Manchester

Discover Manchester's Wonders

Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is a city of music, football, and cutting-edge culture. Its rich history meets modern creativity in iconic architecture, bustling markets, world-class museums, and a nightlife that keeps the city humming. From red-brick mills to world-famous football grounds, Manchester buzzes with history, culture, and creativity.

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Description

Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, known for its warm welcome and rich traditions in culture, music, sport, and world-class events. Across Greater Manchester, there’s something to suit every taste and interest. For sports enthusiasts, the city is a dream destination. Whether it’s football, cricket, cycling, or a packed calendar of year-round events, Manchester offers plenty to keep fans entertained — both on and off the pitch. Beyond sport, the city’s cultural scene thrives, with music, art, theatre, and architecture celebrated for their creativity and high standards. Manchester’s heritage is as diverse as it is fascinating. It’s the birthplace of the computer, the football league, and Top of the Pops. History buffs can explore the Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s first passenger railway station, or visit Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. When it comes to shopping, Manchester stands out as the North’s retail hub. From luxury boutiques and high-street favourites to independent stores and local markets, there’s something for every shopper. The city’s food scene is equally impressive, with a mix of high-end dining, globally inspired cuisine, and locally sourced dishes. Renowned chefs and a thriving independent scene have cemented Manchester’s reputation as a destination for food lovers. A night out in Manchester is a must, with each neighbourhood offering its own distinct vibe. From cosy pubs and trendy bars to lively clubs, the city’s nightlife caters to all tastes. Music is woven into the fabric of Manchester, with iconic acts like The Smiths, Take That, and Oasis having shaped the sound of rock and pop. Today, the city’s venues host everything from classical and jazz to indie and electronic music. For those looking to escape the urban energy, Greater Manchester’s countryside provides a refreshing contrast. Miles of scenic landscapes, historic waterways, and charming towns make for perfect day trips.

Useful information

Population:

Greater Manchester: 2.83 million (2025) City: 590,000 (2025)

Currency:

British Pound (£)

Emergency Info:

112
999

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Bramall Hall

This magical Tudor manor house is set in more than 50 acres of parkland with lakes, woods, and gardens. The house contains 16th-century wall paintings, fine Elizabethan plaster ceilings, Victorian kitchens, and servants' quarters. Today, Bramall Hall functions as a museum, and its landscaped parkland is open to the public.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is home to over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning gardens and is the nearest large zoo to Manchester. With over 500 different animal species in their 125 acres, visitors are sure to have an adventure discovering and learning about the amazing wildlife. Conservation and education are at the heart of everything at Chester Zoo. They are committed to providing the highest standards of care for their animals as well as protecting native and international wildlife. Their team of expert and knowledgeable staff work hard to prevent extinction and are passionate about connecting visitors to the natural world. Chester Zoo has a variety of tours and hands-on experiences, as well as daily animal talks to guarantee a day full of animal adventure. Stop for a snack at one of their many restaurants, cafes, and kiosks, including their recently refurbished contemporary British pub, The Oakfield. It's a huge zoo, but there are plenty of options for getting around, including the Zoofari Monorail and the Lazy River Boat Trip on the Islands. Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop on your way out for a souvenir of your trip.

Chinatown

Manchester’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese districts in Europe, centred around the ornate arch on Faulkner Street. The area mixes long-running Cantonese restaurants with casual noodle spots, bakeries, and late-night eateries, alongside Korean, Thai, and Indonesian cafés and shops.

City Centre Cruises

City Centre Cruises offers a relaxed way to see Manchester from the water, gliding along its historic canals past former mills, red-brick warehouses and modern waterfront developments. Trips range from simple sightseeing cruises to afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and evening buffet sailings, all taken at an easy pace that lets you soak in the city’s industrial heritage from a different angle.

Coronation Street Experience

ITV has opened its outdoor Coronation Street sets at MediaCityUK to the public, including the world-famous cobbled street. The experience lasts around 90 minutes, taking in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street, and the newly extended Victoria Street, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Visitors will walk in the footsteps of the famous residents, discover filming secrets, and hear stories of their favourite characters.

East Lancashire Railway

With a storied history stretching back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the East Lancashire Railway is the steam-powered heart of the Irwell Valley, pumping goods and people around the region for nearly 200 years! The line runs for 12 miles through scenic Lancastrian Landscapes, from beautiful rural panoramas and postcard pretty villages to bustling Victorian towns and cotton mill-dotted horizons. Each station offers something unique, from historical Heywood to relaxing Rawtenstall, scenic Summerseat, and bustling Bury. Make the trip from Grandparent to Grandchild on a journey that spans generations on this heritage railway.

FC United of Manchester— Broadhurst Park

FC United of Manchester (FCUM) is a community benefit society and a not-for-profit organization based on the outskirts of Manchester City Centre. They pledge “to develop strong links with the local community,” and our volunteers and supporter base make us what we are and, by doing so, make a positive difference in Manchester and help change football for the better. Whatever your background, story, or beliefs, you are always sure of a warm welcome at Broadhurst Park.

Heaton Park

At Heaton Park, the largest and most beautiful park in the area, you can find plenty of family activities, such as an animal centre, tram museum, bowling greens, golf course, boating lake, and horse riding. If you haven't brought your picnic basket, there are cafés on-site to solve that problem.

Events & Festivals

Just So Festival (August)

With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So Festival enables families to step out of their day-to-day lives and into a wonderland of world-class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits together. Underpinned by the Carnival of the Animals, the most bonkers competition in the land, it takes audiences (from bumps to great grandparents) on a unique expedition of mischief and mayhem, to lands full of magical midnight feasts, curious creatures, raucous pillow fights, hidden retreats, top-notch food, drink and boutique camping options and breathtaking beauty.

Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo (November & December)

Every winter holiday season, get ready to enter the mesmerising, fantastical worlds, bursting with colour and brimming with animal-inspired illuminations and traditional festive scenes. It's an experience that will leave you with that cosy, warm glow inside. Colourful Butterfly Garden, the authentic allure of Nordic markets, twinkling Christmas trees and a magical ice kingdom — all uniting with our favourite animal lanterns from Christmases past.

Manchester Craft Beer Festival (May)

Manchester Craft Beer Festival, Manchester's only city-wide beer festival, allows you to explore Manchester's thriving artisanal beer scene, alongside food, art, and music.

Manchester Film Festival (March)

Manchester Film Festival is a truly independent film festival, committed and dedicated to sharing great stories from both new and established international and domestic filmmakers from the world of independent cinema.

Manchester International Festival (July)

Manchester International Festival (MIF) is the world’s first festival of original, new work and special events, held every two years in Manchester. Since its launch in 2007, it has premiered works by artists such as Björk, Steve McQueen, Wayne McGregor, Maxine Peake, The xx, and Marina Abramović.

Manchester Jazz Festival (May)

The award-winning Manchester Jazz Festival (MJF) is back in the city every May. The main festival hub will now run the length of St Ann’s Square to New Cathedral Street with a host of free music stages and bars. As always, gigs will also be staged in venues across the city.

Manchester Pride (August)

Manchester Pride is the charity that runs Manchester's annual LGBTIQA+ celebration, The Manchester Pride Festival. The charity exists to celebrate queer life, campaign for greater LGBTIQA+ equality, and create opportunities for engagement for queer people in Greater Manchester. The Manchester Pride Big Weekend incorporates The Big Weekend at Manchester's world-famous Gay Village, The Manchester Pride Parade on the streets of the City Centre, and The Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Park.

Parklife Festival (June)

The much-loved Parklife music festival takes place in Heaton Park every June. Prepare for two days of vibrant energy, showcasing over 200 live acts and DJs from around the world. It's a dance and electronic music extravaganza, but there's also plenty for pop and hip-hop fans to enjoy.

Dining

Australasia

Australasia opens via a glass pyramid on The Avenue in Spinningfields, leading down to a white‑washed, softly lit subterranean dining space. Modern Australian cuisine takes the lead here, with Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian influences appearing across sushi, sashimi, robata-grilled meats and small plates. Cocktails are as considered as the food, with options like the smoky “Osaka Smoke” alongside wines and Japanese spirits.

Corn Exchange

Corn Exchange is a stunning, renovated Grade II listed building at the very heart of Manchester, housing 13 restaurants serving a variety of high-quality world cuisine. With options including Greek, German, Italian, Indian, British, Pan Asian and Vietnamese cuisines, there’s something to suit every taste. With neighbours including Manchester Victoria Station, Manchester Arena, the National Football Museum, Selfridges and Manchester Cathedral, Corn Exchange's location is perfect for exploring the city’s most popular sights.

Don Giovanni

Head to award-winning Italian Don Giovanni on St Peter's Square for hand-crafted cocktails, a superb lunch menu, and pre-theatre dining that will start your evening on a high. Situated in the heart of Manchester's theatre strip, Don Giovanni is the city's oldest Italian restaurant and has been feeding the public for over 30 years. It is perfectly positioned for the Palace Theatre, Opera House, Manchester Central, Bridgewater Hall, and many other city centre attractions. Showcasing freshness and quality first, Don Giovanni integrates traditional Italian culture into every dish with homemade pizza, bread, pasta and desserts created freshly in-house.

Evuna

Located on Manchester’s most prestigious street, Deansgate, Evuna is a Spanish tapas bar and wine house serving classic tapas, full meals and an extensive selection of Spanish wines. The “pescado a la sal” (sea bass baked in rock salt and tableside‑filleted) is one of their signature dishes, alongside favourites like croquetas, calamares, patatas bravas, and of course, paella. Evuna also operates as a wine merchant, stocking a range of imported Spanish wines by the bottle or case for those who want to take a taste of Spain home.

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor Manchester is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar located in a late Victorian courthouse on Deansgate. Their menu revolves around the best ingredients they can find, whether it be beef from ethically-reared, grass-fed native cattle, sustainable seafood from around the British coast, or seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is accompanied by a list of carefully selected wines, original cocktails, and beers brewed locally in the North West.

Sapporo Teppanyaki

Teppanyaki is a staple of Japanese cuisine, a way of cooking using an iron griddle. At Sapporo Teppanyaki, the chefs will entertain you with a show as they prepare your meal in front of your very eyes. To complete your Japanese experience, sake and Japanese cocktails, beers and whiskeys are to be found on the drinks menu.

Shoryu Ramen

Shoryu Ramen brings a slice of Hakata to the heart of Manchester, serving bowls of rich, creamy pork broth with thin, straight noodles and toppings like chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, mushrooms and spring onion. There’s also a lighter soy milk and shiitake broth for vegetarians and vegans. Alongside ramen, the menu features gyoza, tempura and fluffy pork buns, with sake and cocktails to match.

Tampopo

A laid-back and inexpensive place with long tables and benches, Tampopo is a great option when you're looking for a quick bite to eat. Asian flavours fill the menu, with options such as noodles, curries and stir-fries.

Cafés

Ezra & Gil

Situated in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Ezra & Gil is a contemporary café blending quality coffee with creative light meals. Known for its efficient service and inviting atmosphere, it has gained a reputation as a standout destination for those seeking a memorable café experience.

Hey Little Cupcake!

Be sure to make a beeline for Hey Little Cupcake!, which is tucked away along the leafy walkway connecting Hardman Street to Atkinson Street in Manchester’s super-chic Spinningfields. Scrumptious signature flavours such as the red velvet, hazelnut cookie, and Victoria sandwich cupcakes neatly line the counter. Try the seasonal specials, ooey-gooey brownies, mouth-watering slabs of rainbow cake, cute cake pops, and refreshing home-made lemonade. Teapigs is also served here, the perfect complement to your treat of choice.

Moose Coffee

Moose Coffee brings the essence of North American breakfast culture to the UK with its hearty, diner-style offerings. Known for dishes like buttermilk pancakes, doorstop French toast, and the New York Moose, the family-owned café delivers an authentic experience. With seven locations across the North West, it combines a commitment to quality food with community-focused initiatives, making it a standout choice for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts.

Sugar Junction

Sugar Junction was created out of a love for all things vintage, baking, and wholesome food. The company was started by a mother-daughter team that strives to provide high-quality homemade food with great service in a comfortable environment. They serve freshly baked cakes and about 25 different types of tea.

Bars & Nightlife

Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall is one of Manchester’s longest-running live music venues, with roots stretching back well over a century. Housed in a Victorian pub in the Northern Quarter, it played a key role in the city’s punk and post-punk years, with early performances by bands like Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division. Today, the venue is best known for its broad and carefully curated programme, covering everything from jazz, folk and reggae to global and experimental sounds. The adjoining Picturehouse bar, set in a former cinema, offers a relaxed place for food and drinks before a gig.

BrewDog Manchester

BrewDog is a large chain of pubs with plenty of character. They describe their beers as 'uncompromising, bold and irreverent', a playful rebellion against bland industrial brews. With that sales pitch, you know you're in for something special at BrewDog.

Flight Club

Flight Club is a darts bar that puts a twist on the traditional game, using technology-led scoring and fast-paced multiplayer formats designed for groups. You don’t need to be good at darts to enjoy it, which is part of the appeal. Alongside the boards, there’s a long bar serving cocktails and beers, plus a menu of sharing plates and pizza paddles.

Gorilla

Set beneath the railway arches on Whitworth Street West, Gorilla is a bar, kitchen, live music venue, and late-night club all in one. By day, it’s known for breakfasts, burgers and hearty plates, while evenings shift the focus to drinks, gigs and DJs. The industrial setting works in its favour, with a main bar downstairs and a mezzanine Gin Parlour above for something a bit calmer. It’s a regular stop for live shows and club nights, attracting a mixed crowd that keeps the place busy long after dinner service ends.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe Manchester sits inside The Printworks, a short walk from the Arndale Centre and the National Football Museum. The UK’s largest Hard Rock serves American favourites: burgers, ribs and shakes, alongside beers and cocktails, in a space decorated with rock memorabilia from The Beatles to Oasis and Elvis Presley.

Junkyard Golf

For a different kind of night out in Manchester, Junkyard Golf combines indoor crazy golf with cocktails and loud playlists. The venue has three themed nine-hole courses built from recycled props and neon-lit scenery, with obstacles that range from the surreal to the outright daft. Music runs most of the night, and bars are spread through the space serving cocktails, simple mixed drinks, and bar snacks.

Manchester235

Manchester235 is the North West’s top destination for entertainment and gaming, housed in the Great Northern Warehouse. It combines multiple gaming floors featuring slot machines, electronic games, poker tables, and a dedicated Poker Lounge that hosts cash games throughout the week and tournaments on weekends. Upstairs, James Martin Manchester showcases the seasonal, locally sourced cuisine of celebrity chef James Martin, delivering modern British dishes in a sophisticated setting.

Peveril of The Peak

It is said that pub culture is under threat in England, but this does not apply to Manchester. One of the city’s best pubs stands in a green-tiled building surrounded by modern office blocks: the 200-year-old Peveril of the Peak. Inside, it’s straightforward and well worn, with snug rooms and a bar that keeps the focus on well-kept beer rather than trends. Locals drop in for a quick pint, regulars settle in for longer, and the mood rarely changes, whatever the time of day.

Shopping

Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Oaks, just outside Chester in Cheshire, is the UK’s largest designer outlet, with over 145 shops, restaurants and cafés spread across a pedestrianised, village-style site. It offers a mix of high-street and designer labels, from Nike and Marks & Spencer to Burberry, Polo, Michael Kors, and Hugo Boss.

Great Northern

The Grade II-listed Great Northern building on Deansgate was once a railway goods warehouse and is now a mixed-use development with shops, bars, restaurants, a cinema, a casino, a bowling alley, and a health club. Outside, a small landscaped square gives a breather from the surrounding city streets and leads into the shops, bars, and restaurants.

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols boasts the crème de la crème of what’s hot in fashion, food, and beauty. With leading luxury fashion brands including Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Givenchy, there’s no other place in the city to shop for your new season wardrobe. Beauty addicts will love the offerings spread across two floors of this luxurious store. Take a break from shopping and indulge at the Second Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie for cocktails, a light lunch, afternoon tea or a gourmet meal. In addition, the Foodmarket offers a selection of the finest food produce from around the world, along with an extensively stocked Wineshop.

Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale is the city centre’s main shopping hub, bringing together a wide mix of high-street fashion, beauty stores, food outlets, and everyday essentials under one roof, and it’s hard to miss if you spend time downtown.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a former Victorian fish market in the Northern Quarter, now home to working studios and shops run by independent designers and makers. Spread across two levels beneath a large glass roof, it showcases jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and clothing, all made and sold on site. Many of the makers are usually around, so it’s easy to see work in progress or talk through a piece before buying.

Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s focal point for independent shops, street fashion, and creative finds. Oldham Street is the main artery, with shops like Arc Gallery Store showcasing work by young designers and artists. There are also small record shops, interior design stores, and vintage outlets. Artisans work at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre on Oak Street, while Afflecks on Church Street is home to some of the city’s leading independent names across four floors of eclectic fashion, gifts and unique finds.

Royal Exchange Manchester

Once the hub of the world’s cotton trade, The Royal Exchange Manchester is now an eclectic collection of luxury retailers, premium high street brands and best-in-class independent boutique shops playing a key role in Manchester’s thriving shopping and lifestyle culture. Situated in the heart of the city, looking out onto St Ann’s Square, The Royal Exchange Manchester is in close proximity to Manchester Arndale as well as luxury stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, with many of Manchester’s hotels, restaurants, and cafés nearby.

Spinningfields

One of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Spinningfields is a thriving hub for work, rest, and play. Home to some of Manchester's most popular bars, restaurants, and shops, Spinningfields is also the biggest commercial district in the city, housing some of the largest corporations in the North West. Located on the River Irwell, Leftbank encompasses some of the best casual dining Manchester has to offer, including The Kitchens street food collective. Leftbank is a celebration of all things innovative and independent, and the go-to alfresco location for food and drink. Spinningfields is also home to The Avenue, which has an impressive array of luxury stores and beauty salons, plus some of the most exciting eateries in the city.

Tourist Information

Passport/Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, those travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It's essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and to ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK; border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Manchester Airport lies around 14–15 km south of central Manchester, about a 20‑ to 25‑minute drive in normal traffic. Travellers can reach the city by train, with frequent services from Manchester Airport station to central hubs like Piccadilly in roughly 20 minutes. The Metrolink tram also connects the airport with parts of Manchester, while buses and coaches provide additional options. Taxis and ride‑sharing services are available 24/7.

Public Transport

Manchester’s public transport network is modern, extensive, and well-suited to visitors. The city is served by buses, the Metrolink light‑rail trams, and national rail services, all coordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Trams and buses cover the city centre and suburbs, while trains provide easy access to surrounding towns. For travellers, the Bee Network system offers simple contactless payment across buses and trams, with daily and weekly fare caps to keep journeys affordable. Tickets include single fares, day passes, and multi-modal passes combining bus and tram travel, along with weekly or 28-day options for longer stays. Having said that, many of Manchester’s main attractions, shopping areas, and cultural spots are within easy walking distance, so exploring on foot is often just as convenient, and a great way to take in the city’s architecture, street art, and lively atmosphere. For information on routes, fares, and timetables, visit TfGM's official website.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Manchester, with both licensed black-cab 'hackney carriages' and private‑hire vehicles available. Hackney cabs can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks, while private‑hire cars must be pre-booked. Ride‑sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt also operate throughout the city, providing a convenient alternative for on-demand travel.

Electricity

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries. The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230v or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.

Pharmacy

Whether you need to buy over-the-counter medication or collect a prescription, there are plenty of pharmacies all over the capital. Boots and Superdrug are two big chemist chains. You will also find pharmaceutical products at some of the larger supermarket branches.

Post

Postage stamps are available across Manchester at post offices, newsagents and supermarkets. To post a package or small souvenirs, drop into a post office — you can find your nearest branch on their official website. Post offices are generally open Monday–Friday from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm.

Telephone

Country code: +44 Area code: (0)161

Trips

Manchester and Lake District Explorer

Lake District Explorer

Manchester and Lake District Explorer

Lake District Explorer

Manchester and Lake District Explorer

Lake District Explorer

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