Manchester Music Itinerary

Coming to Manchester for a gig or just curious to discover where Oasis, The Stone Roses and Joy Division spent their formative years? We’ve put together a guide to all the things music fans cannot miss when they’re in the city. 

From walking tours that follow your favourite band’s footsteps, to the music venues you’ve always heard about, follow our guide to exploring music in Manchester.

Breakfast 

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing with a hearty breakfast. Experience “the city’s sunniest welcome” at one of Federal’s three city centre locations, discover the packed sandos that had singer Lizzo raving about on Instagram from Gooey, or take a moment to relax and recenter at Feel Good Club. 

Morning 

Discover the city’s musical landmarks and recreate your own album covers through these music tours. Join Rose Gill as she tells you the stories of the ‘Madchester’ scene in the Manchester Music Tours or hop in John Consterdine’s electric taxi and experience a tour tailor made just for you. If you’d prefer to explore in your own time, follow the Manchester Music Trail to uncover iconic sites past and present.

Lunch 

Take a break from all the exploring and re-energise with a quick stop for lunch. Manchester’s very own Hard Rock Cafe is packed with memorabilia from British legends, while The Blues Kitchen is known for its Live Blues events and at Gorilla you’ll find great food and the coolest artists. 

Afternoon 

Spend the afternoon discovering the city centre – you can easily get across the city by tram, bus or even a short walk! Head to the Northern Quarter and rummage through the treasure trove of Afflecks, then stop by Piccadilly Records and sort through their extensive collection of vinyl records. If you’re looking to try a new instrument head to Forsyth, a historical music shop that’s been providing Manchester with the best music merchandise for over a century. 

Dinner 

Before heading out to watch your favourite artists take to the stage, get ready for the dancing with a great meal. If you’re a music history buff, try Peter Street Kitchen within what is now The Edwardian Hotel, but was once the Free Trade Hall where the Sex Pistols played “the gig that changed the world”. For a more casual atmosphere, step into Diecast – on Fridays you’ll find live bands taking over their Beer Hall – or Freight Island with its resident DJs and choice of street-style food. 

Big venues 

If you’re looking to see the biggest artists in the biggest music venues in the UK, Manchester is the place to be. AO Arena has welcomed to the stage legendary musicians including Madonna and The Rolling Stones and is a staple of the UK’s music scene. Across the city, Co-op Live caters for all music tastes – from the hottest stars of the moment to Hall of Fame performers. Stepping across genres, The Bridgewater Hall is the home of the Hallé Orchestra and stages over 300 performances each year. 

Intimate gigs 

Manchester’s live music calendar is booked and busy, with new artists making their name in the city every day. One of the oldest music venues in the city, Band on The Wall regularly spotlights up-and-coming artists. The Albert Hall, a former Wesleyan chapel, has cemented its place as one of the most beautiful music venues for intimate gigs, while The Stoller Hall provides audiences with a unique immersive experience through its world-class acoustic system. 

Overnight 

Time to get back to your hotel for some well-deserved sleep. At the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, you’ll find a dedicated music concierge that’ll create your own Manchester soundtrack. If you’re planning for a gig at Emirates Old Trafford, check out the pitch view rooms at Hilton Garden Inn for a truly unique experience. Or if you want to feel like a VIP, the Stock Exchange Hotel offers a special Stay with their Music package.