25 unmissable things to do in Manchester

What is it? A canalside neighbourhood that’s now very much the place to be. With a wave of a regeneration wand, this former textile district is a hit with both seasoned locals and visiting foodies.

Why go? Way back before it became a favourite hangout for food-obsessed millennials living in expansive digs with expensive dogs, Ancoats was known as ‘Little Italy’, in honour of the many Italian immigrants who came to live here during the late 19th century. Honour that heritage with superb pizza at the original Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, which has proven so popular since setting up shop in 2015 that it’s spread itself thickly across the entire country. Or, if you’re after something spicy, try out Nam or Viet Shack for Sriracha-spiked noodles, zingy papaya salads and broths worth bathing in.

If you’re into seasonal small plates that punch way above their size head washed down with natural wine, swan over to Erst, Canto, Elnecot or Flawd (technically in New Islington but it’s barely a cork’s throw away). The latter’s little platters are served up by sunny day hotspot Ancoats Marina too, so saunter over on a lazy Sunday after scarfing down a cruffin at indie bakery Pollen.

Don’t miss: Mana, Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant since 1977.

What is it? A library commissioned by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who became Manchester's first multi­millionaire as the owner of the UK's largest textile manufacturing business. The building is home to reading rooms, a library and tall, spiralling stairways. 

Why go? In times of woe and in need of spiritual guidance, you could well find yourself wandering into The John Rylands Research Institute and Library mistaking it for a church, such is the late Victorian neo­-Gothic splendour of this magnificent building. However, inside you’d find something which could truly enrich the soul – about 200,000 books.

👀 Our take: ‘If you’re a goth girl who likes to read and also used to be a little bit obsessed with Harry Potter, this is your new favourite place. Beautifully august, ornate and just a little bit spooky, Rylands is the ideal spot to pore over a tome and lose track of time.’ –Kyle MacNeill

What is it? Ten thousand people all under one roof, raving in a mega warehouse.

Why go? Started in 2006 by local nightlife overlord Sacha Lord, The Warehouse Project (or WHP) has become an iconic after-hours institution. Moving with nomadic speed from Boddingtons Brewery to an air raid shelter under Manchester Piccadilly to Victoria Warehouse, it’s now located in the capacious space of Depot Mayfield.

Each season runs from September to NYD and is stacked with basically every single selector you could possibly think of; last year featured the likes of Bicep, Jon Hopkins, Kerri Chandler, Jayda G, Joy Orbison, Eliza Rose, the entire Rush Hour crew, DJ BORING, Bradley Zero, Dan Shake and Elkka (to prove a point, that was all in a single night on Saturday September 16). Tickets naturally sell like hotcakes covered in gold leaf, so be quick.

Don’t miss: Go to WHP for NYE – the Depot always delivers a big final night of the year.

What is it? Incredibly hungry and highly indecisive? You need to taste all the gastronomic options on offer at Mackie Mayor and the rest of Manchester’s great food markets. 

Why go? Mackie Mayor is a huge converted Grade II-listed building that promises 400 seats and cracking food from nine independent kitchens, including broth behemoth New Wave Ramen and pioneer of all things piquant Pico’s Tacos. If you can’t get enough, pop over to Grub for ever-revolving residents and banging plant-based options. Finally, try Society, featuring five ace local indie kitchens (including burger kings Slap & Pickle) and 40 different beers thanks to Vocation.

Don’t miss: Closer to Altrinham but craving the food of Mackie Mayor? Head to its regenerated sister venue Alty Market for the exact same scran and a change of scenery.

What is it? Deflate your lilo and ditch the beach balls – we’re not talking about an aquatic amusement park à la the Algarve. Instead, we’re referring to South Manchester's lakeside nature reserves, Chorlton Water Park.

Why go? As soon as a smidgeon of sun arrives, this park (along with its equally-as-stunning buddy Sale Water Park) become total hotspots. And if it’s raining? Get your mac on! You can stroll (or run) around the reservoirs, post up next to the waterfront with a picnic (head to Unicorn Grocery first for the ultimate picky bits) or go canoeing, kayaking, rowing and whatever else might float your boat. Just note that you can only officially take a dip in the water during certain slots.

Don’t miss: If you’re up for some wild swimming, Lumb Falls near Hebden Bridge is probably a better bet. Also, let’s just say that the ‘No Swimming’ sign at Pickmere Lake isn’t exactly adhered to. 

What is it? Independent record stores such as Vinyl Exchange, Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records have been supplying Mancs with mega tunes for years, paving the way for the next generation of local bands.

Why go? The city centre’s vinyl emporiums have become world-renowned for their collections. But there are some gems tucked away in the suburbs, too. Take a quick trip to Burnage, for example, and you’ll find Sifters, immortalised in the Oasis song ‘Shakermaker’. Over the way in Chorlton, Kingbee Records offers a treasure trove of rare cuts among the Wet Wet Wet and Meat Loaf albums nobody wants any more. In fact, so good is Kingbee’s collection that some have been known to regularly come all the way from New York to visit (arriving with an empty suitcase and leaving with one that won’t zip up). 

Don’t miss: Rubber Ducky Records, a barge stacked with total tunage. It’s come back from a disastrous sinking incident and is now once again touring Manchester’s canals, so get down to Ducky for a day of dance music digging.

What is it? Arts, crafts, jewellery and illustration stalls that showcase the city's creativity. 

Why go? When it comes to making things, Manchester is the Queen Bee. Drawing on its industrious industrial past, the city is alive with creatives crafting things and teaching you how to do so too. Head to the Manchester Craft and Design Center in NQ to discover more than 30 independent artists under one roof, pick up the perfect staycation souvenir or challenge yourself at one of their many jewellery or illustration workshops. Or squeeze your way down wafer-thin Ancoats alleyway Bradley Street to chic lifestyle store Form, hosting regular classes on terrazzo tiles, natural candle making and embroidery. 

Don’t miss: The Maker’s Market, featuring scores of local artists (and eateries) on weekends in a revolving roster of places (often boujee suburb West Didsbury and bohemian hotspot Chorlton).

What is it? Manchester produces some of the finest craft beer in the world, so make sure you stumble to some of its best breweries and beer houses. 

Why go? Make a beeline – or should that be a beerline? – towards crafty bars like new bird-on-the-block Pelican (which opened in April 2023), the Piccadilly Tap (run by the team behind London’s Euston Tap) and Beermoth, all within a few minutes’ walk of Piccadilly Gardens. After something more specific? Try one of a number of bars run by local brewers; new kid-on-the-block North Westward Ho from Pomona Island, Blackjack Brewery’s Smithfield Market Tavern (just next to Band on the Wall), Seven Bro7hers’ Bar in Ancoats or the historic Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road, which showcases Marble’s newest beers.

Don’t miss: More of a wine person? Steer clear of the pints and book a Manchester Wine Tour, group tours which stop at the best spots in the city (casual and fancy). Private tours are also available. 

What is it? The second largest Chinatown doesn’t just serve up Chinese food; it’s home to a whole host of Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Japanese joints.

Why go? If you’re doing any sort of East Asian cooking, skip the Big Four and head to the area’s array of authentic supermarkets. Blue Whale is king when it comes to procuring seafood fresh from the tank, while Hang Won Hong and its delivery service TukTuk Mart have a wicked selection of fresh herbs and store cupboard essentials. Not keen on getting the wok out? Go to Pho Cue for the best Vietnamese food you’ll ever eat or join the serpentine queue at Happy Seasons for its signature roasted dishes.

Don’t miss: Sunk a few too many Tsingtaos with your spring rolls? Need to dance it off? Bop to Vina, K2, Orchid or all three for a proper karaoke experience. 

What is it? Every day is a vintage one on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter. It’s lined with what we reckon is the most secondhand stores on a single road in the whole of the UK. 

Why go?  Into thrifting? This is your haven. Start from the Piccadilly Gardens end and strut your way into Blue Rinse, a huge vintage emporium that restocks on the regular. There’s also a permanent kilo sale round the back of Blue Rinse (next to NQ64) to bag a bargain. Then, Afflecks, an eclectic emporium of wares and wears including Pop Boutique (they also have a standalone shop across the road) and Zeffa that’s been the scene for scene kids since the ‘80s. A few doors down and you’ll find the equally beefy Cow, stacked with two floors of garms and an always impeccably-curated window display to lure you in. 

Next on the stretch is Oxfam Originals (your dream ‘80s suit is here) and Gone Fishing, a hangout with bangers on its hangers, especially retro Italian gear from Stone Island, Missoni and CP Company. To complete the loop, walk a few paces opposite to Pop Boutique.

Don’t miss: Just a couple of minutes around the corner off Stephenson Square is Suzylovesmilo, one of the finest designer boutiques in the UK, in our opinion. The team regularly head to Japan to get a new glut of garms and will happily walk you through their enviable collection of Harajuku fashion, from Yohji Yamamoto to BEAMS. A bit of Hacienda-era classic house in the background gets you in the mood.