Manchester ideas and inspiration

Planning a trip to Manchester? Browse our travel ideas to get some inspiration on what to see and where to visit in the region. Have a look at our list of 'top 5s', download an itinerary or read our famous "101 things to do in Greater Manchester" post on the Visit Manchester blog. If you're planning on staying in Manchester that bit longer then have a look at our day trip and excursion ideas to explore Northern England whilst staying in one of Manchester's top hotels.

The home of football, Manchester is fit to burst with of a number of sporting attractions and events, and with a huge arts and culture scene, it's almost impossible to run out of things to see and do in Greater Manchester. After joining UNESCO's worldwide Creative Cities network as a City of Literature, Manchester's radical literature history has been catapulted into the limelight, with plenty of book-based attractions and events taking place year-round.

With a thriving LGBT scene, including the world famous canal street, LGBT travellers won't be disappointed. If it's rolling hills and beautiful countryside you're seeking, Greater Manchester has it in abundance, with over 500 square miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for great days out of the city.

If you're planning individual or group travel programmes, take a look at our group travel page featuring a whole host of North West attractions. Feeling lucky? Take a look at our competition page, or save some cash with our special offers.

Latest Manchester blogs

The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester

Do you prefer going out midweek? Hate the weekend crowds? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Below we recommend some great midweek spots to try, and they even include discounts. 1. L Ü C K Y (50% OFF MON-WED 5PM ONWARDS WALK INS ONLY) Kicking it off is Lucky Ramen and Sushi based…

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Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 5: Tours

This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and inspiration for things to do, see, eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page handbook includes dedicated pages detailing what's new and coming soon as well as maps and spotlight pages on Greater…

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10 Cafes Serving Greater Manchester Communities

Across Greater Manchester, local communities come together to grow, train, create and support. These groups need hubs to come together, which is why community cafes are so vitally needed. Here are just some of the local hubs supporting these communities and creating safe spaces that you can visit…

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Cinemas in Manchester: A Comprehensive Guide

Manchester is a city that truly loves cinema, offering everything from major chains like VUE and Cineworld to charming independent venues. From the latest blockbusters to arthouse gems fresh from Cannes, there’s a screen for every taste here in our city. No matter what you’re in the mood for…

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The Ultimate Retail & Relaxation Escape

Treat yourself to the perfect mix of indulgence and style with an unforgettable escape this winter. From a soothing spa experience at Malmaison to a bespoke personal shopping session at Harvey Nichols and a chic hotel stay at Hotel Gotham, it’s the ultimate way to start the year feeling refreshed…

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Manchester Chinatown's Chinese New Year festivities

The heart of Manchester will soon come alive with colour, culture and celebration as the city gears up for its much-anticipated Chinese New Year festivities. Taking place on 1 st and 2 nd February 2025, this year’s celebrations promise to be a dazzling display of traditional and contemporary Chinese…

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February half term in Manchester

As the first half term of 2025 approaches, you might be looking for activities to keep the kids busy on their week off. Manchester has an exciting array of family-friendly events and attractions, from the four-day free Super Duper Family Festival to learning all about our brains, bogies, and senses…

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Candlelight Concerts Brighten Manchester in 2025

Candlelight Concerts are back for 2025, bringing a touch of magic to Manchester, as part of a global phenomenon that has enchanted over 3 million attendees in over 100 cities globally. These intimate performances, set in some of Manchester’s most iconic venues and surrounded by the glow of…

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Manchester Through the Lens: A Film & TV Escape

Discover Manchester’s Cinematic Secrets Manchester has become a favourite location for both blockbuster movies and hit TV shows. Its striking architecture, diverse neighbourhoods, and vibrant cultural scene make it a versatile backdrop, appearing as everything from 19th-century London to modern-day…

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Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 2: Shopping

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and inspiration for things to see, do, and eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page guide features dedicated sections on what's new and upcoming, along with maps and spotlight pages highlighting Greater…

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Explore the city with these trails

More ideas

Explore Manchester through the lens of our insightful blog posts. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated content offers a unique perspective on the city's culture, events, and attractions. Dive into the stories that bring Manchester to life and discover the insider…

Unlock the essence of Manchester and its surrounding regions with our comprehensive guide series. Dive into curated insights, expert recommendations, and detailed itineraries designed to enhance your exploration. From city highlights to hidden gems, our guides offer a holistic…

Explore exclusive offers in Manchester with our guide to special deals and promotions. Discover a variety of discounts, packages, and unique promotions across accommodations, attractions, and dining. Whether you're planning a city break or a leisurely day out, our guide…

Explore curated itineraries for an unforgettable Manchester experience. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our guides offer the perfect routes for your visit. Plan your trip with our diverse itineraries.

Ready for an adventure? Uncover exciting contests offering amazing prizes in Manchester. From culture clashes to foodie feasts, find your perfect challenge and unlock unforgettable experiences.

From Parklife to Warehouse Project and Pride to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the White Hotel and Hidden, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture of Manchester with our curated guide. Explore iconic galleries, captivating exhibitions, and the city's creative pulse. From street art to historic museums, our content celebrates Manchester's diverse cultural landscape…

Escape to the tranquillity of Greater Manchester's countryside with our guide. Discover picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures just beyond the city limits. Explore walking trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of…

Haunt MCR - Delve into the dark histories and spooky secrets of the area whilst also exploring all things alternative, Gothic and goth from across Greater Manchester

Discover Manchester's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with our guide. Explore inclusive events, diverse venues, and supportive communities that celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ culture. Whether you're a local or visitor, our guide provides insights into the inclusive spirit that…

From Marx and Engels to John Cooper Clarke, Manchester has a radical literary history - and with events such as the Manchester Literature Festival and attractions such as the John Rylands Library and Chetham's Library, there's certainly a lot to explore.

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide…

Proud, an audio-visual exhibition, created by Heard Storytelling, to celebrate Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Dive into the heart of Manchester's sporting scene with our curated sports content. Explore exciting matchday experiences, iconic stadiums, and the city's passion for football and beyond. From historic moments to upcoming fixtures, our content is your gateway to the…

From British TV classics such as Coronation Street, to streaming hits like Fool Me Once, and Hollywood blockbusters including Captain America: The First Avenger and Sherlock Holmes, the city-region has rolled out the red-carpet to the world’s biggest stars. 

The Visit Manchester Pass

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With entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with a Visit Manchester Pass.

Visit Manchester Pass app

Reasons to buy

  • Entry into 12 of Manchester's top attractions including Coronation Street, Manchester City Football Club, RHS Garden Bridgewater & more
  • Over 30 discounts and offers
  • Save money and explore Manchester

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