Manchester ideas and inspiration

Planning a trip to Manchester? Browse our travel ideas to get some inspiration on what to see and where to visit in the region. Have a look at our list of 'top 5s', download an itinerary or read our famous "101 things to do in Greater Manchester" post on the Visit Manchester blog. If you're planning on staying in Manchester that bit longer then have a look at our day trip and excursion ideas to explore Northern England whilst staying in one of Manchester's top hotels.

The home of football, Manchester is fit to burst with of a number of sporting attractions and events, and with a huge arts and culture scene, it's almost impossible to run out of things to see and do in Greater Manchester. After joining UNESCO's worldwide Creative Cities network as a City of Literature, Manchester's radical literature history has been catapulted into the limelight, with plenty of book-based attractions and events taking place year-round.

With a thriving LGBT scene, including the world famous canal street, LGBT travellers won't be disappointed. If it's rolling hills and beautiful countryside you're seeking, Greater Manchester has it in abundance, with over 500 square miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for great days out of the city.

If you're planning individual or group travel programmes, take a look at our group travel page featuring a whole host of North West attractions. Feeling lucky? Take a look at our competition page, or save some cash with our special offers.

Latest Manchester blogs

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Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 1: Neighbourhoods

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and inspiration for things to see, do, and eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page guide features dedicated sections on what's new and upcoming, along with maps and spotlight pages highlighting Greater…

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Top things to do this Chinese New Year in Manchester

It’s that time of year again—Chinese New Year is here, and Manchester is ready to shine! Experience one of the city’s most dazzling celebrations as it comes alive to welcome the Year of the Snake. Stroll through streets adorned with iconic red lanterns, marvel at a shimmering golden dragon, and…

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Manchester Music Escape: Your Winter Soundtrack

Manchester is calling, and its music scene is ready to welcome you. Renowned for its unparalleled musical heritage, Manchester is the place where legends are made, memories are relived, and the future of music is discovered. From up-and-coming artists to the next big thing, Manchester offers an…

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What's new for 2025 in Greater Manchester

Get ready for an unforgettable year in Greater Manchester! 2025 marks a milestone for the city-region's cultural scene, with a plethora of new attractions, reopenings, and celebrations that will delight visitors from near and far. Here's a taste of what's in store for leisure tourists in 2025: Open…

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Where The Light Gets In – A PLAY IN THE CITY

A Unique Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Manchester This winter, immerse yourself in a groundbreaking fusion of food, art, and storytelling with Where The Light Gets In’s A PLAY IN THE CITY. Based at Kampus, Manchester’s vibrant new neighbourhood, this Michelin Green-Star restaurant has crafted…

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New self-guided film and TV map of Greater Manchester launched

Calling all film and TV fans! Step into scenes from your favourite productions with a new film and TV map of Greater Manchester. This new map is the ideal guide through the city-region’s iconic filming locations, showcasing Greater Manchester’s starring role in productions ranging from blockbuster…

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The Ultimate Play-cation is Coming to Manchester!

Get ready for The Super Duper Family Festival as Manchester transforms into a city-wide play zone this February half term. Manchester is turning up the fun-o-meter this February with the launch of The Super Duper Family Festival- a brand-new four-day celebration filled with imagination, creation and…

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Sustainable Practices at YOTEL Manchester Deansgate

Sustainable Practices at YOTEL Manchester Deansgate 1. Eco-Friendly Amenities YOTEL offers guests a stay that prioritises comfort without compromising the environment. Key features include: Sustainable mattresses made by Naturalmat from organic coconut fibres and sheep wool, providing an…

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Explore the city with these trails

More ideas

Explore Manchester through the lens of our insightful blog posts. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated content offers a unique perspective on the city's culture, events, and attractions. Dive into the stories that bring Manchester to life and discover the insider…

Unlock the essence of Manchester and its surrounding regions with our comprehensive guide series. Dive into curated insights, expert recommendations, and detailed itineraries designed to enhance your exploration. From city highlights to hidden gems, our guides offer a holistic…

Explore exclusive offers in Manchester with our guide to special deals and promotions. Discover a variety of discounts, packages, and unique promotions across accommodations, attractions, and dining. Whether you're planning a city break or a leisurely day out, our guide…

Explore curated itineraries for an unforgettable Manchester experience. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our guides offer the perfect routes for your visit. Plan your trip with our diverse itineraries.

Ready for an adventure? Uncover exciting contests offering amazing prizes in Manchester. From culture clashes to foodie feasts, find your perfect challenge and unlock unforgettable experiences.

From Parklife to Warehouse Project and Pride to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the White Hotel and Hidden, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture of Manchester with our curated guide. Explore iconic galleries, captivating exhibitions, and the city's creative pulse. From street art to historic museums, our content celebrates Manchester's diverse cultural landscape…

Escape to the tranquillity of Greater Manchester's countryside with our guide. Discover picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures just beyond the city limits. Explore walking trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of…

Haunt MCR - Delve into the dark histories and spooky secrets of the area whilst also exploring all things alternative, Gothic and goth from across Greater Manchester

Discover Manchester's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with our guide. Explore inclusive events, diverse venues, and supportive communities that celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ culture. Whether you're a local or visitor, our guide provides insights into the inclusive spirit that…

From Marx and Engels to John Cooper Clarke, Manchester has a radical literary history - and with events such as the Manchester Literature Festival and attractions such as the John Rylands Library and Chetham's Library, there's certainly a lot to explore.

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide…

Proud, an audio-visual exhibition, created by Heard Storytelling, to celebrate Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Dive into the heart of Manchester's sporting scene with our curated sports content. Explore exciting matchday experiences, iconic stadiums, and the city's passion for football and beyond. From historic moments to upcoming fixtures, our content is your gateway to the…

From British TV classics such as Coronation Street, to streaming hits like Fool Me Once, and Hollywood blockbusters including Captain America: The First Avenger and Sherlock Holmes, the city-region has rolled out the red-carpet to the world’s biggest stars. 

The Visit Manchester Pass

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With entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with a Visit Manchester Pass.

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Reasons to buy

  • Entry into 12 of Manchester's top attractions including Coronation Street, Manchester City Football Club, RHS Garden Bridgewater & more
  • Over 30 discounts and offers
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