Top 10 Things to do in Manchester

There is a lot of history to delve into, and the city has a thriving arts, crafts, music, and nightlife culture. If you're roaming the city, you will meet people from all walks of life too. You'll never run out of fun.

If you're looking for things to do in Manchester, you have come to the right guide. We will tell you what to look for and some of the best things to do in Manchester and around. By the end of this guide, you will have an overview of the key tourist attractions and leave the city with fond memories. Or who knows? Maybe you'll extend your stay and enjoy touring a little longer.

Now let's move on to the list of the top things to do in Manchester.

The Old Trafford Stadium is where Manchester's most iconic players rose to fame. As you are entering through the stadium's doorway, you will see the achievements of various players decorating the hallways. The No. 7 shirt donned by David Beckham can be seen here, and it's best to tour the stadium with the help of a guide. Known as the 'Theatre of Dreams', the tour starts off with walking down a lane that leads to the football ground. You will soak in the views of the field, and if you need to stop by for a snack, Manchester United's Red Cafe is right around the corner.

Some of the key highlights of the stadium include Munich Tunnel, Trophy House, and Changing Room. Many shining trophies fill-up the Trophy House, and you can even get pictures clicked there with you holding the trophy for just 20 pounds a click. It's worth the memory.

If you're a huge fan, you'd want to go for shopping at The Manchester United Store since that's one of the many things to do in Manchester here. They sell official merchandise there, and you can ask for a certificate of participation as well, which they'll make and give it to you for free (as part of the tour).

You will learn the history of the Manchester football team and see the VIP areas. Make sure to get tickets for the games when they're being sold. The stadium is found on Old Trafford in Stretford, Manchester.

Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA, United Kingdom

9:30 am to 4 pm

The Manchester Art Gallery is filled with many wonders of its own and is one of the top things to do in Manchester. It's laden with paintings and masterpieces of the past, and touring the gallery is an enchantment of sorts. You will find works from the Victorian era and even contemporary works found here. There are innovative exhibition programs which are geared towards both adults and children that include hands-on activities.

There are many exhibitions held in the gallery, and special facilities like access to fully-disabled individuals are available too. The explorer belts are geared towards younger audiences, and they come equipped with many tools like magnifying glasses, binoculars, spot cards, etc., for a fun time.

The gallery is most famous for its pre-Raphaelite paintings, and you will find William Holman Hunt's brainchildren like The Scapegoat, The Shadow of Death, and the Hireling Shepherd within the collection. The Philosophy Cafe is open on the third Tuesday of every month, and if you're an art critic, you will have a wonderful time debating with likeminded people about world-class masterpieces. No bookings are needed for that, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafe too with the group when you show up. There are many things to do in Manchester here besides the gallery-like touring the surroundings.

If your kids have an artistic flair or interest, take them to the Craft and Design section. You can make ceramics, glasswork, metal, and woodworks using your hands. For more information or assistance on any matters related to the gallery and its facilities, talk to the information desk staff at the atrium. Lifts are included on all floors for easy traveling, and a ramp runs down from the main entrance point at Mosley Street for buggies to enter in. Baby changing and regular toiletries are located inside the building, and the closest station is Piccadilly/Victoria.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL, United Kingdom

Mondays - 11 am to 5 pm

Tuesdays to Sundays - 10 am to 5 pm

This gothic museum is a gem that is popular in Manchester and amongst the best things to do in Manchester for exploring and more. Home to over 4,500,000 varieties of items on display, the Manchester Museum is where you can dive into the world of dinosaurs. Be sure to watch out for the T-Rex skeleton that stays here intact and the many fossils from the Ice Age. As you tour the museum, you will soak in many views and learn more about the ancient world. The natural history of Manchester and various artifacts from that era are exhibited here too.

The museum has a vivarium area where it showcases exhibits of live reptiles, amphibians, and rare kinds of frogs. A cafe is found in-house for guests who feel hungry during the tours. You will find plenty of delicious snacks and refreshments there.

Visit the museum during the weekdays since it's usually less crowded then. It's right next to the University of Manchester and the entrance to the museum is free. There are also galleries that host natural science collections here, which are simply beautiful to look at. You will make lots of fond memories, and an unforgettable sight is the huge sea crab exhibit which is found here.

University of, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom

10 am to 5 pm from Sundays to Saturdays

If you're craving for Chinese food, then Chinatown in Manchester is an area that's right up your alley. You will find the scene come to life with all the decorations lighting up this place during the Chinese New Year. Little Yang Sing is a nice restaurant tucked away just south of Princess Street, a popular destination for food and drinks. Go for their dim sums and quirky dishes if you're dropping in.

If you're sampling the cuisine, try out the delightful spare ribs in BBQ sauce, spring rolls, seaweed dishes, and special varieties of fried rice. If you're visiting Chinatown just for the food, you cannot miss Teppanyaki Chinatown. This is where food and entertainment come to life, and you will see a chef use to iron girdle in the fire to whip up delicacies. It's traditional Teppanyaki style cooking at its finest. If you want the softest loaves of bread and want to go on a calorie binge, head over to the Ho's Bakery, it's on Faulkner Street and is considered one of the city's hidden wonders by the locals. Try out their Pork Dumplings, Japanese Cheesecake, and Sweet Melon Cake when you go there. They make custom wedding cakes too so if you're getting married soon or know a friend who is, that's good news!

The Center for Chinese Contemporary Art showcases exhibits of many popular national and international Chinese work. If you like art, take part in their special events and festivals. The Bank of East Asia is another one of the many things to do in Manchester. It's one of the largest banks in Hong Kong and was launched in 2013. The Paifang Archway is a perfect spot to take photos and is a unique landmark. It is the entrance to Chinatown, and you will find it on Faulkner Street. The iconic dragon-head and phoenix decorations are found here.

It's a good idea to buy from provisions from the Asian supermarkets here since you will get everything at a fraction of their original price outside. If you're lucky, you will find precious antiques too hidden inside these stores, which are considered cheap throwaways by others, going unnoticed.

If you're going shopping here, don't forget to buy a pair of chopsticks for your kids.

If you're gay or bi-curious, the Gay Village offers plenty of avenues to explore your sexuality without judgment or prejudice. Plenty of nightclubs and gay bars are found here with restaurants and clubs included, making it amongst the top things to do in Manchester. Likeminded individuals meet, and the village is located at the center of the Canal Street area in Manchester. The village is very peaceful and is open to the LGBT community, in general. Many special events are hosted here, which means you'll get plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals. When you go to Oscars, a popular little drinking spot here, you will come across TVs playing various musical hits. Make sure to set aside 1 to 3 hours for your visit.

You won't be judged, and the best part is how warm and friendly the atmosphere is. Everybody is welcome to the village regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. Daytime is the best time to explore this place, and going with your friends or in groups is recommended for more fun. Don't be surprised if a few straight people flirt with you even when you're with your partner. Everybody's having light-hearted fun, and it's absolutely a blast! You should try out the restaurants here since the food is simply too good to die for and is amongst the many things to do in Manchester.

You can't say you've truly explored Manchester until you pay a visit to the University of Manchester. This prestigious educational institution has over 25 noble Laureates accredited to its name and has evolved over the years since its inceptions. Walking through the main entrance will make you feel like you've entered Hogwarts, while many of its structures and interiors simply yell science fiction.

If it's your first time and you want to learn one of the coolest things to do in Manchester, start by visiting the Old Quadrangle inside the university. It's a lovely spot for taking photos, and there are beautiful gardens found here. Look out for the iconic arches, and be sure to capture plenty of clicks. The views of the quad and the old quad from MacFarland Court are simply superb. Another great spot to shoot photos at is the Old Quad from Cussonia Court and the Quad from the South Lawn.

If you're planning to study here, the undergraduate tuition and fee will cost you up to 9,250 GBP, with international tuition being up to 21,000 GBP. Also, check out the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and The John Rylands Library when you're visiting.

Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom

If you're staying in Manchester, be sure to stay at The Lowry Hotel. With super comfy beds and spacious rooms, you will have a wonderful time here. There is a buffet option available here, and if you like an ala carte menu, your tastebuds will be delighted. Try out their Eggs Benedict with Salmon whenever you can. Please note that there are budget hotels in Manchester too. This one has a 5-star rating, which means it's one of the best. The hotel is close to several other things to do in Manchester and attractions nearby, which is why we recommend it, despite the pricing.

Lowry was also Manchester's most thriving artist back in the day. If you visit the Manchester Art Gallery, you will find many of his works being exhibited there. There are also events related to his life, work, and histories, such as theatrical performances and musicals.

The Whitworth Art Gallery is Manchester's pride when it comes to showcasing art, history, and culture. You will find many beautiful works of art put on display, and the giant premises makes it a delightful visual treat. Have a relaxing walk in its settings and sit down for a scoop of ice cream at the cafe. The trees dancing in the winds behind the glass wall at the Art Garden are a sight to see, and the gallery was awarded the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year in 2015.

Every corner of the gallery features unusual exhibits. It's as if you'll be walking into different worlds and going through extraordinary experiences. Even if you don't know a thing about art, we still suggest paying a visit here. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Manchester without a doubt.

Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, United Kingdom

Sundays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm

MCM (Harvey Nichols) is a stunning location in Manchester for food and wine, beauty, fashion, and more. Since the brand opened up in Knightsbridge in 1931, it's been making waves. You will find luxury designer items and many big names hailing from the likes of London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and more. There are restaurants and cafes insides, and a visit to the OXO Tower Restaurant is a must.

If you're going to Manchester for shopping and want various choices, don't forget to take a trip here. And if you're lucky, you might run into their Beauty Editor and pick up some tips on the latest trends in fashion. It's one of the many things to do in Manchester when it comes to shopping and having a good time.

21 New Cathedral St, Manchester M1 1AD, United Kingdom

10 am to 8 pm from Mondays to Saturdays

11 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays

The Manchester Arndale Shopping Center is one of the many things to do in Manchester. It's lined with over 200 stylish outlets waiting to be explored by you. From brands like Apple that sell smart wearables to Ann Summers and Baytree Interiors for your lifestyle needs, you will find many fantastic outlets. Walking around the stores or just going there window shopping alone is also worth it. The food court is laden with various restaurants, so whether you're craving Chinese, Thai, Italian, or the local cuisine - there will be something you'll like here. As for the outlets, store timings may vary sometimes depending on the brand. It's a good idea to check out their websites before visiting.

Attend the Summer Food Fest and visit Archie's to dig into the best gourmet burgers. Your tastebuds will thank you. The Metrolink runs from Greater Manchester and lets you get to Arndale quickly. You can also take the rail services running through Greater Manchester besides the metro, and if you're exploring on your own, you can cycle your way there. Arndale is known to be a hub of fashion and everything chic. If you're a fashionista and are looking for stylish things to do in Manchester, you will absolutely fall in love here. Be sure to bring your cameras and friends for those Insta-worthy moments and be spoilt for choice by having a fun time.

New Cannon Street Mall, Manchester M4 3AQ, United Kingdom

9 am to 10:30 pm from Mondays to Fridays

9 am to 7 pm on Saturdays

11:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays

If you're feeling hungry, walk down the 800-meter stretch known as the 'Curry Lane' after the clock strikes midnight. It runs from the center of Rusholme in South Manchester and is a part of the Wilmslow Road. You will find plenty of Indian food options and will love every bite. Various curry and local cuisines fire up in action during those odd hours, and it's a sight to behold seeing the vendors and restaurants come to life.

Want to come to Manchester to have a good time? Book your flights and hotels with Trip.com and start enjoying amazing experiences. With skip-the-line bookings, instant confirmations, and free cancellation policy, we make sure you get the ultimate customer experience.

There are many things to do in Manchester, and if you'd dive right into the fun, take a moment and book your journey with us. Trip.com welcomes you to the city of Manchester and wishes you a pleasant and memorable vacation.