What to do in Manchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Manchester, UK. Photos taken near the Manchester ship canal.
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.
Aerial view of the Media City UK is on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in Salford and Trafford, Greater Manchester, England at dusk.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and a river in the background.

Things to do

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium

฿784
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium
Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour

Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour

฿572
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Manchester: Sightseeing Bus Tour
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

฿706
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket
Manchester National Football Museum Ticket Tour

Manchester National Football Museum Ticket Tour

฿628
per senior
Manchester National Football Museum Ticket Tour
Luggage Storage in Manchester

Luggage Storage in Manchester

฿326
per adult
Luggage Storage in Manchester
Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket

฿2,645
per adult
Manchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket
Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

฿672
per adult
Manchester: Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
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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 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 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

While Ancoats may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do 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 Beetham Tower while in the area.

A stadium with red seats and a large sign reading "MANCHESTER UNITED".

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.

Day trip destinations from Manchester

A historic stone structure with a pointed arch, surrounded by trees and a calm lake reflecting the sky.

Bolton

A historic building with a red brick facade, a prominent entrance with a large archway, and a flag on top. There are cars parked in front, and a street sign indicating a one-way street.

Warrington

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

Wigan

A canal under a stone bridge with brick buildings and a museum in the background.

Oldham

A butterfly on yellow flowers.

Prestwich

A close-up of a plant with green leaves and small orange berries, covered in dew and spider webs.

Rochdale

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

Stockport

A church with a tall steeple and a green fence in front.
Photo by Robert Linsdell (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Little Hulton

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.