The 6 Top Things to do in Manchester: A Walking Guide

Last updated Jul 09, 2023

St. Peter’s Square is a business, culture and leisure hub, bursting with cool restaurants and bars, and within walking distance to most of the city’s top attractions. To make things even easier for you, we've curated our very own list of the top 6 things to do, all within walking distance from our beautiful Manchester aparthotel.

1. Chinatown

One of Europe’s biggest and best Chinatowns is right on your doorstep. You’re just a 2 minute walk (0.1 miles) to bubble tea cafés, karaoke bars and all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants. Get a picture under the iconic red arch and explore the traditional Chinese shops and eateries. A great place to stop in for a bite after a long day of work or sightseeing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chinatown London (@chinatownlondon)

2. Manchester Art Gallery

You’re a mere 3 minutes (0.1 miles) away from Manchester’s daddy of art and design. A must-see for all art lovers and creative types, wander the listed buildings to see paintings and sculptures through the ages as well as temporary exhibitions. Check their website for information about special events and gallery tours. The Gallery Café serves up a seasonal menu that’s well worth a taste.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manchester Art Gallery (@mcrartgallery)

3. Piccadilly Gardens

An 8 minute walk (0.4 miles) will bring you to Piccadilly Gardens, an oasis of fountains and greenery in the centre of the city. Relax with a coffee from one of the nearby cafés or drop by after dark when the fountains light up. It’s a great place to take a moment’s respite between shopping and sightseeing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beemanuk (@bee_manuk)

4. Royal Exchange Theatre

For a side of high culture, hit up the Royal Exchange Theatre. Worth a visit for the building alone, the seven-sided, glass-walled capsule is an architectural masterpiece. A short 9 minute walk (0.5 miles) from our property, there’s no waiting around for taxis after a show. Check their website for the latest shows and events. There’s always something exciting to see!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Royal Exchange Theatre (@rxtheatre)

5. The Great Northern

The shopping gods have answered your prayers. The Great Northern is a former industrial warehouse turned mega shopping mall. With a casino, cinema, bowling alley and virtual reality gaming centre, there’s tons to do if the shops don’t interest you. Expect all the high street stores and a wide selection of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. The best bit? It’s just a 9 minute (0.4 miles) walk away.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Great Northern Warehouse (@gnwmanchester)

6. Bar crawl

Walk in any direction and you’ll happen across a bar. If cocktails are your poison The Anthologist is round the corner on St. Peter’s Square. The Waterhouse and Peveril of the Peak are more traditional English pub vibes and just a few minutes’ walk away. For a late night party you’ll want to stop in at G-A-Y Manchester. Expect rainbows and a small amount of chaos!