10 Best things to do in Manchester, UK (2025)

These best things to do in Manchester covers everything you need to know before planning a trip to the English northern city.

Planning a tour of Manchester during a summer break can feel like an exciting challenge. The city is packed with things to see and do, but figuring out where to start and how to make the most of your trip is the real question.

No traveller wants to waste precious time or stretch their budget visiting only overcrowded tourist traps or just flashing past iconic landmarks without truly experiencing them. A well-organized itinerary can transform an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure.

Manchester in summer is alive with culture, music, sport, food, and outdoor spaces — the city offers something for every kind of traveller.

Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a trip with friends, or a family holiday with kids, there are countless ways to enjoy your time while keeping costs under control.

Best things to do in Manchester, UK

1. Explore the Science and Industry Museum

The Science and Industry Museum is one of Manchester’s most fascinating attractions, celebrating the city’s industrial past and its contributions to science and technology.

Housed on the site of the world’s first passenger railway station, the museum brings Manchester’s role in the Industrial Revolution to life with interactive exhibits, historic machinery, and inspiring displays on computing, textiles, and aviation.

Families love the hands-on science experiments, while history enthusiasts can marvel at original steam engines and early locomotives. The museum also showcases temporary exhibitions covering everything from space exploration to climate change, making it a dynamic place to return to. Entry is free, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand why Manchester became known as the birthplace of the modern world.

2. Visit the Manchester Museum

Situated on the University of Manchester campus, the Manchester Museum is an impressive cultural space that combines natural history, archaeology, and anthropology under one roof. Recently redeveloped, it offers modern galleries alongside classic displays, including an incredible collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, fossils, and cultural objects from around the globe.

One highlight is the vivarium, home to rare and endangered amphibians and reptiles, which adds a living element to the museum experience. The museum is not just about artifacts—it also engages with modern issues such as decolonisation and climate change, sparking meaningful conversations among visitors.

t’s a fantastic free attraction that appeals to both children and adults, and its central location makes it easy to include in a day exploring Manchester’s university district.

3. Take in Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium

For football fans, Manchester is a pilgrimage site, home to two of the world’s most famous clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. A visit to Old Trafford, the iconic “Theatre of Dreams,” offers guided tours where fans can walk down the players’ tunnel, explore the locker rooms, and sit in the dugout where legends have stood.

Equally impressive, the Etihad Stadium provides behind-the-scenes tours that showcase the club’s cutting-edge facilities and the success of City in recent years. Even non-football enthusiasts will be impressed by the scale of these stadiums and the passion of local supporters.

On match days, the atmosphere is electric, with chants echoing through the streets and a true sense of community pride on display.

4. Experience Manchester’s Summer Festivals

One of the best ways to connect with Manchester’s identity is through its legendary music culture. This city is the birthplace of iconic bands such as Oasis, The Smiths, and The Stone Roses — names that shaped the British music scene for decades. While museums and historical sites are always on the table, few travellers think of making a music festival part of their city tour — yet it’s one of the most rewarding experiences Manchester has to offer.

Throughout the summer, the city lights up with open-air concerts, street performances, and organised festivals featuring local and international acts. Venues like Castlefield Bowl, Albert Hall, and Depot Mayfield frequently host high-energy performances during the warm months. For something intimate and historic, a visit to the famous Salford Lads Club offers both nostalgia and insight into Manchester’s musical heartbeat.

5. Wander Around the Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s bohemian hub, known for its indie shops, street art, and buzzing nightlife. This creative neighborhood is perfect for aimless wandering, as every corner reveals colorful murals, quirky cafés, and vintage boutiques. It’s a great place to shop for unique fashion, vinyl records, and handmade crafts, while the abundance of bars and restaurants make it a lively spot both day and night.

Coffee lovers will find artisan roasters serving up specialty brews, while foodies can indulge in everything from vegan street food to globally inspired cuisine.

In the evenings, the area transforms into a hotspot for live music and craft cocktails, capturing the spirit of Manchester’s alternative culture.

6. Enjoy a Relaxing Picnic in Manchester’s Parks and Green Spaces

Manchester may be famous for its industrial revolution heritage, but it’s equally rich in tranquil parks and scenic outdoor spaces — ideal for summer picnics and leisurely afternoons. Whether you want to escape the city buzz or simply enjoy the sunny weather, the parks offer a different side of Manchester.

Heaton Park is one of the city’s largest and most versatile green spaces. It features walking trails, lakeside spots, a tramway museum, playgrounds, cafés, and even an 18th-century hall — a full day can easily be spent here. For families, it’s perfect for letting kids run around while adults relax in shaded picnic areas.

Other excellent choices include Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden, known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere, and Whitworth Park, which blends greenery with proximity to cultural institutions like The Whitworth art gallery. Platt Fields Park, with its boating lake and sports facilities, is another popular summer retreat.

7. Discover Manchester’s Canal Network

Manchester’s historic canal network offers a unique way to experience the city from a quieter, scenic perspective. Once a vital part of Manchester’s industrial transport system, the canals now provide beautiful walkways, cycling routes, and boating opportunities.

Taking a guided narrowboat tour along the Rochdale or Bridgewater Canal can give you fascinating insights into Manchester’s industrial past while also offering a relaxing break from city traffic. If you prefer an active adventure, consider renting a bike and riding along the towpaths. The routes extend into the surrounding countryside, offering glimpses of rural England within easy reach of the urban core.

Evening canal walks can be particularly charming during summer, with waterside pubs and restaurants providing excellent spots to unwind. This slower pace of exploration is a perfect balance to the energy of festivals and shopping districts, ensuring your Manchester experience feels well-rounded.

8. Discover Manchester Art Gallery

For art lovers, the Manchester Art Gallery is an essential stop. Its collections span centuries, featuring everything from 18th-century fine art to contemporary works by modern British artists. The gallery is particularly known for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings, showcasing masterpieces by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Ford Madox Brown.

Temporary exhibitions also bring cutting-edge modern art to the forefront, ensuring the gallery appeals to a wide range of tastes.

The space itself is bright and welcoming, with plenty of room to linger over favorite pieces. Best of all, admission is free, making it an accessible cultural highlight for visitors wanting to enjoy world-class art in the heart of the city.

9. Explore the John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library is more than just a place for books—it’s one of Manchester’s most beautiful architectural treasures. Built in a neo-Gothic style, the library looks like a cathedral, with its high vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and intricate woodwork

Inside, visitors will find an extraordinary collection of rare manuscripts and early printed texts, including a fragment of the New Testament that is believed to be the oldest known piece of the Christian Bible.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the atmosphere alone makes the visit worthwhile, as the library feels like stepping into another era. It’s an inspiring space that highlights Manchester’s academic heritage while providing a quiet retreat from the busy city streets.

10. Experience the National Football Museum

Football is an integral part of Manchester’s identity, and the National Football Museum is the ultimate destination for fans of the sport.

Located in the striking Urbis building, the museum is packed with memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and historic treasures that tell the story of the beautiful game. Visitors can see iconic items such as the first ever football rule book, World Cup relics, and shirts worn by legendary players.

Interactive zones let you test your skills at penalty shootouts, commentary booths, and reaction games, making it fun for all ages. Whether you support United, City, or a completely different team, the museum captures the passion and history of football like nowhere else.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Manchester Travel

Travelling smart means balancing memorable experiences with cost-effective decisions. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Use public transport passes like the System One Travelcard or Metrolink tram passes to save on multiple journeys.

• Book accommodation early, especially during festival season when hotels fill quickly.

• Look for free events — Manchester hosts street performances, cultural celebrations, and museum nights throughout summer.

• Explore on foot whenever possible — many attractions are within walking distance, especially in the city centre.

By balancing iconic landmarks with hidden gems, group activities with quiet moments, and budget-conscious choices with one or two splurges, you can enjoy a truly memorable Manchester city adventure — one that fits both your time frame and your summer spirit.