19 Fun Things To Do In Manchester On A Girls’ Weekend

Manchester’s stylish daytime hangouts, fun nightlife and luxury shopping make it a fabulous destination for a girls’ trip. If you’re planning a hen weekend in Manchester or you’re searching for glamorous things to do in Manchester with the girls on a city break, I’ve got you covered.

The Northern powerhouse has been undergoing a contemporary resurgence and today it’s buzzing with creative energy that clashes happily with its industrial past.

From the trendy Northern Quarter to the unique suburbs, Manchester is proving that it’s worth visiting for more than just its football team.

Here’s my guide to what to do in Manchester on a girls’ weekend, from where to eat to the Manchester attractions worth including in your itinerary.

Fun Things To Do In Manchester for Adults

Whether you live in the UK and you’ve chosen Manchester as your next city break or you’re planning a trip to England and want to discover some lesser-visited cities, Manchester has so much to offer!

1. Sip your pre-shopping coffee in a Victorian shopping arcade

When you visit Manchester with the girls, be sure to stop at Pot Kettle Black in the exquisite glass-domed  Barton Arcade for a good cup of coffee to get you all fired up for the day ahead.

The flawlessly restored arcade has three tiers of balconies and while it doesn’t look like anything special from the outside, the interior is a Manchester must-see.

2. Get a taste of the city on a private food tour

If you’re in Manchester to experience its gastronomical offering, the easiest way to do this is on a food tour with a local expert.

The tour I’ve found includes ten different tastings and means you’ll get to learn all about the history of food in the city.

Check prices and availability here.

3. Release your inhibitions at a silent disco

One of the more wacky things to do in Manchester is this hilarious musical walking tour. Over an hour, you’ll embark on a ‘musically instructed adventure’ with silent disco headphones. Well, it’s different!

Check prices and availability here.

4. Feel like Harry Potter at the John Ryland’s Library

Looking for a bit of culture between beverages during your trip? Pretend you really did get your letter from Hogwarts in this spectacularly beautiful library, now owned by the University of Manchester.

This has got to be one of the most magical places to visit in Manchester.

It’s hailed as ‘Manchester’s Taj Mahal’ because the building was commissioned by  Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands.

There are around 12 miles of books on the library’s shelves!

5. Cruise along the canal

See Manchester from the water with a cruise along the Ship Canal.

Some of the more unique options include an Elvis-themed cruise, which is a 2.5 hour experience where you’ll sail past Old Trafford and Media City while listening to a tribute act. The ticket includes prosecco and canapes.

Prefer Sinatra? Check out this Rat Pack cruise instead!

6. Be entertained at Albert’s Schloss

On the ground floor of the iconic Albert Hall, this Bavarian ‘bier palace’ serves the freshest Pilsner this side of the Danube alongside great food and even homemade baked treats.

The place comes alive with good-natured debauchery at night, with live music, resident DJs and the ‘Schloss night creatures’.

It’s a fun place for a night out in Manchester for people who love to party.

7. Brunch at Evelyn’s

Instagram addicts, gather around. Evelyn’s is the most grid-friendly cafe/bar in Manchester, with grammable interiors and delicious (photogenic) food including Korean chicken rolls and pimped-out avo toast.

Their creative hot drinks menu included such curiosities as peanut butter jelly cappuccinos and blue lattes.

If you’re on a girls’ weekend in Manchester, you’ll need to book ahead to make sure you get in as a group – the place fills up fast!

8. Shop in style at Selfridges

Fashionistas will fall in love with the Personal Shopping service on the second floor of Selfridges Exchange Square.

Get comfortable in a luxurious suite and enlist the help of Selfridges’ stylists to choose your perfect outfit. You can hold your own little fashion show and have fun trying stuff on.

 Follow your shopping session with a bite at Selfridge’s San Carlo Gran Cafe.

9. Shake it at a cocktail masterclass at Cane and Grain

Get your ladies night in Manchester off to a roaring start with a cocktail class at one of Manchester’s best bars.

On the upper floor of ‘Manchester’s best bar and rib joint‘, you’ll find The Liar’s Lounge, a tiki bar where showman Steve will teach you how to shake up some of the bar’s favourite cocktails.

Masterclasses can be a bit naff – but take it from an experienced bartender – this one is a laugh.

Once you’re nicely tipsy on Zombies, retire to their speakeasy-style Science + Industry bar.

10. Take Afternoon Tea at Cloud 23

Reigning over Manchester’s cityscape in Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 is a unique venue located at the highest point in Manchester.

It has beautiful views over the city and afternoon tea in the clouds is one of the best luxury things to do in Manchester.

Find your silver lining at Cloud 23 with the finest champagnes, signature cocktails, decadent afternoon tea, and panoramic city views.

11. Catch a movie at King Street Town House

This imposing Italian Renaissance building oozes luxury, and what’s more luxurious than an intimate cinema screening in plush armchairs?

King Street Townhouse has transformed its listed cellar space into The Cellars; a brand new and exclusive private dining space and luxurious screening room experience.

Catching a film at this lux location is the perfect way to wind down at the end of your weekend in Manchester before it’s time to head home!

12. Stay dry on a bus tour

Manchester if famously rainy, so if you don’t want to ruin your blowdry but still want to see some of Manchester’s tourist attractions, you can hop on a sightseeing bus.

Find tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus here.

13. Party at Impossible

At this theatrical late-night venue, the impossible is made possible. Think raunchy costumes, weird and wonderful performances and dancing the night away.

It’s one of the best clubs in Manchester and definitely one of the more unique places to go after dark.

You’re not allowed to take pictures inside Impossible, so please don’t tell!

14. See a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Yet another reason to ‘look up’ in Manchester.

The former Cotton Exchange has beautiful pink marble pillars that will give you serious interior design inspiration, and you can still see the original trading board with the day’s closing figures.

The historic Great Hall now houses a modern performance space – check out what’s on and book tickets for your Manchester visit here.

If you don’t fancy a show, you can also take Afternoon Tea there.

15. Toast your city break at The Refuge

Located in the regal Principal Hotel, The Refuge by Volta is the place to be seen in Manchester.

It’s full of Instagram-friendly corners and the bar is big enough that you won’t feel like you’re taking over the place if you’re on a hen do in Manchester.

Think small plates made with the best North West ingredients, a mouth-watering cocktail menu and a stylish Winter Garden for the most glamorous of rendezvous.

16. Visit Old Trafford

Football fans, this one’s for you. I couldn’t write a guide to the best things to do in Manchester without including this, could I?

A trip to Manchester United’s Museum and Old Trafford Stadium is a must for United supporters. Get tickets here.

17. Search out the best street art

Young creatives abound in this city, which means there’s tons of cool street art!

You’ll find the most intriguing pieces in the Northern Quarter, but the ever-changing nature of the street art landscape means you may need a helping hand from a local to find it all.

This walking tour of the Northern Quarter follows art trails created in the 90s, and offers local insight into Manchester’s coolest area.

18. Let off some steam with axe throwing

If you’re looking for an unusual activity to do in Manchester, axe throwing is a great option for groups.

Check prices and availability for an axe throwing session in Manchester here.

19. Go behind the scenes at Corrie

Soap lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to experience one of the nation’s most famous streets while you’re in Manchester!

Hit the cobbles of Coronation Street on this guided tour of the show’s production set and see Roy’s Rolls, The Rovers and more iconic sets for yourself.

Best places to stay in Manchester for a girls’ weekend

If you’re planning a hen do in Manchester, you’ll find plenty of accommodation that’s suitable for groups.

If you’re a small group, you can book a family room at Selina NQ1 in the Northern Quarter to be close to some of Manchester’s best bars.

Some of the best serviced apartments for hen dos in Manchester are The City Warehouse apartments with kitchens that are ideal for pre-drinks, City Stop Manchester‘s apartments for up to eight people and Roomzzz.

These are all great choices for a girls weekend in Manchester because they’re spacious and used to groups.

If you’re going higher end, my top recommendation would be King Street Townhouse so you can use the rooftop pool.

Alternatively, Swan Street Town House is available for private hire for up to 23 people and it has a hot tub on a gorgeous roof terrace.

I have reviews of Abode Manchester and Malmaison Manchester on my blog, if you need further inspiration.

Use the booking.com map below to find your ideal place to stay in Manchester.

Booking.com

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Find the best deals for your Manchester ladies trip on my Travel Resources page

Click here to join my UK Travel Deals group on Facebook. We share lots of great ways to save money on UK trips and fun ideas for days out and places to visit in the UK.

Its heritage may be industrial, but progressive Manchester is now claiming its place as ‘The original modern city’, with a youthful energy driving the destination’s transformation into a culture hub that makes it ideal for a girls’ weekend away.

If you’re planning a whirlwind city break with the ladies, visit Manchester for some of the best delicious food, drink and luxury shopping experiences. It’s genuinely one of the most exciting cities to visit in the UK at the moment, and you won’t regret a trip.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester? Leave your Manchester hidden gems and tips in the comments for everyone to read!

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