CitySuites Blog
From unique things to do, to exclusive events at CitySuites, find the best Manchester has to offer on our blog.
One of the best things about Manchester is that it's a very walkable city. The centre is compact and packed full of historical sites, independent shops, and some of the best museums in the UK. So seeing everything you want to in a short amount of time is fairly easy.
This also explains why there are so many excellent walking tours of Manchester. Creative locals and knowledgeable experts have selected the very best bits of the city and generated some excellent routes. From free walking tours of Manchester to routes inclusive of food, breweries, and Manchester's musical heritage, there is something for everyone!
We've selected 7 of the best Manchester walking tours for you to enjoy!
Free Manchester Walking Tour
One of the most popular options to see the sights of Manchester is via a free walking tour. One of the best in the city takes place at 11am from the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens. There, you’ll be greeted by someone from Free Manchester Walking Tours and shown some of the city’s the top attractions and hidden gems, including Manchester Cathedral, John Rylands Library, and the Gay Village. No booking necessary!
Scranchester Tour
The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and perhaps the same can be said of a city… in which Manchester will win your heart over through its incredible food scene. In case you didn’t know, ‘scran’ is Manchester slang for ‘food’, and there will be a lot of that on the Scranchester Tour! Starting at 11:30am, the tour is approximately 3.5 hours, in which time you’ll explore the best food and drink stories of the city, from the ice cream vendors of Ancoats’ Little Italy to the birth of vegetarianism. Arrive hungry and prepare to feed your brain and your belly!
Manchester Silent Disco Adventures
Described as a “sight-singing” disco, the Silent Adventures team are ready to take you dancing around the streets of Manchester. This tour is not for the faint-hearted – get ready to let go of your inhibitions, pop on your hi-tech headphones, and hit the streets with your best dance moves. From disco legends The Bee Gees, to the punk rock era of Buzzcocks, to the ‘Madchester’ scene in the 80s and 90s, there is a lot of Manchester music to celebrate. Grab a comfy pair of dancing shoes and dance your way around the city!
Jonathan Schofield Tours
If you’re looking for something a little more specific on your walking tour, then you might enjoy one of the tours that Jonathan Schofield has on offer. Exploring a lot of the secret and unknown parts of Manchester, tours include a look into the newly restored New Century auditorium, ‘Suffragettes, Women & the City’, Saturday evening ghost walks, ‘Architecture & Planning: why does Manchester look like it does?’, and many, many more!
Manchester Music Tours
Want to learn more about your favourite Mancunian bands and artists? The award-winning Manchester Music Tours, created by Inspiral Carpets’ late drummer Craig Gill, give a fascinating overview of some of the city’s best bands, from Oasis to The Stone Roses. Since Craig’s passing in 2016, the tours are now delivered by his wife, Rose Gill, who is preserving his legacy – as well as the rich creative, musical history of Manchester. The tours often sell out, so booking is essential.
Manchester Taxi Tours
If your or any of your party have mobility issues or if you’d prefer to rest your feet, you can see Manchester from the road in John Consterdine’s modern electric taxi. His award-winning tours of the city cover a lot of ground – informationally and physically – depending on what you’d like to learn about. From the popular Discovery tours, which give a great overview of Manchester, to Culture tours, History tours, and of course, the Sports tours. With John as your knowledgeable driver, you can sit back and relax while enjoying a top-rated (and eco-friendly!) tour of the city.
Manchester Craft Beer Tour
It’s no secret to us locals that Manchester’s craft beer scene is incredible. From the many city centre breweries with taprooms you can drink in, to the pubs and bars around Manchester that house a fantastic array of craft beers on tap, you’re probably never more than 50m away from an IPA or sour beer. Whether you’re a craft beer pro, or new to the scene, the Manchester Craft Beer Tour will show you the city from the perspective of its best ales and their respective venues. Your ticket includes a 3.5 hour guided tour and tasting experience of 10 craft beers (1/3 pints).
Complete your touring experience with some of CitySuites' special offers, including a Sunday package or a romance bundle package as a stay in Manchester.
