Bursting at the seams with so much to see and do, Manchester is a welcoming city that has something for everyone to enjoy, from museums and art galleries to behind the scene tours of many famous venues. Manchester’s diverse culture and unique historical roots (did you know Manchester is considered to be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution?) make it a great place to explore on your own. To find the best places to visit as a solo traveler, be sure to check out these fun things to do in Manchester.
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1. Eat like a rock star at the Hard Rock Cafe Manchester
While you are out exploring Manchester, you’ll invariably need to grab a bite to eat at some point. Why not choose somewhere with interesting musical memorabilia in addition to some rockin’ grub? When dining at the Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, you’ll choose between a two and three-course menu, with menu options such as their famous cheeseburger or barbecue chicken. Depending on your timing, you may even get to take in a rock show featuring a local band. Be sure to visit their store on your way out and pick up a souvenir to remember your trip by.
2. Take a food tour around Manchester
Food tours are a great way to find some of the best local eats around a city that you may not have known about previously, and Manchester is no exception. This tour starts and concludes in the Northern Quarter and takes you into the heart of the city in the in between. While on the tour, you will learn about British food and drink and their history while eating what amounts to a large meal, so be sure to come hungry! The tour lasts about 3.5 hours on average and has a maximum capacity of twelve people to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.
Book Tours : Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch
3. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Etihad Stadium
This tour is perfect for sports enthusiasts. On this 1.5-hour walking tour, you will go behind the scenes of the Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium, where you will visit the manager’s dugout, press conference room and the players’ changing rooms. Enjoy a brief history lesson on the team that dates back to the 1800’s with the interactive displays located in the exhibition hall. Your tour guide will recount to you stories of football legends, including Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany. Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out; your ticket to the tour will get you a 10% discount on all merchandise.
Book Tours : The Manchester City Stadium Tour
4. Discover the city by taking a private tour with a local
There is simply no better way to discover all that Manchester has to offer than by learning from someone who lives in the area. Take a walking tour with a local and you’ll be treated to the best insider information: the best restaurants to dine at, the best methods for getting around town and more. You can arrange for your tour to start wherever you are lodging, be it in a hotel or an Airbnb rental. Tours last between two to six hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Book Tours : Welcome to Manchester: Private Tour with a Local
5. Eat and play at the National Football Museum
Stop by the National Football Museum during your trip to Manchester and have the best day exploring. The museum is full of artifacts and memorabilia and has an area with interactive games that change regularly, guaranteeing a fresh experience even if you have visited in the past. On the ground floor of the museum, you’ll find the cafe. Here, you can choose from a set menu listing while enjoying watching live sports on one of eight plasma screen TVs.
6. Embark on a canal cruise
Get a look at the city from a different angle when you take a Manchester Ship Canal Cruise. These cruises last about an hour and they depart from the docks every 75 minutes, giving you plenty of time options throughout the day to set sail. Some of the highlights of the cruise include seeing Stephenson’s 1830 railway bridge and Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams, all while listening to an audio documentary that details the canal’s history and future.
Book Tours : Manchester: Canal & River Cruise
7. Enjoy your evening on board a river cruise
As the daylight begins to wane, climb aboard the Princess Katherine and watch as the sun sets and the city begins to light up. This two-hour evening cruise departs from the city center and takes you past sights such as the Imperial War Museum and Old Trafford. While on board, you will be able to enjoy a snack from a shared food board as well as a glass of wine or beer from a local brewery.
Book Tours : Manchester: 1.5-Hour Evening River Cruise
8. Get an inside peek at the Manchester United Museum and Stadium
Take a look behind the scenes and learn more about the history of the Manchester United team during this 75-minute tour. You will get the chance to see the players’ dressing room, visit the trophy room and walk through the tunnel out onto the field. The museum itself features a hefty amount of team artifacts that have collected over the decades, all telling a vibrant story about how the team came to be what it is today.
9. Take in a comedy show at a local venue
If you love a good comedy show, be sure to plan on spending an evening at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club. There is a show every Friday and Saturday night featuring the club’s flagship act called the Barrel of Laughs. The show lasts about 2.5 hours and includes three acts from both the national and international stage as well as a local compere. Food and drinks are available during the show, with a late bar and a DJ after the show concludes.
Book Tours : Frog and Bucket Comedy Club Admission in Manchester
10. Dive into SEA LIFE Manchester
Take a deep sea excursion without setting foot in the ocean, by visiting SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium. Inside, you’ll find many fascinating species of aquatic life just waiting for you to find out more about them. Follow the life cycle of a sea turtle at the Turtle Beach exhibit before moving on to the underwater cave system exhibit where you will encounter some very strange looking creatures. During your tour of SEA LIFE, you’ll see such species as the lionfish, stingrays, jellyfish and even sharks!
Book Tours : SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket
Explore Manchester
Traveling alone can be a great way to explore places you’ve never been to before; you only have to see and do the things you are truly interested in. Manchester is a great city for solo travel, with plenty of entertainment options that are suitable for all tastes and interests. Plan a visit to Manchester soon, there’s so much here you don’t want to miss!
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