Welcome

There is more to Manchester than meets the eye; it’s a city just waiting to be discovered. From superb shopping areas and exciting nightlife to stunning countryside and a vibrant history, Manchester really has everything. It is a city of great variety, stunning architecture, fascinating museums, exciting attractions and plenty of bars & restaurants.

Getting around

Manchester is a compact and accessible city centre. Most areas are within walking distance of each other and from everywhere else, or if you just want to save energy, hop onto the Metrolink tram or jump aboard the free Metroshuttle bus.

• Public transport

  Metrolink (Tram network). View the Metrolink accessibility guide

  Metroshuttle (Free bus around the city centre). View the Metroshuttle leaflet City centre map. View the Visit Manchester Map

Things to do

• Museums

  MOSI (The Museum of Science and Industry) offers visitors the chance to learn more about how Manchester is a city deeply connected with science and industry. There’s so much to enjoy at the Museum of Science and Industry – you can meet historical characters, watch demonstrations of original machinery, take a train ride behind a replica steam locomotive, take part in hands-on workshops and much more. View the accessibility details.

  PHM (The People’s History Museum) is truly unique. A national museum charting the history of the struggle for equality and democracy in the UK. The museum welcomes visitors of all ages and offers hands-on activities in every gallery and regular activities especially for children. View the accessibility details.

• Visual arts

  The Palace Theatre was originally known as the Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street. It has a capacity of just over 1,900 and hosts major touring musicals often with major celebrities and performances of opera and ballet along with various other comedy acts and one night concerts. View the accessibility details

  Manchester Art Gallery houses many of the city’s most important fine and decorative art works, which have been designated as being of national importance. The collection covers over six centuries up to the present day, but they are especially renowned for their 19th century British paintings. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse programme of changing exhibitions, ranging from historic to cutting edge contemporary art, photography, design, decorative art and family friendly exhibitions. View the accessibility details

  The Lowry Arts Centre offers a wealth of activity under one roof at The Lowry. A magnificent building alongside Salford Quays, inside you will find two stunning theatres alongside galleries showcasing artists of local, national and international renown. View the accessibility details

• Sports

  Manchester City Football Club has their home at the Ethiad Stadium. You are able to go behind the scenes at the world’s richest football club on the Manchester City stadium tour and discover the secrets of a spectacular stadium and the story of a much-loved football club. View the accessibility details

  Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre finds its home in Old Trafford. From the dizzy heights of the North Stand to Sir Alex Ferguson’s dugout spot, and the atmosphere-soaked players’ dressing room, every experience will seem to carry the roar of 76,000 fans in your ears – none more so than the ultimate honour of emerging from the tunnel and following so many famous boots into the Theatre of Dreams. View the accessibility details

• Country parks

  Tatton park annually welcomes over 800,000 visitors who come to enjoy the 1,000 acres of parkland, home to herds of red and fallow deer. Visit the stunning 19th century mansion and 50 acres of award winning gardens with over 200 years of history and design whilst families can enjoy the working rare breed farm and one of the best adventure playgrounds in the area. The Tudor Old Hall offers an evocative tour through time covering 500 years of history. It is also the ideal setting for Tatton’s historical re-enactments. View the accessibility details

• Shopping

  When it comes to shopping, Manchester is hard to beat. From the high street stores found within the Arndale Centre, designer shopping in Spinningfields and on King Street, to vintage shopping within the Northern Quarter; there is plenty of opportunity to return home with a few goodies!

  Manchester’s Arndale centre. View the accessibility details

• Food and drink

  Manchester’s restaurant scene offers an exciting selection of British favourites and authentic international flavours. From European and traditional Chinese to exotic Turkish dishes; there is hearty pub grub, affordable Indian curry houses, and genuine tastes from South East Asia. In fact, it’s difficult to find a style of cooking or cuisine that isn’t represented somewhere within the city.

  Visit Manchester has prepared a map highlighting restaurants and bars within a short walking distance of Manchester Central. Click here to view the map.

  Hi-Life Diners Club Two For One Meals Offer

  Visit Manchester is pleased to partner with Hi-Life Diners Club and offer delegates attending the MS Life 2014 a two for one dining membership card to use in participating restaurants across the city. Upon registering you will be sent a membership card for one month’s free trial (this will either be a digital or plastic card depending on your preference), so you will be able to use your card with friends and family when you return home!

  Hi-Life Diners Club offers delegates at the end of the month’s trial period the opportunity to join up for 12 months at a special discounted price.

  To register for your membership card please visit: www.hi-life.co.uk/vm and enter the promo code: MSLIFE2014

More

To find out more about what’s going on in the city and what to see and do, log onto www.visitmanchester.com

Alternatively when you arrive, pop into the Visitor Information Centre on Piccadilly Plaza, Portland Street, where the team would be happy to give suggestions and answer any questions you may have about Manchester.

We look forward to welcoming you into Manchester soon.