Attractions in Manchester
Creative TouristLooking for Manchester attractions? The city is studded with gems, from the sprawling museums and galleries to world-class concert halls, intimate stages and family friendly fare.
Our top picks
Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)
IWM North was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose beautiful waterfront building was based on a globe shattered by war and houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that consider the many ways conflict shapes society.
The Whitworth
The Whitworth underwent a £15m redevelopment in 2015, which saw it double in size; the gallery now juts out into Whitworth park, seamlessly transitioning from old to new. It’s been met with national and international acclaim – for its new architecture and for its brilliant exhibitions programme.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
John Rylands Library houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible – in a neo-Gothic building that took nine years to build.
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is housed in the buildings of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway; this sprawling, interactive land of scientific exploration includes a working steam train.
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery houses 25,000 artefacts across six centuries and contemporary exhibitions by world-leading artists in a beautifully-restored neo-Classic gallery, slap band in the city centre. The architect also designed Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey).
HOME Manchester
Manchester’s new, £25m arts complex boasts 500 square metres of gallery space and five cinema screens as well as its 500 seat theatre; host to UK premieres, visiting companies and internationally focused work, the offering at HOME is as ambitious as it gets.
People’s History Museum (PHM)
The national museum of democracy, couldn’t have a better home than Manchester, the birthplace of the British Labour Party and universal suffrage.
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum boasts six million pieces in its archive, an impressive Egyptology collection and new discovery space The Study all in one gothic, Grade II*-listed building.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House has been lovingly restored; you can now sit at her desk, see where Charlotte Brontë hid behind the curtains, and have tea in the downstairs café.
Royal Exchange Theatre
This former trading hall underwent a £32m redevelopment after being severely damaged by the 1996 IRA bomb in Manchester’s city centre – and has been delivering stellar productions from its unusual seven-sided glass and steel theatre-in-the-round (the biggest in the UK), and smaller (but still excellent) studio, ever since. Productions here are renowned – both Vanessa Redgrave and Helen Mirren have graced the Royal Exchange’s stage.
Where to go in Manchester
Manchester
Ducie Street Warehouse
Ducie Street Warehouse’s new menu is full of hearty dishes, large and small.
Manchester
HOME Manchester
Now back open with a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.
Manchester
Cultplex
Billing itself as Manchester’s home of cult films, video games and cool nerd stuff, Cultplex is a small cinema offshoot of indie street food destination Grub Manchester.
Altrincham
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Established in 1914, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse presents a variety of performances and screenings, as well as hosting term-time drama classes and a popular summer school for young people.
Altrincham
Everyman Altrincham
Altrincham’s Everyman is a supremely comfortable boutique cinema showing all of the latest blockbusters, independent hits and big screen events.
Manchester
Everyman Manchester St John’s
Experience luxury moviegoing at this three-screen boutique cinema and bar located close to Spinningfields.
Manchester
Odeon Great Northern
Located within the historic Grade 2 former railway goods distribution warehouse, the Odeon Great Northern is a 16 screen multiplex cinema.
Manchester
Vue Manchester Printworks
Formerly run by Odeon, Vue Manchester Printworks is the biggest cinema in Manchester with a whopping 23 screens capable of seating 4,472 people. The programming covers all of the latest…
City Centre
AMC Cinema Manchester
A mainstream chain cinema showing a mix of new releases and blockbusters. Located in The Great Northern Warehouse complex.
Manchester
Cineworld Didsbury
With only 11 screens (only!), this is one of the smaller multiplexes in Greater Manchester – but its advantage is its location in the lush surrounds of Didsbury, not far from a roster of good bars, cafés and restaurants.
Manchester
Moston Small Cinema
Volunteer-run cinema
Manchester Visitor Guides
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Sunday Roasts in Manchester
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Free family things to do in Manchester
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Breakfast in Manchester
Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.
Parks and Gardens in Manchester
There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
Comedy Nights in Manchester
Looking for a laugh? Here are Manchester's very best comedy nights.
Bars in Manchester
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Stately Homes in the North
The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.
Bookshops in Manchester
Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.
Manchester Restaurant Deals
Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.
Manchester District Guides
Spotlight on
May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do
Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.
Take me thereDestination Guides
Culture Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
Literature Events in Manchester and the North
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
Family things to do in Manchester and the North
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Theatre in Manchester and the North
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Exhibitions in Manchester and the North
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Music in Manchester and the North
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.