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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Experience Football in Manchester this Summer

Experience football in Manchester this summer. Whether you’re a red, a blue, or just love the game-day atmosphere, this is the city that lives and breathes the sport and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the beautiful game here in the football capital of the UK. With the Lionesses set to defend…

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The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester

Who says dining out has to wait for the weekend? In Manchester, some of the best food deals pop up midweek - perfect for those spontaneous dinners, low-key date nights, or budget-friendly catch-ups with friends. From 50% off ramen and sushi to 3 tapas dishes for £20, the city is full of tasty offers…

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Top 10 tips to Visit Manchester Well

With our walkable city, extensive public transport network, farm to table eating, city parks, easy access to beautiful countryside, accredited accommodation, and brilliant local businesses and attractions, it’s easy to make your stay in Manchester a sustainable one. Here are our top 10 tips for a…

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Plan Your Manchester Pride 2025 Trip

This August, Manchester is set to host some of the largest LGBT+ events in the UK, celebrating queer culture in all its diversity. The city will come alive with a packed schedule of LGBTQ+ parades, parties, performances, and cultural events, including highlight moments like SCENE Festival and the…

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Greater Manchester welcomes THE HERDS | MIF25

Greater Manchester prepares to welcome THE HERDS, kicking off Manchester International Festival 2025 in unforgettable style, bringing a breathtaking spectacle to the streets of Manchester, Rochdale, and Wigan. Image Credit: Cape Town. Ant Strack (c) The Walk Productions. What is THE HERDS? This…

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Top 6 Reasons Why Manchester is Great for Students

Choosing where to go to university isn’t just about the course you pick, it’s also about finding the right place to live, learn, and make the most of your time as a student. And when it comes to student life in Manchester, it’s easy to see why so many people from across the UK and beyond decide to…

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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.

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide…

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…

From British TV classics such as Coronation Street, to streaming hits like Fool Me Once, and Hollywood blockbusters including Captain America: The First Avenger and Sherlock Holmes, the city-region has rolled out the red-carpet to the world’s biggest stars. 

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.

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Reasons to buy

  • 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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