Youthful, energetic, diverse, and bursting with character, Manchester is one of the most exciting cities to visit in England right now.
Offering a compelling mix of fantastic cuisine, modern culture, and a world-renowned music scene, the city welcomes millions of tourists every year from all four corners of the planet.
For those looking to descend on Manchester for a short weekend getaway, it’s time to get an itinerary together. Here are just a few exciting things to do and see during a quick spell in Manchester.
Visit a Museum
When it comes to museums, Manchester is full of them! In fact, over 2 million people visit the city’s award-winning museums every year. Whether it’s the dinosaurs at the Manchester Museum, or the steam engines at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester is home to a selection of museums, many of which house fascinating exhibitions that are worth checking out.
To avoid disappointment, it’s advised to check the museums’ website first. There may be entry fees and tickets that need to be purchased first. Also, look at opening times and what exhibitions are taking place.
See a Theatre Show
Sure, The West End is what most people think of when it comes to live theatre. However, Manchester is home to an array of theatres that welcome some of the best musical theatre production shows in the world! Many of them go on national tours once they’ve finished on the West End, with Manchester certainly being on the list of dates.
Take the Manchester Palace Theatre for instance. Over the years, this establishment has seen the likes of Mamma Mia! Wicked, and The Lion King arrive for a stint. For the musical theatre lovers, seeing a live show is a no-brainer. When booking tickets, there may be the possibility of having to sign documents. If this is the case, it can be done online using a PDF to DOCX tool. Check the theatre’s website first and book tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Take in the Music Scene
Manchester is a city that’s known globally for its music scene. Some of the world’s biggest stars and bands have come from the rainy city. We couldn’t kick things off without talking about Oasis! The English rock band may have gone their separate ways in 2009. However, that’s not to say fans of the group can’t revel in all things Oasis when coming to Manchester. There are specialist music tours that Oasis lovers can embark on!
For those not into rock music, Manchester caters to all music tastes and genres. There are a wide array of bars, clubs, and open mic nights that visitors can check out which house some of the most talented, upcoming talent. The city also plays host to some of the biggest music stars in the world. Take a look at the Manchester AO Arena’s website to find out who is playing.
Head to the Northern Quarter
The great thing about Manchester is there is truly something suitable for everyone. For those who are after something a little quirky and unique, a visit to the Northern Quarter is a must. This area of the city centre is home to a wide selection of fabulous bars, eateries, and street art that will be hard not to miss!
There are a number of unique things that can be found in the Northern Quarter. These include David Bowie on the side of a toilet (don’t ask!), Affleck’s Palace, a cat café, and fantastic live music. It doesn’t matter about age group either. Northern Quarter welcomes tourists of all age groups! To really get a feel for the place and have the ultimate experience, go on a bar crawl!
Go On a Football Stadium Tour
For the football fans, everyone will know Manchester is home to two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League – Manchester United and Manchester City. Even for those that aren’t a red or blue, there’s something quite magical going on a stadium tour, visiting the dressing room, and of course, looking out onto a quiet, empty pitch.
The Red Devils fans can book a museum and stadium tour at Old Trafford. On this excursion, expect to experience the club’s history and enjoy a peek behind the scenes. There’s even a Red Café to get a delicious bite to eat. For the blues, no trip to Manchester is complete without a Manchester City Stadium Tour. This is an exclusive 2-hour VIP tour of the Premier League Champions. There are even exclusive areas of the stadium that aren’t visited on the regular stadium tour!
Have a Game of Crazy Golf
Anyone living in Manchester will have heard of Junkyard Golf Club – and for good reason! This establishment is truly a crazy, epic, and exciting experience that every tourist should try out. Junkyard Golf Club has epic 9-hole crazy golf courses to play on. What’s more, visitors can sip on delicious alcoholic drinks as they navigate through the courses.
Tourists who are after something a little wacky and off the beaten track will definitely enjoy Junkyard Golf Club. Be warned, under 18’s are only permitted on Sunday to Thursday before 8 pm. Also, they must have an over 18 present with them.
Wander Around the Christmas Markets
Many people heading to Manchester during the winter months are coming for one and one reason only – the Christmas markets! There’s nothing quite like being outside, strolling along the stalls with a mince pie and mulled wine in hand. For those who want to get into the Christmas spirit, Manchester’s Christmas Markets will definitely do just that.
This year, the city will showcase a Winter Gardens attraction situated in the heart of the city. Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed with yuletide bars offering tasty, locally brewed ales. There will also be plenty of yummy food stalls, craft sellers, and even live music and DJs! Unsurprisingly, the Christmas markets can get incredibly hectic, so it’s wise to visit early morning to avoid the bustling crowds.
Experience the Nightlife
Some visitors enjoy Manchester purely for its nightlife. The city caters to all age groups and music tastes. For instance, those after a bit of pop and a singalong will surely have a great time at Canal Street, which is home to Manchester’s gay scene. The indie lovers may get their fix from a trip to the Northern Quarter bars.
For those after something more upmarket and classier, a trip to Spinningfields is essential. This area houses some of the best eateries and bars in the world! Another area that is a must-visit during the night is Deansgate Locks which houses Revolution, Ark, and Lola Lo. When clubbing, the locals will be more than happy to chat and say hello. Mancunians pride themselves on being friendly and attentive. This means the likelihood of sharing a pint of beer with one is very high!
As shown above, Manchester is bursting at the seams with brilliant attractions, landmarks, and events that are definitely worth a visit. Even for those only going to the rainy city for a matter of days, there are lots of thrilling things to stick on the to-do list that are sure to create long-lasting memories.
