7 Best Things to do in Manchester, England

Wondering what to do in Manchester? We’ve got you covered!

This city is bursting with energy, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for football, food, music, or adventure, Manchester has something for everyone. From its rich industrial past to its buzzing modern culture, this city is full of surprises.

After exploring every corner of Manchester, we’ve put together the ultimate must-do list—from behind-the-scenes stadium tours to epic day trips and incredible food experiences. So if you’re ready to plan an amazing trip to Manchester, here are the 7 top experiences that are 100% worth your time and money!

Best Things to do in Manchester

1. See Manchester’s top sights on a private walking tour

If you want to experience Manchester like a local, this private and fully personalized walking tour is the way to do it! Rather than following a set itinerary, you’ll explore the city based on your own interests, making it a unique adventure whether it’s your first or 20th time visiting!

Before the tour, you’ll chat with your guide to create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests—whether that’s football, music, history, or Manchester’s buzzing food scene. Want to wander through the Northern Quarter’s street art, visit iconic landmarks like Manchester Cathedral, or dive into the city’s industrial heritage? It’s all up to you!

One of the best parts? Our local guide took us to hidden gems and lesser-known spots that most tourists miss. We discovered quirky cafés, historic pubs, and tucked-away alleyways full of character that we never would’ve found on our own.

Plus, since it’s a private tour, you get one-on-one attention and plenty of priceless local tips to make the rest of your trip even better.

With options ranging from 2–8 hours, this tour is super flexible, making it one of the best ways to get to know Manchester on your own terms. Whether you’re a history buff, football fanatic, or foodie, this experience is a must-do!

2. Tour the famous Manchester City Football Club stadium 

Calling all football (AKA soccer) fans! This behind-the-scenes tour of Etihad Stadium is for you! Home to Manchester City Football Club, this stadium is one of the most iconic football venues in the world, and this tour gives you exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public.

We got to step inside the home team’s dressing room, walk through the players’ tunnel, and even sit pitch-side in the manager’s seat—I could only imagine what it would feel like to watch a game from the best seat in the house!

One of the coolest parts of the experience? The interactive press conference. We got to ask a virtual version of Pep Guardiola (the city’s legendary manager) questions in the Press Room, and the technology was so realistic—it actually felt like he was right there!

The tour also includes a 360-degree cinema experience showcasing the club’s history and biggest moments. Seeing the highlights on the massive screen, with surround sound and stadium lighting effects, made it feel like we were right in the middle of a game!

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love football, this top-rated experience (check out the 5-star reviews here!) brings the magic of the game to life and is something you have to add to your Manchester itinerary!

3. Get outside and visit Windermere and the Lake District

If you want to escape the city for a day and explore some of England’s most stunning landscapes, this small-group tour of the Lake District is an absolute must! The Lake District is known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and beautiful lakes, and this tour makes it easy to experience them all in just one day.

We kicked off our adventure with a visit to Bowness-on-Windermere, a picture-perfect lakeside town where we took a scenic boat cruise across Lake Windermere.

From there, we explored Hawkshead, a cozy and charming village filled with historic buildings. It’s easy to see how poet William Wordsworth found inspiration here!

Next up was Grasmere, a charming village best known for its legendary gingerbread—and let me tell you, it definitely lives up to the hype! On the way back, we stopped in Lancaster, a historic city with a medieval castle and beautiful Georgian architecture. It was the perfect way to wrap up a fun day of exploring!

With a max of only 16 people, this tour felt personal and relaxed, and our guide kept things fun and engaging with interesting stories the entire time. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see the Lake District and beyond, this is it!

4. Taste your way around Manchester on a food tour

If you love to eat as much as we do, then this food tour needs to be on your Manchester itinerary!

We had an absolute blast eating our way through two of Manchester’s trendiest neighborhoods, and our guide, Julia, was fantastic. She was full of knowledge and local stories, making this experience so much more than just a food tour—we left feeling even more connected to the city!

With Julia leading the way, we visited six of the city’s best food spots, from beloved local vendors to hidden gems.

We kicked things off at a family-run bakery for a fresh treat before strolling along the historic canals, learning all about Manchester’s food culture and industrial past. Each stop was thoughtfully chosen, and trust me—come hungry because the portions are no joke!

One of the best parts was meeting the chefs, bakers, and producers behind the food. Hearing their stories and seeing their passion firsthand made every bite even better! We even got to pair one of our tastings with a glass of wine, which was the perfect touch.

Between the incredible food, fun group, and Julia’s expert insights, this tour was easily one of our favorite experiences in Manchester. It’s an absolute must for any foodie out there! 

5. Visit historic cities and Snowdonia National Park on a full-day tour

Let’s be honest—no trip to England is complete without exploring its stunning mountains, medieval castles, and historic towns. Luckily, this small-group day tour from Manchester makes it super easy—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views from our comfortable Mercedes mini-coach as we set off on an adventure!

Our first stop was Conwy, home to one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval castles. Walking along its 13th-century walls with views over the harbor felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale! The sheer size of the fortress, with its towering battlements and rugged stonework, was even more impressive in person.

Next, we drove through Snowdonia National Park, passing dramatic peaks and shimmering glacial lakes. We even stopped in Betws-y-Coed, a charming village surrounded by forests, which was the perfect place for a scenic break.

On the way back, we explored Chester, one of England’s most historic cities. We had free time to walk the Roman Walls and see the stunning cathedral before heading back to Manchester.

Everything about this tour was relaxed and easygoing, thanks to the small group size and our fantastic driver, who kept the journey interesting with great stories the entire time. If you want to see more of the UK without the stress of planning, this tour is the perfect way to do it!

6. Try indoor skydiving

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to skydive without jumping out of a plane, then you have to try this indoor skydiving experience. We gave it a shot, and let me tell you—this was one of the wildest things we’ve ever done!

After a quick briefing, we suited up in flight gear, stepped into the powerful wind tunnel, and suddenly—we were floating!

The rush of air instantly lifted us off the ground, giving us that free-fall feeling you’d normally only get from jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet/3,700 meters. And the best part? You actually get two flights, with a total free-fall time equivalent to three skydives!

Our instructor was awesome, guiding us through the experience and even letting us try out some tricks once we got the hang of it. At one point, we spun in circles and even got a little extra height, which felt surreal!

And since it’s completely indoors, it’s much safer than normal skydiving, and there’s zero chance of weather ruining your plans! Plus, watching others take their turn and pull off cool moves made the whole experience even more fun.

This experience is perfect for families, thrill-seekers, or anyone looking for a unique experience in Manchester. Trust me, you’ll walk out grinning from ear to ear!

7. Enjoy a unique night out with the Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience

For a night out like no other, you must do this Alcotraz Prison cocktail experience! We did this last time we were in Manchester, and it was one of the most fun nights of our entire trip.

This immersive prison-themed cocktail bar is part mixology experience, part interactive theatre. From the moment we arrived, we were thrown into the story—handed orange jumpsuits and tasked with smuggling in our own liquor past the watchful warden. 

Once “locked up” in our cell, the inmate bartenders (who, let’s be honest, make much better cocktails than actual criminals) took our contraband and crafted cocktails tailored to what we snuck in. No menu here—every drink is a surprise based on your booze of choice!

The actors playing guards and prisoners were hilarious and fully in character, making the whole experience feel completely immersive. From sneaky interactions to unexpected plot twists, this was so much more than just a cocktail bar—it was pure entertainment from start to finish.

Just remember to bring your own hard liquor (that’s how they keep the drinks creative), and be ready for a wild, one-of-a-kind night out.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a unique date night, or just want something different to do in Manchester, Alcotraz is an absolute must—just look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews!

Where to Stay in Manchester, England

Manchester is a dynamic city with a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay, a cozy mid-range hotel, or something more budget-friendly, there’s no shortage of great places to choose from.

To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Manchester—so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying everything this incredible city has to offer!

Luxury – $$$

Housed in the historic former Manchester Stock Exchange, Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection is a 5-star boutique stay that blends Edwardian charm with modern luxury. Set in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building from the early 1900s, it offers elegant rooms and a prime city-center location near attractions like the Manchester Art Gallery. While the hotel’s previous flagship restaurants have closed, it remains a stylish and comfortable base with impeccable service.

Rates typically range from £200 – £350 per night. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Native Manchester is a stylish mid-range aparthotel set in the historic Ducie Street Warehouse, just a short walk from Manchester’s top attractions. Combining industrial charm with modern comfort, it offers spacious, well-equipped apartments perfect for a city stay. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a gym, and even a cinema room for a unique touch. With its central location and trendy atmosphere, it’s an excellent base for exploring Manchester.

Prices typically range from £100 – £200 per night. Check availability for your stay on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget-friendly accommodation in Manchester, YHA Manchester is a top choice! Set in the Castlefield district, this modern hostel offers a mix of private rooms and dormitory beds, perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, and groups. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and an on-site café and bar. With its central location, you’re just a short walk from Manchester’s top sights, making it a great base for exploring without breaking the bank.

Dorm beds start at around £30, and private rooms from £60 per night. Find the best rates and secure your stay on Booking.com.

For more options, see all of Manchester’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

That’s our full guide on all the best things to do in Manchester! This city is packed with history, culture, and exciting experiences, making it an incredible destination no matter your interests. From world-famous football stadiums to hidden local gems, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re planning more adventures nearby, check out our other United Kingdom blogs! Or, we’ve picked out a few must-read guides below that might come in handy for your trip.

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Edinburgh: 3-Day Itinerary

10 BEST Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

10 Best Things to do in London, England

10 BEST Things to do in Dublin, Ireland