Guides to Manchester

For many, Manchester Piccadilly Station is their first taste of the northern city. Vibrant and lively, the area around the main train station in Manchester offers a mix of commercial and cultural attractions, including a variety of dining and shopping options. Piccadilly restaurants cater to a diver...

Manchester is home to a plethora of romantic restaurants that are perfect for a date night. From intimate bistros to elegant fine dining establishments, there's something to suit every taste and occasion. Treat your loved one to a candlelit dinner at Hawksmoor, renowned for its succulent steaks and...

Sunday lunch is a highlight of the culinary week for many, holding a special place in the hearts of those who cherish this quintessentially British tradition of the Sunday roast. From cosy heritage pubs to sleek, contemporary eateries, Manchester offers an array of destinations where the Sunday roas...

Ice skating is a fun activity that anyone can master with a bit of trial and error. Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned skater, or simply looking for a fun day out, Manchester has several top-notch ice rinks to suit every skill level. From seasonal outdoor rinks in the heart of the city to dedicat...

Sometimes, if you have an early flight or a late arrival, staying in a hotel close to the airport can make your travel day all that little bit less stressful and shorter. Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK and serves millions of passengers each year, making nearby hotels a p...

Running for over a mile and a half right through the city centre, Deansgate is a bustling street that you're bound to find yourself in if you live in or are visiting Manchester. The road is packed with interesting venues, including plenty of bars for when you fancy a drink. From great live music ven...

From eclectic eateries inspired by hit TV shows to quirky spots that marry entertainment with gourmet fare, Manchester's restaurants are as fun as they are diverse and exciting. Whether you're looking for a lively spot with live music, a themed venue that transports you to another world, or a place...

From classic Neapolitan pizza to deep-dish American-style pies, delicious pizza can easily tempt most of us. Manchester is home to lots of places that serve delicious pizza, from homegrown heroes like Double Zero and Rudy's to authentic Italian imports and even plant-based options. We'll help you fi...

Whatever your age, pottery painting sessions can be an enjoyable creative activity. Unleash your artistic streak and express yourself on a ceramic piece that you can then take home or give to someone special in your life as a unique gift. If you're wondering about painting pottery classes in the cit...

Fancy a curry? You're certainly not alone in Manchester; after all, the city is home to its own Curry Mile and rice and three is an iconic local dish. Thanks to the diversity of the city's population and its food scene, you can find authentic curries from various cuisines here, from the mildest to t...

Sushi fans in Manchester are in luck – the city boasts a great array of places serving sushi where you can get fresh and tasty food. From quick grab-and-go options and well-loved local eateries to city centre venues that are ideal for a decadent Japanese meal, the city is packed with great options,...

Didsbury, a suburb in Manchester, boasts a rich history dating back to the medieval period when it was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a rural village, it has since evolved into a bustling part with plenty of pubs that are well worth visiting. From traditional taverns steeped in...

Invented in Kent but now popular the world over, a tasty sandwich is a fab option for an easy breakfast, lunch, or snack. Manchester is home to a wide array of specialist sandwich shops and eateries that have tempting sandwiches on the menu to keep you satisfied at any time of day. From oozing chees...

Right in the heart of the city, Spinningfields is a vibrant area to work and play. That means it's home to a great variety of restaurants – in fact, it's one of Manchester's top destinations for local and visiting foodies. From upmarket venues to great spots for casual meals, there's lots of choice...

Manchester is full of great places to go shopping, including big department stores, independent local boutiques, and shopping centres where you can get everything you want all under one roof. If you're looking for a big shopping mall in Manchester city centre or further afield, we can point you in t...

Running straight through the city centre, Deansgate is the longest road in the centre of Manchester and has lots of exciting venues along the way. If you're after great places to eat and drink, you'll discover plenty of venues in and around the road, including a variety of enticing pubs. From places...

Manchester might not be globally renowned for its Michelin-starred cuisine, as there's only a pair of stars to be found in the entire city. However, regardless of how many restaurants with a Michelin star there are in a city in total, the fact remains that every Michelin-starred restaurant exemplifi...

Didsbury is a picturesque and affluent suburb in Manchester, known for its community spirit and leafy streets. Blending urban charm and suburban tranquillity, this sought-after area where old meets new offers a diverse selection of restaurants offering a taste of global cuisines. Especially in the h...

Known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Manchester is also a thriving hub for craft beer enthusiasts. From innovative microbreweries to iconic brewing establishments, the city boasts an impressive array of venues where you can savour freshly brewed ales, enjoy lively atmos...

Film fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to cinemas in Manchester. Whether you want to see huge on-screen hits in luxury and comfort, prefer to sit in historic cinema surroundings, or want indie spaces to see edgy films and cult classics, this city truly delivers. Whatever kind of films you're...

On average, it rains 152 days in Manchester each year, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan for bad weather while you're here. Thankfully, the cooler and wetter weather means there's no shortage of things to do on rainy days in Manchester, and we've rounded up some of the top ones. Read our gui...

If you love to start your day with a delicious meal but love getting up early a little bit less, you're going to need to find somewhere that serves up all-day breakfasts. If you want to munch on eggs, sausages, and bacon until late in the afternoon, Manchester is home to plenty of eateries that'll l...

Full of distinctive flavours and unique street foods, Mexican cuisine is a big hit the world over, including with diners in Manchester. If you can't get enough of nachos, tacos, and burritos and are looking for great places to eat around the city, you're certainly not going to be disappointed. From...

Whether you're planning a team-building session in Manchester or looking for a unique activity with friends that breaks away from the usual pub visit, escape rooms are a fantastic option. Manchester offers a variety of venues catering to all ages and abilities, ensuring there's something for everyon...

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day so no one should miss out, even if you've got special dietary requirements like needing gluten-free food. Gluten-free diners are in luck in Manchester because the city is home to a wide range of restaurants that serve GF food, including tempti...

Whether it's a team building session with work or you want something fun to do with a big group of friends or family, finding the right group activity to keep everyone interested can be difficult. Across Manchester, you'll find a variety of different things to do that are suitable for groups, whethe...

Manchester is full of great things to do for all age groups. Having such a large student population, this includes lots of activities for young adults around the city. For young people looking for cool things to do, the options range from escape rooms and adrenaline-filled activities to fun games to...

The largest district in Manchester, Wythenshawe is a busy area in the south of the city that borders the airport. It has lots to attract locals and visitors, including parks, nature reserves, and the only community farm in Manchester. The area is also home to a number of great places to go for a dri...

Manchester is a haven for gaming enthusiasts in the North, whether you're looking for a round or two on a classic arcade machine, trying out the next big thing with a cutting-edge virtual reality experience, or a competitive esports showdown at a professional gaming centre. Our guide to where to pla...

Whether you're craving the classic flavours of pad Thai or the richness of a fragrant green curry, you'll undoubtedly be able to get your fix in Manchester. From lesser-known regional specials to all-time beloved favourites, the restaurants in Manchester are plating up some of the tastiest Thai food...

If the weather isn't cooperating but you still want to get out of the house, there are lots of enjoyable things to do in Manchester that protect you from the elements. From action-packed activities to cultural experiences, the city is home to a whole host of indoor activities that'll keep you occupi...

From full-bodied reds to light and fruity whites and complex natural vintages, the world of wine offers something for everyone. If you want to savour the flavours of delicious wines or even join a tasting event and learn something new, Manchester has a variety of different wine bars to check out, wi...

Manchester's city centre has lots going on, including plenty of great places to eat. If you're enjoying a day out in the city centre or you're hard at work in the office, you'll need a tasty lunch to keep you going. There are lots of options in the area, from places to enjoy a slap-up meal to conven...

Manchester's Chinatown is the second biggest in the country and the third largest in Europe, making it well worth a visit if you fancy some authentic Asian cuisine without jetting off to the other side of the world. Flanked by a traditional paifen that was built in the 1980s, you'll find Chinese res...

If there is one thing that Manchester isn't short of, it's cool places to wine and dine. This trendy city was once the world's first-ever industrial city, meaning it's packed with old towering mills and warehouses, many of which have been transformed into some of Manchester's trendiest dining spots.

Manchester isn't really known for an abundance of theme parks, but there are still options for those looking to spend a day doing fun things with their kids. Whether you're looking for a traditional amusement park with classic rides, an active outdoor adventure, or a place to indulge and develop a c...

Welcome to the Thatsup guide to the best pre-theatre menus in Manchester! Whether you're looking for a pre-show meal to set the stage for an evening of entertainment, a luxurious pre-theatre dinner to indulge in before the curtains rise, or a delightful pre-matinee menu that will satiate your appeti...

Board games have picked up in popularity in recent years, providing a fun activity for young and old alike. Whether you're a fan of classic board game titles or the latest tabletop games by independent designers, whether you have an established gaming group or are looking to make new friends over a...

Welcome to our guide to the best health-food restaurants in Manchester, havens for those seeking nutritional excellence and wholesome choices in their diet. At the top health-food spots in Manchester, healthy food is not just a menu option but a celebration of well-being and a mindful lifestyle. Whe...

Manchester boasts an impressive array of Chinese restaurant that cater to all tastes, found not just in the city's Chinatown but across the entire Greater Manchester region. Whether you're after the aromatic flavours of Sichuan cuisine, the comforting familiarity of Cantonese dishes, or something ho...

Cheadle Hulme is a charming Greater Manchester suburb known for its a rich local history. Conveniently close to Manchester whilst offering a more tranquil setting and plenty of green spaces, its efficient transport links make it a popular choice for commuters to Manchester and beyond. The area has s...

Your typical English breakfast contains a few ingredients that aren't suitable for halal diners, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a proper fried breakfast. Many venues are adapting this classic dish and other breakfast favourites so that halal foodies can enjoy the delicious flavours with...

Every restaurant has its own personality but sometimes you want to eat somewhere where the venue and atmosphere really add to the experience. From places with robot waiters to unusual dishes you won't find anywhere else, Manchester's food scene is full of unique places to eat that promise diners a m...

Welcome to our guide to the best Brazilian restaurants in Manchester, a vibrant culinary journey that will take you through the heart of Brazil's rich and diverse food culture without leaving the city. Manchester is home to an array of Brazilian eateries that offer everything from traditional churra...

To be honest, Manchester is the sort of place where you could easily spend a week. But if you only have one day, it's important to plan ahead so you get a real taste of this powerhouse of a city. Manchester is brimming with incredible restaurants, thriving bars, cosy cafés, vibrant galleries, and fa...

If you're after street food in Manchester, you're certainly in luck. This city is packed with spots serving street food from all over the world, from authentic Asian flavours to Italian pizza and plant-based takes on favourite street eats. If you want to find an outside stall serving food, a food ha...

Despite what the Oscar-winning “Manchester by the Sea” might have you thinking, Manchester isn't a coastal city, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh fish and seafood here. Whether you're looking for a simple catch of the day or more creative aquatic fare, Manchester's seafood restaurants hav...

Whether you're a budding tennis player or a seasoned pro, Manchester has plenty of spots to perfect your serve. We've handpicked our favourite tennis courts across the city and in the suburbs, catering to all skill levels so you can enjoy the sport for yourself. It doesn't matter if you're just star...

Dance classes are a brilliant, fun way to boost your fitness while letting loose, and Manchester boasts dance schools offering a wide range of styles for all ability levels. No matter your experience, there's a dance class in Manchester to help you get moving. From burlesque and hip-hop to contempor...

If you're searching for a fun family day that'll help everyone burn off some energy, going to a trampoline park in Greater Manchester is surely a winner. Bounce around, let off some steam, and enjoy a great experience whatever the weather. We can help you find fun trampoline and adventure parks arou...