Top 20 Best Things to Do in Manchester
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Manchester

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Etihad Stadiumtop_1
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.7
    102.68
    Manchester3.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Bowl-shaped stadium seats 54,000
    󱓊Bowl design & great viewing
    󱨠Saved by 174 users󱨠120 positive reviews
  • Chinatowntop_2
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.3
    Manchester.City Centre521m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Authentic Chinese restaurants
    󰀆Chinese New Year lion dance
    󱨠Saved by 203 users󱨠29% positive reviews
  • John Rylands Research Institute and Librarytop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂5.7
    Manchester.City Centre110m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Early printed books & manuscripts
    󱓊Victorian Gothic architectural masterpiece
    󱨠Saved by 192 users󱨠33% positive reviews
  • The University of Manchester
    4
    4.7/5
    󰺂5.4
    Manchester1.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊25 Nobel laureates from this university
    󱨜Top red brick university in UK
    󱨠Saved by 132 users󱨠51% positive reviews
  • National Football Museum
    5
    4.4/5
    󰺂5.2
    Manchester.City Centre846m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Test speed & reaction, commentary fun
    󱓊140,000 football memorabilia items
    󱨠Saved by 137 users
  • Manchester City Council
    6
    4.3/5
    󰺂5.0
    Manchester.City Centre299m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Dalton & Joule statues in the hall
    󱓊1877 Gothic landmark clock tower
    󱨠33% positive reviews
  • Manchester Cathedral
    7
    4.0/5
    󰺂4.9
    Manchester.City Centre704m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Stained glass windows with light
    󱓊15th-century vertical Gothic building
    󱨠Saved by 142 users
  • Manchester Museum
    8
    4.6/5
    󰺂4.7
    Manchester1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoManchester Museum reopens | Feb 18, 2023
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Manchester
    Highlights:
    Animal specimens, skeletons & artifacts
    󱓊Victorian-style museum building
    󱨠Saved by 120 users󱨠52% positive reviews
  • Science and Industry Museum
    9
    4.3/5
    󰺂4.6
    Manchester.City Centre471m from downtown
    Highlights:
    1830s steam engines & machines
    󱓊Tech temple on Roman fort ruins
    󱨠Saved by 103 users󱨠31% positive reviews
  • Albert Square
    10
    4.3/5
    󰺂4.5
    Manchester.City Centre197m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Square with cultural buildings
    󱓊Gothic Town Hall by Waterhouse
    󱨠Saved by 113 users

Best things to do in Manchester (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Manchester? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Manchester offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Manchester

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Manchester experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Etihad Stadium

• Manchester | 3.2 km from downtown

• : Bowl-shaped stadium seats 54,000,Bowl design & great viewing

Chinatown

• Manchester.City Centre | 521m from downtown

• : Authentic Chinese restaurants,Chinese New Year lion dance

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

• Manchester.City Centre | 110m from downtown

• : Early printed books & manuscripts,Victorian Gothic architectural masterpiece

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Manchester

If you want to explore attractions just outside Manchester, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Manchester, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Manchester special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Manchester

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Manchester

Ready to explore the best of Manchester? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Manchester?
These are all Best Things to Do in Manchester:Etihad Stadium, Chinatown, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, The University of Manchester, National Football Museum
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Manchester?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Manchester include:Etihad Stadium:4.6, Chinatown:4.5, John Rylands Research Institute and Library:4.5, The University of Manchester:4.7, National Football Museum:4.4
At what locations in Manchester can Best Things to Do in Manchester be found?
The Best Things to Do in Manchester are mainly located in:Etihad Stadium:Manchester, Chinatown:Manchester, John Rylands Research Institute and Library:Manchester, The University of Manchester:Manchester, National Football Museum:Manchester
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