Manchester
Manchester's music scene
Traditions & Heritage • 4 hours
5.0
(35)
Manchester's music scene
Experience Manchester's unique music scene while you explore the streets where music legends have roamed.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Spend 4 hours with one of our music-loving Manchester hosts
- Enjoy stories of the music history of the city and indulge in the eclectic Manchester music culture - get what you want from this experience
- Your experience, your pace - pick one or two landmarks or walk the streets that bred bands like The Smiths and Joy Division
- Stop by the very same pubs that hosted and inspired Manchester music icons, and enjoy a pint (or two)
- Explore the Northern Quarter, flip through vinyl and see the ‘sound bites’
- Get recommendations from your host for some upcoming gigs you could still get tickets for while you’re in town
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
4 hours with your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
2 craft beers or ales
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Manchester is the UK’s best live music city.
We’re not just saying it; there is more live music shows here than anywhere else in the country, and it has recently been crowned the UK’s best for live music.
So you’ll join one of our Manchester hosts to get to the bottom of a musical legacy intertwined with industrial roots.
And the best way to do this? Visit the spots where music history went down, like the Free Trade Hall where the Sex Pistols held their infamous gig that inspired members of Joy Division, The Smiths and the Buzzcocks, and Salford Lads’ Club - you’ll recognize it from one of The Smiths’ album covers.
No doubt you’ll want a pint or two, and we know just the spot - an underground bar that was once a public bathroom and somehow became the inspiration for an Elbow song.
And your experience wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt into the trendy Northern Quarter, where you can flip through vinyl at Piccadilly Records and check out the ‘sound bites’ - we’ll leave it up to your local to explain that one.
One more pint in the NQ? Oh, go on then.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Chris
May 2025
I had a great time with Roy. His genuine local knowledge and music knowledge was exactly what I was looking for. He designed a route that perfectly adapted to the bands I was interested in as well as adapting on the spur of the moment as our conversation evolved. Highly recommended. Note: you will get most out of this type of tour by giving detailed information of the bands/music you’d like to focus on when completing their questionnaire.
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DeEtte
Apr 2025
This was a highlight of my trip to Europe! The weather was disastrous but I had so much fun visiting all of the “Madchester” sites and hearing the AMAZING stories (historical and personal) that Darren had to share. He was beyond personable and if I didn’t live in another country I’d beg him to be my drinking buddy! Even if he supports United. Boo.
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Matthew
Mar 2025
Our guide, Darren, was fantastic! We signed up for the Manchester Music Tour, but Darren did such a great job with combining it with Football history along with overall history of the City of Manchester. He had first hand knowledge of so many of the places that we visited and it was so great to get his perspective having lived through the Madchester scene! Darren was extremely personable and we got on with him very well. I would strongly recommend him to anyone that has a chance to participate in one of his many tours.
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Matthew
Mar 2025
We had signed up for the music tour, but Darren did such a fantastic job of adding in Football history and just overall history of the City of Manchester. Darren was extremely personable and we got on with him very well. I would highly recommend him to anyone else that may have an opportunity to do one of his many tours!!!
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David
Dec 2024
Francesca was an awesome guide! We did everything we asked for and more ! And she knows a lot! A top guide!
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Jodi
Oct 2024
Roy is delightful! What a kind and thoughtful person. He is knowledgeable, professional, and all-around fun! I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you need someone who can show you around, make you laugh and feel right at home he is your person.
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