Things to Do in City Centre, Manchester

A mix of trendy bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Palace Theatre and Manchester Art Gallery. It's also close to major transport links and universities.

Manchester CathedralCathedral
National Football MuseumHistory Museum
Victoria ArchesWaterway

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Top things to do in City Centre

Manchester Cathedral
★ 4.7 · 7.8k
Cathedral★
CofE building with 13th-century origins, chapel of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment & guided tours.
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 4 PM
Sat
9 AM – 4 PM
Sun
12 PM – 4 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
National Football Museum
★ 4.3 · 7.7k
History Museum★
More than 140,000 football-related items, plus a kids' discovery zone & skills-testing simulators.
Every day
10 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Victoria Arches
Waterway
Hidden on the urban banks of a Manchester river are a series of abandoned waterside industrial sites
Great Northern
★ 4.3 · 4.5k
Shopping Mall
Retail and leisure complex with shops, cinema and bowling alley, in converted Victorian warehouse.
Every day
12 AM – 12 AM
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in City Centre

Another hand
★ 4.8 · 513
Bistro· £40–90
This welcoming bistro is located on Deansgate Mews, an elevated 'street' that’s part of the redeveloped Great Northern building in the city centre.
Mon
Closed
Tue
5 PM – 11 PM
Wed–Fri
12 PM – 11 PM
Sat
12 PM – 11 PM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
Fiori Cafe
★ 4.8 · 1.0k
Coffee Shop· £10–20
Every day
9 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Mancoco Coffee Bar, Roastery & Barista Training School
★ 4.8 · 893
Coffee Shop· £1–10
Craft coffee drinks brewed with house-roasted beans & basic eats, served all day at a hip counter.
Mon–Fri
7:30 AM – 4 PM
Sat
9 AM – 5 PM
Sun
9 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
★ 4.9 · 1.8k
Cocktail Bar· £40–50
Prison-like theatrical bar, with bespoke cocktails crafted from liquor "smuggled" in by patrons.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Thu
7:05 PM – 8:50 PM
Fri
4:40 PM – 11:15 PM
Sat
12 PM – 11:15 PM
Sun
2:15 PM – 4 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Richmond Tea Rooms
★ 4.5 · 2.4k
Tea House· $$
Venue with fantastic decor, serving breakfast, afternoon tea, sandwiches, cakes and cocktails.
Mon–Thu
9 AM – 7 PM
Fri
9 AM – 8 PM
Sat
9 AM – 8 PM
Sun
9 AM – 8 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
The Refuge
★ 4.5 · 4.1k
Bar· £20–60
Elegant, roomy hotel dining room with ceramic pillars, an atrium ceiling plus an international menu.
Mon–Thu
10 AM – 11 PM
Fri
10 AM – 12 AM
Sat
10 AM – 12 AM
Sun
10 AM – 10:30 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
The Salisbury
★ 4.6 · 2.5k
Pub· £10–20
Storied, unpretentious pub offering cask ales, pub grub, a jukebox and a rock 'n' roll vibe.
Mon–Wed
12 PM – 1 AM
Thu–Fri
12 PM – 2 AM
Sat
12 PM – 2 AM
Sun
12 PM – 12:30 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
The Washhouse
★ 4.6 · 1.8k
Cocktail Bar· £10–50
Brick walled cocktail bar offering a trendy environment for serious drinks.
Mon
4 PM – 1 AM
Tue
Closed
Wed–Thu
4 PM – 1 AM
Fri
12 PM – 2 AM
Sat
12 PM – 2 AM
Sun
2 PM – 11 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Britons Protection
★ 4.5 · 2.6k
Beer Garden· £1–10
Ornate interiors in a real ale pub with a wide range of whiskies, plus open fires and a beer garden.
Mon–Thu
12 AM – 12 PM
Fri
11 AM – 12 AM
Sat
11 AM – 12 AM
Sun
11 AM – 10 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Fort Coffee
★ 4.7 · 423
Coffee Shop· £1–10
Website ↗Map ↗
Rain Bar
★ 4.4 · 2.7k
Gastropub· £10–20
Former warehouse and umbrella factory turned into a bar offering pub food and views over the lock.
Mon–Thu
12 PM – 11 PM
Fri
12 PM – 12 AM
Sat
12 PM – 12 AM
Sun
12 PM – 8 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue
★ 4.4 · 1.5k
Pub· £10–20
Veteran watering hole with a bustling vibe featuring rock & metal music & occasional live shows.
Mon
12 PM – 12 AM
Tue
12 PM – 1 AM
Wed–Thu
12 PM – 2 AM
Fri
12 PM – 3 AM
Sat
12 PM – 3 AM
Sun
12 PM – 11 PM
Website ↗Map ↗