Best Things to Do in Manchester, solo trip

Chorlton Water Park is 80% Solo-Friendly

The one-mile tarmac loop, bird-rich lake and Trans-Pennine Trail access let solo visitors jog, cycle or photograph quietly, yet lack of café, lighting and shelter can shorten stays in bad weather.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Palace Theatre Manchester is 80% Solo-Friendly

A solo visitor can easily book a single seat for big musicals, use delivered-at-seat ordering and hearing headsets, and move around safely with no child-care worries.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Chinatown is 80% Solo-Friendly

A solo visitor can easily explore the compact streets, photograph the ornate arch, sample inexpensive Asian meals and groceries, and feel safe thanks to constant foot traffic day and night.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Runway Visitor Park is 75% Solo-Friendly

A solo visitor can spend hours plane-spotting, join Concorde or technical tours, and try the £6 simulator, but the site is outdoors, remote and parking is pricey if you stay long.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Manchester Central Convention Complex is 74% Solo-Friendly

A solo visitor can join the free heritage tour, work with WiFi in Junction, or book trade shows; the building is safe and central but offers little to see if no public event is scheduled.

Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours

Corn Exchange Manchester is 74% Solo-Friendly

The restored hall offers free heritage displays, varied cafés and bars with counter seats, and safe indoor space, so a solo visitor can browse, eat, and people-watch easily, though night vibe is group-oriented.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Piccadilly Gardens is 72% Solo-Friendly

A solo traveller can relax on the lawn, photograph sculptures and reach other sights on foot; access is easy and free. Visible drug use and sparse shelter after dark lower comfort and safety.

Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours

SEA LIFE Manchester is 70% Solo-Friendly

A solo traveler can explore at own pace, join behind-the-scenes tours and VR, and attend quiet sessions, but the small, child-heavy venue may feel short and crowded.

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

Manchester City Council is 68% Solo-Friendly

The free exterior viewing, striking tower and historic lobby suit a quick solo photo stop, but restoration closures mean limited interior access and no exhibitions to fill more than 30 min.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Immersive Gamebox - Arndale, Manchester is 34% Solo-Friendly

Each Gamebox needs two paid spots, so a solo guest must buy a second ghost ticket or hope staff fit them in, adding cost and hassle. Playing without teammates removes the cooperative fun.