Whether you’ve got time to spare or it’s a short visit to Manchester, here’s our guide to making the most of your time in the Capital of the North.
1 Day in Manchester – The Best and Lesser-Known Bits (including an Invisible Cities Tour)
If you’ve got a full day to explore Manchester, you can dive deep into its history, culture, and character -from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Start your morning at the John Rylands Library, an architectural marvel, before wandering around the Northern Quarter to spot incredible street art and independent shops.
In the afternoon, join an Invisible Cities Manchester tour, led by guides who have experienced homelessness and now share their unique perspective on the city. Learn stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Afterwards, grab a coffee at our favourite cafe to hang out in, Feel Good Club.
End your day with dinner in Ancoats, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, known for its fantastic food scene.
Other attractions and experiences in Manchester that you might like –
Top 5 attractions in Manchester
Greater Manchester Museum of Transport
Afflecks indoor market shopping arcade
Microdot Oasis and Verve artwork, album covers and merch
½ Day in Manchester – What Not to Miss (with an Invisible Cities Tour & a Bite to Eat)
If you’ve only got half a day, focus on the essentials. Stroll around St Peter’s Square to see the stunning Central Library and Manchester Town Hall. Then head straight to meet your Invisible Cities guide for a thought-provoking tour of the city from a local’s point of view.
After your tour, treat yourself to lunch at Mackie Mayor, a beautiful food hall full of local flavours — the perfect way to soak up Manchester’s vibrant atmosphere.
2 Hours in Manchester – Meet the Invisible Cities Tours
Even if you’re short on time, you can still get a meaningful taste of Manchester through one of Invisible Cities powerful walking tours:
- Oasis Live Forever Tour in Manchester with guide Nic – If you’re looking for a proper good way to walk the streets of Manchester as Oasis did, then this is absolutely the best Oasis walking tour to take!
- Marvellous Manchester Memories with Andy and his history of pubs – Andy leads you on a guided tour of Manchester, taking the route of his nights out in the 1980s, but reflecting on how the venues have played a significant role in shaping Manchester’s history.
- Wonderwalk through Manchester with Nic – This tour of Manchester maps the city’s illustrious history of music and art, focusing on the venues and musicians which have helped to shape Manchester’s music scene.
- We built this city from depression with Ste – This tour transports you back to a time where Manchester looked very different. We Built This City From Depression uncovers the tombstones that the Northern city’s roots have grown over.
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll walk away seeing Manchester through a completely new lens.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Manchester, one of the friendliest and most special cities in the world!
