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

Unmissable Music in Manchester – November Gig Guide

From London Grammar and Paraorchestra to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the Band on the Wall and Gullivers, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in November. On Saturday 9 November, Homobloc will return to the mighty Depot…

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Dishoom has Unveiled a Brand New Menu

Dishoom's biggest change since the group’s launch in 2010, with all-new recipes and cocktail creations. After countless days eating, drinking and exploring the streets of Bombay, sampling over 650 dishes, meeting new people and visiting new places that have left a lasting impression, the founders…

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Unmissable Music History in Manchester: Free Trade Hall

Above: The Halle Orchestra and Choir at Free Trade Hall, 1951 - Source: Halle Archive Free Trade Hall is one of Manchester’s longest serving buildings, housing everything from the start of the suffragette movement to genre-denying shows that shaped a generation. Opening its doors in 1856, the hall…

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Gig Review – Beyond the Music

Eleven venues across the Northern Quarter hosted three nights of brand-new talent from across the world, as part of the festival portion of Beyond the Music, a conference focussed on gathering key music industry change-makers and influencers to discuss the future of the music industry and giving a…

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Black History Month in Greater Manchester

Black History Month, celebrated in the UK every October, commemorates key figures and events in black history and, since it was first organised in 1987, has become an important part of the discussion around diversity and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives”, brings focus to a…

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What to see and do at Manchester Science Festival 2024

Header image credit: Orbie Pullen Ahead of this year’s Manchester Science Festival, which runs from 18-27 October, we’re taking a look at some of this years highlights – from extreme science explorations, incredible installations – and even a giant spider. Alongside this eclectic programme for…

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Spotlight Interview with Lucy Deakin

We spoke to Lucy Deakin, a alt-pop artist who started her career in Manchester and returning to perform at this year’s long-awaited Beyond the Music conference and festival. Spanning across three days on 9 to 11 October 2024, the conference brings music industry professionals and artists alike…

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Your Guide to Halloween in the City

Hero Image Credit: CityCo Manchester Once again, Manchester will transform into a Halloween wonderland and we've put together a frightfully handy guide to help you plan your visit. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening, when, and where—so you won't miss out on any of the eerie…

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Free Things to Do in Manchester This Halloween

Hero Image Credit: CityCo Manchester Looking for a fun-filled Halloween that won't break the bank? We've rounded up the best free activities happening in Manchester this spooky season. Whether you're planning a day out with the kids or just looking for some eerie entertainment, there's something…

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What's on this Halloween in Greater Manchester

Halloween is creeping up fast in Greater Manchester! Get ready for a spooktacular selection of events that promise everything from family-friendly fun to terrifying thrills. Here's a sneak peek at what's lurking around the corner....

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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…

The Visit Manchester Pass

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10% off during September

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.

Visit Manchester Pass app

Reasons to buy

10% off during September

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

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