Best Things To Do in Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and historic city that combines a rich industrial heritage with a dynamic contemporary culture. Known for its influence in music, sport and art, this north-west English destination offers a variety of attractions that will allow you to discover it in all its glory.

Some of the best things to do in Manchester include exploring the Northern Quarter, full of street murals and independent shops, visiting the Museum of Science and Industry or enjoying a day out in Heaton Park, which is an oasis of tranquillity where you can relax between excursions.

Manchester Cathedral marks mile zero of the city's historic centre and is one of the most iconic and representative monuments of the region's cultural heritage. Built in the 7th century, this Gothic cathedral is characterised by its architecture, its colourful stained glass windows and its central nave, considered one of the widest in England and decorated with sculptures and frescoes.

While it is one of the must-see sites in the city that you can explore on your own, one of the best ways to get to know it is by booking a private tour of Manchester, where you can choose your own itinerary and a local professional will take you around the most important and fascinating parts of this building. You can also explore the crypt and archive, where valuable historical documents and relics of the cathedral are kept.

The strategic location of the church makes it an excellent base from which to explore other nearby attractions. Just a few minutes' walk away is the Museum of Manchester, where you can discover exhibitions on natural history and archaeology, and Exchange Square, a multicultural area with shops, libraries and bookshops.

The Etihad Stadium is home to one of England's most popular clubs, Manchester City, but also one of the most modern sporting facilities in the world. With a capacity of over 53,000, the stadium stands out not only for its contemporary design, but also for the atmosphere it creates during matches. Its avant-garde structure, with a transparent roof, makes it an architectural gem.

One of the most outstanding alternatives to get to know this place is to book a guided tour of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester These tours will allow you to explore exclusive areas normally restricted to the public, such as the team's dressing rooms, the press room, the players' tunnel and the pitch itself. You can also enjoy the Manchester City Museum, which features vintage cups and shirts.

If you are a football fan you should note that Manchester is also home to another legendary stadium which you can also visit: Old Trafford, better known as The Theatre of Dreams. It is home to Manchester United and is considered one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. It reflects the rich history of the Red Devils and is a fundamental part of English football.

Booking a sightseeing cruise on the Manchester canal is one of the most interesting ways to enjoy the scenic views and discover the city from a different perspective. These cruises allow you to cruise along the waterways that were once vital to the Industrial Revolution, providing a relaxing experience as you immerse yourself in the local history and cityscape.

During a cruise tour you can visit the canals that contributed to Manchester's development as an industrial centre and see from the water the old warehouses and factories that line the bay as well as the engineering structures that span the canals, such as the Barton Swing Aqueduct, a 19th century masterpiece.

One of the highlights of the canal tour is Salford Quays, one of Manchester's most vibrant and revitalised areas. Here you'll find attractions such as The Lowry, an arts centre that also houses a theatre, and the Imperial War Museum North, with its contemporary architecture and exhibitions on the world wars.

Discovering the local cuisine is an essential part of the experience in this north-west English city. Manchester is renowned for its culinary diversity, with cuisine ranging from traditional British dishes to versions of dishes from around the world. The city has reinvented itself and its food scene reflects the mix of tradition and modernity that is so characteristic of this destination.

Among the local specialities, one of the most iconic dishes is Lancashire hotpot, a stew made from lamb, onions and potatoes, which is slow-cooked until the meat falls apart when eaten. This traditional dish is perfect for cold days and offers an authentic taste of inland English cuisine. Another classic is black pudding, a black pudding often served as part of a traditional English breakfast.

Manchester is also renowned for its vibrant pub scene. Here you can enjoy traditional British dishes such as fish and chips or meat pies, which are often accompanied by mashed potatoes and gravy. Many pubs also offer local beers, such as Manchester's craft pale ales, which pair perfectly with traditional food.

If you want to see the true artistic profile of this destination, you can't miss Manchester's street murals. Over the past few years, street art has flourished in the city, turning its streets into an open-air gallery that attracts locals and tourists alike. In several of the city's neighbourhoods, murals, graffiti and other forms of street art speak to Manchester's history, culture and identity.

One of the most popular places to explore this art is the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood known for its alternative, bohemian vibe. Here you'll find streets full of colourful artwork adorning walls, corners and alleyways. Local and international artists have left their mark on this district, creating iconic murals that reflect everything from Manchester's musical history to the Irish independence struggles.

To make the most of this street art, you can book a guided tour of Manchester's street art. These tours will take you to the most iconic sites, while expert guides explain the background behind the artworks and the artists who created them to create a cultural impact on the city, which is reflected in the number of visitors who marvel at and photograph each wall.

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most fascinating destinations in Manchester for lovers of technology and history. This museum is notable for its connection to the city's industrial heritage, which was one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution, and spans several historic buildings, including the world's first passenger railway station, where you'll find a collection of steam engines and locomotives.

One of the highlights of this museum is the interactive exhibition hall, which covers everything from modern science to emerging technology. You can learn about topics such as computing, energy, aviation and engineering through exhibits that invite visitors' active participation. You'll also find live demonstrations that explain scientific principles in a didactic and educational way.

In addition to the Museum of Science and Industry, the surrounding area offers other interesting options to explore. Within walking distance is Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, an outdoor space where you can stroll among the historic canals and old iron bridges that symbolise Manchester's industrial past, and the nearby People's Museum.

Heaton Park is one of the city's largest and most popular green spaces and offers an oasis of tranquillity and nature amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. With over 240 hectares of parkland, lakes and woodland, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing around the city. Here you can stroll along the trails, enjoy a picnic in the meadows or simply stroll along the lakeshore.

The park offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes. For example, you can visit the historic Heaton Hall, an 18th century neoclassical mansion surrounded by gardens and offering a glimpse of the region's aristocratic heritage. Also, if you're an animal lover, you'll find a farm where you can interact with the species that inhabit the site and which is ideal to include on your list of things to do with children in Manchester.

After a day of sightseeing around Manchester's museums, monuments and attractions, Heaton Park is the ideal place to relax. The park has several seating areas with benches and shaded areas, perfect for reading a book, contemplating nature or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. On sunny days you can hire a boat and paddle around the ornamental lake.

If you would like to visit the surrounding area of the city during your trip, then you can opt to book a tour of the Lake District from Manchester. Situated about two hours from the city centre, the Lake District is one of the UK's most visited national parks and is known for its lakes, mountains and picturesque villages.

In this district you'll find yourself surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery. Its main attractions are the lakes, such as Windermere, which is the largest in England, and where you can enjoy boat trips or simply relax on its shores while admiring the views of the surrounding mountains. There are also trails of varying levels of difficulty and you can explore Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.

The Lake District is also famous for its villages, such as Ambleside and Grasmere, where you can stop for a meal in a local pub or visit Wordsworth House, home of the popular English poet. In addition, many of these villages are home to local shops, art galleries and small markets that reflect the culture and traditions of the region.

Not only is Manchester a great city to discover for the number of attractions it has to offer, but it's also a great place to use as a base for exploring other nearby destinations, such as North Wales. On such a tour you can explore a region full of unmissable scenery, medieval castles and seaside towns.

Whether you're visiting these sites on your own or booking a guided tour of North Wales from Manchester, one of the places you can't miss is Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon. There are hiking trails here , but you can also take the mountain railway which offers views along the route and panoramic views from the summit.

North Wales is also famous for its medieval castles, which are part of the region's history and heritage. One of the most visited is Conwy Castle, a 13th century fortress that still dominates the landscape with its well-preserved ramparts and towers. Conwy, the surrounding village, is also a picturesque place to explore, with narrow streets and historic houses, including the smallest house in Britain.

As well as its history, North Wales has a coastline not to be missed. Coastal towns such as Llandudno are perfect for strolling along the seafront or taking the cable car up the Great Orme, a hill that offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding mountains that dominate the landscape.

If you want to see one of Manchester's most striking sights, a visit to the John Rylands Library is a must. The neo-Gothic Victorian library is notable for its exterior architecture but mainly for its internal structure, which many compare to the set designs of Harry Potter .

The library was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century and contains several copies that have made it world famous, such as the Fragment of St. John, which is considered the oldest existing text of the New Testament. It also has several first editions of works by English authors, such as Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.

Another good news about John Rylands Library is that admission is free and it can also be visited on Saturdays, so if you're planning a weekend trip to Manchester you can include it in your itinerary. Note that nearby you 'll also find several neoclassical buildings of the University of Manchester.