Things to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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
Etihad Stadium

Etihad Stadium

4.5/5(141 reviews)

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

Etihad Stadium
Heaton Park

Heaton Park

4/5(64 reviews)

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

Heaton Park
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
Deansgate

Deansgate

4/5(111 reviews)

During your trip to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Deansgate. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this romantic area.

Deansgate
AO Arena

AO Arena

4.5/5(234 reviews)

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

AO Arena
Canal Street

Canal Street

4/5(64 reviews)

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
University of Manchester

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

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 showing 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
Imperial War Museum North which includes interior views

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
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Central Retail District

While you're in Central Retail District, take in top sights like Royal Exchange Theatre and jump on the metro at Market Street Station to see more of the city.

Central Retail District
Photo "Cheadle" by david newton (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by david newton (CC BY-SA)

Cheadle

Warrington featuring heritage architecture

Warrington

Photo by Gordon Simpson

Prestwich

Altrincham

Altrincham

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

Lymm

Photo "Little Hulton" by SG2012 (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Little Hulton

Photo "Failsworth" by Martin Butler (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Martin Butler (CC BY-SA)

Failsworth

Photo "Irlam" by Keith Williamson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Keith Williamson (CC BY-SA)

Irlam

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.