Things to do in Manchester | Tourism

Proud home to two of the world's most iconic football clubs, vibrant Manchester is a prime example of an energetic English city. Visit a traditional pub and enjoy the buzzing music scene, or simply take in the view at Affleck’s Palace and the Lowry art complex.

Manchester’s neo-Gothic Town Hall against a partly cloudy sky

Bridge over the Rochdale Canal in Manchester

Tranquil lake surrounded by green trees in Heaton Park, Manchester

Canal bridge and lighted buildings in Manchester city centre at dusk

Modern buildings of Manchester’s Salford Quays with their reflections

Red lanterns and Chinese-style gate in Manchester Chinatown

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Climb the 85-metre high tower at Manchester’s impressive neo-Gothic Town Hall in Albert Square, the heart of the city

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Discover Manchester’s industrial past at its 18th century canal system, a legacy from the city’s days as a textile powerhouse

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Find your favourite spot amongst Heaton Park’s 600 acres of peaceful gardens, historical buildings and lovely lakeside

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Vibrant Manchester is one of Northern England’s greatest cities and proudly carries a rich industrial heritage

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Manchester’s revitalised Salford Quays is now a cultural hot spot of art galleries, museums and dazzling modern architecture

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Found between Mosely and Portland Street and full of colour and flavour, Manchester’s Chinatown is the second largest Chinatown in all of England

Things to do

We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.

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Shop

intu Trafford Centre

This out of town behemoth shopping mall is one of the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe. You'll be spoilt for choice in places to shop, but it's the architectural features that will make you smile - Europe's largest chandelier hangs from the ceiling and the musical indoor fountain will delight exciteable children and adults alike.

Location

intu Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA

Phone

0161 749 1717 0161 749 1717

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See

Manchester Art Gallery

Learn more about English art with one of the strongest collections in the UK, featuring a large collection of Pre-Raphaelite works. You can also find the work of Pierre Adolphe Valette, a French impressionist who made Manchester his home, teaching famous artists such as L. S. Lowry.

Location

Mosley Street, City Centre, Manchester, England M2 3JL

Phone

1612358888 1612358888

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Drink

The Temple of Convenience

This spooky underground bar has a great ambience and is one of the coolest places to hang out in the city of Manchester. Hard to believe, as this tiny hangout is actually a converted public toilet! Hosting intimate gigs with big names, this quirky hideout is a great experience for tourists.

Location

100 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JW

See

Manchester Cathedral

This vast and beautiful cathedral is one of the widest in beadth in England. Neo-Gothic carved choir stalls and pulpits evoke the atmosphere of centuries past. Make a visit to the newly completed Vistor's Centre, where you can get up close and personal to some of the history in this old town.

Location

Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX

Phone

0161 833 2220 0161 833 2220

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Legoland Discovery Centre

Bringing joy to children all over Manchester, Legoland Discovery Centre is a must-visit if you're travelling as a family with small children. Much more than your average theme park, Legoland combines rides with educational tools and animal attractions.

Location

Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS

Phone

0871 222 2662 0871 222 2662

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Eat

Akbar's

This restaurant serves up some of the finest Indian cusine in the north of England and has won numerous King of Curry awards. Try delicious paneer, firey seekh kebab and exotic fish masala made from the expert Indian chefs.

Location

73-83 Liverpool Road, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4NQ

Phone

0161 834 8444 0161 834 8444

Visit website

Drink

Cloud 23

If you've got a head for heights, head on up to this sky-high bar at the top of the Hilton hotel for some amazing views over the city of Manchester. With its Mount Olympus theme, you'll feel quite godly as you gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Location

Hilton Hotel, Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ

Phone

0161 870 1600 0161 870 1600

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Manchester

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