Introduction
Manchester is an amazing city filled with history, culture, and excitement. As a local, I have found so many fun things to do in this vibrant city. From concerts to art galleries, and from restaurants to parks, Manchester has something for everyone. In this post, I will introduce you to 50 fun things to do in Manchester that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this guide will help you discover the best events and activities the city has to offer.
Art and Culture
Manchester is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country. Here are a few must-visit destinations:
1. The Whitworth Art Gallery: This beautiful gallery showcases contemporary and historic art from around the world.
2. The Manchester Art Gallery: This gallery houses an impressive collection of art, including works by local and international artists.
3. The People’s History Museum: This museum showcases the history of democracy and workers’ rights in the UK.
4. The National Football Museum: This museum explores the rich history of football in the UK and around the world.
Music and Entertainment
Manchester has a thriving music scene, with many venues hosting concerts and events throughout the year. Here are some of the best places to see live music:
5. The O2 Apollo: This iconic venue has hosted performances by some of the biggest names in music.
6. The Albert Hall: This stunning venue hosts music events and club nights.
7. The Warehouse Project: This clubbing institution offers an eclectic mix of music events throughout the year.
8. Band on the Wall: This legendary venue showcases a variety of live music genres, including world music, jazz, and funk.
Food and Drink
Manchester’s food scene is diverse, with something to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the top places to eat and drink in the city:
9. Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza: This pizza restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza using only the finest ingredients.
10. The Refuge: This stunning bar and restaurant serves delicious food in a beautifully restored historic building.
11. Mackie Mayor: This bustling food hall offers a variety of street food vendors, as well as a bar and coffee shop.
12. The Alchemist: This cocktail bar serves unique and creative drinks, including some that change color and smoke.
Outdoor Activities
Manchester has many green spaces and parks where you can enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the best places to go:
13. Heaton Park: This beautiful park is one of the largest in Europe and offers stunning views and plenty of activities, including boating and a children’s playground.
14. The River Irwell: This picturesque river is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
15. Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden: This beautiful botanical garden is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a lake and rock garden.
16. The Peak District: This stunning national park is located just a short drive from Manchester and offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling.
Sport and Fitness
Manchester is a sports mad city, with many opportunities to get active and stay fit. Here are some of the best places to go:
17. Manchester Aquatics Centre: This state-of-the-art facility offers swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and much more.
18. The Manchester Climbing Centre: This indoor climbing centre is perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
19. The Etihad Stadium: This impressive stadium is home to Manchester City Football Club and offers tours of the facilities.
20. The National Cycling Centre: This world-class facility offers track cycling, BMX, and mountain biking.
Shopping and Markets
Manchester is a retail paradise, with many shopping destinations and markets to explore. Here are some of the best places to shop:
21. The Arndale Centre: This large shopping centre houses many high street brands and independent stores.
22. The Manchester Christmas Markets: These markets are a must-visit during the festive season, with a vast array of food, drink, and gift stalls.
23. Afflecks: This unique shopping emporium offers a variety of independent stores selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.
24. The Northern Quarter: This trendy district is home to many independent boutiques, record shops, and vintage stores.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Manchester has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and events to choose from. Here are some of the best places to go:
25. The Printworks: This entertainment complex offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and a cinema.
26. The Comedy Store: This comedy club hosts some of the best comedians in the UK and beyond.
27. The Refuge: This stunning bar and restaurant transforms into a nightclub on the weekend, with an eclectic mix of music.
28. The Albert Hall: This beautiful venue hosts a variety of events, including club nights and live music.
History and Heritage
Manchester is a city with a rich history, and many landmarks and buildings tell the story of its past. Here are some of the best places to discover Manchester’s history and heritage:
29. Manchester Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral has been a place of worship for over 600 years.
30. The John Rylands Library: This stunning library houses over a million books, including many rare and ancient texts.
31. The People’s History Museum: This museum explores the history of democracy and workers’ rights in the UK.
32. The Museum of Science and Industry: This fascinating museum tells the story of Manchester’s industrial past.
Festivals and Events
Manchester has a packed calendar of festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the best ones to check out:
33. Manchester International Festival: This biennial festival showcases a variety of art forms, including music, theatre, and visual art.
34. Manchester Pride: This annual event celebrates the LGBT+ community with a parade, live music, and much more.
35. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival: This festival showcases the best food and drink that Manchester has to offer, with events taking place across the city.
36. Parklife: This annual music festival features some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming artists.
Family Fun
Manchester is a great city to visit with the family, with many attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of the best family-friendly places to go:
37. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: This attraction is perfect for LEGO fans of all ages, with rides, displays, and plenty of building opportunities.
38. The Science and Industry Museum: This hands-on museum offers plenty of interactive exhibits for all ages.
39. The Manchester Museum: This museum has something for everyone, with a vast collection of natural history, art, and archaeology.
40. The Trafford Centre: This large shopping centre has a variety of stores, as well as a cinema, bowling alley, and mini golf.
Transport and Tours
Manchester has many ways to explore the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the best tours and transport options:
41. The Manchester Sightseeing Bus Tour: This hop-on-hop-off tour takes you to all the major attractions in the city.
42. The Manchester Water Taxis: These water taxis offer a unique way to see the city from the water.
43. The Manchester Bike Tours: These guided bike tours are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
44. The City Centre Cruises: These river cruises offer a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.
Hidden Gems
Manchester has many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Here are some of the best:
45. The John Rylands Ghost Book: This mysterious book is said to be haunted and is housed in the John Rylands Library.
46. The Piccadilly Rats: These iconic buskers have been entertaining crowds in Manchester for over 20 years.
47. The Cow Hollow Hotel: This boutique hotel is hidden away in a quiet corner of Manchester and offers a unique and stylish place to stay.
48. The Manchester Cenotaph: This war memorial is a beautiful and poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
FAQs
1. What is Manchester known for?
Manchester is known for its music scene, football teams, and industrial heritage.
2. What are some family-friendly things to do in Manchester?
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, the Science and Industry Museum, and the Manchester Museum are great places to visit with the family.
3. Where can I go shopping in Manchester?
The Arndale Centre, the Manchester Christmas Markets, and Afflecks are popular shopping destinations.
4. What are some outdoor activities in Manchester?
Heaton Park, the River Irwell, and the Peak District are great places to explore the great outdoors.
5. What are some must-visit museums and galleries in Manchester?
The Whitworth Art Gallery, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the People’s History Museum are all worth a visit.
6. What are some hidden gems in Manchester?
The John Rylands Ghost Book, the Piccadilly Rats, and the Cow Hollow Hotel are all hidden gems.
7. What are some festivals and events in Manchester?
Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, The Manchester Food and Drink Festival, and Parklife are all popular events.
Conclusion
Manchester is a city brimming with culture, history, and entertainment. With so many things to see and do, there is never a dull moment in this vibrant city. From museums and galleries to parks and shopping, there is something for everyone in Manchester. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next visit. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore all that Manchester has to offer!