92 Things to do in Manchester

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a sports fan, an art lover, or a foodie. Manchester has something special in store for you.

To celebrate the great city on Manchester Day, here are 92 must-visit places for you to explore as a student.

Let’s dive in and discover the magic that makes the UK’s second largest city (World Urban Areas Report 2023) a truly unforgettable city!

SPORT

Manchester’s sports scene does not stop with world-class football. It also offers a diverse range of sports and activities, including cricket, rugby, cycling, athletics, and swimming, making it a city that caters to everyone’s interests and passions. 

1.    Old Trafford Football Ground (Home of Manchester United)

2.    The Etihad Stadium (Home of Manchester City FC)

3.    Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground (Home to Lancashire Cricket Club)

4.    National Cycling Centre (Home to British Cycling)

5.     National Indoor BMX Arena

6.     Projekts Manchester Skatepark

7.     Sale Sharks (AJ Bell Stadium)

8.     Manchester Aquatics Centre (Olympic size swimming pool)

9.     The National Basketball Performance Centre (Home of Manchester Giants)

10.   National Taekwondo Centre 

11.    Planet Ice (Home of Manchester Storm, Ice Hockey)

12.   Manchester Thunder (Netball) based at National Basketball Centre

FOOD

From traditional dishes to gourmet delights, this city offers a wide range of culinary experiences to satisfy every palate. 

13.     Archie’s

14.     Rudy’s

15.     Freight Island

16.    Wing Yip Superstore

17.     Bundobust

18.     Wolf at the Door

19.     This & That

20.     Sunrise Caribbean Takeaway 

21.     Arndale Food Market

22.    Crazy Pedros

23.    Ramona

24.    Ciaoo Pizzeria

25.    Die Cast

26.    China Town

27.    The Curry Mile

28.   Northern Quarter

29.   Ducie Street Warehouse

SHOPPING

The city has something for every budget. From upscale boutiques to quirky vintage independents, you will find just what you are looking for.

30.     The Trafford Centre

31.     Affleck’s

32.     King’s Street

33.     Lowry Outlet

34.     Manchester Arndale

35.     Selfridge’s

36.     Manchester Craft and Design Centre

37.     The Royal Exchange

38.     Manchester Christmas Markets

39.     Market Street

40.    Northen Quarter

CULTURE  AND HERITAGE

It’s a dynamic city of diverse culture and strong heritage, where industrial history, influential music scenes, and a thriving arts community combine to create a vibrant and forward-looking urban landscape. From Art, fashion, history, design, music, sport, and theatre there’s something for everyone.

41.    Whitworth Art Gallery

42.    Manchester Museum

43.    The Lowry

44.    Imperial War Museum

45.    The National Football Museum

46.    HOME

47.    Science and Industry Museum

48.    Hat Works

49.    John Rylands Library

50.    People’s History Museum

51.    Manchester Art Gallery

52.   The Pankhurst Centre

53.   Aviva Studios

54.  Victoria Baths

55.   Manchester Central Library 

56.   Stockport Air Raid Shelters 

ENTERTAINMENT

Discover a wide range of entertainment throughout the year. From adventure days out to the music scene, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

57.     Great Northern Warehouse

58.     Chill Factore

59.     Greystone Outdoor Sports Centre

60.     Manchester Climbing Wall

61.      I’m A Celebrity @ Media City

62.      Junkyard Golf

63.     Flight Club 

64.     Lane7 Manchester 

65.     All Star Lanes Manchester 

66.    The Coronation Street Experience

67.     O2 Apollo

68.    AO Arena

69.    Co-op Live[OR1]  (opening in 2024)

70.    Castlefield Bowl

71.     Parklife

72.    O2 Victoria Warehouse

73.    Crystal Maze Experience

74.   The Royal Exchange Theatre 

75.   The Opera House Theat

76.   Palace Theatre 

77.   Contact Theatre 

78.  Everyman Cinema

79.  The Lowry Theatre

PARKS AND OUTDOOR SPACES

Amongst the busy city with both modern and historical buildings, you’ll also find a variety of green spaces where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city-centre and the surrounding areas. 

80.   RHS Garden Bridgewater

81.    Heaton Park

82.    Sale Water Park

83.    The Vimto Park

84.    Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

85.    Mayfield Park

86.    The Bridgewater Way

87.    Clayton Vale Mountain Bike trails

88.    Rivington Pike

89.    Longford Park

90.    Castlefield Viaduct 

91.    Blackley Forest 

92.   Platt Fields Park.

Find out more about Student Life in Manchester.