© Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester

Awarded Best in Travel 2023

About Best In Travel 2023

'This is Manchester, we do things differently here', declared culture catalyst and Factory Records founder Tony Wilson in 1977. It was a ballsy statement, given that Manchester's musical renaissance hadn't yet happened, the football teams were mediocre and the city was mired in economic depression.

But bold statements and ironclad self-confidence have long been a thing in Manchester, the one-time engine room of the Industrial Revolution and a city that incubated communism, suffragism, vegetarianism and a bunch of other 'isms' aimed at improving humanity's lot. In the 21st century, invention, discovery and progress remain the driving forces of this remarkable place, which responded to a terrible act of terrorism in 2017 by doubling down on the tolerant and inclusive attitudes toward all those who've made it home.

For Mancunians born or based here, it is the best home in the world; for everyone else, it's a brilliant place to visit.

Explore Manchester

Planning Toolkit

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Manchester.

Featured videos

Community Tour: Invisible Cities Tours

2:56

Guidebooks

Learn more about Manchester

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.