7 best ways to explore Manchester
Eat the city
Manchester
Whether you’re a fan of Brunch, a pizza officionado or love discovering local flavours there is a way to explore the city and indulge in your love of food. The Mancunian word for food is Scran, which is where Scranchester get their name, explore the city’s neighbourhoods and find out what makes this foodie city. For those who prefer a morning meal you can indulge on the city’s first Brunch tour, run by Manchester Craft Beer Tour.
Find more food and drink experiences in ManchesterTry a drink or two
Manchester
As the name suggests, Craft Beer Tour Manchester run tours weaving through the city streets to uncover secrets, discover hidden gems, and taste some fabulous beers along the way. And for fans of wine they will now also be hitting the best places to indulge and taste the best wines there are on their new Wine Tour of Manchester.
Find more food and drink experiences in ManchesterDiscover sporting heritage
National Football Museum, Manchester
It wouldn’t be a visit to Manchester without experiencing sport of some kind. From cricket to cycling, and of course football, Manchester has it all. Delve into the social history of the game at the National Football Museum, and why not try your hand, or foot, at penalty shoot-out to beat the high scorers.
Find more sporting activities in ManchesterShop your heart out
Northern Quarter, Manchester
Spend a day living in the lap of luxury by booking a personal shopping experience at one of the city’s luxury department stores. For people who prefer finding something unique, you can explore the independent shopping hub that is the Northern Quarter. Affleck’s is a must visit, the ‘emporium of eclecticism’ has become a Manchester icon. If staying under one roof sounds more like your thing head out to the Trafford Centre, where more than just shopping is on offer. Families can enjoy Legoland Discover Centre and SeaLife, whilst there are restaurants galore for foodies to enjoy.
Find more shopping spots in ManchesterExperience the city from the road
Manchester
If you’re unable to walk the city streets, or fancy something a little different, you can take a unique tour of the city with Manchester Taxi Tours. Uncover some of the city’s secrets with Manchester’s only Green Badge Tour Guide and Taxi Driver. If you’re travelling with a larger group hop onto the Sightseeing Manchester tour bus. With multiple stops around the city and out to Salford Quays you can explore at your own pace, with commentary delving into the city’s history from Lost and Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan along the way.
Find more road tours in ManchesterIndulge your passions
The Spirit of Manchester Distillery
Manchester is now home to three fabulous distilleries, with experiences for everyone to enjoy. At The Spirit of Manchester Distillery guests can enjoy a tour of the distilling process, enjoy a guided gin tasting, take part in the Gin School, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy a meal or cocktail in Three Little Words, the adjacent bar & restaurant. For home cooks classes across the city will help to widen your at-home repertoire and make for a wonderfully unique experience. At Food Sorcery visitors of all abilities and interests can enjoy one of their experiences, from coffee lovers’ barista class, to Cooking Together a half-cookery-class-half-restaurant experience.
Find more unique experiences in ManchesterGet off the beaten track
Northern Quarter, Manchester
Explore the city’s hidden gems and overlooked street corners with a Skyliner Street Art Tour. Specialising in the alternative side of the city with their Northern Quarter Street Art Tour, Skyliner will identify lesser known heritage sites and highlight how modern art movements in Manchester hope to continue to drive creativity within this unique neighbourhood. If you prefer a slower pace of life, escape the city for an afternoon to explore the wild countryside of Greater Manchester. Hop on a train or tram from the city centre and be amidst nature within 30 minutes. From Dovestones and access to the Peak District near Oldham, to Rivington Pike near Bolton.
Find more walking tours in Manchester