Things to do in Manchester

All about Manchester

When to visit

Summer is when Manchester is at its best. Open-air concerts and festivals happen most weekends, and the Manchester Pride Festival celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ scene with pizzazz every August. Whenever you visit, pack layers and an umbrella in your suitcase: Rain is common year-round, and even the sunniest of days can start with gray skies and showers.

Getting around

Manchester is well connected with an international airport and several major train stations. Compact and walkable, its central zone 1 is laid out largely in a grid system, making it difficult to get lost. Car rentals aren’t worth the hassle due to chaotic traffic and limited parking. To explore further afield, use the cheap buses instead; you can pay by card on board, or hop on the free bus that offers three city routes.

Traveler tips

Manchester’s neon-lit stretch of curry houses sprawls along Wilmslow Road in Rusholme. The vibe here is edgy—not so ideal for a family night out—but the array of authentic curry houses makes a visit worthwhile. After a 10-minute bus ride from the center, you’ll find Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi cuisine at your feet. Most restaurants stay open until the early hours but are unlicensed for alcohol. If you want to drink, you need to bring your own booze.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manchester famous for?

Often described as the “capital of the north,” Manchester is one of England’s biggest and most dynamic cities. It is known for its industrial heritage, striking Victorian architecture, and football (soccer) teams like Manchester United and Manchester City. It’s also beloved for its alternative spirit and place in music history.

What is there to do in Manchester?

Manchester’s museums—including the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and National Football Museum—are always popular. Seeing a football (soccer) game at Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium is a must-do. It’s also worth walking Manchester’s canals, visiting the Northern Quarter, and discovering its historic pubs and craft breweries.

Is Manchester worth visiting?

Yes. Manchester is one of England’s largest, most dynamic cities. Culture lovers come to browse its museums and explore hip neighborhoods like the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, while its pubs and restaurants are popular. Visitors also flock here to shop, see a football (soccer) game, or attend a gig.

How can I have fun in Manchester?

Yes. There is plenty of fun to be had in Manchester. Weekend crowds take advantage of its thriving pub scene, browse cool boutiques in the Northern Quarter, or flock to its stadiums to see football (soccer) matches. Its nightlife scene—from hip restaurants to sceney music venues—keeps the party going late.

What can I do for free in Manchester?

Manchester has a number of free museums, including the Science and Industry Museum, the People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Whitworth art gallery. Neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the Northern Quarter are worth exploring on foot, as are Manchester’s network of canals.

What do locals do in Manchester?

Locals flock to the city’s vibrant Northern Quarter to explore its shops, galleries, tattoo parlors, and cafes. Up-and-coming Ancoats is a destination for trendy restaurants, and the city’s music venues are ever popular. Most Mancunians avow undying loyalty to either Manchester United or Manchester City, and wouldn’t miss a game.

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