Visiting Manchester

Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK. Bursting with unmissable moments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for culture, sport, nightlife, family-friendly adventures or just good fun.

Feel the buzz of this vibrant city, the famous music scene, iconic football teams, revolutionary history and trend-setting neighbourhoods. Explore the unique and independent bars, restaurants, shops, theatres and museums that Manchester has to offer.

Visit between Jan - March 2026 and save on your stay with up to 25% off on hotels. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a midweek escape, or a cultural city break, book by 15 March to enjoy great savings on your overnight stay.

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New for 2026

Manchester is famous for its music scene and 2026 is set to be spectacular, with both The BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards coming to the city, alongside a packed programme of other gigs and shows. Experience live performances from some of the biggest names around at the AO Arena or Co-op Live or discover upcoming bands and underground artists at venues like YES or Night and Day.
Warm your heart and enrich your soul with art, culture, theatre and comedy shows. Enjoy incredible productions of new works and award-winning classics at the Royal Exchange Theatre. See steam engines in action with a visit to the Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum, and step into the light at Victoria Baths as Luke Jerram’s Helios comes to one of Manchester’s most beautiful landmarks.

Manchester offers a whole host of family-fun and entertainment, too. Meet the dinosaurs at Manchester Museum, go on a top-secret mission at Imperial War Museum North, and don’t miss the Super Duper Family Festival over February half term, when Manchester’s public spaces, squares and venues are transformed into exciting Play Zones, with games, dancing, activities, crafts, performances and more to enjoy.

Trains to Manchester

Manchester is one of the most well-connected cities in the UK, and we run services to and from the city from various different destinations, including Cardiff, Chester and more. It’s easy to reach Manchester by train.  You can even save up to half the price on train journeys to Manchester with our Advance tickets. We have a range of discounts available when you buy your tickets with us if you have a railcard. Buy your train tickets to Manchester with us online or on our app today. We don’t charge booking fees. Find some of our most popular routes to Manchester below:

Why visit Manchester?

Manchester’s arts and cultural scene is thriving. Be inspired by changing exhibitions at Manchester Art Gallery or The Whitworth, experience unmissable events at Aviva Studios, and enjoy award-winning performances at the Palace Theatre.

You can’t talk about Manchester without mentioning football. Whether it’s a matchday or not, there’s always something to enjoy, with stadium tours or a visit to the National Football Museum.

Manchester is known for live music and entertainment; the AO Arena and Co-op Live offer an eclectic line-up of chart-topping artists, whilst you can discover the best of Manchester’s emerging artists with gigs at pubs and clubs like Night and Day, YES and Band on the Wall.

The city is becoming a global destination for food and drink. With restaurants and bars opening weekly, the city is fast establishing itself as one of the UK’s most exciting foodie destinations.

Delve into the city’s thriving fashion scene and shop ‘til you drop at luxury department stores like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols or shop local and browse independent boutiques in the Northern Quarter.

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Must see attractions and unmissable experiences in Manchester

• The Manchester City Football Club and Stadium tour, walk in the footsteps of your favourite players with this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium.
• Scranchester Food Tours, enjoy truly immersive food tour of Manchester, complete with edible insights into the city’s food history and culture.
• Science and Industry Museum, be inspired by ideas that have changed the world - past and present - on the site of the world’s first inter-city railway terminus.
• National Football Museum, the place to share stories about everybody’s favourite game. Explore the galleries and test your skills with interactive games.
• Chetham’s Library, hosting a large collection dating back from medieval times, take a tour of the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.
• Aviva Studios - a global destination for arts music and culture, offering a year-round programme of original creative work, music and special events.

Where to stay

Manchester’s accommodation caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, a luxurious spa break, or a group-friendly space for shared experiences, Manchester offers a memorable stay for all.

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How to spend a weekend in Manchester

With so much to see and do in a compact city, Manchester’s perfect for a weekend break or family getaway. Choose a section of the city and go explore.

The city centre is bursting with galleries, museums and music venues, not to mention great shopping, pubs and restaurants. Shopaholics can hit the designer stores on King Street and Exchange Square. For culture vultures, Manchester Art Gallery has a fabulous collection of fine art, decorative art and costume. Take the kids to the Manchester Museum - it’s free and has over four million objects spanning dinosaur skeletons and ancient artefacts to technology and the environment. Or head to the National Football Museum for more than 140,000 football-related items, a kids' discovery zone and skills-testing simulators.

Explore the sights, sounds and stories of the city with unique sightseeing experiences, from city walks to a Manchester Taxi Tour. Enjoy delicious food and drink with a twist of history on a Scranchester tour or indulge with a Manchester Wine Tour.

The Northern Quarter holds a treasure trove of vintage and independent shops, vibrant street art, trendy bars and restaurants, and buzzing music venues. The world-famous Affleck’s has four floors of independent designers and traders, while the Manchester Craft and Design Centre houses artists' studios selling the best local design, jewellery, bags and accessories in a restored Victorian fish and poultry market. For a lively night out, the area is full of live music venues showcasing local and international bands.

Salford Quays, the northern home of the BBC and ITV, is just a short tram ride from the city centre. Hop on the Manchester River Cruise to learn more about Manchester’s industrial heritage before arriving back and heading to Central Bay, a popular new waterside food and drink destination. Just across the river, Corrie fans can walk the cobbled streets on a tour of the original filming location. Finish your day at Lowry and enjoy theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy or visual art at this world-class arts centre on the waterfront.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this itinerary, packed with suggestions and ideas for things to do: 72 hours in Manchester