The best sightseeing in Manchester

Sightseeing Manchester offers numerous ways to explore the city through open-top bus tours. These 90-minute loops take you around different parts of Manchester, starting outside Bridgewater Hall, allowing you to get to know different areas of the city. Each tour includes English commentary, and tickets are valid for two days after puchase. Depending on your chosen route, you can visit several attractions, including Manchester Town Hall, Old Trafford Football Stadium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Salford Quays, among many others.

John Consterdine is Manchester's only Green Badge Tour Guide and Taxi Driver, and he provides unique, bespoke tours through Manchester Taxi Tours. His extensive knowledge and training allow visitors to maximise their time and see the city from a different perspective. The two-hour Discovery Tour covers some of Manchester's top sights, while other tours can be customised to your preferences. Highlights include the City Centre, Manchester United and Manchester City stadiums, the Coronation Street setting, Manchester Library and Cathedral, and more.

BEE Adventures is a not-for-profit organisation providing guided mountain walks, camping trips, and other outdoor activities in and around Manchester. Their goal is to help people enjoy the outdoors and disconnect from everyday stresses, making nature accessible to all and encouraging community connections. All adventures include transport from Manchester city centre, with some pick-ups available from Lancaster Park and Ride. They offer beginner walks for new hikers, mountain hikes for the more experienced, and additional courses such as wild camping and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) classes. This is ideal for those who want to explore the more rural Greater Manchester.

Explore the Manchester Ship Canal, Salford Quays, the River Irwell, and more with Manchester River Cruises. These budget-friendly tours are available every day and offer the opportunity to see Manchester from a new perspective from the water. There are also live music cruises featuring tribute acts and genres like swing and soul. 

Travel along the Bridgewater Canal with Bridgewater Cruises, an award-winning family-run company offering a different way to explore this picturesque and historic area. Boats are available for private hire, or you can enjoy a lunch or afternoon tea cruise aboard the restaurant boat. Bridgewater Cruises also offers seasonal cruises for celebrations throughout the year.

City Centre Cruises offers a range of cruises along Manchester and Salford's waterways. Enjoy a sophisticated Sunday lunch cruise with a three-course meal and scenic views, or join fellow fans on a match-day journey to Old Trafford. Boats are also available for private hire, perfect for occasions such as hen parties, wedding receptions, corporate events, or tour groups.

Free Manchester Walking Tours offers a wonderful, free way to explore the city whether you're a visitor, newbie, or local looking to learn more about their city. Guided tours run daily, starting at the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens, and no booking is required—just show up and enjoy the insights of a knowledgeable guide. Private tours are also available, along with an LGBT+ tour that highlights the wonderful Gay Village.

Manchester Music Tours is led by Inspiral Carpets drummer Craig Gill and gives an insight into the city's rich musical history and legacy. The tours highlight world-famous bands and venues, including The Hacienda, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, Joy Division, and Oasis, making them a must for music fans, especially those of the 'Madchester' era.