
View from the footpath along Rochdale canal in the Castlefield area in the center of Manchester, England towards a historic steel railway bridge

Canal Street

4/5(64 reviews)

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

Canal Street

Areas of Manchester

Albert Square featuring street scenes, 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, Manchester, England

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
Piccadilly Gardens which includes rides

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
What a great find, equal to if not better than it's neighbour Cloudwater Barrel Store

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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Trafford Park

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

Trafford Park
Just in case the bar names don't give it away, there are now these handy little street signs too.

Gay Village

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

Gay Village

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.

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