Manchester's music scene
Manchester's music scene

What you'll do

Manchester, the UK’s best live music city.

We’re not just saying it, there are 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 - a subterranean 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.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Spend 3 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

Things to know

What’s included

  • A private and personalized experience
  • 3 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)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Enjoy the tour of Manchester. Kevin was very knowledge and friendly. Would book again.

    July 2022

    Douglas S

    My son (21) and daughter (28) went on the tour and absolutely loved it.Their tour guide, Roy, was a legend and they sang his praises. He was so informative and told them so much more than they expected. Not only did he have great musical knowledge, but he also added interesting info on Manchester and pointed out things and buildings of note as they went around. The tour included a visit to the Salford Lads Club and museum where they had quite a chat with the guys who ran it. Uber taxis and a complimentary pint were included in the price of the tour which was personalised by including info and stops associated with their favourite bands. Well worth the price and they said they would recommend it to anyone interested in the Manchester Music scene. Well done Roy! Although there doesn't seem to be a response to the questions asked on Tripadvisor dont let this put you off. Once they had booked they were contacted directly to state details which would help create a tour just for them.

    February 2020

    Rebecca H

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Manchester. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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