10 Best Things to Do in Manchester (That Aren’t Football Related)

Manchester is known worldwide as the football capital, home to two of the biggest clubs on the planet. With over 200,000 annual visits to Old Trafford alone, football is a major draw — but there are plenty of things to do in Manchester beyond football. As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, this Northern powerhouse is packed with Manchester attractions: historic libraries, museums, street art, indie restaurants, and some of the UK’s best craft beer. I completely fell in love with the mix of old and new, the walkable city centre, and the thriving food and music scene.

So without further ado, here are 10 of the best things to do in Manchester to round out your Manchester itinerary.

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10 Best Things to Do in Manchester (That Aren’t Football Related)

Explore the Northern Quarter – Manchester’s Coolest Neighbourhood

Situated in the city centre, between Piccadilly Station and Victoria Station, the Northern Quarter of Manchester is now one of the trendiest areas of the city, known for its alternative and Bohemian culture, independent shops, cafés, wine bars, pubs, and more. The area was officially named in the 1990s as part of the regeneration of Manchester city. 

The Northern Quarter as a contagious buzz to it, with a real artsy feel. If you want to experience “authentic” Manchester away from the tourist spots, definitely make a point to head to the Northern Quarter for a drink, tasty meal, browse in the shops, or even just a walk to people watch (and check out the impressive street art!). We particularly love Thomas Street, a now pedestrianised street with trendy places to drink, plenty of happy hour options, and open seating outside.

Eat at / The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar or Evelyn’s Café Bar

Drink at / Renae or Ad Hoc 

Shop at / Affleck’s (multi‑store alternative emporium)

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Eat & Drink in Ancoats – Manchester’s Foodie Hotspot

As of 2025, Ancoats has cemented itself as one of Manchester’s most vibrant areas. Voted by Time Out as the best place to live in Manchester and ranked among the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, it’s a district that perfectly blends history with modern living. Once at the heart of Manchester’s cotton industry, Ancoats today is a sought-after mix of converted red-brick mills and sleek new builds, now home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Eat at / Canto, Erst, or Rudy’s Pizza

Drink at / Matcha at Chaology, coffee and pastries at Companio, and cocktails at The Jane Eyre

Tip: Make dinner reservations on weekends; Ancoats gets busy.

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Visit Chetham’s Library – The Oldest Public Library in the English‑Speaking World

Did you know that the English-speaking world’s oldest public library is in the heart of Manchester? 

In continuous use as a public library for over 350 years, Chetham’s Library was first founded in 1653 under the will of Humphrey Chetham, a textile merchant, financier, and philanthropist from Lancashire. In a stunning sandstone building dating back to 1421, the library is truly an impressive place to visit, whether you’re a bilbiophile, or just looking for something new and historic to experience while in Manchester. Many important figures have visited Chetham’s to read, and you can even sit at the same table that Engels and Marx once studied from! 

Chetham’s can only be visited by guided tour, but we were very impressed by the quality of the tour as well as the enthusiasm by the guides. You can book tickets here.

Day trip from Manchester to the Peak District

One of the most desirable things about Manchester for me is how close it is to some of the UK’s most spectacular nature. The Lake District is only about an hour and a half’s drive to the southern lakes, while the Peak District sits just 20–45 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic.

Visiting the Peak District from Manchester makes for an easy and rewarding day trip. You can tour some of the country’s most elegant estates such as Chatsworth House, wander through charming towns like Buxton and Bakewell, and head out on hikes across rolling hills, limestone dales, and dramatic gritstone edges. Whether you’re after history, scenery, or fresh country air, it’s all right on Manchester’s doorstep.

This full-day tour is a convenient way to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District, with round-trip transportation included from Manchester.

Gooey – A Manchester Bakery Worth a Detour

OK, this one’s just for a bakery — but trust me, it deserves the spotlight. The cookies at Gooey are hands down some of the best I’ve had in ages.

Part bakery, part café, Gooey shot to fame after a visit from Lizzo, but it’s not just about the hype. It’s genuinely worth stopping by for both the cookies and the drinks. With a few locations around Manchester, the Northern Quarter outpost is the one to head for — it’s the only branch with a café space. The atmosphere is stylish yet laid-back, making it a perfect spot to meet a friend or get some work done. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Manchester/Manchester cafés, head to Gooey, order the iced strawberry vanilla matcha with a red velvet cookie, and thank me later.

Explore Manchester’s Craft Beer Scene

Manchester has quietly built one of the UK’s best craft beer scenes, with everything from small microbreweries to buzzing taprooms tucked around the city. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental brews, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Head to the Northern Quarter for quirky bars pouring local favourites, or make your way to the Green Quarter where independent breweries like Track and Cloudwater are leading the charge. With regular beer festivals and tap takeovers, Manchester is a city where you can always find something new on draft.

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Science and Industry Museum – Manchester’s Industrial Heritage

From the late 18th century, Manchester became the global hub of the cotton industry, earning the nickname “Cottonopolis.” A reminder of that legacy still crowns the city today — even the town hall is topped with a golden cotton emblem. The city also led the way in building the infrastructure that powered industry, from canals carrying coal and goods to the world’s first inter-city passenger railway.

To dive deeper into Manchester’s industrial past and its role in shaping science and technology, visit the Science and Industry Museum on the edge of the city centre. Admission is free, though you’ll need to book a reservation in advance.

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Step into the John Rylands Library – A Neo‑Gothic Landmark

Step into the John Rylands Library, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a cathedral of books. Opened in 1900 and built in memory of Manchester industrialist John Rylands, this neo-Gothic masterpiece is as much an architectural landmark as it is a library. Inside, you’ll find towering stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and reading rooms that look straight out of Hogwarts. Beyond the atmosphere, the collection is extraordinary — from rare manuscripts to a fragment of the oldest known piece of the New Testament. Best of all, it’s free to visit and right in the heart of the city.

Catch a film at HOME

HOME is Manchester’s centre for independent film, theatre, and art, and it’s one of the best places in the city to experience something a little different. From international cinema and one-off screenings to live performances and gallery exhibitions, there’s always something interesting on. The space itself is worth the visit, too, with a lively bar and restaurant that make it an easy spot to spend a whole evening.

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Walking Tours in Manchester

One of the best ways to get to know Manchester is on foot, and joining a walking tour gives you a deeper look at the city’s history and culture than you’d get wandering alone. There are tours covering everything from Manchester’s industrial heritage and street art to its music scene and even football history. It’s a chance to see the city through a local’s eyes, uncover stories you’d probably miss, and pick up tips on where to eat and explore next.

From food-focused strolls to music history walks, Manchester has a huge variety of guided tours to choose from. Book your next walking tour and explore the city from a whole new perspective — you can check out the different options here.

Getting Around Manchester

By foot: The city centre is walkable, everywhere is within a 20-30 minute walk from anywhere else in the city centre; stack Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and John Rylands in one day.

By tram (Metrolink): Fast links across Greater Manchester; buy contactless or a day ticket.

By rail: Piccadilly and Victoria connect you to Peak District gateways and beyond.

Best Time to Visit Manchester

Spring–Autumn (Apr–Oct): Best for outdoor exploring, beer gardens, and day trips.

Winter (Nov–Feb): Great for galleries, libraries, festive markets, and lower hotel rates.

Weekdays: Easier restaurant bookings in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter.

Looking for where to stay in Manchester? Check out my guide for which neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in Manchester, here.

Heading to Manchester soon? Pin this guide to save for later!

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