Stopping over in Manchester for the night? Looking to make the most of it even if it is only a brief visit? Below we have pulled together a range of exciting activities you can get stuck into. 

1. Manchester Wine Tours 

Are you wanting to get a better feel of Manchester as a whole? Do you love wine? Why not try Manchester Wine Tours. Unlike your typical wine tours, this one has legs. You will go for a leisurely stroll around the city to some of the best wine bars Manchester has to offer, including KERB, an Ancoats neighbourhood favourite!  

 

2.  HOME

Next up is HOME, an attraction spot that has something going on for everyone. Not drinking? Not to worry. Looking for a relaxed catchup spot? They have you covered. Fancy a midweek cinema trip? Just head to their website to see what’s on and get planning.  

For all the art lovers they also have a range of exhibitions running, one of which is the Manchester Open 2024, which takes place every two years and is the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent ends Sunday 28 April.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Welcome HOME (@homemcr)

 

3. Book a Free Walking Tour  

Do you want to discover more of Manchester’s famous landmarks but not sure where to start? Why not have a look at Manchester’s walking tours – a great way to explore this vibrant city and tick off all its renowned neighbourhoods. Did we mention it is free?!

 

4. EVERYMAN Cinema Manchester St. John's

Are you looking for an unforgettable cinema experience? Why not try EVERYMAN cinema, the new go-to thing to do. Sit back, relax and enjoy being waited on by the lovely staff at EVERYMAN. Their menu includes both soft and alcoholic beverage options as well as small sharing dishes and mains.  

 

5. AVIVA Studios

Aviva Studios is the home of Factory International, a global destination for arts, music and culture in the heart of Manchester. If you have an evening free why not check to see what’s on. With both ticketed and free events, there's plenty to try! 

 

6. DNA VR 

Looking to try something completely new? Manchester’s Largest Virtual Reality Arcade Experience has now landed in Manchester. A great activity if in a group or alone, DNA VR have a VR arcade, VR Escape room, premium free roaming and much more.  

 

7. Treetop Adventure Golf

Calling out all mini golf lovers. A new adventure across two indoor 18-hole courses is available at Treetop Adventure Golf. If you are looking to take a friend, they also have ‘tee for two’ so that groups of two can save on golf, pizza and drinks all day on Thursdays. £40 for 1 round, £45 for 2.  

 

8. Altogether Otherwise

NOMA have recently launched their ‘Altogether Otherwise’ Club, where anyone can join a club or start their own. Meet new people and learn a new skill, from wood whittling to pottery.

 

9. Manchester's Music Scene

On the Visit Manchester Website, we showcase a range of music events that take place across the city. From headline acts at our arenas, to the best up-and-coming artists in our grassroot venues, there’s something for everyone, and some events are even free. Check out what’s going on in our event section! 

 

Co-op Live

The grand opening of Co-op Live is set to go ahead this April with their recent announcement of them holding the 2024 MTV EMAs alongside a huge range of acts in their opening season. An exciting time for Manchester! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Co-op Live (@thecooplive)

 

AO Arena

The AO Arena has also recently had a £50 million transformation making it unrecognisable. Check out the range of artist events that will be playing over the next few months over on their website.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AO Arena (@aoarena)

 

Pirate Studios 

Pirate Studios is another great option for those looking for an alternative, fun activity to do in Manchester, whilst flexing your creative muscles. Pirate's 2x Manchester locations - Salford & Cheetham - provide fully decked-out, self-service rehearsal, recording and DJ studios that are available 24/7, all year round. Why not try something new while you are in Manchester? 

 

Bridgewater Hall

Being the home of Manchester’s renowned orchestras the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic. The Hall hosts over 300 performances per year, concerts range from classical and jazz through to world and popular music. 

 

10. Manchester's Theatre Scene

 

Contact Theatre

Contact is a multi-arts venue that invests in the next generation, so everyone can hear what the future has to say.

 

The Lowry

The Lowry is committed to using visual and performing arts to enrich people’s lives by showcasing diverse programmes of theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy and visual art.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Lowry (@the_lowry)

 

Manchester Opera House & Palace Theatre

For all the theatre lovers, you are guaranteed to find something you love!

 

Royal Exchange Theatre

In the words of the Royal Exchange Theatre, "We invite everyone to ‘come round ours’ to bring the world’s most powerful stories to life."

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