Things to do in Manchester are as varied as the city itself. At MST Property Group, we open our doors to guests who want to feel at home and close to the action. Our bespoke, stylish and luxurious short-term rentals in Manchester, United Kingdom, put you right in the city centre. You can walk to main attractions in minutes. We offer free high-speed Wi-Fi, a welcome hamper, and special local partner discounts on tours and dining. From our cozy living rooms, you can plan your day: see a show, explore museums, or jump on a river cruise. Read on to discover our top picks for your stay.
Table of Contents
Things to Do
1. Visit Manchester Pass
The Visit Manchester Pass is a great way to see many top spots in one go. It saves time and cuts entry fees.
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β What’s Included: Entry to 13 top attractions and over 30 discounts.
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π΅ Price Level: From Β£85 for an adult one-day pass.
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π Where to Buy: Online at the official site or at local info centres.
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π Learn more: Visit Manchester Pass
2. Manchester Opera House
Catch a dazzling show at the historic Manchester Opera House. The grand seats and stunning stage make any performance feel special.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (6,445 reviews)
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π Address: 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP
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π Learn more: Manchester Opera House
3. Palace Theatre
Just down the road from the Opera House, the Palace Theatre hosts top West End shows in a beautiful setting.
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β Rating: 4.4/5 (8,662 reviews)
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π Address: 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
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π Learn more: Palace Theatre
4. National Football Museum & Matchday VIP Experience
For fans of the beautiful game, the National Football Museum tells the story of football. You can also step into a VIP matchday experience at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium.
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β Rating: 4.3/5 (7,076 reviews)
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π΅ Price Level: Museum entry is free; VIP packages start from Β£150.
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π Address: Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG
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π Phone: +44 161 605 8200
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: National Football Museum
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π Book Old Trafford VIP: Manchester United VIP
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π Book Etihad Tour: Etihad Stadium Tour
5. Science and Industry Museum
Step back in time at the Science and Industry Museum. Machines, trains, and inventions make learning fun for all ages.
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β Rating: 4.4/5 (19,005 reviews)
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π Address: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP
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π Phone: +44 330 058 0058
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: Science and Industry Museum
6. Play Factore
Play Factore brings high-speed fun. Try indoor karting, climbing walls, and an adventure play area for kids.
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β Rating: 4/5 (1,803 reviews)
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π΅ Price Level: Mid-range, starting at Β£15.
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π Address: Trafford Quays, Leisure Village, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA
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π Phone: +44 161 748 6851
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: Play Factore
7. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
Build and play at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Over two million bricks and fun rides for LEGO fans.
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β Rating: 4/5 (4,398 reviews)
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π΅ Price Level: Β£14 – Β£20 per person
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π Address: Trafford Palazzo, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS
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π Phone: +44 161 749 2870
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β° Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM; Sat-Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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π Learn more: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
8. The Whitworth
Art meets nature at The Whitworth. Enjoy modern art inside and beautiful park views outside.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (2,614 reviews)
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π Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
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β° Hours: Tue-Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thu: until 9:00 PM
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π Phone: +44 161 275 7450
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π Learn more: The Whitworth
9. Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum has fossils, mummies, and more. It is perfect for a free, fun visit.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (2,399 reviews)
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π Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
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β° Hours: Tue-Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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π Learn more: Manchester Museum
10. Museum of Illusions
Walk into a world of tricks at the Museum of Illusions. Perfect for fun photos and surprises.
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β Rating: 4.7/5 (1,098 reviews)
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π Address: 58-66 Market St, Manchester M1 1PW
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π Phone: +44 161 560 2800
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Mon-Sun)
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π Learn more: Museum of Illusions
11. Afflecks
Shop at Afflecks for unique clothes and gifts. This indoor market is a Manchester icon.
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β Rating: 4.6/5 (7,249 reviews)
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π Address: 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW
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π Phone: +44 161 839 0718
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β° Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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π Learn more: Afflecks
12. Manchester River Cruises
See the city from the water. A 60-minute river cruise shows hidden canals and bridges.
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π΅ Price Level: Β£12 adult, Β£8 child
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β° Duration: 60 minutes
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π Learn more: Manchester River Cruises
13. RHS Garden Bridgewater
Explore Britainβs largest new garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater. Flora and trails delight all.
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β Rating: 4.6/5 (5,016 reviews)
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π Address: Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ
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π Phone: +44 161 503 6100
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: RHS Garden Bridgewater
14. Jodrell Bank
Look to the stars at Jodrell Bank. This world-leading radio telescope sits in a beautiful park.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (2,976 reviews)
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π Address: Bomish Ln, Cheshire, Macclesfield SK11 9DW
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π Phone: +44 1477 571766
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β° Hours: Tue-Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mon
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π Learn more: Jodrell Bank
15. Tatton Park
Step into history at Tatton Park. Mansion, gardens, farm, and a deer park make for a full day out.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (8,200 reviews)
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π Address: Cheshire, Knutsford WA16 6QN
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π Phone: +44 1625 374400
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: Tatton Park
16. Chester Zoo
Meet over 30,000 animals at Chester Zoo. A fun family day trip under an hour away.
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β Rating: 4.7/5 (45,111 reviews)
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π Address: Chester CH2 1LE
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π Phone: +44 1244 380280
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β° Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
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π Learn more: Chester Zoo
17. Churnet Valley Railway
All aboard for a ride at Churnet Valley Railway. Heritage steam trains run through the scenic Derbyshire countryside.
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β Rating: 4.7/5 (2,236 reviews)
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π Address: Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall ST10 2HA
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π Phone: +44 1538 360522
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π Learn more: Churnet Valley Railway
18. Chaos Karts
Race in virtual karting at Chaos Karts. Augmented reality and real tracks combine for thrilling laps.
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β Rating: 4.1/5 (1,018 reviews)
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π Address: Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
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π Phone: +44 161 791 0727
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π Learn more: Chaos Karts
19. NQ64
Game to retro hits at NQ64. Classic arcades, craft drinks, and good tunes make it a hit.
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β Rating: 4.5/5 (1,609 reviews)
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π΅ Price Level: Moderate
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π Address: 12 Tib St, Manchester M4 1SH
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π Phone: +44 161 710 1957
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β° Hours: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM daily
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π Learn more: NQ64
20. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Enter the famous Crystal Maze for a team challenge. Win crystals and race in the dome.
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β Rating: 4.8/5 (2,384 reviews)
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π Address: Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
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π Phone: +44 161 791 0727
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β° Hours: Mon-Thu: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sat: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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π Learn more: The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Tips & Tricks for Your Manchester Stay
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Arrive early at popular spots to beat the queues.
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Use the nearby tram stops (Oxford Road or Deansgate) to save time.
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Grab a Visit Manchester Pass at our front desk for an exclusive discount.
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Ask our team for deals at local restaurants like James Martin Restaurant.
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Pack comfy shoes for walking tours around city streets.
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Book shows and tours in advance using our concierge service.
Final Thoughts
Staying with MST Property Group means you are always close to the best things to do in Manchester. From theatres and museums to family fun and countryside trips, our luxury rentals put you at the heart of every experience. Book your stay today and make memories that last. Visit us at www.mstpropertygroup.com

Is there anything fun to do in Manchester?
Yes! From catching a show at the Manchester Opera House to exploring quirky spots like Afflecks and NQ64, our guests find fun around every corner. Ask our team for custom recommendations based on your interests.
How to spend the day in Manchester?
Start with breakfast near our property, then visit the Science and Industry Museum. Enjoy lunch in Spinningfields before an afternoon at the National Football Museum or The Whitworth. End your day with a river cruise or a show.
Where to go for a day trip from Manchester?
Popular day trips include the Peak District for hikes, Lake District for lakes, and Chester Zoo for wildlife. We can help you plan transport and book tickets for a smooth adventure.
What to do in Manchester in 3 days?
On day one, explore the city centre and top museums. Day two, take a trip to Tatton Park or Jodrell Bank. Day three, enjoy family fun at Play Factore or LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, then catch an evening show.
