The 20 Best Things to do in Manchester, NH

Manchester is a city in southern New Hampshire, United States. This city is packed full of activities and attractions for all ages. From museums and parks to restaurants and nightlife, Manchester has something for everyone. In this article, we will highlight the 20 best things to do in this vibrant city.

20. Visit The Currier Museum of Art

This is a historical museum that is home to thousands of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and textile arts. Visitors can enjoy special exhibitions and a permanent collection. According to Vacation Idea, this museum was founded by Moody Currier who was a former Governor of New Hampshire. You will learn a lot about the history of New Hampshire and the Currier family through this museum.

19. Zimmerman House

The Zimmerman House is a must-see if you are in the city of Manchester. It was originally built in the early 1850s and was the home of Governor Alexander Stark. It is located in the city’s historic district and has a lot of old-world charm. The house also boasts a beautiful garden and is a great place for locals to stroll. You can take a guided tour through the grounds and have a glimpse of the sculpture, outdoor furniture, and beautiful scenery. You will get to appreciate the architectural design as well.

18. Marvel at the Amoskeag Fishways

The Amoskeag Fishways is a breathtaking structure in the Merrimac River that is home to many fish migrations. Thousands of fish pass through the building on their way to the ocean. This is one of New England’s most amazing architectural displays, and you will enjoy watching the sea creatures glide through the building. There are also many fish tanks and exhibits that depict the migration of other species. The Fishway is a great place to take pictures and have souvenirs.

17. Play the Granite State Escape

For those who love having interactive indoor fun, the Granite State Escape is the place to be. According to Trip101, this is an escape room that has a variety of puzzles and games that people can enjoy. You will work with your group to solve a wide range of problems. The staff is helpful and very friendly, so you will enjoy spending time in this facility. They also have an escape room for children, so your family can enjoy the fun together. It is a great place to polish up your team-building skills and has an afternoon of fun.

16. Catch a Game at the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium

If you love watching sports, the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is where you need to be. This is a stadium for local baseball and softball leagues as well as other outdoor events. It is also used for music concerts and other entertainment. The most common game you will see performed at the stadium in baseball. The stadium sits on a huge field, and the seats are close to the action. You will get to enjoy live games as well as watch batting practice. During the season, you can take a tour of the stadium if you are interested in seeing the grounds and meeting some of the players.

15. Explore Lake Massabesic

For those who love outdoor activities, hiking, and nature-based tourism, this is the perfect place. This lake is a short drive away from Manchester and has numerous activities for people of all different ages. You could enjoy fishing, boating, and paddle boarding. You should wear comfortable shoes or wear water shoes as the terrain is rocky and steep. You can also explore the beach and have a picnic as there are several great spots to do this. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and drinking water. The lake has beautiful scenes, and you will surely have a good time.

14. Discover the Manchester Millyard Museum

Rich in ancient history, the Manchester Millyard Museum is a great place to learn more about the city and its heritage. It is located in an old textile factory and houses many local artifacts and historical images of Manchester. The layout of the building is unique and you will find yourself right at the heart of history. It houses artifacts that date back 11,000 years ago which is an incredible thing. Touring this museum will help you understand the city and its beginnings.

13. The McIntyre Ski Area

For those who like to be outdoors, the McIntyre Ski Area is a great place for you. The ski area offers professional courses, lessons as well as recreational skiing time. You will get a chance to explore the hills and go on a lot of runs. The hill has 180 feet of vertical space that allows you to practice with your friends or on your own. For those who do not ski, snowboarding, and tubing lessons are also available. The facilities have everything you need including a warming hut that is open to all. Overall, this is a fun activity for people who love outdoor activities.

12. Enjoy Interactive Fun at the SEE Science Center

In pursuit of scientific discovery, there is the SEE Science Center which is a great place to learn more about science and nature. According to The Crazy Tourist, in this center, you will find interactive exhibits that allow you to interact with virtual reality technology and hands-on activities. They also have an exciting planetarium show as well as live performances. In addition to that, you will also discover the wonders of sound, light, electricity, and temperature through interactive games. This is a place that will help you understand the world around you.

11. Catch a Show at The Palace Theater

For those who like to watch live music, the Palace Theater is a great place to visit. It is an intimate venue that has hosted many famous musicians and has an amazing stage. The theater has great acoustics that helps create the perfect atmosphere for live performances. You can take a tour of the theatre and find out more about local history. The building has played host to many famous artists in its time. It was established in 1914 and its beauty and history are so important. The theater has excellent acoustics, and you will love the experience.

10. Tour The New Hampshire Institute of Art

Established over a century ago, the New Hampshire Institute of Art is an art school that has a lot to offer. This is an excellent place to learn more about art and design. You will find there is a lot to learn about photography, visual arts, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. You will be allowed to tour the school and see the facilities that they have available. The staff is friendly and has a lot of experience.

9. Enjoy the Outdoors in Livingston Park

Livingston Park is a place that offers a lot of fun in the woods. It is located near the University of New Hampshire and has over 2,000 acres of beautiful land. You will have plenty of room to explore nature. According to Yelp, there are also several hiking trails that you can visit to explore the outdoors. There is a variety of wildlife and nature to see in this park so it is truly worth the trip.

8. Shop at the Mall of New Hampshire

If you love to shop, the Mall of New Hampshire is the place to go. It has a wide variety of stores that you can shop at and find just about anything if you are looking for it. It is spacious and has plenty of parking, a food court, and a fantastic experience.

7. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral

This is a historic Catholic cathedral in the city of Manchester. It is a beautiful building that is over a hundred years old. You can tour this cathedral and see some of the artwork which is quite beautiful. You will appreciate the architecture and the style of the building. You can also feel free to take photos here as a reminder that you once visited this great place. It is a place that offers a quiet atmosphere, and it is truly worth visiting. You can also attend a service and enjoy the feel of this historic building.

6. The Headliner’s Comedy Club

Regarded as one of the best in the country, this comedy club is an excellent place to meet with friends and enjoy some laughs. It is one of the busiest comedy clubs in America and has many famous comedians who perform every week. According to New England With Love, You will meet some of the best comedians and see them live in action. There are also many competitions throughout the year that you can join, so you can try to win a spot. The experience you’ll get from visiting this comedy club will be one you will always remember.

5. Cheer With Crowds At Verizon Wireless Arena

This is a sports arena that is open to the public. It has a variety of events that you can attend that are fun and exciting. The arena offers ice skating, concerts, events for kids, and entertainment for all ages. It is home to local basketball and hockey teams and all hots lots of major sporting events. There are several restaurants in the arena hence you can enjoy the best food during your visit.

4. Discover The Lee Scouting Museum

Founded in the year 1969, the Lee Scouting Museum is a historical museum that is a huge and unique part of American history. You will learn more about scouting and the many projects they have done throughout the years. There are over eight hundred artifacts in this museum, such as uniforms, awards, and other memorabilia. You will also tour the grounds of this amazing museum and see the unique and beautiful facilities.

3. Stroll Through the Historic Downtown

Manchester has been a wonderful place to live and visit for many years now. One of the most well-known areas is the historic Downtown Manchester area. You will discover some incredible architectural landmarks such as the former Washington County Courthouse which is a beautiful building. You can take a stroll through the streets and appreciate some architecture that was used in some of the old structures. You will also find some great shopping and dining areas in the area making your visit quite exciting. The general atmosphere of downtown Manchester is exciting.

2. Outdoor Skating at Dorrs Pond

This is a frozen pond that is located right in the heart of the city of Manchester. It has been used for ice skating for over a century. According to Travellens, skating at this place is a wonderful and exciting experience that you will enjoy because the pond offers a great view of the city. There is also a warming hut for skating out of the winter weather. This winter wonderland is a great place to visit when in Manchester.

1. Discover The Franco-American Center

Franco-American Center is one of the most important cultural institutions in New Hampshire. The Center preserves the heritage of different cultural communities and galleries that span a wide variety of genres. There are cultural groups that use the center, such as the International Folk Dance and Song Society. It hosts a variety of historic exhibitions and you will have a chance to see firsthand some authentic French cultural artifacts. You will learn plenty about French history and traditions which are fascinating and unique.