Manchester Music Walking Tour

Manchester is a city steeped in musical history, with a vibrant scene that has produced some of the most iconic bands in the world. From The Smiths to Oasis, Joy Division to The Stone Roses, Manchester has played a pivotal role in shaping the British music landscape. The Manchester Music Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore this rich cultural heritage.

Led by an expert guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of Manchester’s music scene, the tour takes you on a journey through the city’s musical history, visiting iconic venues and landmarks along the way. The tour typically lasts around 1 ¾ hours and covers a distance of approximately two miles.

The tour visits where the legendary Hacienda nightclub formerly stood. The Hacienda was once the epicentre of Manchester’s post-punk and acid-house scenes, along with the Free Trade Hall, where Bob Dylan was famously booed in 1966 by folk fans and where the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks played a gig in 1976 which rocket-fired the city musical scene.

Nearby is the Ritz where the Smiths played their first gig, and we pass St James’ building where Joy Division were picked up after a set at Rafter’s night club. The Boardwalk site is also visited where Oasis first played and India House where Noel Gallagher lived and where he wrote so many tracks such as ‘Live Forever’.

Along the way, the guide will share fascinating stories and trivia about the bands, venues and people that shaped Manchester’s musical history. You’ll learn about the city’s punk and post-punk scenes, the rise of the Madchester rave scene in the late 1980s, and the impact that Manchester’s musical heritage has had on popular culture around the world.

The Manchester Music Walking Tour is a must for any music fan visiting the city. With its rich cultural heritage, iconic venues and legendary bands, Manchester is a city that has truly earned its place in the pantheon of great music cities.

What’s Included

• 1 ¾ hour music-themed walking tour of Manchester.
• Knowledgeable, approachable & fun guide

What’s Excluded

• Gratuities

What To Bring

• Consider layers of clothing
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes

Good To Know

• English language tour
• Download the Spotify playlist for the tour here

How long is the route?

• The tour is approximately 1.5 miles long.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

• The tour is not suitable for a wheelchair due to the pavements and uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied?

• All people under 18 (i.e. 17 years old and younger) must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years or over) on all tours

Is the tour suitable for children?

• Yes