Manchester area guide
Things to do in Manchester
Manchester is the capital of northern England, with a youthful energy and a growing diversity of culture making it an exciting place to live and to visit. Its industrial past blends with a creative present, along with a proud heritage in music, sport and art.
A short walk from the city centre, YHA Manchester is perfect for those on a budget looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of Manchester. With en-suite rooms across a range of room types, the hostel is perfect for families, individuals and groups. Its social areas are vast and bright, with plenty to keep you entertained even after a busy day.
Here’s all the information you need to plan a great trip to Manchester – theatres, museums, galleries, football stadiums and so much more. Check out our downloadable city guide we’ve created to help you locate all the gems Manchester has to offer.
Top Manchester attractions
John Rylands Library
One of Manchester’s standout buildings, The John Rylands Library is, well, not particularly library-like. Commissioned in memory of the man whose name it bears, the library is more reminiscent of a...
Manchester's Museums
Manchester’s vast and varied history is celebrated across a number of excellent museums which span the city. Perhaps best known are the IWM North , a superb, modern museum depicting stories of...
Sporting Stadia
A hotbed of sporting activity, Manchester is proud to boast three magnificent sporting venues. Old Trafford is familiar to most as the Theatre of Dreams, home of Manchester United, but to others as...
The Lowry
One of Lancashire’s favourite sons, LS Lowry’s work is on permanent display at The Lowry. The Lowry is an architectural flagship, consisting of a state-of-the-art gallery and theatre complex, with...
Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is a large indoor shopping centre and leisure complex with over 200 retailers, regular events and a cinema. With lots of places to eat and drink plus laser quest, miniature golf...
Best things to do in Manchester
Airkix Indoor Skydiving
Try indoor skydiving - perfect for group bookings, first time flyers, skydivers and pro flyers.
Alcotraz – Manchester's speakeasy cocktail bar prison experience
Alcotraz Cell Block Three-Four promises to be one of the most unique cocktail bars in Manchester. Once convicted, inmates are taken into an exciting world of mischief as they are instructed by a...
Chill Factore
Learn to ski and snowboard on an incredible 180 metre long, real snow slope. Little ones will love the magic of the snowplay area.
Climbing in Manchester
Try your hand at mountain climbing in a safe and secure environment, taster sessions and full courses are available at Chill Factore. This amazing indoor facility is great for a fun fuelled day out...
Museum of Science and Industry
A fascinating museum tracking the developments of the industrial revolution in Manchester, including the return of Stephenson’s Rocket to Manchester for the first time in over 180 years. One major...
Old Trafford Tour
Visit the home of Manchester United and see the stadium through the eyes of the legends themselves.
The Lowry
One of Lancashire’s favourite sons, LS Lowry’s work is on permanent display at The Lowry. The Lowry is an architectural flagship, consisting of a state-of-the-art gallery and theatre complex, with...
Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is a large indoor shopping centre and leisure complex with over 200 retailers, regular events and a cinema. With lots of places to eat and drink plus laser quest, miniature golf...
Trafford Golf Centre
The best practice facilities to help you learn, practice, improve and enjoy your golf. There's also a Dino Falls Adventure Golf course for children. Visit the website
Walking and Rambling in Manchester
Stride out on foot to discover this beautiful, vibrant city. Whether it be designated routes or exploring hidden corners and fantastic architecture, you’re sure to enjoy wandering around and taking in...
Watersports in Manchester
Salford Water Sports Centre is a state of the art facility. Learn how to sail, canoe, windsurf, kayak, and drive a power boat in a safe and secure environment. Trained instructors will be with you...
Surrounding areas
Beyond Manchester
While the city itself has plenty to satisfy your wishes, Manchester also benefits from its geographical position close to plenty of other spots to explore and enjoy. If you fancy some sea air, head up to the coast to Southport or Blackpool, traditional seaside resorts which the kids will love. Alternatively, for a slightly slower pace, set off in the opposite direction towards the Peak District and Lyme Park, a vast house and country estate just 30 minutes from the city centre. Or, if one super city isn’t enough to please you, venture west to Liverpool, again less than an hour away and jam packed with plenty to see and do.
Transport in Manchester
By train
Manchester is served by three mainline railway stations: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria, which offer regular services to and from virtually all corners of the country.
By bus
Regular National Express coach services operate in and out of Manchester from across the UK, including services from London, Liverpool and key airports. Manchester also benefits from a Metroshuttle service, free bus routes which operate in certain areas, including close to YHA Manchester.
By plane
Manchester is served by its own airport, just a 10 mile journey from the city centre. Trains and trams operate regularly throughout the day between the airport and the city centre, making it easily accessible.
By car
Manchester is well connected to the rest of the UK via excellent motorway links. The M60 ring road connects the city to the M6 and M62, giving access from all directions.
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Manchester essentials
Accommodation
Just a short stroll from the city centre in the Castlefield area of the city, YHA Manchester is a purpose-built hostel, ideal for travellers looking to enjoy bright, colourful social spaces and well-appointed en-suite bedrooms. Plus, with a licensed bar, conference rooms, a restaurant, TV lounge, self-catering kitchen and free WiFi, why look elsewhere?
Dining out
While you can happily enjoy delicious meals at YHA Manchester, it's well worth venturing out and about to enjoy the culinary options available across the city. From high-end dining in Spinningfields, to authentic sub-continental food on Rusholme's curry mile (and plenty more in between), Manchester is a foodie's delight.
Nightlife
Once you've enjoyed a bite to eat, you may want to wash it down with a drink (and possibly a dance). Happily, Manchester has got you covered here too. Whether it's the glitzy bars at Deansgate Locks, the quirky craft spots of the Northern Quarter or the more weird and wonderful such as the Temple (a converted pubic toilet), that you're looking for - there's no shortage of spots to spend an evening.
Music scene
If there is one thing that is synonymous with Manchester, then it's its music scene. If you can, catch a gig at one of Manchester's numerous music venues. If not, immerse yourself in the city's musical heritage throughout the city, from the Hacienda to FAC251. Plus, keep an eye out for the musical mural which adorns the wall at YHA Manchester – you can't miss it and we think it's 'dead cool'.
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