Free day in Manchester this weekend? We’ve got you covered for a right good day out. Whether you’re wanting to learn something new in a museum, or nip for a read in one of the UK'S oldest libraries, we’ve got recommendations you’ll love!
Science and Industry Museum
Explore 250 years of innovations and ideas that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world by visiting the Science and Industry Museum. Located just by Deansgate, and one of our favourite city walks, Castlefield Canal.
Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP. Get Directions
Chetham's Library
Experience a Harry Potter style, 360 year old library in Manchester's city centre, where you can go have a read, escape the city mayhem and relax. Enjoy one of their thousands of books in a dark, mediaeval atmosphere.
Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB. Get Directions
People's History Museum
The national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. Open daily, except Tuesdays, and located within the Spinningfields area.
Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER. Get Directions
Media City
Also one of our favourite walks in Manchester, Media City is a hub that's just a stones throw out of the city centre with restaurants. Here you can find art events, shops and live music - summer here is bustling with something for everyone to do.
MediaCity UK, Arrive M50 2NT. Get Directions
Mackie Mayor
An aesthetic brick-walled food hall with vendors offering steaks, pizza and sandwiches, with communal dining tables. Take a bunch of mates, order from different vendors and share the experience!
Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU. Get Directions
Manchester Museum
Home of the University of Manchester, this museum displays works of archaeology, anthropology and natural history. Expect world class exhibitions... located on Oxford Road.
University of, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL. Get Directions
Escape to Freight Island
An oasis of incredible food, drink, music and immersive entertainment, hidden in plain sight at Manchester's Depot Mayfield. Perfect for a mid week evening after work, or a weekend with friends. Food vendors include pizza, burgers and even roasts!
11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ. Get Directions
Palace Theatre Manchester
One of the main theatres in Manchester, we love a little sophisticated evening here. Enjoy plays including Hamilton, Cilla - The Musical, Evita and more. Located bang in the centre of Manchester, on Oxford Road.
97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT. Get Directions
The Lowry
Located by The Quays, The Lowry is a registered charity committed to using visual and performing arts to enrich people’s lives. The venue space itself hosts exhibitions, theatre shows and a restaurant to enjoy for you to enjoy on a weekend.
Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ. Get Directions
Twenty Twenty Two
Manchester no.1 destination for ping pong and cocktails. Located in the Northern Quarter, offering all night ping pong and a party. Enjoy their cocktails, and daily open hours.
The Basement, Little Lever St, Manchester M1 1EZ. Get Directions
NQ64
If you’ve read our Leeds and Sheffield recommendations, you’ll know we love to geek out on some arcade games; NQ64 is our Manchester favourite just for that. They host an array of arcade games including classics, driving and pinball.
NQ64 Northern Quarter, 12 Tib St, Manchester M4 1SH. Get Directions
Diecast
A new creative neighbourhood brought to you by the legend behind Ramonas, Diecast is a vibey venue, home to one of the largest beer gardens in Manchester. Expect Neapolitan pizza and good times.
51 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JQ. Get Directions
Bury Market
Head north, out of the city, to Bury and enjoy their long-running market. Home to food, stationery and well-being traders. You can grab the tram from the city centre and support small businesses!
1 Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ. Get Directions
