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.

Win the ultimate Saturday afternoon with friends at Mount Street Social!

Latest Manchester blogs

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Festival of Libraries returns for 2024

133 libraries taking part ~ free events programme ~ Wednesday 12 June to Sunday 16 June 2024 Manchester City of Literature is preparing to celebrate the joy of libraries with Greater Manchester and the world when the Festival of Libraries takes place from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 June 2024.

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The solo travellers guide to Manchester

Solo travel – the best way to see a place at your own pace, explore your own interests, and meet new people. Manchester has plenty to keep solo travellers entertained, with its huge range of things to do, places to eat and incredible places to stay. With its never-ending events calendar, solo…

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Favourite roast dinners across Manchester

Nothing beats a full Sunday roast dinner, especially now the weather is dropping. As a key element of British culture, it’s important to know where to head towards to get that pub grub fix. Here are some of the regions favourite spots: Hawksmoor has updated its slow roast rump with all the trimmings…

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Rochdale Town Hall reopens to the public

More than 2,500 people joined in the celebrations as Rochdale Town Hall reopened its doors to the public for the first time in four years this weekend. Thousands of visitors from all different walks of life packed into the Grade I listed building, eager to see the results of The National Lottery…

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The Top 10 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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The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester

Do you prefer going out midweek? Hate the weekend crowds? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Below we recommend some great midweek spots to try, and they even include discounts. 1. TROF (50% OFF FOOD ALL DAY TUES) Kicking it off, we have TROF. A cosy, three floored venue that…

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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…

The Visit Manchester Pass

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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

  • Entry into 13 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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