This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and inspiration for things to do, see, eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page handbook includes dedicated pages detailing what's new and coming soon as well as maps and spotlight pages on Greater Manchester's towns, boroughs and coolest neighbourhoods. It’s the perfect resource for planning your next visit.
There’s no better way to find your feet in a city than on a professional walking tour. Manchester Guided Tours, Wiseguides, Free Manchester Walking Tours, and Free Walking Tour Manchester all run great introductory tours covering Manchester’s history and heritage, whilst individual guides such as Emma Fox and Jonathan Schofield also run specialist tours on niche topics and in multiple languages.
Scranchester Tours
Run by friendly local Rob Kelly, Scranchester Tours take you on a multi-stop food tour around the city, revealing fascinating facts about Manchester and England’s food history.
Invisible Manchester
All of Invisible City’s experienced tour guides have been affected by homelessness. Often holding no punches, they offer their own personal insight into Manchester’s past, present and future.
Manchester Taxi Tours
For those wanting to cover a lot of ground in a short time, hail a taxi tour with John Consterdine. John’s fun and flexible style allows you to visit anywhere based on your interests.
Skyliner Tours
Join Hayley Flynn as she shares vast knowledge about the Northern Quarter, the area’s best street art, gentrification, and lesser-known heritage sites that you won’t find on other tours.
Craft Beer Tour Manchester
If you’re into beer, you’ll want to join Craft Beer Tour Manchester on their three-hour romp around one of the UK’s best craft brewing cities.
The Locationist Film and TV Tour
Walk in the footsteps of your favourite actor or superhero and test your film knowledge with an expert guide as you discover Manchester locations used in film and TV.
Sightseeing Manchester
This open-top bus tour takes you on a 90- minute loop, covering some of Manchester, Salford, and Trafford’s key sights, including the Science and Industry Museum, Old Trafford, and Salford Quays.
Manchester Wine Tours
Join food and drink writer Kelly Bishop for a leisurely stroll around some of Manchester’s best wine bars, restaurants, and shops, sampling great wines with matched snacks.
Rock and Goal Manchester
Whether you’re visiting Manchester for its musical heritage or its footballing legacy, this walking tour with Joe Feeley will fill you in on all the juicy secrets the city has to share.
Discover More of Manchester...
Halloween in the City: A One-Day Itinerary
- 4 minute read
WEATHER UPDATE *There's been a change to this event due to weather, please go here for more…
What’s On at the Trafford Centre: Events, Attractions & Family Fun
- 3 minute read
Trafford Centre might be famous for its shops, but for families there’s much more to…
Pumpkin Picking Near Manchester: The Best Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Autumn 2026
- 1 minute read
Nothing says autumn quite like pulling on your wellies, grabbing a hot chocolate and heading out in…
Christmas Lights in Manchester: Where to See the Best Displays in 2026
- 6 minute read
Looking for Christmas lights near you in Manchester? From city-centre displays to festive light…
Bonfire Night in Manchester 2026: Fireworks and Events
- 8 minute read
Looking for somewhere to watch the fireworks this November? From free displays in…
Santa's Grottos Near Manchester: The Best Places to Meet Father Christmas in 2026
- 13 minute read
Christmas is a magical time for families, and there's nothing quite like seeing little ones…
51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas
- 14 minute read
1. Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol at Lowry, where Matthew Warchus’ acclaimed…
The MCR Monsters turn 10: Halloween in the City Returns
- 3 minute read
Image Credit: Carl Sukonik WEATHER UPDATE *There's been a change to this event due to weather…
Manchester Music, Culture and Heritage: A Guide to the Real Manchester
- 8 minute read
A local guide to Manchester’s music history, museums, galleries, theatres, food halls and…
Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Winter Adventures in Greater Manchester
- 17 minute read
Summer may be over, but family adventures certainly aren't. With school holidays to fill…
Scream-worthy Halloween activities in Greater Manchester for little monsters and grown-ups
- 2 minute read
Spooky season is almost here, and whether you’re looking for a trick or a treat, Greater…
Things to do in Greater Manchester this October Half Term
- 3 minute read
Looking for Autumn activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is…
Your Guide to Luxury Winter Spa Breaks in Manchester
- 9 minute read
Christmas is the most magical time of year, but it can also be one of the busiest. Between festive…
Must-See Instagrammable Spots Around Manchester
- 13 minute read
Manchester is one of those cities where almost every corner has a story – and usually, a…
Gaia by Luke Jerram Lands at Trafford Palazzo This Autumn Plus Concerts, Wellness Events and Family
- 4 minute read
One of the world's most recognised touring…