Looking for the best things to do in Manchester for your upcoming trip? I got you covered! I’ve been to Manchester countless times to visit my friends and family. I even used to live not far from Manchester when I first moved to the UK.
I’m going to share with you some great Manchester attractions and places to visit. Manchester has a unique spirit and energy that captivates its visitors and residents.
As an industrial hub, you’ll experience an urban retreat unlike any other. The nightlife in Manchester also promises a fabulous time!
Best Things to Do in Manchester, UK:
1. Visit Manchester Football clubs
Manchester City
📍Address: F.C Fans, Etihad Stadium, The Manchester City Football Club, Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: The Manchester City Stadium Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Arena House
Manchester United
📍Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Hotel Football Old Trafford
If there is something that Manchester is known for, it is its popular football clubs – Manchester City and Manchester United. The stadium is often part of the many lists out there detailing what to see in Manchester.
You have to get a behind-the-scenes look at the famous city stadium. Experience for yourself where the fans go wild and crazy to showcase their love for their clubs and the game of football.
As the 6th largest stadium in the Premier League (and 10th in the UK), the Football Stadium of Manchester City is a must-visit for sports fans. Most importantly, it is a bucket-list item for fans of Manchester City.
2. Experience Sea Life Manchester
📍Address: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity, Next to, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: SEA LIFE Entrance Ticket
🌟 Ratings: 4.2 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Premier Inn Manchester Trafford Centre North hotel
This is a great family-friendly attraction in the city. If you are travelling with your children, you cannot afford to miss this one. This giant aquarium is home to over 5,000 creatures and will transport you to an amazing underwater world. You and your kids can interact with a variety of marine species, such as jellyfish, rays, octopuses, sharks, and seahorses.
Another thing for kids to look forward to at Sea Life Manchester includes an interactive touch pool experience. They can watch fun shows and have the opportunity to touch a starfish or hold a crab. For a more educational experience, they can join in the quiz trail. With so many things to see or do, it is going to be a fun-filled day for the entire family.
3. Trafford Centre
📍Address: N/A The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EH
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park
If you love shopping, a visit to the Trafford Centre is one of the top things to do in Manchester. This indoor shopping centre and leisure complex are one of the largest in England.
Jza84, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
With nearly 300 stores and shops, it is the perfect place to go to if you want to find souvenirs to take home, shop to your heart’s content, or dine at a great restaurant. Aside from the shops, the shopping complex is in itself an attraction with more than 3 miles of marble and granite boulevards.
The Trafford Centre is located just 5 miles outside of Manchester city centre so it is easy to access.
4. Visit Old Trafford Cricket Ground
📍Address: Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford
Manchester is a sports-loving city. Aside from football, cricket is another beloved sport. If you are looking for things to do in Manchester this weekend, head to the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
It is also known as the Emirates Old Trafford. It is the home venue of the Lancashire Cricket Club and has been the heart of the action in the city since 1857. Musical shows and concerts are also held in this popular venue.
Old Trafford is also the home stadium of Manchester United, which makes it a great destination to visit if you are a huge ManU fan!
5. Explore the Ordsall Hall
📍Address: 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott, Manchester Salford Quays
Known as a popular wedding venue, the Ordsall Hall used to be a manor house and it is over 750 years old. While it has gone through various restorations, some parts of it are still preserved since the manor was first built in the 15th century.
It is most notable as the residence of the Radclyffe family. They resided here for over three centuries. It was sold by the Radclyffe in the mid-1600s. Since then, it has been used as a school clergy, a radio station, and working for a men’s club.
6. Manchester Cathedral
📍Address: Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Fascinating Manchester – Walking Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.3 / 5
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Roomzzz Aparthotel Manchester Victoria
This parish church is one of the most impressive architectural features in the city. It showcases the Perpendicular Gothic style after it was rebuilt in 1421. The collegiate choir with high clerestory windows and the nave were rebuilt by warden James Stanley II at the end of the 15th century.
Visit the Manchester Cathedral at Victoria St, Manchester to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the years of history this place holds.
7. Museum Hopping
As a city known for its culture and history, museums and art galleries are among the top Manchester attractions every tourist and traveller must visit.
The Manchester Museum is the largest university museum in the country. It houses over 4.5 million items in its collection that is spread over 4 floors of displays and exhibitions. The collection consists of natural history and archaeological artefacts. You can also explore the special exhibition featuring the natural history of Manchester.
The building itself is an attraction with Gothic-style architecture. If you are a huge architecture lover, you won’t regret visiting the museum. Definitely, include it in your itinerary.
Then there’s Hat Works – Museum of Hatting. It is the only museum in the UK dedicated to hats, headwear, and the hatting industry. This two-floor interactive exhibit will take you back to the history of the hatting industry that once thrived in Stockport.
Learn the story behind this essential accessory at the Hat Works
You should also explore the Northern Quarter where you will find must-see galleries, such as the Manchester Art Gallery and Whitworth Art Gallery. Visit these museums and galleries for an educational and fun experience within the city.
8. Enjoy Manchester’s Nightlife
📍Address: Manchester, UK
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Dakota Manchester
The nightlife is vibrant in Manchester City. When the night sets in, the city comes alive with party-goers buzzing about to check out the various clubs, bars, and discos. Whether dancing the night away or sipping on cocktails, exploring the nightlife should be on your list of what to do in Manchester.
The O2 Ritz is one of the most legendary nightclubs in Manchester. For generations, party-goers and young folks who are into live music show flock to this club.
If you are looking for a more authentic and local experience, visit Underdog. This is an underground drinking den and events venue.
For travellers who are looking for LGBT-friendly spots, visit the G-A-Y Bar in Manchester. This bar is set on three floors and boasts of a modern video jukebox system. Another LGBT-friendly option is Churchills – people of any age or sexuality are welcome here.
9. Enjoy Different Shows, Concerts, and the Music Scene
On top of the vibrant nightlife destinations, there are more options when it comes to things to do in Manchester. This city is known for its lively music and concert shows. There are plenty of musical events held in the metropolis throughout the year.
You should also give Coronation Street sets a visit. Explore the original filming location of the popular TV show. You can also visit many other musical locations to trace the origin of various notable musical groups, such as Oasis, Happy Monday, and the Sex Pistols.
With many musical shows, concerts, and other events held throughout the year, you won’t have a problem finding a show to catch during your visit.
10. Shopping in the City Centre High Street
📍Address: Manchester, UK
🛌🏻 Accommodation Nearby: Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre
A visit to the high street of Manchester city is a must for a retail therapy fix. The high street has a lot of luxury brands up to the bargain shops depending on what suits your needs and budget. The Manchester Central Retail District has massive shopping centres like the Arndale, Selfridges and Marks and Spences to name a few.
Then if you happen to become peckish during your retail therapy, you can try to head towards the Corn Exchange building in front of the Exchange Square. You can find various restaurants and café around the area. When I visited Manchester with my friend we had a lovely Italian meal at the Corn Exchange. There was a food festival nearby too!
Experience the art, culture, and people of Manchester City today! This lively metropolis in the North of the UK is truly something worth visiting. I wrote another blog post about 5 Ways How to Get from London to Manchester, to help you on planning your trip.
Map of Manchester, UK
HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:
CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.
More posts about the United Kingdom
- If you are looking for a travel itinerary read Best UK Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks
- If you want more inspiration about the Best Places to Visit in the UK
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?
YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which is renowned for its reliability. (READ MORE)
💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK?
YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle, it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK?
YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars, to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here.
📲 Will my phone work in the UK?
POSSIBLY. Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.
🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK?
TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. (READ MORE)
✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights?
For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.
🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK?
My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com. I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip?
Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. (READ MORE)
🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip?
Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK.
🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK?
Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa. Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Everything Zany
Travel BlogEverything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.
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