13 Amazing Things To Do In Manchester: The best guide

There’s no doubt that Manchester is a city with plenty to offer visitors. From its world-class museums and art galleries to its trendy restaurants and bars, the metropolis has something for everyone. If you’re looking to explore the history and culture of Manchester, then be sure to check out its many attractions. And if you’re looking for a lively neighborhood to explore, then be sure to wander around some of Manchester’s eclectic districts.

Language English

The currency British Pound

Best time to visit Manchester, UK:

The best time to visit is Spring (between late March to early June), and Autumn (from September to November) when you will encounter warm and dry weather at a lesser cost and fewer crowds to visit in summer.

Getting to Manchester:

The quickest and most direct way is by train from London, it takes about two hours and 15 minutes. You can book your trip here.

You can travel by bus with national express couches although takes around 6 hours +. There is a cheaper bus option about 18 pounds return with Mega Bus which is about a 4-hour journey as it makes a few stops along the way.

You can rent a car with AutoEurope and drive to Manchester, from London driving takes around 3 hours 25 minutes, we have used AutoEurope many times and cannot fault them.

A great way to meet new people and save on travel costs is to share a ride with a local heading in the same direction; check out blablacar. Prices can start for as low as $25.00

Where to stay in Manchester 

There is an abundance of accommodation throughout Manchester. If you are looking to stay one, two, or more nights, you can book here with Booking.com

If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel here with HostelWorldwide. I stayed at the YHA Manchester Hostel, I can highly recommend the YHA, it is situated in a great walkable location and makes exploring easy.

Manchester’s districts 

Manchester is a large city that’s divided into a number of districts. Each district has its own unique character and offers visitors a different experience. be sure to explore as many districts as possible when visiting Manchester, here are a few of the most popular ones:

The City Center

The heart of Manchester and is home to a number of the city’s most important landmarks. The district has many popular restaurants, bars, and shops.

Chinatown

Can be found in the city center and there is a number of restaurants, markets, and cultural venues, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for a taste of Chinese culture.

Deansgate

Located near the city center and has some of Manchester’s best shopping options. You’ll find large department stores as well as designer boutiques, so you can browse through hundreds of stores when you visit. The district also has popular bars and restaurants, so it’s a great place to explore.

The Northern Quarter

This district is in the heart of Manchester, and it’s one of the city’s most popular nightlife destinations. There are plenty of pubs, clubs, markets, and casual restaurants, and it’s a great place to explore when you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Piccadilly

Near the city center and is close to most of Manchester’s main attractions. You can find a number of casual restaurants here as well as international brand stores, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.

The Gay Village

Also in the heart of Manchester, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for LGBT travelers. There are plenty of casual restaurants and bars here, but the main attraction is the Canal Street area, which is home to over 200 gay-friendly businesses.

South Manchester

Found on the outskirts of the city center, and it’s home to some of the most popular shopping malls in Manchester. You’ll find plenty of casual restaurants here as well.

Salford Quays

On the banks of the River Irwell, Salford Quays is a large area filled with parks and attractive waterfront buildings. The Quays has a number of casual restaurants that offer stunning views of the water, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon when you visit.

Now that we covered the basics, let’s dive into exploring the city of Manchester.

Manchester’s Cathedral

Manchester’s Cathedral is a beautiful building that is worth checking out when exploring the city. The cathedral is the largest in the UK and has been around since 1844. It’s a great place to learn about Manchester’s history and culture, and it’s also a great spot for taking photos. The cathedral is open to visitors daily, and you can explore its many exhibits and attractions. Be sure to check out the impressive stained glass windows, which were created by some of the world’s most renowned artists.

The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is a must-visit for any football fan exploring Manchester. The museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of football memorabilia, and it offers visitors a fascinating look into the history of the sport. The museum is open daily, and it’s located in the heart of Manchester’s city center. Be sure to check out the interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to get a hands-on experience with football history. There’s also a cafe on-site, so you can refuel after exploring the museum. If you’re a football (soccer) fan, a behind-the-scenes tour might just be for you.

Old Trafford – The Theatre of Dreams- Home to Manchester United

Old Trafford is a football stadium located in Manchester. It’s the home stadium of Manchester United, and it’s also the largest football stadium in the UK. Old Trafford has been around since 1910, and it’s been the site of some of the most important moments in English football history. If you’re a fan of Manchester United or English football, then be sure to check out Old Trafford when exploring Manchester. The stadium is open for tours daily, and you can learn about its history and how it’s been used over the years. You’ll also have a chance to see some of the iconic trophies that have been won by Manchester United over the years.

Etihad Stadium

The Etihad Stadium is a world-class stadium located in Manchester. The stadium is home to Manchester City Football Club and was built in 2003. The stadium can hold up to 55,000 spectators and has a number of features that make it one of the best stadiums in the world, including a roof that covers all of the spectators, a number of large screens, and restaurants and bars. If you’re a fan of football or just enjoy watching sports in general, be sure to check out the Etihad Stadium when you’re in Manchester.

The John Rylands Library   

The John Rylands Library is a beautiful building located in the heart of Manchester. The library was founded in 1898 by John Rylands, and it’s been home to some of the most important works of literature and history over the years. If you are a reading lover of books, this library is for you and it’s free to enter, you can explore its many exhibits and attractions.

Manchester Art Gallery & Whitworth Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery and Whitworth Gallery are two of the most important art galleries in Manchester. The Manchester Art Gallery is home to a large collection of art, and it offers visitors a fascinating look into the history of art. The Whitworth Gallery is home to a large collection of British art, and it’s been open to the public since 1899. Visit to see some of the world’s most renowned artwork.

Albert Square – Manchester city centre

Albert Square is a popular public square in the heart of the city center. The square is home to a number of important landmarks, including Manchester’s Cathedral and The National Football Museum. It’s a great place to explore when visiting Manchester, and it’s always full of people and activity. The square is surrounded by some of Manchester’s best restaurants and bars, so you can easily spend an afternoon or evening there. be sure to check out the impressive fountains and statues that are located in the square.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to a large population of Chinese immigrants. There is a number of restaurants, markets, and cultural venues, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for a taste of Chinese culture. The neighborhood is located in the city center, and it’s easily accessible by foot or public transportation. be sure to check out the Manchester Chinatown Arch, which is the largest arch in Europe. You’ll also find some great deals on food and souvenirs in Chinatown’s markets and shops.

The Lowry Art Gallery at Salford Quay

The Lowry Art Gallery https://thelowry.com/ is home to a large collection of art, and it offers visitors a fascinating look into the history of art. The Gallery is named after L.S. Lowry, who was a famous English painter and can be found down by the waterfront. The Lowry is also popular for theatre, opera, musical, dance, music, comedy, and visual art lovers and often holds events and activities. The Lowry is filled with culture, shopping, and restaurants, so sit back and relax and take it all in. 

The Royal Exchange Theatre  

The Royal Exchange Theatre is a world-renowned theater located in the heart of Manchester. The theater was founded in 1978, and it’s been home to some of the most important plays and performances over the years. If you’re a fan of theater, you will love it here. The theater offers a variety of shows, including plays, musicals, and dance performances. You’ll also find a number of restaurants and bars in the theater’s vicinity, so you can easily spend an evening there.

Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city, and it offers visitors a fascinating look into the history of Manchester. The museum is home to a large collection of artifacts and exhibits, and it’s a great place to learn about the city’s history. be sure to check out the museum’s Egyptian collection, which is one of the best in Europe.

The Arndale Centre

The Arndale Centre is a large shopping center in the heart of Manchester. The center has a number of popular stores, including Debenhams, Primark, and Marks & Spencer, be sure to check out the center’s food court, which offers a variety of restaurants and fast-food options. The Arndale Centre also has a number of cinemas, so you can catch a movie while you’re in town.

Piccadilly Gardens 

Piccadilly Gardens is a large public square in the heart of Manchester. The gardens have many important landmarks, including Manchester’s Town Hall and The Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel. The gardens are always full of people and activities. The gardens are surrounded by some of Manchester’s best restaurants and bars, be sure to check out the impressive fountains and statues that are located in the square.              

One Place We Didn’t Mention Yet because it is a little out of the main area of Manchester is the Trafford Centre, this massive shopping center is located in the suburbs, so it’s a little bit of a trek from the city center. However, if you have time when visiting Manchester, it’s definitely worth checking out.

In addition to hundreds of shops and casual restaurants, there are also 4 full-size department stores, so you can shop for clothes or electronics when you visit. The mall also has its own movie theater and several large casual eateries inside, so it offers visitors an all-in-one shopping experience.

If you’re looking for a fun and lively city to explore, then be sure to check out Manchester. The city has something for everyone, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and bars to keep you entertained.

Have you ever visited Manchester before? what did you love about Manchester city?

Manchester is surrounded by many beautiful places to visit within the United Kingdom, within a 2-3 hour drive you can visit places like Cardiff, and Liverpool if you are a football fan and a Beetles fan, and visit the stunning historic town of Oxford, and of course not to forget the famous London.