Our most recommended things to do in Manchester

Etihad Stadium: The Manchester City Stadium Tour

1. Etihad Stadium: The Manchester City Stadium Tour

Immerse yourself in the City story on the Manchester City Stadium Tour. Visit areas of the Stadium not usually available to the public. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room. Immerse yourself in the City Story as you walk out of the glass players' tunnel, sit in the seats in the dug outs and soak up the views of the stadium from pitchside! There is a surprise at every turn! The Stadium and Club Tour begins as you enter at the South of the stadium via M-Gate. You will be greeted by your professional tour guide who will take you on a 75-minute tour of the Etihad Stadium and provide you with insights and anecdotes. Your behind-the-scenes tour at the home of the Treble winners includes an exclusive look at the home team dressing room, where you can take selfie a selfie with your favourite players shirt, walk down the tunnel to the sound of the Etihad Stadium crowd. Then go pitch-side and sit in the mangers seat in the dugouts. You can then pose for a photo and field questions with a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press conference room. Tour guests also receive an exclusive 10% discount at the CityStore against full price purchases.

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

2. Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

See Manchester from another perspective on a scenic canal cruise. Make your way along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, admiring some of the city's key sights including Manchester United's home ground and the historic Stephenson's Railway Bridge. Board the cruise in central Manchester and embark on a trip to the heart of Manchester's old docklands and the center of the city. See sights from the modern Media City, now home to the BBC and the new home of ITV's Coronation Street, to the imposing Old Trafford football stadium and George Stephenson’s railway bridge from 1830. Pass by the first of the 120-meter-long locks of the Manchester Ship Canal, admiring the impressive Imperial War Museum and old Pomona Docks before heading into the heart of Manchester along the River Irwell. During the cruise, listen to commentary that describes the history of the Manchester Ship Canal. Learn about the industries that made the city one of the powerhouses of Europe in the 19th century and hear about the exciting future that's currently being built.

Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

3. Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Your ticket includes admission to all four floors of the museum. On the ground floor, see the various trophies and enjoy the latest pop-up art exhibition. Level 1 is where you'll discover the must-see memorabilia — look out for the trophy won by England in 1966. You'll also uncover some fascinating history, like in England on the World Stage, which looks at the ups and downs of the England team. Level 1 is also the meeting point for guided tours. On Level 2, you'll find all the interactive challenges including Penalty Shootout. Temporary exhibitions on Level 3 change twice a year and take an in-depth look at soccer through art, photography, and technology.

Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

4. Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Connect with sport's history with this tour of the Manchester United Museum and the Old Trafford Stadium. Learn about the club's history and achievements as you explore the museum. Take a tour of Old Trafford and sit in your favorite player's seat in the dressing room. Visit the museum to see fascinating club memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Experience the thrill of strolling through the players’ tunnel towards the pitch. Sit in the dugout and try planning your game tactics as Sir Alex Ferguson did for many years. See the press room where the manager makes his statement after each home gam. Visit the VIP room that has hosted big names over the years, including celebrities and many former players. Receive a personalized certificate to commemorate your visit to Old Trafford.

From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

5. From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Manchester: The Coronation Street Experience

6. Manchester: The Coronation Street Experience

Explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK on a guided tour taking in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street, and the newly extended Victoria Street. This is your chance to step onto the largest working television lot in the country and be immersed in the familiar surroundings of the Rovers Return, Roys Rolls, Underworld, and The Kabin.  Wander through Weatherfield on a fully guided tour of the working set. Recall stories from yesteryear, hear filming secrets, take selfies on the street and follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters down those Coronation Street cobbles. Once you arrive at Dock 10, Media City, you will be welcomed by your guide. Head across to the external set of Coronation Street.  The tour will last about one hour, the guide will be there to let you know the history of the famous street as well as an insight into the filming of the most iconic British soap opera.

From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

7. From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

You leave manic Manchester behind and head straight for the lovely Lake District. Your first stop of the day is at Bowness that sits on the shores of Windermere. You have time here to take a leisurely cruise upon the lake and admire the sublime views of the landscapes. You travel around the southern tip of Windermere and towards Coniston Water. You enjoy the views of this body of water before arriving in the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead. This is where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. We then take in spectacular views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores before returning to Manchester in the early evening.

Manchester: City Bus Tour

8. Manchester: City Bus Tour

Explore the birthplace of the industrial revolution aboard the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus in Manchester and learn more about the city's contribution to science, politics, music, arts and sport. Hop-on and off at any of the 15 stops on a route that has been carefully planned to include key sights such as Manchester Town Hall, the National Football Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester United Football Club. Hop-off at Salford Quays to visit the famous Lowry art gallery and Imperial War Museum North in the stunning building by Daniel Libeskind. Discover the new media hub where the BBC and ITV have located their TV studios, and avail of the canal-side shops and restaurants. 

From Manchester: Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip

9. From Manchester: Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip

Departing from Manchester in the morning, set off on a day trip to Derbyshire's Peak District. The first stop is in Castleton, a quaint old town that attracts visitors from all over the world for its quintessential English charm. Wander the streets, enjoy a beautiful view up a valley, and learn about the history at the fascinating information center. Proceed then to Monsal Head, a scenic viewpoint. Hear about the impressive history of the famous viaduct that emerges from green hills to create a unique view. Stop for lunch in Bakewell next. Not only is this town exciting to look at, it's also the birthplace of one of England's most famous desserts, Bakewell pudding.  Continue to Poole's Cavern. Opt for a visit to this enormous limestone cave system that has been described as one of the wonders of the Peak District. This series of caves has welcomed Mary Queen of Scots and countless other visitors, all who have marveled at its many chambers, stalagmites, and stalactites. Travel back to Manchester, arriving in the late afternoon.

From Manchester: North Wales Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip

10. From Manchester: North Wales Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip

Leave the bustling city of Manchester and travel to Wales on a 90-minute fully-narrated journey arriving at Llandudno. Visit the 12th-century hidden chapel of St. Tudno on the Great Orme. Next is the walled town of Conwy, constructed in 1283 with a fabulous 3/4-mile wall circuit. Go inside Conwy Castle, a gritty, dark-stoned fortress built by James of St. George in partnership with the french Richard The Engineer. Head into Snowdonia National Park using carefully-selected, off-the-beaten-track routes with a stop at the “capital of North Wales”: Betws-Y-Coed prayer house in the woods. Finally, take the unique opportunity to experience the Pontcysyllte Canal Aqueduct, built by Sir Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805. Prepare to be entertained and informed by your experienced guide and driver.

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What people are saying about Manchester

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 6,030 reviews

We took our 10 year old City fan for the tour today and cannot praise this tour highly enough. We had guides Chris and Ian who were both superb. They were funny, friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the stadium, the team and the club overall. Both guides were also incredibly attentive to all the children in the tour group ensuring they were given chances to ask questions if they wanted to but mostly to get involved in all aspects of the tour. There were some really fun things the children were able to do but I wouldn’t want to spoil that for others by saying what they did. Suffice it to say you will love this tour. We can’t thank Ian and Chris enough we had an amazing time ⚽️

What an amazing fun pack experience. We went as a couple but soon became part of a group of 8. It was absolutely great, our tutor was wonderful and we all cheered each other on. Superb. I would highly recommend this experience.

Great tour, beautiful scenery and great information from the your guide Clive. Extremely enjoyable tour and very comfortable to have a day long tour where all location information is sorted for you.

Very enjoyable day with beautiful scenery and picturesque towns along the way.Clive our driver was great with his knowledge of history and tips for things to do at each stop.A great day out

It was a very exciting day. We had an excellent guide/ driver. There was ample time to explore in several places.