Quirky Things To Do In Manchester

• Highlights include: Victoria Baths and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Old Trafford Stadium and more
• Best for: learning about the city's history 
• Activity type: culture, date, group

A birthplace of industry in the UK and known for everything from football to the suffragette movement, Manchester is a city with plenty of history and sights. Explore stunning architectural landmarks like the Victoria Baths and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, which showcase the city's impressive heritage.

Football fans will find their haven at iconic stadiums like Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, while nature lovers can unwind in the beautiful RHS Garden Bridgewater, a serene escape from the city's hustle. From its rich cultural attractions to its outdoor oases, Manchester offers something for every kind of explorer.

• Highlights include: The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, esea contemporary and more
• Best for: art lovers and something different 
• Activity type: art, culture, history 

Manchester is a city bursting with cultural gems, offering an impressive range of museums and galleries that showcase its diverse heritage. Art and history enthusiasts will love the Manchester Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery, where you can immerse yourself in everything from ancient artefacts to contemporary masterpieces. 

The Science and Industry Museum offers a fascinating look at the city's industrial roots, while the National Football Museum celebrates Manchester's iconic football legacy. For a deeper dive into the suffragette movement, the Pankhurst Centre is a must-visit, and literary fans can explore the beautifully preserved Elizabeth Gaskell's House. 

• Highlights include: Track Brewing Co, Pomona Island, Sureshot, Cloudwater, Seven Bro7hers (available at 11 Central) and more
• Best for: beer lovers and the beer curious 
• Activity type: drinking, boozy

If you're in Manchester, you'll be glad to hear that not only is pubbing culture still going strong (don't forget to check out the best Manchester pubs) but there are plenty of craft breweries and taprooms to explore too.

Uncover the very best serving freshly brewed, local lager, peanut butter stout, and fruity sours on DesignMyNight. 

• Highlights include: Kampus, Parsonage Gardens, Mayfield Park Manchester and more
• Best for: harnessing your inner green fingers 
• Activity type: free, group, couples

Manchester is home to a variety of stunning outdoor spaces, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the city. From the newly opened Sky Park on the historic Castlefield Viaduct to the lush Sackville Gardens, there's no shortage of green spaces to explore.

Parsonage Gardens and St John's Gardens offer charming, tranquil spots for a stroll, while Mayfield Park Manchester adds a touch of greenery to the city's vibrant landscape. Whether you're looking for hidden oases like The Secret Valley just outside the city or more well-known locations like Kampus, Manchester's gardens and parks provide the perfect escape from urban life.

• Highlights include: Washhouse, Blind Tiger, Project Halycon Distillery and more
• Best for: swanky date nights 
• Activity type: boozy, mixology 

Out of all the fun activities in Manchester, discovering a secret bar that dishes out incredible cocktails is one of our favourites.

Tucked away behind launderettes, down discreet staircases and disguised as pawn shops, these hidden haunts are well worth the challenge - how many can you find, and what concoctions will you get your lips around? 

• Highlights include: Immersive Gamebox, DNA VR, The Cube Live Experience and more
• Best for: getting lost in alternate realities 
• Activity type: immersive, group 

Full of fantastic immersive experiences, Manchester boasts everything from The Crystal Maze live experience to Chaos Carts - dubbed 'real-life Mario Kart' on an augmented reality racecourse. Yes, now you can ride Rainbow Road in real life.

Whether you're looking to try out some high-tech VR or take on Squid Game, there's something for everyone to be found in this city.

• Highlights include: Blackpool, the Lake District, the North Welsh Coast and more
• Best for: escaping the city for a day or weekend 
• Acitivty type: group, adventure, exploring 

This city is the perfect starting point for some incredible day trips to nearby destinations. With great transport links, you can easily explore the stunning beauty of the Lake District, renowned for its picturesque lakes and charming villages.

For those seeking a bit of history, a visit to Haworth, the home of the Brontë sisters, offers a literary escape. The North Welsh Coast provides a coastal adventure, while Blackpool offers classic seaside fun with its famous pier and attractions.

• Where: 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR
• Best for: German food and steins of beer
• Activity type: boozy, entertainment

The OG Albert's Schloss, this Bavarian party den fast became a highlight of Manchester's live entertainment and nightlife scene and has since expanded to Birmingham, Liverpool and London. If you want to try out one of the wildest bars for a quirky night out, you'd be barmy to miss this gem.

There's different live entertainment every night of the week, from Kunst Kabaret to live music courtesy of Baby Grand Slam, and it's totally free too. Alpine-themed food and cocktails, as well as a whole heap of Pilsner, top off the experience.

• Where: 1A Watson Street, M3 4EE
• Best for: immersing yourself in a prison-themed bar 
• Activity type: immersive, boozy

One of the hottest activities in Manchester for adults, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four will have you donning orange jumpsuits and attempting to smuggle liquor into a high-security prison.

Once inside? You'll get to sip on bespoke prison hooch (your ticket includes four per person) created by your fellow inmates and get involved in the unfolding story. Secure your spot from £44.50 each and look forward to a theatrical time like no other. 

• Where: 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, M35JL
• Best for: showing off, or nailing, your baking skills 
• Activity type: group, couples, competitive 

Fancy competitive baking for your unusual pick of things to do? Then check out The Big Manchester Bake. This fun experience sees you and your baking buddy compete against other pairs to be crowned the winning bakers of your 90-minute session.

All ingredients and equipment are provided for whipping up your recipe, so all you need to bring is your 'A' game (along with the most skilled mixer out of all of your mates).

• Where: Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, M4 3TR
• Best for: experiencing in cool quests 
• Acitvity type: immersive, group, adventure 

If you fancy a quirky day out with a little excitement thrown in, look no further than Escape Hunt - one of the best activities in Manchester for families and friends.

Choose between Blackbeard's Treasure, The Last Vikings, Escape The Wild West and The Fourth Samurai and crack the 60-minute challenge to earn your freedom. Whether you're competing in a traditional escape room or on one of their outdoor city hunts, your teamwork skills will be put to the test.

• Where: Unit R3 Halle Place, Market Street, M4 3AQ
• Best for: competing against your friends 
• Activity type: immersive, group

If you're in need of activities in Manchester for groups, explore the different options at Immersive Gamebox. Your one-stop shop for things to do, this Arndale Centre hangout is combining motion sensor headgear with fun games.

These span everything from Squid Game to Paw Patrol - ideal for birthdays or team-building activities. What's more, drinks can be ordered directly to your game via interactive touchscreen technology, so you don't have to go far for a post-match refreshment.

• Where: Unit 9, Piccadilly Trading Estate, M1 2NP
• Best for: tasting a range of beers 
• Activity type: drinking, boozy

Get to know some of the very best microbreweries in town at one of these quirky days out. You'll be shown around innovative microbreweries, get to know all the equipment and learn how they craft every pint of their beer, which you'll get to sample in each taproom - we're talking IPAs, grisettes and wild-fermented beers.

Grab your tickets now for £38.50 per person and gather your mates (up to 25 people) - it's the perfect activity if you're looking for stag or hen do inspiration. 

• Where: Freight Island and Impossible 
• Best for: a lively brunch party with your mates
• Activity type: boozy, brunch, reggae

Get ready to experience the ultimate island vibes at Reggae Brunch, where the party never stops and the rum punch flows freely. Join them for an unforgettable social experience complete with bottomless rum punch from 1pm 'til 2pm, a delicious Caribbean meal to fuel your vibes, and an interactive show that will keep you on your toes.

From epic throwbacks to the latest bangers, their resident DJs and special guests will have you grooving to the real Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca hits from across the decades. And hey, if your birthday's coming up, don't miss out on their exclusive £20 birthday package, which includes entry, bottomless rum punch, a meal, and even a birthday cake to top off your celebration.

• Where: Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, M2 4WU
• Best for: a quirky brunch 
• Activity type: brunch, darts, group 

Whether you're looking for a unique date, group gathering or social occasion, this is the bar for you. Thanks to their competitive high-tech darts throwing and electronic boards that offer a huge selection of quirky games, it's one seriously fun Spinningfields venue.

And if you swing by on the weekend, you can try out their brunch socials that come with unlimited pizza paddles and a whole bottle of prosecco each, with tickets starting at £33.

• Where: 78 Deansgate, M3 2FW
• Best for: shooting simulation games 
• Activity type: immersive, shooting, group 

Combining a speakeasy-style bar with a massive number of fun shooting simulation games, Point Blank is definitely worth a shot. There's even more in store too, including a list of fun cocktails themed around gun-slinging, like the Bacardi coconut rum-based Lethal Weapon, or the Jack Rabbit Slim's, made with Amaretto and lemon. 

That's not all, though. Don't miss out on the bottomless brunch on Sundays which features unlimited, cheesy slices of delicious pizza and 90 minutes of shooting. 

• Where: Unit R6 & R7, M4 3AQ or Trafford Park, M17 8DA
• Best for: learning how to make your own sushi 
• Activiting type: food, cooking 

A top choice of unusual activities in Manchester city centre would be to head over to YO! for one of their sushi masterclasses, which come in at £34.95 per person, or £24.95 for under 16s.

Expect to chow down on gyoza and sip prosecco before you learn history, knife skills and how to create everything from maki rolls to sashimi across the session. There's also a class at their Trafford Centre location.

• Where: 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF
• Best for: creative and casual things to do 
• Activity type: quiz, classes, food 

Making plans in Manchester? Don't forget to check out the lineup of events at GRUB, a welcoming street food venue and event space in the Green Quarter. From boozy pub quizzes to sip and paint sessions, there's always something cool just around the corner here.

And when it comes to food, you'll find a rotating list of traders which have featured the likes of Bhaji Boss, The Hip Hop Chip Shop, Gatto Pizza, and more. Delicious. 

• Where: 4 Mealhouse Brow, SK1 1JP
• Best for: an unlimited afternoon tea 
• Activity type: food, group, couples

Bringing something a little different to bottomless sessions, Cherry Jam has got everything from bottomless afternoon teas, complete with mini quiches, scones and prosecco, to tipple-fuelled, unlimited chacuterie sessions featuring creamy brie and salami kebabs.

You can also expect themed supper clubs here with all the same treats, with 90s or RnB music playing as you indulge. Grab your mates and your tickets from £29 per person now.

• Where: 94-98 Bloom Street, M13LY
• Best for: hilarious drag shows and entertainment 
• Activity tyoe: drag, bingo, group 

FunnyBoyz drag cabaret events are sure to fill up your calendar with something a little different, drenched in glitter and fabulousness.

Whether it's weekly Benidorm Bingo, featuring unlimited popcorn all night long, lip-sync battles and a glass of bubbles upon arrival, an appearance from a Drag Race star or some other raucous themed event, the queens here bring guaranteed glamour. And the best part? Tickets are really affordable. 

• Where: Area, 13 Quay Street, M3 3HN, and other central Manchester venues 
• Best for: themed drag brunches
• Activity type: drag, entertainment, group 

Out of all the activities in Manchester, Fabulous Brunch Events have to be the most raunchy. Whether you fancy buff butlers who are on hand to keep your thirst quenched, Lady Gaga impersonator shows or ABBA-inspired shindigs, these guys have you covered.

And thanks to tickets starting from £16, these lively activities won't break the bank either. Look forward to four hours of fun, tasty corn chips and salsa to enjoy on arrival, and even a complimentary welcome cocktail if it's your birthday, hen or stag do.

• Where: Unit 6, The Corn Exchange, Cathedral Street, M4 3TR
• Best for: cricket fans who want to compete with their mates
• Activity type: sports, group, competitive 

Indoor activities in Manchester for adults don't get much better than Sixes Cricket. A top choice of things to do, this fun time sees you step up to the crease in high-tech batting nets, as well as trying out their bowling simulator, foosball and pool tables.

There's a trendy bar waiting for you to refuel at afterwards, with plenty of cocktails and plates like crispy fried chicken burgers or truffled egg and cheese fries.

• Where: St Anns Square, M2 7HD
• Best for: discovering facts about the city in an alternative way 
• Activity type: outdoors, group

When you need quirky outdoor activities in Manchester, CityDays is coming in hot with its combo of escape room-style games and puzzles with a hidden gem-finding treasure hunt.

Expect bar stop offs, fascinating stories and more as you journey around industrial waterways and Roman ruins while working as a team to unlock the mystery.

• Where: Unit 2A, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS
• Best for: a range of competitive group games like axe throwing and shuffleboard 
• Activity type: group, date, competitive 

If you need quirky activity ideas, then Boom Battle Bar, located within The Printworks, is a firm choice. Fronting lots of activities, such as shuffleboard, axe throwing, karaoke and more, this is a great spot to let loose.

Better yet, there are also live DJ sets and a mouthwatering food menu, featuring blue cheese loaded fries, classic nachos and crispy chicken tenders. Wash it all down with a pint or a signature sip, like the spiced rum-based Boom Punch. 

• Where: 20 Fountain Street, M2 3AW
• Best for: beer and music lovers 
• Activity type: drinking, boozy

When it comes to unusual activities or something fun to do, check out Doghouse for their beer school sessions. You'll get to try a load of the brand's favourites across 1/3 pint tasters, all while getting in-depth info about the brewing process.

Not your thing? There's also live music sessions, and if you stay overnight, beer fridges in the showers. This spot is famous for being the UK's first beer hotel, so it would be rude not to check out one of its 18 rooms featuring the good stuff, along with a vinyl collection curated by local artists.

• Where: GRUB, Foundry Project Manchester and Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse
• Best for: painting and relaxing with your friends 
• Activity type: painting, group, creative 

Get your creative juices flowing at Paint A Pic by Prime Pass. Their resident artist will guide you step-by-step to create your very own masterpiece, be it a cherry blossom tree or a fiery landscape, even a cat on a swing.

There's no need to paw around for supplies as they provide all the materials, including a canvas, apron, paint, and easel, all for just £30 per person.

• Where: various locations across Manchester
• Best for: picking up a brush or getting hands-on with air-dry clay 
• Activity type: painting, clay, creative 

Paintvine, London's favourite Paint and Sip, is now in Manchester. But hold on, they're not just painting now; they're sculpting, too. Get your drinks, switch your creative side on, create a masterpiece and the best part? Leave the cleaning to them.

You'll be taught how to hand-build with air-dry clay, paint using acrylics on canvas, make pinch pots and more. Secure your tickets from £29 per person and unleash your inner artist. 

• Where: 10-15 Watson Street, M3 4LP
• Best for: gin tasting and tours 
• Activity type: boozy, drinking 

Looking for something gin-credible? Search no further than The Spirit of Manchester Distillery on Watson Street. From gin-tasting events to their Barley & Beyond: New-Make Tasting Experience, you'll get to sip on award-winning spirits and even try your hand at being a distiller (with a gin and tonic in hand, of course).

And if you fancy finding out what goes on behind the scenes? Book your spot from £30 per person for a tour of the distillery where you'll discover what goes into making one of the most awarded gins in the UK.

• Where: 20 Richmond Street, M1 3ND
• Best for: fun-filled bottomless brunches 
• Activity type: brunch, boozy, group 

Do iconic bangers, 90 minutes of free-flowing bubbles and glitzy drag stars sound like a good time to you? If baby, you were born this way, then you should snap up tickets to The Cockatoo Club's brunches.

In the heart of the Gay Village, iconic drag artists will treat you to cabaret performances while you have bottomless brunch - perfect for groups, hens, birthdays and more. On the menu? Brioche buns filled with beef, Southern-fried chicken or a plant-based affair. Mmm. 

• Where: 7 Dantzic Street, M4 2BS
• Best for: playing golf on a date or with your mates 
• Activity type: golf, group, competitive 

After a little competitive fun? Treetop Adventure Golf boasts two immersive, indoor 18-hole courses, where you and your pals can battle it out.

There's even a bonus 19th hole where you can win a free game, and if you're hungry, then you can nab fresh, handmade pizza from Pizza Cabana, alongside tropical cocktails and mocktails from The Thirsty Toucan Bar.

• Where: 12 Tib Street, M4 1SH and Peter Street, M2 5QR
• Best for: neon-lit pictures and retro arcade games 
• Activity type: gaming, group, couples

With venues in the Northern Quarter and on Peter Street, NQ64 is the ultimate gaming bar that celebrates all things neon and retro, and it makes one of the top activities in Manchester for couples come date night. 

Unleash your inner kid with old-school arcade games like Street Fighter, Time Crisis and Guitar Hero. They've even got themed cocktails to match, like the Powerstar Martini or a Kong Island Iced Tea, as well as moreish pizzas from Crazy Pedro's.

• Where: 201 Deansgate, M3 3NW
• Best for: a friendly and quirky game of shuffleboard 
• Activity type: shuffleboard, group, brunch 

Electric Shuffle is from the team behind Flight Club, but instead of darts, they're bringing you a new take on shuffleboard with fun mini games and high-tech equipment that automatically records your score.

Better yet, you can also spice your weekend up with tickets their boozy brunch, which starts at £33 per person. Chomp on two hours of unlimited pizza and enjoy a bottle of prosecco each, with an hour of playing time too.

• Where: Good Yard Street, M3 3BG
• Best for: games and socialising 
• Acitivty type: sports, drinking, group 

You'll find Courts Club at Good Yard Park in Spinningfields, complete with fun, sporty activities. This quirky event space is home to both a tennis and basketball court, where you can challenge your friends to some competitive action.

Afterwards, be sure to head to their indoor or outdoor tables for tasty eats like loaded gyros, breakfast baguettes or toasties, which you can pair with refreshing draught beers or cocktails.

• Where: Manchester Arndale, M4 3AB
• Best for: experiencing what it would be like to be on The Cube 
• Activity type: competitive, group, immersive

Step into the heart-pounding world of The Cube at Urban Playground in Manchester, where the pressure is on and only the sharpest will survive. Inspired by the iconic TV show, this experience challenges you and your friends to a series of seven thrilling games that test your speed, balance, memory, and judgment. Can you conquer the glass box and come out victorious? 

Once you've tackled the intense competition of The Cube, head over to Putters for some epic mini-golf action. With three themed courses - Fairground, Circus, and Virtual Escape - you'll have a blast competing against friends and family. And if you're looking for a feast after all that fun, The Butcher has you covered with mouthwatering burgers made from the finest Aberdeen Angus beef, paired with crispy sides and sharing platters that will satisfy any craving.

• Where: 43A Brown Street, M2 2JJ
• Best for: darts and drinks on a date (or with mates) 
• Activity type: games, drinking, eating 

The Black Cat Club offers competitive darts with interactive game modes and tech shuffleboard, where the scoring is automatically handled, so you can focus on the fun. But it's not just about games, as you can revel in the most premium sports viewing experience in the city.

With personal table service, stylish interiors inspired by Manchester's music scene, and push-button ordering, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of the action. The food, curated by the chefs of El Gato Negro, includes everything from small plates like curry mayo chicken bites to hearty burgers and pizzas.

• Where: On Bar or Area Manchester
• Best for: lively drag shows
• Activity type: drag, live entertainment, drinking 

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Bougie Drag Events, where fierce performances and high-energy entertainment collide in a celebration of drag culture. Whether you're here to enjoy spectacular lip-sync performances, jaw-dropping costumes, or hilarious comedy, every show at Bougie promises to be a glitter-filled extravaganza.

With a lively atmosphere, interactive performances, and a menu full of delicious drinks and food, it's the ultimate night out for anyone who loves glamour, comedy, and fabulous drag queens.

• Where: New Century Hall, Corporation Street, M60 4ES
• Best for: rum enthusiasts 
• Acitivty type: drinking, boozy

One of the most unusual things to do? Drink your way through top exhibitors' rum at the Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025, where your £27.50 ticket includes testing the rums from the exhibitors. Not only that, but you can upgrade your ticket for an extra tenner to include a seminar with a top brand.

You can also expect a rum cocktail bar and food places to make extra purchases at, keeping you fuelled throughout the one-day-only event.

• Where: Hathersage Road, M13 0FE
• Best for: trying wacky chicken wings 
• Activity type: drinking, eating, games

Wing Fest is returning for another year this September, taking place at Victoria Baths. The weekend-long event promises great food, drink and entertainment, with a whole lot of chicken wings being sold for just £1.50 each. Sample all the best eats from three categories: barbecue, Buffalo and wild wings, before picking your favourites to be crowned the champion.

While you munch your way around the space, enjoy live music, DJ sets, axe throwing and arcade games. What's more, there are eating competitions and hot sauce challenges to get involved in.

• Where: Area, BLVD and Kable Club
• Best for: a high-energy, music-fuelled brunch 
• Activity type: drinking, boozy, bingo 

If you're looking for quirky things to do in Manchester, Old Skool Bingo is the answer. With a fun twist on traditional bingo, RnB classics, and hilarious challenges, it's the perfect event for anyone looking for a night full of fun and surprises.

Whether you're competing in bingo or just enjoying the vibe, this event offers something unique for everyone. Grab your friends, and make some unforgettable memories with this quirky and exciting night out.

• Where: 11 Baring Street, Manchester, M12PZ
• Best for: a diverse range of food and events line-up 
• Activity type: food, drinking, live music 

Freight Island in Manchester is the ultimate food, drink, and good times destination, offering a vibrant mix of eleven food vendors, seven bars, and a packed events calendar. Craving a mouthwatering burger from Burgerism? How about smoky skewers from Morejoy, or decadent sweet treats from Gooey and Oh My Cheesecake? Well, you're in luck as you'll find all this and more here. 

Beyond the incredible food, Freight Island offers a buzzing atmosphere with events like Big Jim's Big Quiz on Thursdays, live music, and exclusive parties. Whether you're sipping a craft beer at Freight Tap Room, enjoying a cocktail at Hotel Milano, or dancing the night away at Casa Pomelo, it's the perfect place to unwind with friends.

• Where: 16 Peter Street, M60 2DS
• Best for: a fun, family-friendly magic show 
• Activity type: magic, group

Prepare for an unforgettable evening at Magic at The Midland, Manchester's premier magic show. Held in the luxurious Lancaster Suite of the city's most iconic hotel, this incredible performance by Steve Price, one of the UK's top magicians, will leave you spellbound.

Steve's world-class sleight-of-hand tricks and hilarious charm will have you laughing and gasping in disbelief as he turns ordinary objects into extraordinary memories. Whether you're a fan of magic or just looking for a unique night out, this 75-minute show promises a perfect blend of elegance, humour, and jaw-dropping illusions.

• Where: Deansgate 
• Best for: de-stressing with the help of a furry friend 
• Activity type: yoga, kittens, group, solo 

Looking for something fun and a little different to do in Manchester? Kitty Yoga is exactly what you need. In this one-hour session, you'll enjoy 40 minutes of slow vinyasa yoga while kittens playfully roam around the room.

The best part? You'll finish with 20 minutes of playtime, where you can cuddle and snap pictures with your favourite furry friends. It's the perfect quirky activity for a fun weekend in Manchester.

• Where: 30 Brown Street, M2 1DH
• Best for: playing games in an alternate universe
• Activity type: immersive, group

For those of you who fancy trying something a little different, make sure to give DNA VR a visit. This quirky VR arcade is home to all kinds of wicked games: defend a town from an orc invasion in Elven Assassin, or get lost in the music with Synth Riders.

There's also the chance to battle it out against zombies by playing Arizona Sunshine, or play an extreme version of laser tag for groups of up to ten people.

• Where: 657 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RA
• Best for: playing retro arcade games 
• Activity type: gaming, group, drinking

When you want something unique to do, 1UP is up there as a bar you should head to, complete with quirky decor like an 8-foot Donkey Kong.

The Didsbury destination not only has D&D tournaments, Pokémon cards, board games, Warhammer figure painting and more, but also the classic consoles and arcade machines to match. After all that fun, enjoy crispy chicken tenders, vegan burgers, Cajun fries and more.