An Insider's Guide to Manchester

Manchester: the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, home to Premier League football clubs Manchester City and Manchester United, and the cradle of legendary bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division, and Oasis. This city is a cultural melting pot with a vast and dramatic history within the music, literature, and sports industries. From a rich and interesting past to the vibrancy and character present, it’s unsurprising there’s no shortage of things to do and see in one of England’s most exciting cities.

It also comes as no surprise that it's one of our departure points for tours. So, if you're planning a visit to Manchester or using it as a departure point for a trip, let’s look at a few of the best things to do in this buzzing city.

 Blockbuster bites 

From rooftop bars with skyline views to the Flavours of Manchester food tours, local produce-led menus to Salford Rum distillery tastings, Manchester serves up a brilliant time for hungry travellers.

Manchester is a food lover’s paradise. Start with cocktails at rooftop favourites like 20 Stories and Cloud 23 and take in those skyline views. Explore indie cafes, sleek chef’s counters and bustling food halls such as Mackie Mayor. Join a guided tasting tour and eat the city as you go. Local legends run story rich tours that bring Manchester’s history into every bite, with Scranchester Food Tours who turns lunch into an edible walking adventure. An Afternoon Tea Taxi Tour lets you enjoy homemade treats whilst being chauffeured around the city’s highlights in a fully electric black cab.

Culture takes centre stage

Explore John Rylands Library and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve wandered into a magical school. From galleries to live performances, Manchester’s arts and culture scene is confidently thriving.

As a UNESCO City of Literature, you can explore some extraordinary libraries including Chetham’s Library – the oldest public library in the English speaking world. The Science and Industry Museum will uncover the city’s inventive spirit, where Manchester went from its industrial pasts to its innovative and trailblazing present. Aviva Studios (home of Factory International) sets the bar for cutting edge arts and performance. You can expect bold installations, global music and events. On the streets, walk along canals, warehouses and cobbled street to discover where major productions such as Peaky Blinders, The Crown and Captain America were filmed on The Locationist: Film & TV Locations walking tour.

Sporting attractions

Walk in the footsteps of legends and dive into Manchester’s world famous sporting spirit. Stadium tours are available at both Manchester City and Manchester United.

Manchester City Football Club Stadium Tour is the city’s most immersive sporting experience. A full behind-the-scenes journey through one of the world’s most successful clubs. Step into the players changing rooms, sit in Pep’s seat in the dugout and walk through the tunnel to enjoy pitch side views.

Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour offers a classic pilgrimage through Old Trafford – “The Theatre of Dreams”. Explore the club’s legendary history, browse iconic memorabilia and step pitch side where the football giants have made history.

Whether you are a football-mad fan or looking for a family activity, the National Football Museum offers interactive exhibits, legendary artefacts, and a chance to win a penalty shootout!

Shopping

Whether you love high street brands, rowdy marketplaces, or independent stalls; Manchester has a fantastic range of shopping precincts to tempt you into spending your well-earned cash.

Explore Afflecks, a treasure trove of unique traders, offering everything from wonderful jewellery to vintage clothing and craft stores. You can spend hours getting lost in the labyrinth of this must-visit shopping experience. It doesn’t stop there, in the alternative and creative Northern Quarter, you will also find gems like Fred Aldous, an arts and crafts store and Manchester Craft and Design Centre which is home of contemporary studios set with a Victorian market building.

Manchester Arndale and The Trafford Centre is where you will find a huge selection of international brands alongside high street favourites. For that extra special something, boutique districts such as King Street and New Cathedral Street are home to international designer brands.

The Village

Party-goers seeking a good time need not look further than Manchester’s famous Canal Street: the beating heart of the city’s gay village. Jam-packed with thumping clubs, colourful bars and welcoming pubs; it’s definitely the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night! Canal Street is a cultural celebration of the LGBT+ community and its history within Mancunian society. Great food, drinks, entertainment and company is readily available seven nights a week in this welcoming and vibrant city district. With various events taking place throughout the year, everyone is welcome to enjoy a place where acceptance and celebration creates an unforgettable atmosphere for all.

Further Afield

Looking to expand your horizons beyond Manchester? Perhaps you’d like to explore more of England or venture into Wales? Manchester is a great starting point. Rabbie’s offers many trips from the city. Here’s a little sneak peak of the types of places you can explore.

The Yorkshire Dales & Peak District

Craving picture-perfect country villages, rugged moorlands, rolling hills, and majestic estates? Venture into England’s northern countryside and immerse yourself in local culture, history and legend. Oh, and incredibly tasty food! Did somebody mention Bakewell pudding? Have a look at our tours that go to the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District.

Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester

Travel into Wales’ awe-inspiring national park, Snowdonia and revel in its natural beauty. Wander along the cobblestones of ancient Medieval and Tudor villages. View the scenery that inspired some of the world’s greatest poets and perhaps even write down a phrase or two yourself. Book this Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester tour.

Lake District Explorer

Tall mountains, deep lakes, quaint villages and serene views are plentiful on this escape from England’s bustling cities. Discover the wonders of country life at your own pace. Breathe in the fresh forest air, feel the mist of waterfalls on your skin and enjoy warm local hospitality. Book this Lake District Explorer tour.

This guide hasn’t even begun to encompass the range of sites and activities that Manchester and its surrounding countryside has to offer. But we hope these hand-picked recommendations have given you a little food for thought and plenty of inspiration for your next trip.

See all of Rabbie's tours from Manchester here.

Photos courtesy of Marketing Manchester.