Whether you’re visiting Manchester for the weekend, or permanently relocating yourself to the Northern Powerhouse, Manchester is a great city to be in. In today’s blog, we’ll give you all the must-see places and things to do when you’re visiting Manchester.

Football

Football is in a Mancunions blood, and the city is spoilt for choice when it comes to football. Whether you’re cheering on Manchester City, or Manchester United, you’ve got to visit Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, or better still, go and experience a Manchester Derby game for the ultimate football atmosphere.

Neither a city or united fan? Not to worry, Manchester’s National Football Museum is home to an abundance of memorabilia and collectables from clubs all around the world, as well as interactive activities and discovery zones across the museum.

Music

Music is arguably what put Manchester on the map with its rich heritage and the quality of bands that have been made in this very city. Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Elbow are just a few of the big names made in Manchester. Manchester’s music scene is still thriving and is home to some of the biggest and best music venues in the world.

Manchester Arena is not only the largest arena in Europe, but also one of the busiest venues in the world and is constantly welcoming a-list stars to the city. Manchester’s independent music scene is also flourishing, thanks to the plethora of independent bars and venues dotted around the city. Band on The Wall and Yes Bar are just a couple of must try venues for up and coming live music.

Shopping

Consider yourself a shopaholic? You will be in good company as Manchester attracts crowds from all over the world to go shopping, and it’s easy to see why. With more shops in Manchester per square kilometre than London, a day out shopping in Manchester is certainly a goldmine for shopaholics.

The Trafford Centre is affectionately known to be the mecca of shopping for the north. The huge centre is home to numerous high street names, as well as high-end designers and independent shops all in one place.

If you want to stay local to the city centre, Manchester Arndale shopping centre is a great place to head. Full of high-street favourites as well as enough food and drink options to satisfy all taste buds.

Food

Food, glorious food… something that Manchester certainly does well. Whilst we’re home to almost every chain restaurant you could think of, it’s Manchester’s independent food scene that sets us apart. In 2019, Manchester’s MANA restaurant granted the city our first Michelin star in over 40 years.

Other foody highlights include Mackie Mayor, Smithfield's Grade II Listed 1858 Market which has been reimagined and transformed into a huge food hall, with independent local vendors offering steaks, pizza & sandwiches, with an industrial communal dining feel to the place.

Another must visit is Hatch, an award-winning destination located under the Mancunian Way on Oxford Road, Hatch is home to over 30 independent traders, many of which are incredible street food artists.

Nightlife / Alternative activities

Manchester has always been a hotspot for big birthdays, hen parties and stag does; this is because Manchester always delivers on a night out. We could tell you all about the great bars and nightclubs in the city, but we would rather tell you all about the fun you can have whilst in Manchester.

Flight Club is Manchester’s answer to the pub classic game of darts, which has been redesigned for a millennial audience. A huge carnival style bar serving every kind of cocktail dominates the main room. Small alcoves are dotted around the venue where groups can book an interactive dart board for their evening. The atmosphere in Flight Club is always a good one, and if you’re competitive you will have a great night here!

The competitive theme continues at Roxy Ball Room. Located along Deansgate, Roxy Ball Room is the home of social gaming. The venue is spread across three floors and plays host to a number of games, including beer pong, a mini-golf course, pool tables and ping pong. It’s a must try for any competition lovers and great for larger groups of friends.

Bongo’s Bingo is also a must visit place in Manchester. A far cry from your conventional game of bingo, Bingo’s Bingo is held at the famous Albert Hall and is known for its ludicrous questions, shocking challenges, terrific tunes, bonkers prizes and infectious atmosphere. The event is one of the biggest in Manchester, and although events are regular, securing a ticket can be the hardest part.

Art / Culture

Manchester’s cultural heritage is evident on every street. The most obvious is how Manchester’s industrial past has been re-invented for the present. Not only this, but it’s been done in a way that keeps Manchester current, trendy and pioneering. That said, we have an abundance of art galleries and museums to appreciate our heritage and where it all started for us, as a city.

Manchester Science and Industry Museum is a great place to appreciate Manchester’s industrial past, and to understand all the ideas that have come from Manchester and have changed the world. Manchester Museum is another fantastic free museum, owned by The University of Manchester and open to the public, Manchester Museum displays works of archaeology, anthropology and natural history. Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth Art Gallery and Home are great exhibition spaces that are constantly evolving, so be sure to check out their websites and see if there is anything that may interest you!

As you can see, Manchester certainly has a lot to offer. Whether you’re just visiting for a weekend, or living here indefinitely, you will always have something to do. Fancy living in a city that offers all of this? We specialise in energy efficient city centre apartments to rent, so contact us today and we will help you make your move to one of the best cities in the world!