The 7 Best Walking Tours in Manchester

1.Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,033 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $24Our pick

Meet Gareth or another English-speaking guide at Manchester Central Library at 2 pm for a 2.5-hour walk through the city centre. See the suffragist memorial, Ship Canal, Gay Village, Chinatown, Cathedral, Chetham’s Library, and The Shambles. Expect steady walking, outdoor commentary, and practical food and sightseeing tips.

“Very funny and educational! Garreth is very knowledgeable. Not too long of a walk either! Would recommend.”

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2.Rock and Goal Manchester Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 587 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $20

Join Joe, and occasionally Dave, for a 2 to 3 hour walk from the Free Trade Hall to Afflecks. You’ll connect Manchester’s music scene, football story, industrial past, film locations, Chinatown, and Northern Quarter through local anecdotes. Expect a brisk pace, photo stops, pub and venue references, and plenty of music stories from Oasis to Joy Division.

“Our guide Joe was very knowledgeable about the Mancunian music scene and the history of many of the landmarks, along with a good sense of humour.”

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3.Media City & The Quays Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · 2 hours · from $18Best value

Walk 5 kilometres around MediaCityUK and Salford Quays with an English-speaking guide such as Frank or Craig. Over two hours, you’ll connect the Manchester Ship Canal’s dockside past with Media City’s creative present and planned future, passing The Lowry and Imperial War Museum North. Headsets keep the commentary clear, even outdoors.

“The best walking tour, don’t miss it the next time you are in Manchester or Media City 👏👏👏👏👏”

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4.Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester’s best bars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118

Join Kel of Manchester Wine Tours for a relaxed four-hour walk through central Manchester, stopping at four different venues for wine and snacks. Routes change, but each tour mixes city sights, statues, local drinking spots, and plenty of time to ask questions in a group of no more than 12.

“4 of us enjoyed a Saturday afternoon in January. Kel is so knowledgeable and fun, we all learnt lots. The locations and wine choices were varied and well chosen. We went to places that we would never have normally have gone to but intend to return to visit a couple of the venues properly. Thank you Kel for a wonderful wine tasting experience.”

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5.Morning or Afternoon City Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · from $18

Meet your English-speaking guide outside Manchester Central Library for a 1.5-hour walk through St Peter’s Square, the Mediaeval Quarter, Northern Quarter, Gay Village, and more. Guides such as David, Dave, Rebecca, and Sam bring local stories, practical recommendations, and a friendly pace. The tour runs rain or shine and ends where it begins.

“Walking tours are the best way to explore a new city! We enjoyed the tour with Rebecca who was very kind and friendly!”

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6.Music-Themed City Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 109 reviews · 1h 45m · from $29

Meet your English-speaking guide outside The Bridgewater Hall for a 105-minute walk through Manchester’s music story. Guides including Jonathan Schofield, Anna, Emma, and Seby have led lively tours covering The Hacienda site, the Northern Quarter, Joy Division, New Order, Oasis, The Smiths, and the industrial forces behind Madchester.

“Fantastic tour. The guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. The only downside was that the group was much larger than I expected”

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7.Food and Drinks Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 70 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $122

Spend 3.5 hours walking from Islington Marina through Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, stopping for enough food to make a full lunch, plus wine and a local tipple. Guides such as Julia, Aisha, James, and Ian add stories about Manchester’s industry, music, football, crime, and communities. Groups are capped at 10.

“Excellent tour! We really enjoyed our day. Julia our guide (the mushroom lady) was so knowledgeable and friendly. She made us feel totally relaxed and taught us so many new things about Manchester! The food choices were also brilliant. A 10/10 day. Would definitely do it again!”

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