Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Not many cities have had as much influence on the world as Manchester; its streets are steeped in history, from the industrial to the cultural. But it’s also an ambitious, future-facing city, one that sets trends that ripple across the wider North.

A glance at Manchester’s cultural calendar reveals a city packed with world-leading arts events, taking place everywhere from gargantuan venues like Aviva Studios right through to smaller independent gems tucked away from the city centre.

With exhibitions, theatre shows and music festivals that platform some of the world’s most exciting creating voices, Manchester does the arts like no other city on earth. Below you’ll find some of the events set to take over the city in the coming months.

What's on in Manchester

Sextile
MusicManchester
Sextile at The White Hotel

From sunny Los Angeles to deepest darkest Salford, electronic punk duo Sextile head to their spiritual home of The White Hotel.

from £16.00
Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

from £28.50
Walking Tour Stock imagery
Until
ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

from £25.00

Where to go in Manchester

Salford
Restaurant
Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar

Kallos is a Greek restaurant and wine bar in Salford, serving up exquisite dishes throughout the day and evening.

Symmetry Room
City Centre
Museum
Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions Manchester is part of the global Museum of Illusions Group, the largest and fastest-growing chain of private museums in the world.

Manchester
Restaurant
Soap Street Pizza

Based at Nordie in Levenshulme, Soap Street Pizza put out the perfect pie: crispy base and inspired toppings.

GET BAKED Opening Day
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.

Winsome
Manchester
Restaurant
Winsome

Winsome delivers modern British food, cooked beautifully by chef-owner Shaun Moffat and his team.

Image of the outside of Altogether Otherwise at night with people inside
Manchester
Event venue
Altogether Otherwise

Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Welcome Back Manchester
Places to drink in The Northern Quarter

There's no shortage of places to drink in the Northern Quarter. From hidden bars in launderettes and pawn shops, to record stores and even traditional pubs. We round up the

Cocktails in Manchester
Cocktails in Manchester

Looking for the best cocktails in Manchester? We have the lot, to cover all tastes and budgets, to guarantee a good time.

20 Stories eat outside in Manchester
Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there