Couple walking through Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter

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.

Discover more and start planning your next city break.

 

New for 2025

Manchester is known for live music and entertainment and there are some top shows coming up in 2025. See the biggest stars around, including Cyndi Lauper or Sabrina Carpenter at Co-op Live, or Peter Kay at the AO Arena.

The food and drink offering in the city continues to build an appetite. Experience a unique journey through food, art and the city with concept restaurant Where The Light Gets In: A Play In The City offers, or enjoy the delicious tasting menu at Skof, Tom Barnes’ first solo restaurant in Manchester, which focuses on skill, quality ingredients and simplicity.

Explore the work and technique of legendary British landscape artist JMW Turner with a new exhibition at the Whitworth. JMW Turner: In Light and Shade presents a rare opportunity to see the Liber Studiorum in its entirety for the first time in over 100 years. Discover Manchester’s starring role in film and TV productions with The Locationist, the only dedicated film and locations tour in the city, or explore at your own pace with the new film and TV walking trail.

February half term brings while host of family friendly fun. Manchester will be transformed into a huge playground with the first Super Duper Family Festival, with four days of free activities to enjoy. Plus, get ready for an epic adventure of super-sized science and brilliant biology with Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You at Science and Industry Museum.

 

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 non-matchday, there’s always something going on with stadium tours and 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.

Book your trip to Manchester today.

 

Must see attractions in Manchester

  • The Manchester City Stadium tour, walk in the footsteps of your favourite players with this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium.
  • Manchester Gin Guided Tour and Tasting Experience, with a gin and tonic in hand, explore the origins of Manchester Gin, tour the distillery, learn about the production process - all whilst enjoying a guided tasting experience.
  • 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. Indulge with a Manchester Wine Tour or try something new with Manchester Gin’s gin-making experience and sample a variety of gins before crafting your very own bottle.

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

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