We’re seeing more and more professionals making the move from London to Manchester for work, and it’s easy to see why. Manchester offers the perfect blend of career opportunities, affordable living, and an excellent quality of life that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re one of the many people relocating from the capital or you’re already here and want to explore more of what the city offers, we’ve put together a list of things to do in Manchester to help you get to know the city a little better.
Manchester isn’t just a city – it’s where creativity meets commerce, where industrial heritage sits comfortably alongside cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re working from our Manchester coworking space or exploring the city as a visitor, this guide will help you discover what makes Manchester special.
From excellent museums and fantastic food scenes to great nightlife and peaceful green spaces perfect for a midday break, Manchester delivers experiences that inspire both your work and your free time.
Food and drink: Manchester’s excellent culinary scene
- Diecast – Manchester’s biggest beer garden, serving pizza inspired by the greats plus so much more. Coming to life inside a former industrial landmark, Diecast does it all. Events, dining and a casual drink.
- Mackie Mayor – A beautifully restored Victorian market hall that’s become Manchester’s answer to Borough Market. Grab a coffee from Pot Kettle Black and sample everything from fresh oysters to gourmet burgers.
- Bundobust – This Indian street food restaurant has transformed Manchester’s dining scene. Their craft beer and vegetarian small plates is the perfect setting for any type of team social.
- Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza – Consistently rated among the UK’s best pizza joints, this is where Manchester’s food scene really shines. It’s always packed with locals and visitors alike, but the wait is worth it, trust us.
- Pollen Bakery – Start your day right with their legendary sourdough and specialty coffee. Their weekend brunch is popular across all of greater Manchester, and those pastries, wow…
- Erst – A wine bar and restaurant that’s become the heartbeat of Ancoats’ food scene. Perfect for important dinners or celebrating success.
- Hawksmoor Manchester – Located in a stunning Victorian courthouse, this steakhouse offers some of the finest dining in the city. Ideal for any get together that requires a memorable setting.
Coffee shops: Fuel your productivity
- Foundation Coffee House – The perfect spot for remote work sessions or client meetings over exceptional coffee. Their minimalist design and reliable WiFi make it a favorite among Manchester’s creative professionals.
- Ezra and Gil – A specialty café that’s become the go-to place for the first coffee of the morning. Open early, incredible food and a team that’s always happy to help.
- Chapter One Books – A locals favourite – this independent gem combines excellent coffee and the interior of a book lover’s dream. Sofas to chill, community tables, quite solo tables and secret garden, Mala, attached from when a day turns to night.
Culture and arts: Fuel your creativity
- Manchester Art Gallery – Free admission to one of the UK’s finest art collections. The Pre-Raphaelite collection is particularly stunning, and it’s perfect for a creative break during your workday.
- Science and Industry Museum – Explore Manchester’s industrial heritage and innovation legacy. The computing and textile galleries offer fascinating insights into the city’s role in shaping the modern world.
- HOME – Manchester’s contemporary arts venue combining cinema, theatre, and art galleries. Catch an independent film after work or explore cutting-edge exhibitions that might spark your next big idea.
- Band on the Wall – This legendary music venue has hosted everyone from Joy Division to contemporary indie acts. Check their calendar for after-work gigs.
- Manchester Opera House – For those special occasions, catch a West End show in this beautifully restored Victorian theater.
- The Bridgewater Hall – Home to the Hallé Orchestra, this world-class concert hall offers everything from classical concerts to contemporary performances.
Shopping: From vintage finds to high-end retail
- Vinyl Exchange – One of the UK’s largest independent record shops. Whether you’re building your office playlist or searching for rare finds, this is a music lover’s paradise.
- Cow Vintage – Curated vintage clothing and accessories. Great for finding unique pieces that reflect Manchester’s creative spirit.
- King Street – Manchester’s luxury shopping district. From designer boutiques to high-end department stores, perfect for those special purchases or client gifts.
- Spinningfields – The business district’s shopping and dining hub. Ideal for grabbing lunch, coffee, or after-work drinks with colleagues.
- The Trafford Centre – Just outside the city, you’ll find a huge shopping park with any shop you can think of. Plus a big food court, a cinema and even legoland, yeah, you read that right.
Green spaces: True urban tranquility
- Heaton Park – One of Europe’s largest municipal parks. Perfect for weekend activities, team building events, or an Oasis reunion.
- Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden – A hidden gem in Didsbury, offering peaceful walks and beautiful gardens. Ideal for anyone looking to escape the city for a few hours, just hop on the tram to East Didsbury.
- Ancoats Marina – A peaceful waterside spot perfect for lunch breaks or evening strolls. Situated in the heart of the city, the marina is a bad kept secret, with great coffee shops and bars all around.
- Bridgewater Canal – Explore Manchester’s industrial heritage while enjoying peaceful walks along the water, plus some great pubs to get a pint. The Castlefield section is particularly scenic and rich in history.
Nightlife: Manchester after-hours
- Science and Industry – Not to be confused with the museum, this cocktail bar in the Northern Quarter serves innovative drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for after-work drinks with colleagues.
- Speak in Code – Known for their expertly crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere. Great for impressing clients or celebrating team achievements in a sophisticated setting.
- Schofields Bar – A classic cocktail bar offering timeless drinks in an elegant setting. Ideal for special occasions or important client entertainment.
- The Peveril of the Peak – A beautifully preserved Victorian pub with stunning tiled exterior. Perfect for experiencing authentic Manchester pub culture.
- Britons Protection – Famous for its extensive whisky collection and traditional pub atmosphere. A favourite among locals, and in Manchester, no matter who you are, you’ll get treated like one.
- The Freemount – New and improved, The Freemount is a Northern Quarter staple that’s just moved up the road from its old spot. Live music, great beer, it’s no wonder this is where everyone finds themselves after work on a Thursday.
Seasonal highlights
Spring and summer
- Manchester International Festival – Biennial celebration of original new work
- Parklife Festival – Major music festival in Heaton Park
- Drinking on Stevenson Square – The heart of the Northern Quarter comes alive with outdoor seating and street life
Autumn and winter
- Manchester Christmas Markets – Transform the city center into a winter wonderland
- Theatre season – Major productions at the Opera House and Palace Theatre
- Manchester Gothic Festival – Celebrate the city’s alternative culture with music, art, and performance across various venues
Getting around: Navigate like a local
- Metrolink – Manchester’s tram system connects the city center with suburbs and surrounding areas. Perfect for reaching different neighborhoods and attractions.
- Bus Network – Comprehensive bus routes cover the entire Greater Manchester area. The free city center bus service makes short trips particularly convenient.
- Cycling – Manchester’s growing network of cycle lanes makes bike travel increasingly popular. Many areas offer bike rental schemes.
- Walking – One of the best things about this city is just how walkable it is, even better when you know the shortcuts.
Work.Life Manchester: Your base for hard work
Located in the heart of Manchester’s business district, Work.Life Manchester puts you at the center of everything this dynamic city has to offer. Whether you’re grabbing lunch in the Northern Quarter, meeting clients in Spinningfields, or exploring the cultural offerings of the city center, you’re perfectly positioned to make the most of Manchester.
Our flexible workspace solutions mean you can balance productivity with exploration, whether you’re a local entrepreneur, a visiting business professional, or part of a growing team looking to establish roots in the Northern Powerhouse. Simply put, Work.Life is the best place to get work done in Manchester.
Manchester is a city that rewards exploration. From its industrial heritage to its cutting-edge innovation, from world-class dining to great nightlife, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re working from our Manchester space or visiting for business, take time to experience what makes this city truly special.
The best part? Manchester’s compact size and excellent transport links mean you can easily fit cultural exploration, great dining, and productive work into the same day. That’s the Manchester advantage – a city that works as hard as you do, but knows how to have fun doing it.
Ready to experience Manchester from the perfect base? Explore Work.Life Manchester and discover how our flexible workspace solutions can enhance your Manchester experience.
