Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Not many cities have had as much influence on the world as Manchester; its streets are steeped in history, from the industrial to the cultural. But it’s also an ambitious, future-facing city, one that sets trends that ripple across the wider North.

A glance at Manchester’s cultural calendar reveals a city packed with world-leading arts events, taking place everywhere from gargantuan venues like Factory International right through to smaller independent gems tucked away from the city centre.

From interactive exhibitions to international festivals to future-leaning theatre, Manchester does the arts like no other city on earth. Below you’ll find some of the events set to take over the city in the coming months.

What's on in Manchester

Photo on violin covered in flora and fauna
ExhibitionsManchester
Nature’s Music at Manchester Museum

View Manchester Museum’s collections in a new light as the RNCM delivers an immersive show that places live ensembles among the museum’s most iconic spaces.

from £6.00
MusicManchester
Blondshell at Band on the Wall

“An alt-rock star is born” said The Guardian upon the release of Blondshell’s debut album last year, which she’s bringing to Manchester this summer.

A Lovely Weekend
Until
ComedyGreen Quarter
A Lovely Weekend

A special three day comedy festival in Manchester from the A Lovely Time comedy team.

from £6.00

Where to go in Manchester

Universally Manchester Festival 6-9 June 2024
Manchester
The University of Manchester

Celebrating its 200th year in 2024, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and boasts come incredible cultural institutions, found on campus, across Manchester and…

Alborz
Levenshulme
Restaurant
Alborz

Much-loved Persian restaurant on Stockport in Levenshulme, reopened after a lengthy lockdown-related hiatus.

Manchester
Restaurant
Jaan

New food concept from the team behind Another Hand, based at Exhibition and serving up exceptional Persian cuisine.

The Rose & Monkey Hotel
Manchester
Restaurant
The Rose & Monkey Hotel

The Rose & Monkey Hotel is one of the Northern Quarter’s best music-led bars, with a truly impressive beer garden. Our new favourite Manchester pub.

Skof by Tom Barnes
Manchester
Restaurant
Skof by Tom Barnes

One of the year’s biggest restaurant launches, Skof comes to Manchester’s Noma district, headed up by star of Simon Rogan’s restaurants, chef Tom Barnes.

Maya
Manchester
Restaurant
MAYA Manchester

MAYA is a stylish new restaurant and bar on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton in central Manchester.

Manchester
Restaurant
New Wave Ramen

New Wave Ramen is a stylish, friendly Japanese ramen bar and restaurant on Tib Lane in the heart of Manchester.

Manchester Visitor Guides

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.

Federal Cafe Bar
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.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
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.

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.

UNITOM bookshop
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.

Spotlight on

Father's Day in Manchester and the North

This year's Father's Day is Sunday 16 June. Get out and about and spend some quality time with the old man in Manchester.

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