Manchester is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts and music scene. As a result, it’s a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. 

Walking tours are an excellent way to explore Manchester, especially for groups. They also offer a great way to get some exercise, get some fresh air, and connect with your group in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Which places offer the best walking tours in Manchester for groups?

The Manchester City Stadium is one of the best places that offers guided tours in the city. The stadium is an iconic landmark, so this tour is a one-of-a kind experience for tourists since it showcases the stadium and its key features.

There are several other options for groups who want to explore Manchester via walking tours. For groups who prefer a customised itinerary, one of the best options is Manchester Guided Tours. 

In this article, we’ll discuss seven of the best walking tours in Manchester that each offer something unique and special. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and culture, food scene, or music scene, you’ll find something to suit your interests.

1. Manchester City Stadium Guided Tour

We tried the Manchester City Stadium Guided Tour and loved exploring one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums. The tour catered to all age groups and provided an in-depth history of Manchester City Football Club’s achievements.

The behind-the-scenes look at the stadium’s facilities was a highlight of the tour, giving us access to areas usually reserved for players and staff —something truly memorable for most people in our group who are sports fans!

However, we found that the tour’s cost to be quite expensive, which is around £25 per person. We’re also a bit iffy that transportation costs are not included. 

We recommend the tour for groups interested in football history and experiencing one of the world’s best football stadiums, but keep in mind the cost and transportation details when planning your visit.

2. 3-Hour Guided Food Tour

The 3-hour guided food tour in Manchester gave us an incredible time exploring the city’s food scene. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and took us to some of the best food establishments in the city, giving us a unique and luxurious food experience.

Since the maximum number of people allowed for this tour is 10, we think this is a great option for groups of friends, family, or co-workers. Given our small group size, we had the opportunity to chat and bond with our fellow tour-goers. 

We also appreciated the tour’s relaxed and social atmosphere, which made it a great opportunity for us to bond over our love of food.

Overall, this 3-hour guided food tour is perfect for groups of foodies who are eager to experience the local cuisine and culture. We definitely loved the chance to taste local specialties and traditional dishes! 

Moreover, we found that the tour offered a great way to explore the city’s food scene in a short amount of time—perfect for foodies spending a limited time in Manchester!

The only downside to the tour is that the tour fees per person via Viator is around £69, which is quite pricey. On the other hand, given its itinerary and offerings, we believe the experience is worth it.

3. Manchester Scenic Afternoon Tour

A walking tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Manchester’s vibrant history and culture. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive tour, the Manchester Scenic Afternoon Tour will give you just that since it covers all of the top attractions.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, we were able to navigate the city’s streets with ease and gain valuable insights into Manchester’s past and present.

From the beautiful Manchester Cathedral to the quirky Vimto Sculpture, we were able to see a wide range of landmarks and attractions. 

We highly appreciated that our guide provided fascinating stories and anecdotes about each location, making the tour both informative and engaging.

This tour is an excellent option for groups with limited time who want to see the best of Manchester. It is also a great way to explore the city in a leisurely and convenient way. 

However, keep in mind that it is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and be 

prepared for some physical activity.

4. Craft Beer Tour Around the City

As beer enthusiasts, we were excited to take this guided beer tour through Manchester. Our expert guide led us to four carefully selected bars, each offering a unique selection of English and imported brews. 

We savoured new and exciting flavours and expanded our beer knowledge as our guide shared the stories behind each brew.

We highly recommend this tour for groups of beer enthusiasts looking to explore Manchester’s craft beer scene. The opportunity to taste a variety of beers and gain insights into the brewing process made for an informative and enjoyable experience. 

Furthermore, we liked how our experienced tour guides made sure we were well taken care of throughout the tour.

While this tour may not be suitable for those under the legal drinking age or individuals who do not drink beer, it’s the perfect opportunity for beer enthusiasts to explore Manchester’s thriving craft beer scene with like-minded individuals.

5. Private Manchester Tour

Our group loved the flexibility and personalization of this private tour of Manchester. We appreciated how our guide worked with us to create an itinerary that perfectly aligned with our interests, ensuring that we got to see and experience everything we wanted.

Not only did we get to explore our preferred destinations, but our guide also provided invaluable insights and knowledge about the city’s history and culture, making the experience even more enriching.

Overall, we highly recommend this tour for groups of any size and interest. It’s a fantastic way to see Manchester on your terms, with the added bonus of a knowledgeable and friendly guide to enhance your experience.

6. LGBT+ Walking Tour in Manchester

This walking tour of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ neighbourhood stands out for us because it provides a fascinating insight into the city’s history and culture. 

The knowledgeable guide took us to some of the most iconic landmarks and hotspots of the Gay Village, as well as the trendy Northern Quarter, offering a unique perspective on the neighbourhood.

As a group, we learned about Manchester’s role in advancing the LGBTQ+ movement and the impact it has had on the local community. It was inspiring to see how the neighbourhood has evolved over the years and to hear personal stories from the guide.

Despite the potentially crowded conditions due to group size limits, the tour was well worth it for the opportunity to learn about the neighbourhood’s rich heritage and connect with the local LGBTQ+ community.

7. Silent Disco Tour in Manchester

The Groove to the Beat on a Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester tour was a unique and exciting experience for our group. We loved the opportunity to dance and enjoy music without disturbing anyone, making it a perfect nightlife experience.

Visiting different music venues and clubs was a highlight of the tour, as we were able to explore Manchester’s nightlife scene. 

However, we think the tour’s focus on music venues and clubs may not appeal to those who prefer traditional sightseeing tours.

Overall, we highly recommend this tour for groups looking to have fun and create unforgettable memories while exploring Manchester’s nightlife. The duration of the tour may be a bit short, but the unique experience is well worth it.

Our Final Thoughts

Manchester is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts and music scene. Walking tours are an excellent way for groups to explore this bustling city and discover its unique history and attractions. Whether you’re interested in football, food, or culture, there are several options for walking tours in Manchester that offer something for everyone.

While these walking tours offer an opportunity to experience the best of Manchester, they may come with a higher cost and may not be suitable for everyone, such as those with dietary restrictions. Regardless, they are a great way to bond with your group, get some exercise, and connect with the city in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Walking Tours in Manchester