Travel Escapes

8 Best things to see and do in Manchester

Are you heading for a weekend away in Manchester? Or are you planning a trip with family? Whatever the reason for your visit, there are certainly plenty of places to go and things to keep you entertained. Here, we look at the best things to do in Manchester.

8 Best things to see and do in Manchester

  1. Visit Manchester’s Football Clubs

Football fans rejoice – Manchester is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world. You can explore the legendary Old Trafford at the Manchester United Museum and tour, or head to the home of Manchester City for a guided tour of the Etihad Stadium.

  1. Walk down Coronation Street

Do you love the TV soaps? Then what better than meandering down the famous cobbled Coronation Street on their outdoor tour. You can take selfies on set, find out behind-the-scenes secrets and live a day in the life of your favourite character.

  1. Get a blast from the past at The Crystal Maze

If you’re looking for serious group fun, then the Crystal Maze Live Experience won’t disappoint. You and your team will work together to solve challenges and catch tokens across the four zones – Medieval, Industrial, Aztec and Futuristic.

  1. Shop ‘til you drop at the Trafford Centre

Those in search of retail therapy will love the Trafford Centre. It’s packed full of great shops, restaurants, cafes and more, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, those with little ones can head to Legoland, Sea Life Centre, Laser Quest and Belong by Game.

  1. Explore the Northern Quarter

This is super-cool area packed full of trendy bars, independent cafés, vibrant street art and buzzing music venues. Thanks to its unique charm it’s one of the most popular hang outs in Manchester – and is a great place to spend time with friends and family.

  1. Grab tasty treats in China Town

As the second largest China Town in the UK, there’s certainly no shortage of high-quality restaurants here. It’s a great place to go for a delicious and indulgent meal and is packed full of charm and character.

  1. Be entertained at The Lowry

This is a fantastic theatre in Salford Quays, where you can watch a whole host of shows from theatre and opera to comedy and dance performances. And, as The Lowry is a not-for-profit charity, their profit is used to support their great work.

  1. Check out the Science & Industry Museum

Perfect for a family outing, the Science & Industry Museum has a huge variety of fascinating artefacts. You can learn about Manchester during the Industrial Revolution and how it became the hub of business and creative industries that it is today.

The essentials

Now that you know the best places to head during your time in Manchester, you’ll likely be wondering how to get there and where to stay.

Where to stay – there’s plenty of great places to stay in the city. If you want the ultimate flexibility to come and go as you please, as well as your own living and kitchen facilities, you may want to check out serviced apartments in Manchester. They are a home from home and are a great base to explore from.

How to get there – there are three main train stations in Manchester city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. These offer direct links to destinations across the UK, so travelling by rail is often a convenient choice. If you want to drive, you can access the city from the M60, which connects to most other major motorways in England. Or, you can travel by plane thanks to Manchester Airport, which offers routes to most major UK cities as well as international destinations.