Manchester has produced some of the UK’s most famous bands over the years, and our handy list will help keep music-lovers #InnTheKnow about some must-see attractions in Manchester. Whether you’re an Oasis fan exploring Oldham Street or a Joy Division lover recreating the band’s famous photo on Epping Walk Bridge, touring these famous cultural spots is a great way to spend days out in Manchester when you’re looking for free things to do. Plus, with our super comfy beds, great-value Meal Deals and free Wi-Fi, our hotels in Manchester are an ideal base to rest easy in after exploring the city’s Britpop past. Check out our hotels near Manchester Arena.
Best free places to visit in Manchester for music-lovers
Salford Lads Club, The Smiths
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out for fans of The Smiths looking for places to visit in Manchester, and it’s on over at the Salford Lads Club.
This listed red brick building in Ordsall is famous for being inside the band’s iconic The Queen Is Dead album, and to this day welcomes lads and ladies looking to see some Morrissey memorabilia, as well as hosting events and activities for the local community.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester (Salford Quays) hotel.
Piccadilly Records on Oldham street, Oasis
Piccadilly Records on Oldham street, Oasis
Like many Manchester attractions associated with the city’s Britpop past, Canal Bar where the band played a famous gig in 1993 no longer exists. Fortunately for Oasis fans, there’s still a chance to get a taste of the band’s past during Manchester short breaks. Oasis frequently shopped over at Piccadilly Records and Sifters Records back in their early years, and they’re both great places to visit in Manchester for music lovers to this day. Fans can also see some exciting Oasis gems over at the Hard Rock Café Manchester!
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City (Piccadilly) hotel.
Chorlton Water Park, The Stone Roses
Chorlton Water Park, The Stone Roses
Sadly, The Haçienda nightclub where the band played in their early years is no more, but don’t worry – fans of The Stone Roses will still find plenty of attractions in Manchester to visit.
The most popular and picturesque is Chorlton Water Park, the scenic nature reserve believed to have inspired the song Mersey Paradise on their self-titled 1989 album – it’s a great place for fans and families alike to spend some laid-back days out in Manchester.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester West Didsbury hotel.
Epping Walk Bridge, Joy Division
Epping Walk Bridge, Joy Division
The famous Free Trade Hall might be a hotel instead of a venue nowadays, but it’s worth a walk down Peter Street on Manchester getaways just to see it – this is where the Sex Pistols performed the infamous gig that inspired members Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook to form a band back in 1976.
If there’s one attraction in Manchester that’s a must-see for Joy Division fans, though, it has to be the Epping Walk Bridge. Kevin Cummins’ photo of the group became the cover of the Best of Joy Division album, and fans of the Love Will Tear Us Apart performers still flock to this spot in Hulme to recreate the shot.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel.
Heaton Park, New Order
Heaton Park, New Order
The sad news – Shudehill Interchange bus station has replaced what was once the Beach Club where New Order played their first gig as a trio, and The Haçienda nighclub where they famously performed is now a block of flats. The good news though – there are still places to visit in Manchester for Blue Monday fans! The band recently played at Heaton Park in 2021, so this top Manchester attraction is not only unmissable for New Order fans, but also history-lovers visiting Heaton Hall and families exploring the exciting play areas.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester (Heaton Park) hotel.
From music fans looking for free things to do in Manchester to families on the hunt for days out, get out there and discover these iconic locations whenever you’re searching for free activities in Manchester. Plus, we’ve found even more free things to do in Manchester throughout your stay.