Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own. Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events. Its vitality is expressed through its fascinating history, interactive attractions, magnificent architecture and most of all, the spirit of its people - ensuring that there’s always something to do in the Greater Manchester region.
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Visit Manchester
Manchester Visitor Information Center, Manchester
+44 871 222 8223
Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 10:30am-4:30pm
https://www.visitmanchester.com
Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan, and welcoming cities. With its fine traditions of culture, music, sport, and top-class events, there’s something for everyone across the whole Greater Manchester region.
SPORT
From football to cricket to cycling as well as a year-round programme of sports events, Manchester is packed with activities and entertainment to keep sports fans amused even when the games finish.
CULTURE
From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester’s culture is known for its energy and excellence.
HERITAGE
Birthplace of the computer, the football league and Top of the Pops, Manchester’s heritage is rich and diverse. Take in the history at SIM, housed in the world’s first passenger railway station, or at Chethams Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.
SHOPPING
Manchester is the shopping capital of the North, offering a range of shopping experiences from high end to high street, from local to independents.
FOOD & DRINK
From high-end restaurants and renowned chefs setting up camp here to independent good value eateries, global cuisine and also locally produced grub on offer, Manchester has cemented itself as a culinary city.
NIGHTLIFE
A visit to Manchester would not be complete without a night out exploring the city’s bars, pubs, and clubs. Each area of the city boasts its own unique style and collection of places to choose from.
MUSIC
Manchester has music in its soul. Mancunian exports include The Smiths, Take That, and Oasis, who have contributed some of the most important rock and pop music of all time. Today, you can enjoy an array of music from classical to jazz to rock and pop in a wide range of different venues.
COUNTRYSIDE
Greater Manchester has miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for a great day out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Manchester, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and hotels the city has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Manchester travel guide.
Manchester is perhaps best known internationally for two things: music and football. Huge musical acts, including The Hollies, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis, Take That, Simply Red, and many more, have hailed from Manchester. And the yearly "In The City" music festival has launched many to international stardom.
Football fans will want to visit the legendary Old Trafford stadium, museum, and megastore. But Manchester has a lot more to offer than just music and sports. It is a young and creative city, with outstanding museums, food and nightlife, crisscrossed by canals, which give it a unique atmosphere. And one of the greatest pleasures about visiting Manchester is exploring the various districts on foot.
And here are the top things to do and see in Manchester, England:
Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre
Manchester City Football Club
Coronation Street The Tour
Sightseeing Manchester
National Football Museum
Play Factore
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Chinatown
Chester Zoo
City Centre Cruises
Ordsall Hall
John Rylands Library
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
East Lancashire Railway
Chill Factore
Imperial War Museum North
Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre
Great Northern Warehouse
BBC Tours at MediaCityUK
Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium
Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Stockport Town Hall
Heaton Park
City Centre Cruises
Victoria Baths
FC United
Manchester Opera House
Lake District National Park
With Manchester’s position in the heart of the UK, it’s the perfect gateway to the North of England.
If you’re staying for a little longer than a weekend, there’s stunning national parks, historic cities and more cosmopolitan destinations all within easy reach of the city.
Explore the natural beauty of the Lake District or Peak District National Parks; the charm of Chester or York; or the vibrant Liverpool and Leeds. All can be done in a day from Manchester by rail or road. If you’re planning your visit and want everything taken care of, there are packages available which include rail travel, Meet & Greet, tours and attractions.
Busy Bus Lake District Adventure Tour
Liverpool and The Beatles Story Day Trip from Manchester
Historic Chester with lunch in the Cathedral Day trip
Alton Towers Theme Park & Resort Day Trip
Lake District - Cruise, Poetry and Grasmere Gingerbread Day Trip from Manchester
Historic Chester with River Cruise, Open Top Bus and Walking Tour Day Trip from Manchester
Chatsworth House and Gardens, National Park and Bakewell Pudding Day Trip from Manchester
Cadbury World ‘Chocolate Delights’ Day Trip
Medieval York, the Cathedral and Vikings Day Trip
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Day Trip
World of Wedgwood Day Trip with Luxury Afternoon Tea
2 Night Luxury Yorkshire Highlights Tour
Blackpool Seaside Resort Day Trip
Lake District Cruise, Steam Train and Peter Rabbit Day Trip
Chester Zoo Day trip
Bronte Country Tour
2 Nights Yorkshire TV & Film Location Tour
Yorkshire Sculpture Park & The Hepworth Museum
Yorkshire Dales Highlights Tour
2 Night - The Best of Yorkshire Food & Drink – “Foodie Tour”
Historic York
Mountain Goat Lake District Tour from Manchester
Busy Bus North Wales Adventure Tour
The dining scene in Manchester is more interesting and varied by the day. All manner of new restaurants, gastropubs, and bars keep popping up around the city, which now ranks among the country's best and most diverse culinary destinations. A local speciality is the Manchester Egg, the city's take on the Scotch egg, which is wrapped in black pudding and sausage, then breaded and deep-fried, and should not be missed.
Below is a list of the best places to eat in Manchester:
Hard Rock Cafe
Sapporo Teppanyaki
Corn Exchange
TNQ Restaurant And Bar
Australasia
Shoryu Ramen
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
Tattu
The Anthologist
Vermilion Restaurant and Cinnaba
Wood Restaurant
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Don Giovanni
Hawksmoor
Tampopo
Evuna
Manchester has historically been overrun with big chain coffee shops, but a new wave of independent, high-quality, and often quirky cafes and tea houses has been taking over the city, offering more diverse alternatives and more original products. Give these cafes a try, support local entrepreneurs, and while you're at it, enjoy a truly delicious cup of coffee.
Here's a list of the best cafes in Manchester:
Sugar Junction
Takk
Annies
Tariff & Dale
Hey Little Cupcake!
Manchester boasts one of the UK's strongest and most diverse nightlife scenes, offering plenty of alternatives for drinking, partying, and catching world-class concerts and performances. Hacienda was once perhaps Europe's most famous club (back in the 'Madchester' days), and though it is no longer in operation, the adventurous spirit of the city's nightlife remains intact in the numerous venues in the Northern Quarter, Castlefield, and Gay Village.
Here's a list of the best bars and nightclubs for a fun night out in Manchester:
BrewDog Manchester
Hard Rock Cafe
Band on the Wall
The Deaf Institute
Flight Club
Gorilla
Junkyard Golf
Peveril of The Peak
The Comedy Store
Manchester is bursting with activities for families and adults. From walking trails to urban crazy golf and escape rooms to adventure courses, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Manchester.
Manchester River Cruises
Scranchester Food Tours
Si Manchester Free Tours
Skyliner Street Art Tour
Breakout
Treetop Manchester
Vegetarian Society Cookery School
Clue HQ
Craft Beer Tour Manchester
Free Manchester Walking Tours
From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester's culture is known for its energy and excellence. The UNESCO City of Literature is awash with new and refurbished cultural venues, and Manchester is preparing for the opening of The Factory, the new permanent home for the Manchester International Festival, in 2022.
Whitworth Art Gallery
Museum of the Manchester Regiment
Science and Industry Museum
The Stoller Hall
HOME Manchester
Royal Exchange Theatre
Castlefield Gallery
Manchester Central Library
Portland Basin Museum
Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art
Working Class Movement Library
Contact Theatre
Gallery Oldham
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
The Lowry
People’s History Museum
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Museum
Manchester has become northern England's shopping capital, offering variety, quality, and bargains. From large shopping centres like Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre to the pedestrian boutique districts and markets dotting the city to the unique items found at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with everything from designer fashion to local handicrafts on offer.
Here's a list of the best places for shopping in Manchester:
Manchester Arndale
The Trafford Centre
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Spinningfields
Oklahoma
Harvey Nichols
The Royal Exchange Manchester
Stockport Market
As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, there’s always something on in Manchester. With a rolling calendar of events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatre you’ll never be stuck for world-class entertainment.
Manchester Beer Week
Manchester International Festival
Manchester Film Festival
Manchester Jazz Festival
Manchester Pride
Parklife Festival
Just So Festival
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
Whatever brings you to Manchester, Visit Manchester is here to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
When you’re in the city, make sure to drop by our Visitor Information Centre. Here you can get tourist information on how to best shape your visit, as well as maps, merchandise and discounted tickets to some of the most popular attractions and tourist spots.
Airport
With three terminals handling over 23 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the UK’s Global Gateway for the North. Sixty-five airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 210 destinations including Beijing and Hong Kong, and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world.
It has a combined railway and bus station, with departures to Manchester and the rest of the country. The train to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 20 minutes. Airport buses to Manchester depart every half hour. Taxis and car hire companies are also available at the airport.
Address:
Email:
Phone: +44 800 042 0213
Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information
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Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains will get travellers to Manchester in the quickest, most comfortable and most stylish way possible. With trains every 20 minutes and fares from £20 it couldn't be easier.
Whether its some awesome shopping, or making a weekend out of Manchester, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Manchester Arndale or a visit to the Trafford Centre. Explore somewhere new this season with Virgin Trains.
Address: Piccadilly Station, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA
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Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information/virgin-trains-p328291
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Sixt Rent a Car
Airport
When you hire a car at our Manchester Airport branch you can enjoy free cancellation and free unlimited mileage with no booking fees. Your hire car will include a full tank of petrol which should be returned full and can be refilled on-site. Sixt offers some of the highest quality car rentals in Manchester Airport.
Piccadilly
The Sixt Piccadilly branch is located on Ducie Street just a short walk away from Piccadilly train station. The branch is open 7 days a week, including bank holidays. We offer a range of vehicle types from this branch, including luxury cars, economy cars, convertibles, sports cars & vans.
Optional extras, such as satellite navigation, child seat or baby seat are also available. We offer brands including Vauxhall, VW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Trafford Park
Our Trafford Park branch is situated on Chester Road in walking distance of Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United and Lancashire Emirates cricket which was used for the 2013 summer Ashes series. Sixt Trafford Park has excellent transportation links, with buses from the city centre stopping outside the branch and a Metrolink tram stop just a five minute walk. If you are travelling to us by road, Chester Road connects the M60 with Manchester city centre.
For all you're shopping needs, Manchester city centre has a varied range of shops from well known brands on Market Street and in the Arndale shopping centre to vintage shopping boutiques in the Bohemian Northern Quarter. For convenuent shopping, the Trafford centre, home to over 200 shops and restaurants is a ten minute drive away.
Address: Pasture Field Road, Manchester M22 5JW
Email:
Phone: +441246 220111
Website: http://www.sixt.co.uk/car-hire/united-kingdom/manchester/
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City Spare Space
Need luggage storage in Manchester?
Whether you need a few hours or a few days, City Spare Space makes it easy to book affordable luggage storage in local businesses in Manchester. £6 per bag all day luggage storage and £10 overnight luggage storage.
Address: Manchester
Email:
Phone:
Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/information/product-catch-all/city-spare-space-p383191
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Stasher
Stasher have locations across Manchester where you can store your bag for only £6 for 24 hours including insurance.
Enjoy the most of your day without having to lug your bags around with you! Book your bag safely into one of their StashPoints.
Their locations are trusted hotels and shops who safely store your bags. The service is fully insured by them - up to £750 per bag.
They are 50% cheaper than station lockers and have locations conveniently placed across the city.
You must book online - hosts cannot accept payment in store.
Address: Manchester
Email:
Phone: +44 (0)203 355 3544
Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/information/product-catch-all/stasher-p340751
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Public Transport
Thanks to an integrated transport network Manchester is one of the most accessible cities in the UK for both national and international visitors. As England's Gateway to the North, travel around Northern England is easy too, and Manchester Airport is easily accessible from Manchester city centre.
Getting around the city and surrounding areas is easy once you’re here thanks to the fleet of buses, trams and trains available. The compact nature of the city centre also makes walking a popular choice. If you're driving into the city, there are a number of car parks available, or if you're wanting to explore the wider region, car hire is a popular choice for travellers. And for those on a flying visit, there are a number of secure places to leave your luggage.
Address:
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Phone: +44 871 200 22 33
Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information
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Taxi
Manchester’s largest fleet of iconic black cabs with 300 professional, uniformed drivers and over 50 years’ experience. You can be confident that Mantax will get you from A to B as quickly as possible. Mantax pride themselves on customer service, high standards and safety; all of their journeys are GPS tracked and can even be booked and tracked live on their iPhone or Android App and Web Booker. All of their taxis accept credit and debit card payments (including Amex), are wheelchair accessible and seat 5 or 6 with plenty of room for luggage.
Their rates are set and regulated by Manchester City Council and they now offer 10% student discount with a valid NUS card. Mantax offer black cab quality at private hire rates so call for your personal quote today.
Ways to book:
- Call their dedicated booking team: 0161 230 3333
- Download their free iPhone or Android App
- Book online at their Web Booker
Mantax specialise in corporate & personal accounts and can offer a bespoke service for all your travel needs.
Address: 1-3 West Street, Manchester M11 4EF
Email:
Phone: +44 161 230 3333
Website: https://www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information/mantax-p270811
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Post
Manchester Post Office:
Address: 26 Spring Gardens, Manchester
Email:
Phone: +44 345 611 2970
Website: www.postoffice.co.uk
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Pharmacy
Cameolord Pharmacy:
Address: 7 Oxford St, Manchester
Email:
Phone: +44 161 236 1445
Website: www.nhs.uk/Services/Pharmacies/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=7858
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Telephone
Country code: +44
Area code: 0161
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Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz
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