Manchester named one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2024

Manchester has once again been named on of the best UK cities to visit in 2024 by Time Out, thanks to some huge cultural openings last year.

Our city has been praised for being a ‘cultural banquet’ and local favourites like Mackie Mayor, Idle Hands and Queer Lit all referenced.

Manchester snuck into the top 10 on Time Out’s list, but the overall winner this year went to Bristol.

Also on the list for 2024 is Hull (which placed second), the Isles of Scilly, and London (boring).

But for our home city, it was massive openings and reopenings like Aviva Studios, Manchester Museum and The Snug that earned us cool points.

Time Out also looked ahead to exciting new developments like the Co-op Live Arena and Skof, both due to open in the coming months.

They said: “Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet.

“After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug, and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum, 2024 is set to be another big one.

“The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform.

“And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof, in the Noma district in spring.”

Describing the perfect day out when visiting Manchester, Time Out suggested: “Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre).

“Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In, for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES.”

Chiara Wilkinson, Features Editor at Time Out UK said: “We’re over the moon to share our Time Out list of the best places to visit in the UK in 2024.

“These destinations have buzzy new openings, excellent food and drink offerings and pinch-me-moment landscapes.

“With its vibrant cultural scene set to get even bigger next year, Bristol was a deserving winner – but it was also great to see underrated destinations like Hull, Wrexham and Falmouth take their spots in the top 15. If you need an excuse to book a staycation, surely this is it.”

Read more

• All the January deals, offers and discounts at Manchester restaurants you need in 2024
• Macclesfield Forest – the country walk that looks like a Christmas postcard in winter weather
• The Yorkshire Dales spa with an outdoor infinity pool that’s just been named one of the best in the UK

Featured image: The Manc Group