Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own. Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events. The city's vitality is expressed through its fascinating history, interactive attractions, magnificent architecture and most of all, the spirit of its people, ensuring that there’s always something to do in the Greater Manchester region.
Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, known for its warm welcome and rich traditions in culture, music, sport, and world-class events. Across Greater Manchester, there’s something to suit every taste and interest.
For sports enthusiasts, the city is a dream destination. Whether it’s football, cricket, cycling, or a packed calendar of year-round events, Manchester offers plenty to keep fans entertained — both on and off the pitch. Beyond sport, the city’s cultural scene thrives, with music, art, theatre, and architecture celebrated for their creativity and high standards.
Manchester’s heritage is as diverse as it is fascinating. It’s the birthplace of the computer, the football league, and Top of the Pops. History buffs can explore the Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s first passenger railway station, or visit Chetham’s Library — the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.
When it comes to shopping, Manchester stands out as the North’s retail hub. From luxury boutiques and high-street favourites to independent stores and local markets, there’s something for every shopper. The city’s food scene is equally impressive, with a mix of high-end dining, globally inspired cuisine, and locally sourced dishes. Renowned chefs and a thriving independent scene have cemented Manchester’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.
A night out in Manchester is a must, with each neighbourhood offering its own distinct vibe. From cosy pubs and trendy bars to lively clubs, the city’s nightlife caters to all tastes. Music is woven into the fabric of Manchester, with iconic acts like The Smiths, Take That, and Oasis having shaped the sound of rock and pop. Today, the city’s venues host everything from classical and jazz to indie and electronic music.
For those looking to escape the urban energy, Greater Manchester’s countryside provides a refreshing contrast. Miles of scenic landscapes, historic waterways, and charming towns make for perfect day trips.
Manchester is perhaps best known internationally for two things: music and football. Huge musical acts, including The Hollies, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis, Take That, Simply Red, and many more, have hailed from Manchester. The yearly "In The City" music festival has launched many to international stardom.
Football fans will want to visit the legendary Old Trafford stadium, museum and megastore. But Manchester has a lot more to offer than just music and sports. It is a young and creative city, with outstanding museums, food and nightlife, crisscrossed by canals, which give it a unique atmosphere. And one of the greatest pleasures about visiting Manchester is exploring the various districts on foot.
Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre
Manchester City Football Club
Coronation Street Experience
Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing
National Football Museum
Play Factore
Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
John Rylands Library
East Lancashire Railway
Chill Factore
Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre
Great Northern
Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Victoria Baths
FC United of Manchester— Broadhurst Park
The dining scene in Manchester is more interesting and varied by the day. All manner of new restaurants, gastropubs and bars keep popping up around the city, which now ranks among the country's best and most diverse culinary destinations. A local speciality is the Manchester Egg, the city's take on the Scotch egg, which is wrapped in black pudding and sausage, then breaded and deep-fried, and should not be missed.
Hard Rock Cafe
Corn Exchange
TNQ — The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
Australasia
Shoryu Ramen
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
Tattu
The Anthologist
Vermilion & Cinnabar
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Don Giovanni
Hawksmoor
Manchester has historically been overrun with big chain coffee shops, but a new wave of independent, high-quality, and often quirky cafés and tea houses has been taking over the city, offering more diverse alternatives and more original products. Give these cafes a try, support local entrepreneurs, and while you're at it, enjoy a truly delicious cup of coffee.
Annies
Tariff & Dale
Hey Little Cupcake!
Manchester boasts one of the UK's strongest and most diverse nightlife scenes, offering plenty of alternatives for drinking, partying, and catching world-class concerts and performances. Hacienda was once perhaps Europe's most famous club (back in the 'Madchester' days), and though it is no longer in operation, the adventurous spirit of the city's nightlife remains intact in the numerous venues in the Northern Quarter, Castlefield, and Gay Village.
Hard Rock Cafe
Band on the Wall
The Deaf Institute
Flight Club
Gorilla
Junkyard Golf
Manchester is bursting with activities for families and adults. From walking trails to urban crazy golf and escape rooms to adventure courses, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Manchester.
Manchester River Cruises
Scranchester Food Tours
Free Walking Tour Manchester — Si Manchester
Skyliner Street Art Tour
Breakout Escape Rooms
Zip World Manchester
Vegetarian Society Cookery School
Craft Beer Tour Manchester
Free Manchester Walking Tours
From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester's culture is known for its energy and excellence. The UNESCO City of Literature is awash with new and refurbished cultural venues, and Manchester is preparing for the opening of The Factory, the new permanent home for the Manchester International Festival.
Science & Industry Museum
Stoller Hall
HOME Manchester
Royal Exchange Theatre
Castlefield Gallery
Manchester Central Library
Portland Basin Museum
esea contemporary
Working Class Movement Library
Contact Theatre
Gallery Oldham
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Manchester has become northern England's shopping capital, offering variety, quality, and bargains. From large shopping centres like Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre to the pedestrian boutique districts and markets dotting the city to the unique items found at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with everything from designer fashion to local handicrafts on offer.
Manchester Arndale
Trafford Centre
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Spinningfields
Harvey Nichols
Stockport Market
As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, there’s always something on in Manchester. With a rolling calendar of events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatre you’ll never be stuck for world-class entertainment.
Manchester Craft Beer Festival (May)
Manchester International Festival (July)
Manchester Film Festival (March)
Manchester Jazz Festival (May)
Manchester Pride (August)
Parklife Festival (June)
Just So Festival (August)
Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo (November & December)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
With three terminals handling over 23 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the UK’s Global Gateway for the North. Sixty-five airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 200 destinations, and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world.
The airport has a combined railway and bus station, with departures to Manchester and the rest of the country. The train to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 20 minutes. Airport buses to Manchester depart every half hour. Taxis and car hire companies are also available at the airport.
Direct trams link the airport to the city centre and Victoria station — your gateway to national rail services — every 12-15 minutes. Remember to purchase tickets from the machines on all platforms prior to boarding or tap in using your contactless card or device, making sure to tap out when you finish your journey. For weekend trips, multiple destinations, or family travel, consider a Travelcard for great value.
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Website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk
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Passport & Visa
Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel.
However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey.
Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.
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Website: www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
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Public Transport
Thanks to an integrated transport network Manchester is one of the most accessible cities in the UK for both national and international visitors. As England's Gateway to the North, travel around Northern England is easy too, and Manchester Airport is easily accessible from Manchester city centre.
Getting around the city and surrounding areas is easy once you’re here thanks to the fleet of buses, trams and trains available. The compact nature of the city centre also makes walking a popular choice. If you're driving into the city, there are a number of car parks available, or if you're wanting to explore the wider region, car hire is a popular choice for travellers. And for those on a flying visit, there are a number of secure places to leave your luggage.
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Website: www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information
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CitySpareSpace Luggage Storage
Need luggage storage in Manchester? Whether you need a few hours or a few days, City Spare Space makes it easy to book affordable luggage storage in local businesses in Manchester.
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Website: www.citysparespace.com/luggage-storage/manchester
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Stasher
Stasher have locations across Manchester where you can store your bag. Enjoy the most of your day without having to lug your bags around with you! Their locations are trusted hotels and shops who safely store your bags.
You must book online — hosts cannot accept payment in store.
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Website: www.stasher.com/luggage-storage/manchester
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Taxi
Manchester’s largest fleet of iconic black cabs with 300 professional, uniformed drivers and over 50 years’ experience. You can be confident that Mantax will get you from A to B as quickly as possible. Mantax pride themselves on customer service, high standards and safety; all of their journeys are GPS tracked and can even be booked and tracked live on their iPhone or Android App and Web Booker. All of their taxis accept credit and debit card payments (including Amex), are wheelchair accessible and seat 5 or 6 with plenty of room for luggage.
Their rates are set and regulated by Manchester City Council. Mantax offer black cab quality at private hire rates so call for your personal quote today.
You can book by phone, order a cab in their free iPhone or Android application, or via their website. Mantax specialise in corporate & personal accounts and can offer a bespoke service for all your travel needs.
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Phone: +44 161 230 3333
Website: www.visitmanchester.www.visitmanchester.com/listing/mantax/27081101/visitor-information/travel-information/mantax-p270811
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Post
Postage stamps are available across Manchester at post offices, newsagents and supermarkets. To post a package or small souvenirs, drop into a post office — you can find your nearest branch on their official website. Post offices are generally open Monday–Friday from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm.
Address: Arndale Centre Post Office, Arndale Shopping Centre, Corporation Street, Manchester
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Phone: +44 345 722 3344
Website: www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/4744225/arndale-centre
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Pharmacy
Whether you need to buy over-the-counter medication or collect a prescription, there are plenty of pharmacies all over the capital. Boots and Superdrug are two big chemist chains. You will also find pharmaceutical products at some of the larger supermarket branches.
Address: Cameolord Pharmacy, 16 Oxford Street, Manchester
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Phone: +44 161 236 1445
Website: www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
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Telephone
Country code: +44
Area code: (0)161
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Electricity
Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries.
The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230v or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.
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