You won’t have to spend a penny with our roundup of free things to do in Manchester.
We love top-notch cocktails and extravagant pop-ups as much as the next person, but if your bank account is feeling the pinch, Secret Manchester is here to lend a hand. We’ve put together an all-singing, all-dancing roundup of free things to do in Manchester, and it’s a humdinger of a list (if we do say so ourselves).
Free museums in Manchester
Those looking for a cultural fix are in luck, as we’ve got loads of free museums in Manchester boasting ancient art, fascinating objects, and even a dinosaur skeleton.
1. Greater Manchester Police Museum
2. Museum of Science and Industry
8. Touchstones Rochdale Museum
9. Salford Museum and Art Gallery
10. Museum of The Manchester Regiment
11. Greater Manchester Museum of Transport
13. Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum
14. Stockport Museum
16. Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
17. Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre
19. Clayton Hall Living History Museum
Free gigs in Manchester
Hearing about free stuff is just music to my ears. From jazz gigs to classical concerts, music flows freely across Manchester.
20. The Royal Northern College of Music Afternoon Recitals
21. Jazz Gigs at Matt and Phreds
22. Live music on Sundays and Mondays at Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint
23. Jazz and Blues bands at The Fitzgerald every Thursday night
26. Enjoy live music and performances most nights of the week at Albert’s Schloss
27. Live jazz, blues and more at The Blue’s Kitchen’s New Orleans-style bar
Free markets in Manchester
They’re only free if you don’t buy anything, but there are always free samples to be had…
28. Northern Quarter Makers Market
31. Arndale Market
32. Bury Market
33. Stockport Market
36. Ramsbottom Food and Craft Market
Free art galleries in Manchester
‘There is no must in art because art is free.’ It certainly is with these free art exhibitions and galleries, perfect for an eyeful of thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, and installations.
37. The Whitworth
41. Caustic Coastal
43. Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art
44. HOME
45. Paradise Works
46. Bankley Studios and Gallery Manchester
47. Salford Museum and Art Gallery
48. Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre
49. ARTZU Gallery
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50. The Lowry
51. Chuck Gallery
Free attractions in Manchester
Many of the big tourist draws charge for entry, but we’ve found some sneaky ways around that. You wanted free attractions in Manchester? You got ’em.
53. Manchester Airport Runway Vistors Park
55. Central Library – Home to the British Film Institute archive
Free walks to go on in Manchester
From free walking tours of Manchester to self-guided ambles, we’re here for you. Stretch your legs, up your step count, and get a proper eyeful of everything the city has to offer with these walks.
56. Free Manchester Walking Tours
57. Tour The Plaza
Free views over Manchester
It’s time to get high for free (behave). See stunning, panoramic views of Manchester from high-level platforms or by climbing really big hills.
60. Alderley Edge
61. Werneth Low
62. Cloud 23 (You’ll have to buy a drink but it’s free to go up and worth it for the view)
63. The tram ride from Cornbrook to St. Peter’s Square
64. The Air Shard at Imperial War Museum North
65. The Casket Works in Cow Lane, Salford
66. Station Approach (the walkway that leads up to Piccadilly Station)
67. Winter Hill in Rivington Moor
68. The grassy hillock in Liverpool Road that overlooks The Ox
69. Salford Quays
Beautiful places to visit for free
Behold, the beauty of Manchester!
72. Salford Lads Club to recreate The Smiths album photo
76. Ordsall Hall
Free parks and gardens in Manchester
Park yourself at one of these spots for a fabulously free afternoon.
78. Heaton Park
79. Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
81. Haughton Dale
82. Whitworth Park
85. Buile Hill Park
86. Alexandra Park
Best shops in Manchester to explore
These places are perfect for a browse, but you’ll have to resist the temptation to keep that whole free thing going. From historic market buildings to cute independent shops, this city is a shopping paradise.
90. Afflecks Palace
91. Altrincham Market
93. Barton Arcade
94. Hatch
Also published on Medium.