10 Things to Do in Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city steeped in history, combining a rich industrial heritage with a dynamic contemporary culture. Known for its influence on music, sport and art, this destination in north-west England offers a variety of attractions that allow you to discover it in all its splendour.

Among the best activities you can do in Manchester are: exploring the Northern Quarter, full of street murals and independent shops; visiting the Museum of Science and Industry; or enjoying a day in Heaton Park, an oasis of tranquillity where you can relax between excursions.

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

Although it is one of the city's must-see sites and can be visited 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 to the most important and fascinating corners of this building. You can also explore the crypt and the archive, where valuable historical documents and relics from the cathedral are kept.

Furthermore, the strategic location of this temple makes it an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby attractions. A few minutes' walk away is the Manchester Museum, where you can discover exhibitions on natural history and archaeology, and Exchange Square, a multicultural area where you will find shops, libraries and bookshops.

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

One of the best ways to get to know this place is to book a guided tour of Manchester's Etihad Stadium. These tours allow you to explore exclusive areas normally restricted to the public, such as the team's changing rooms, the press room, the players' tunnel and the pitch itself. You can also enjoy the Manchester City Museum, which has old cups and shirts on display.

If you are a football fan, you should bear in mind that Manchester is also home to another legendary stadium that you can visit: Old Trafford, better known as the Theatre of Dreams. It is the home of 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 panoramic views and discover the city from a different perspective. These cruises allow you to navigate the waterways that were once vital to the Industrial Revolution, providing a relaxing experience as you immerse yourself in the history and local urban landscape.

During a cruise tour, you can visit the canals that contributed to Manchester's development as an industrial centre and see the old warehouses and factories lining the bay from the water, 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 the most dynamic and revitalised areas of Manchester. Here you will 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 city in north-west England. Manchester is known for its culinary diversity, with offerings ranging from traditional British dishes to versions of dishes from around the world. The city has managed to reinvent itself and its gastronomic scene reflects the blend of tradition and modernity that characterises this destination.

Among the local specialities, one of the most iconic dishes is Lancashire hotpot, a stew made with lamb, onions and potatoes, which is cooked slowly until the meat falls off the bone. This traditional dish is perfect for cold days and offers an authentic taste of the cuisine of the English heartland. Another classic is black pudding, a type of blood sausage often served as part of a traditional English breakfast.

Manchester is also renowned for its vibrant pub scene. Here you can enjoy typical British dishes such as fish and chips or meat pies, which are usually 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 get to know the true artistic side of this destination, you can't miss Manchester's street murals. In recent years, urban art has flourished in the city, turning its streets into an open-air gallery that attracts both locals and tourists. In several neighbourhoods across the city, murals, graffiti and other forms of street art tell the story of 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 and bohemian vibe. There you'll find streets filled with 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 a review of the Irish independence struggles.

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

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of Manchester's most fascinating destinations for lovers of technology and history. This museum stands out for its connection to the industrial heritage of the city, 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 encourage active visitor participation. You will 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. A short distance away is Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, an outdoor space where you can stroll among historic canals and old iron bridges that symbolise Manchester's industrial past, and the nearby People's Museum.

Heaton Park is one of the largest and most popular green spaces in the city, offering an oasis of tranquillity and nature amid the urban hustle and bustle. With over 240 hectares of parks, lakes and wooded areas, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing in the city. Here you can stroll along the footpaths, enjoy a picnic on the lawns or simply walk along the lake shore.

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

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

If you also want to visit the city's surroundings during your trip, then you can choose to book an excursion to the Lake District from Manchester. Located about two hours from the city centre, the Lake District is one of the most visited national parks in the United Kingdom and is known for its lakes, mountains and picturesque villages.

In this district, you will find yourself surrounded by landscapes that look like something out of a postcard. Its main attractions are the lakes, such as Windermere, which is the largest in England, where you can enjoy boat trips or simply relax on its shores while admiring the views of the surrounding mountains. You will also find trails with different levels of difficulty and you can explore Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

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

Manchester is not only a perfect city to discover because of the many attractions it offers, but it is also an ideal base from which to explore other nearby destinations, such as North Wales. On a trip like this, you can explore a region full of unmissable landscapes, medieval castles and coastal villages.

Whether you visit these places on your own or book a guided tour of North Wales from Manchester, one of the places you cannot miss is Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon. There you will find hiking trails, although 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 continues to dominate the landscape with its well-preserved walls and towers. Conwy, the village surrounding it, is also a picturesque place to explore, with narrow streets and historic houses, including the smallest house in Britain.

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

If you want to see one of Manchester's most striking sites, don't miss the John Rylands Library, a Victorian neo-Gothic library that stands out for its exterior architecture but, above all, for its interior structure, which many compare to the sets of Harry Potter.

The library was opened at the end of the 19th century and contains several items that have made it world famous, such as the Fragment of St John, considered to be 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 thing about the John Rylands Library is that admission is free and it is also open on Saturdays, so if you are planning to visit Manchester for a weekend, you can include it in your itinerary. Keep in mind that several neoclassical buildings belonging to the University of Manchester are also located nearby .