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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Synagogue Nights return to Manchester Jewish Museum

Manchester Jewish Museum has just announced their 2024 programme of the audiences’ much-loved Synagogue Nights: a series of intimate performances in their 150-year old Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. Starting this October, audiences can see theatre shows and live music, with shows celebrating…

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A guide to MediaCity & The Quays

MediaCity and The Quays is an iconic waterfront destination positioned on the banks of the historic Manchester Ship Canal, in Salford, Greater Manchester. A place bursting with creativity and culture, boasting one of the UK’s most visited arts attractions - The Lowry. The Lowry is an award-winning…

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Manchester set to be transformed into a green oasis

Manchester City Council and the Government Property Agency (GPA) have opened a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site. Open from today (Tuesday 27 August) the consultation will gather feedback from local residents, businesses and other stakeholders that will help guide…

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Plan your visit to Manchester to see Oasis

Britpop is back, as one of Manchester’s biggest bands reunite in 2025 for what will most likely be a sell-out tour across the UK and Ireland. After years of false hope and public feuds, the Gallagher brothers have announced their highly anticipated Oasis reunion. Sixteen dates have been confirmed…

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Unmissable Music in Manchester – September Gig Guide

From McFly and Fields of Gold to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the Gorilla and Albert Hall, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in September. Manchester’s own GoGo Penguin team up with cognitive design studio TENENTNET for…

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Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2024: Festival Lineup

With less than a month until the UK’s biggest Food and Drink Festival begins, take a look at the lineup to make sure you don’t miss out on the fantastic events and entertainment on offer. This year’s festival is bigger and better than ever with a mix of celebrity and regional chef cookery demos, two…

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City-wide Pride activities in Manchester

Get ready to paint the town rainbow! Manchester Pride is back and it's bigger and brighter than ever. This year, the city is bursting with a vibrant tapestry of events celebrating love, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community. Check out these must-see events, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences…

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The Top Afternoon Teas in Greater Manchester

Who can resist a sweet treat? Afternoon tea is a British staple whether you’re celebrating something or simply fancy a bit of indulgence. Whether you’re a jam first or cream first sort of person, there is nothing better than handmade scones, sandwiches, cakes and of course, a good old-fashioned pot…

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8 Greater Manchester artists to add to your August playlist

Looking for new music but not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of the latest releases from eight Greater Manchester-based artists for you to discover this August. Listen to their newest tracks here. 1. Cards We Dealt by M60 “Gary Neville’s favourite band” M60 have recently released…

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8 Manchester music venues packed with history

In Manchester for a short visit and looking to catch a gig while immersing yourself in the city’s music history? In this short guide you’ll find some iconic venues from the past, that continue to bring the newest stars to the spotlight. Considered to be the oldest music venue in the city centre, it…

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A Guide to spending 48 hours in Rochdale

Rochdale has become one to watch as this up-and-coming town just a 12-minute train ride from Victoria Station is gaining recognition for its array of historic and cultural gems. Voted the greenest borough within Greater Manchester for its abundance of award-winning parks and open spaces such as…

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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.

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…

Are you someone who loves to bring your furry companions along wherever you go? Whether you're visiting a café, hotel, or bar, we've curated a list of the top pet-friendly spots in Manchester so you never have to leave your beloved pets behind.

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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