Manchester, often hailed as one of the UK's coolest cities, is full of hip neighbourhoods. Where to visit first? Read our guide to the city's hippest 'hoods.

England

Manchester

The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Manchester, UK

Visiting Manchester, England? This is your print-out-and-keep guide to the top 20 attractions in the city.

Must-Visit Attractions in Manchester

Feeling the need to escape Manchester for the day? Here are our pick of the six best day trips to take in the North-West

Great Day Trips to Take from Manchester

Are you visiting Manchester for a weekend or a two-day break? Read this guide to spending 48 hours in the city to help you plan your itinerary.

How To Spend 48 Hours in Manchester

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Featured Articles

On the radio, the TV and the football pitch, Manchester is truly a northern powerhouse.

Welcome to the Capital of the North, birthplace of bands such as Oasis, Joy Division and the Smiths, as well as – to many a footie fan in the city – the home of British football. The question is: are you a red or a blue? 


The Insider Guide to Manchester

Lead singer of the Stone Roses, Ian Brown, famously said: “Manchester’s got everything – except a beach.” And he’s not far wrong. You’re spoilt for choice for things to do in Manny, so zip up your parka and let’s get started. Right in the city centre, in Albert Square, is the impressive neo-gothic town hall, with the equally majestic John Rylands Library a five-minute walk away. If you think it’s striking from the outside, wait until you step inside – it’s like Hogwarts.

For a spot of history, almost next door you’ll find the Manchester Art Museum, which is free to enter. It’s been open for nearly 200 years and boasts one of the UK’s finest art collections. Stroll through Spinningfields – a joy in itself, especially if you’re looking for a high-end restaurant or bar  – and prepare to be gripped by ideas that changed the world at the Science and Industry Museum. Manchester Museum, the largest university museum in the country, is a half-hour’s walk south. 

You can’t come to Manchester without exploring the Northern Quarter (NQ), where you’ll find quirky shops such as Afflecks department store – the “emporium of eclecticism”, or, as we like to call it, a bohemian John Lewis. A tile on the side of the building reads: “...And on the sixth day, God created MANchester.” 

From the hip cafes and bars of the NQ, it’s a short hop to the River Irwell, where you’ll find Manchester Cathedral, and next to it, a temple to the city’s other religion: the National Football Museum. The museum delves into the history of the nation’s favourite sport, but for the real thing, no trip to the city would be complete without a visit to Manchester United’s football stadium, Old Trafford, unless you’re a Liverpool fan, of course. Read on for more insider knowledge, as brought to you by Madchester’s own. 


Don’t look back in anger! The Main Attractions

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Events and Activities in Manchester, England | Culture Trip

Off the Beaten Path

Find the hidden gems and experience the city like a local

See & Do

Unusual Date Ideas To Try in Manchester

Art

Playfully Oversized Lamps Capture Soul of Manchester

Outdoor Activities

Escape the city - the best outdoor places to visit

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The Most Beautiful Country Walks Around Manchester, UK

Guides & Tips

Where To Go in Manchester for Gorgeous Views

Sports

10 Scenic Cycling Routes in Greater Manchester

See & Do

The Best Parks in Manchester

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The Best Places for Wild Swimming near Manchester

Cheap Things To Do

See & Do

10 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Manchester

Food & Drink

The Five Best Picnic Spots in Manchester, UK

Attractions

Fun things to do that are worth your time

See & Do

The Best Things to See and Do in Levenshulme, Manchester

See & Do

The Best Things to do in Whalley Range

History

The 10 Perfect Christmas Gifts For A Real Mancunian

Shopping

Fashion

The Best Independent Shops in Manchester

Books

The Coolest Independent Bookshops in Manchester

Fashion

The Best Vintage Shops in Manchester

Fashion

The Best Car Boot Sales and Second Hand Markets in Manchester

Fashion

Best Womenswear Boutiques in Manchester

Fashion

The Best Menswear Stores in Manchester

Shops

Manchester's Best Homeware and Design Shops

Fashion

The Coolest Boutiques and Stores in Manchester's Northern Quarter

Guides & Tips

Four Places to Buy Unique Souvenirs in Manchester

Iconic Buildings

Learn about historic sites and special architecture

Architecture

The 5 Most Impressive Buildings in Manchester, UK

History

5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Manchester

Music in the city

Music

The Best Small Venues for Live Music in Manchester

Music

How Did Manchester Become the Birthplace of Indie Music?

Art

For the art lovers - everything from museums, galleries to street art

See & Do

The Best Cultural Institutions In Manchester

Guides & Tips

Manchester Theatre Guide: Where to See a Show

See & Do

The 10 Best Galleries And Exhibition Spaces In Manchester

Nightlife

See & Do

The Best Nightclubs in Manchester, UK

Guides & Tips

6 Places For a Unique Night Out in Manchester