Planning a city break in Manchester
Discover one of the beating hearts of northern England when you visit Manchester. Known for its blend of culture, music and industrial heritage, explore a city with a rich history, diverse culinary delights and vibrant nightlife.
Whether you’re a culture vulture planning a solo trip or a family looking for an entertaining city break, Manchester has something for everyone.
What is Manchester famous for?
Manchester holds a key place in history. Not only did it become the world’s first industrialised city during the Industrial Revolution – mainly due to cotton production – but it was also the birthplace of the first working canal and railway line. You can learn more about the city’s heritage by visiting some of Manchester’s magnificent museums and historical landmarks.
The city is also famous for its thriving music scene, with many iconic artists hailing from Manchester. The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays and Oasis are all natives of the “Rainy City”, home to venues like Band on the Wall, the O2 Ritz and AO Arena. Make sure to check out who is performing during your Manchester stay!
Things to do in Manchester
With a vast range of tourist attractions and things to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice during a city break in Manchester. From museums and stadium tours to bustling bars and theatres, Manchester offers a mix of culture and entertainment to suit all visitors.
1. Science and Industry Museum
Explore innovations and ideas that started in Manchester at the fantastic Science and Industry Museum. You’ll find a range of galleries, activities, demonstrations and exhibitions all year round covering the city’s rich history in engineering, textiles and science. There’s even a display all about the Rolls Royce!
You can grab drinks and snacks from the onsite café, while the gift shop is a great place to round off your trip. Overall, the Science and Industry Museum is ideal for a fun and educational family day out.
2. Royal Exchange Theatre
Why not see a show at the historic Royal Exchange Theatre? The theatre is a Grade II listed building in the heart of the city and has been open since 1921. It’s a uniquely designed theatre-in-the-round, meaning the stage is central, with the audience surrounding it.
On average, the Royal Exchange hosts 350 performances a year. And with a programme of classic theatre productions (including Shakespeare), contemporary drama and stand-up comedy, there’s something for everyone.
3. Old Trafford and The Etihad Stadium
Manchester is famous for having two of the world's best football teams – Manchester United and Manchester City. United dominated the English game for two decades under Sir Alex Ferguson, while the arrival of Pep Guardiola led to a period of success for the Citizens.
Fans of the Red Devils can delve into the rich history of Manchester United at the Old Trafford Stadium Tour and Museum. Enjoy stunning stadium views before exploring the fantastic three-level museum, with rooms dedicated to trophies, kits and club legends.
Prefer Man City? No problem! Head over to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester City Stadium Tour and get behind-the-scenes access to the press room, players’ tunnel and dugouts alongside an immersive audio-visual experience in the home dressing room.
4. Coronation Street Experience
If you’re a fan of British soaps, the Coronation Street Experience is a must-visit. Step onto the famous cobbles and explore Weatherfield’s iconic locations, including the Rovers Return, Roy’s Rolls and the Platt family home. Follow in the footsteps of your favourite Corrie characters with a 90-minute guided tour before venturing inside replica sets, where you’ll find a range of costumes and props.
5. Northern Quarter
Grab a drink in one of Manchester’s trendiest neighbourhoods. The Northern Quarter has a fantastic selection of bars where you can enjoy ales, spirits and cocktails. It’s also home to music venues showcasing the city’s best up-and-coming talent. And if you fancy a bite to eat, there is a choice of restaurants, plus Mackie Mayor, a bustling food court with various cuisines available.
Some of our favourite bars and venues in the Northern Quarter include:
Questions about city breaks in Manchester
Find out everything you need to know to make your Manchester city break the best it can be.
Is Manchester good for a city break?
Manchester is a perfect place for a city break, offering diverse activities and attractions. Whether you want to broaden your horizons in the local museums and galleries, sample the city’s finest eateries or dance the night away in thriving music venues and bars, Manchester is ideal for a UK getaway.
Is Manchester a walkable city?
Yes, Manchester is a very walkable city. The city centre is compact, and many popular areas are within walking distance, including Deansgate, Piccadilly Gardens, and the Northern Quarter. Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central is an ideal base, with many of the city’s star attractions nearby.
If you wish to venture outside the city centre, hop on the Metrolink, which runs until midnight (01:00 on Friday and Saturday).
How long should you stay in Manchester?
We recommend staying in Manchester for at least two days, giving you time to explore the city’s key attractions. However, consider a weeklong visit if you’re looking for a more enriching experience. A longer stay allows you to immerse yourself in local culture, whether you’re passionate about food, music or sports.
What is the best season to visit Manchester?
Summer is a great time to visit Manchester, with average temperatures between 14°C and 16°C, meaning a warm and comfortable stay. Plenty of exciting events pack this period of the year, including Sounds of the City, Pride, and the Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
Don’t rule out a winter trip, though; over 220 stalls at the Manchester Christmas Markets provide plenty of festive cheer.