Places to visit in Manchester

Before you explore the best places to visit in Manchester, fuel up on sourdough breads, viennoiserie pastries and freshly brewed coffee at Pollen Bakery. This airy Scandi-style café is a popular breakfast and brunch spot for locals and visitors alike. Its sourdough bread is so delicious that it’s also served at the renowned The Refuge restaurant in the city.

For football fanatics casual watchers alike, the National Football Museum is dedicated to the beautiful game, and displays around 2,500 artefacts across four huge galleries. See the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy from 1904, learn about the Hall of Fame inductees (including Lionesses Jill Scott and Steph Houghton) and try your hand (or more appropriately, foot) at a penalty shoot-out. There’s also an on-site café if you need a half-time refreshment! One of the top places to visit in Manchester.

Indulge in some retail therapy in the city’s Northern Quarter – its shops are packed with vintage and up-cycled clothes and accessories. Visit Bionic Seven and Gone Fishing, where brands host pop-ups and DJs regularly spin tunes as you shop. If your style is more mainstream, head over to the Manchester Arndale Centre, where you’ll find lots of popular brands.

Explore a lively mix of bars, restaurants, food trucks and shops, plus a bike park at Freight Island. This cultural hub frequently changes its themed activities according to the season (Christmas Latin dancing, anyone?) and also partners with festivals and DJs for takeovers and themed nights, all adding to the party atmosphere. One of the most sociable places to visit in Manchester.

Rekindle your childhood at this unique home away from home. The Treehouse Hotel is all about playfulness and curiosity: think cosy rooms with bright colours, lush plants and patchwork quilts. There’s also a rooftop cocktail bar opening in 2025, with panoramic views across the city. It’s even dog-friendly, so your furry companion can stay with you!

Want to discover the best places to visit in Manchester? Meet at the Chinese Arch for a free Secrets of the City walking tour, which takes you to key locations that made Manchester a thriving metropolis. As you learn the history of Chinatown, check out its “Gay Village” and discover what a “molly house” was in Victorian times; plus learn how workers from Ireland braved terrible conditions to construct the city that stands today.

Recharge with lunch at The Refuge, located at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. One of the tastiest places to visit in Manchester, this popular glass-fronted spot features cuisine from around the world in a relaxed “come as you are” atmosphere. Check out their popular all-day Sunday roasts, served with Vimto red cabbage and Yorkshire puddings – it even offers a roast dinner bowl for well-behaved pooches!

Explore Manchester Museum, one of the UK's largest university museums, whose collection of over 4.5 million objects spans archaeology, entomology, zoology and more. Discover exceptional Ancient Egyptian and Sudanese artefacts, including pieces from the pyramid-builders' town of Kahun and stunningly preserved mummy masks and Faiyum Portraits. Afterwards, visit the shop where you can buy replica prints and Egyptian-themed gifts. One of the top places to visit in Manchester.

Head to the Lowry and board the Princess Katherine for a round-trip sightseeing tour with Manchester River Cruises Learn the vibrant history of Manchester as you meander around the famous Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal, and spot Manchester landmarks including Media City, Old Trafford and the dry docks.

Toast your trip with dinner and drinks at Pier 8 in the Lowry Theatre, overlooking Media City and Salford Quays. Its seasonal prix-fixe menu is perfect if you’re planning to catch a show afterwards; booking is recommended on show nights, and don’t forget to sip a one of the local gins or beers at the bar next door.