A Guide to Manchester

Wedding Weekend Takeover or Business Conference?

Indoor Activities 

  1. Vertical Dreams🚶23 min | 🚘 7 min: An indoor climbing gym in the Waumbec Mill. Laying claim to NH’s tallest climbing wall, the gym also offers top roping, lead climbing, bouldering, and routes for all abilities.

  2. Granite State Escape Room🚶19 min | 🚘 6 min: Working together with a group, you will have to solve a series of puzzles and games to escape the themed room in which you are locked.

  3. Sky Zone🚶23 min | 🚘 5 min: Jump and bounce to your heart’s content, go in the evening if you are looking to avoid kids.

  4. Studio 550🚶14 min | 🚘 4 min: Pottery, stained glass, drawing, book and paper arts, dance, and movement. They offer everything from one-day workshops to weekly classes.

  5. Muse Paint Bar🚶20  min |  🚘 6 min: Fun step-by-step painting classes with food, wine, and beer on site.

  6. AR Workshop🚶20  min | 🚘 6 min: Boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom and charming home decor from raw materials.

  7. Manchester Firing Line🚶20  min | 🚘: 9 min: Premier indoor shooting range and training facility. 

  8. Relaxe Throwing 🚘 7 min: Experience the thrill of axe throwing, knife throwing, and splatter paint all in one unique venue.

  9. JFK Memorial Coliseum🚶16 min | 🚘 4 min: Public ice skating on weekends, school vacations, and holidays with affordable skate rentals.  (SEASONAL) 

  10. Yankee Lane Entertainment🚶15 min | 🚘 3 min: State-of-the-art scoring system, LCD screens and TVs, and an impressive light and sound system. Check out their “galactic bowling” with glowing black lights, special effect lighting, and a DJ.

  11. The Breakroom🚘 9 min: Gear up, get a photo, get in and break sh*t. Obliterate your stress and don't worry, they will clean up the mess.

Gaming

  1. Double Midnight Comics🪟🚶1 min | 🚘 0 min:  Comics, tabletop games, board games and a great playing space and host games all day long. Just head downstairs to the main lobby and you’ll see the entrance.

  2. Boards and Brews🚶22 min | 🚘 5 min::  a board game cafe (NH’s first!), where people come together to play board games. Come alone or with friends - they offer light food and drinks, including a full bar.

  3. Filotimo Casino & DraftKings Sports Book 🚘 8 min: Offering some of the biggest weekly tournaments in the state, Manchester Poker Room also offers $1 - $2 and $2 - $4 no-limit cash games, as well as New Hampshire Hold'em, roulette, and blackjack.

  4. Block Party Social 🚘 15 min: Full gaming arcade, with the latest games and large redemption shop also has a 5,000 sq. ft. Laser Tag arena, billiards, table tennis, a rock wall, pedestal joust, and more.

  5. Community Bingo Center 🚘 12 min: B7! N20! Bingo! Games of chance (save Keno) that payout monetary proceeds are technically illegal in New Hampshire. Bingo, however, is a-okay, as long as the proceeds benefit charity. And thus the existence of the Community Bingo Center, which bills itself as “New England’s state-of-the-art bingo center.”

  6. Dave & Busters 🚘 8 min: Whether you want to ‘play the hits’ or check out the latest in VR, their gameplay selections are second to none. Arcade, tabletop, air hockey, or traditional gaming with a full-service restaurant.

Theaters 

  1. 🎭 The Rex Theatre🚶23 min | 🚘 8 min: 300 seats and hosts a variety of captivating performances from musicians to comedians..

  2. 🎭 The Palace Theatre🚶23 min | 🚘 6 min: Built in 1914, this historical gem has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places as the Athens Building. It serves as a premier stage production venue that hosts a year-long production season, offering traditional musicals and diverse plays throughout the year.

  3. 🎭 The Majestic Theatre Studios 🚘 8 min: features a year-long production season that produces several traditional musicals and plays of diverse subjects each year.

  4. 🎞️ Chunky’s Cinema Pub 🚘 11 min: For a unique cinematic experience, head to the ten-screen movie theater with table service! You can enjoy everything from delicious entrees to your favorite alcoholic beverages while relaxing in reclining car chairs reminiscent of a Lincoln Town Car.

  5. 🎞️  Apple Cinemas Hooksett IMAX 🚘 16 min:  Transport you to another world with its larger-than-life visuals with one of the 14-screen IMAX cinema.

  6. 🎤 Headliners Comedy Club🚶18 min | 🚘 5 min:  Shows every weekend, these 90- to 120-minute performances feature 3-4 talented comedians who will have you rolling in the aisles. It's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a night filled with humor and fun.

Arenas & Ballparks

  1. SNHU Arena🚶14 min | 🚘 3 min: From sold-out concerts featuring chart-topping artists to thrilling sporting events, comedy shows, and family-friendly performances, SNHU Arena is a hub for entertainment. Be sure to check the event calendar during your visit to see what's happening during your stay in Manchester.

  2. Delta Dental Stadium🚶22 min | 6 min: You'll find Delta Dental Stadium, home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. As the Double-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Fisher Cats are an essential part of the local sports scene. This minor league baseball team offers an exciting baseball experience that's perfect for fans of all ages.

Museums & Landmarks 

  1. 🔬 SEE Science Center🚶21 min | 🚘 5 min:  Step into the world of science and technology at the SEE Science Center, where learning comes alive through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. From exploring the wonders of physics to marveling at the complexities of engineering, SEE Science Center offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

  2. 📚  Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum🚶23 min | 🚘 5 min: Delve into Manchester's industrial past at the Millyard Museum. Located in the heart of the historic Amoskeag Millyard, this museum tells the story of the city's rise as a textile manufacturing powerhouse. Through fascinating exhibits, you'll gain insight into the lives of mill workers and the transformation of this industrial hub into a thriving community.

  3. 🎨 Currier Museum of Art & Frank Lloyd Wright Homes 🚘 6 min: For art enthusiasts, the Currier Museum of Art is a treasure trove of creativity. Explore an impressive collection of American and European art, including works by renowned artists. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes: the Zimmerman House and the Kalil House. These architectural gems showcase the visionary designs of one of America's greatest architects.

  4. 🎓 Saint Anselm College 🚘 9 min: Explore the beautiful campus of Saint Anselm College, home to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and the Dana Center for the Humanities. The college is known for its commitment to fostering intellectual growth and civic engagement.

Outdoor Activities

  1. Livingston Park 🚘 10 min: Park with a wonderful mile-long loop around a pond, a small fishing pond area, plenty of parking,  public restrooms, a baseball diamond, a playground, seasonal swimming pool and it’s across the street from the Puritan Backroom - the spot to grab ice cream and chicken fingers. 

  2. Candia Woods 🚘 📍18 min:  A public golf course with a grass driving range, spectacular views, and local craft beers on tap. 

  3. Mel’s Funway Park 🚘 15 min: Mini golf, driving range, batting cages, arcade, laser tag, laser maze, and go-karts.

  4. Mcintyre Ski Area 🚘 10 min: Manchester’s Winter Playground, 100% snowmaking, 2 lifts, servicing 11 trails, 2 magic carpets with large beginner area, Mac Pack Terrain Park & Grom Park, 8-lane Snow Tubing Bonneville Family Thrill Hill (SEASONAL) and turns into a great summertime stop for outdoor dinner. 

  5. Edgewater Canoe & Kayak 🚘 📍17 min: Don’t let the disheveled look of the grounds deter you. Once you get your super cheap canoe or kayak rental on the relaxing waters of the Merrimack River, you won’t care!

  6. Fishing at the Massabesic 🚘 15 min: There are many miles of trails and fire roads for hiking and biking, three boat launches for non-motorized watercraft, and miles of shoreline for fishing. Note: No swimming is allowed.

  7. Derryfield Country Club 🚘 7 min: Eighteen-hole public golf course located in the center of the city. Enjoy cocktails, food and entertainment on property at the Derryfield Restaurant all year long. 

  8. Canobie Lake  🚘 📍26 min: Located in nearby Salem, New Hampshire, Canobie has over 85 rides, games and attractions. It’s also home to Castaway Island, a small waterpark included with your daytime admission. (SEASONAL)

  9. Chucksters 🚘 📍14 min: Two 18 hole courses to choose from, home of the world's shortest, easiest, and most difficult mini golf holes! (SEASONAL)

  10. Massabesic Lake Trail 🚘 12 min:  Massabesic Lake is located in Auburn, just east of Manchester. There are several trails around the lake, including the Massabesic Lake Trail, which offers a scenic route for walking and easy hiking. The lake provides beautiful views and opportunities for bird-watching.

  11. Uncanoonuc Mountains 🚘20 min:  The Uncanoonuc Mountains, located in Goffstown, offer a bit of elevation and some relatively short, but rewarding hiking trails. The South Uncanoonuc Mountain has a fire tower at the top, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  12. Stark Park 🚘 10 min: Stark Park, named in honor of General John Stark, offers a serene setting for leisurely strolls and family outings. The "Walk in the Woods" trail features artistic work by Tom LeComte, adding creative charm to the park, with opportunities to explore unique sculptures and possibly interact with the #heritagetrail. During the summer, visitors can enjoy a vibrant concert series in this picturesque outdoor setting, making Stark Park a delightful destination for art enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape. 

Places to Shop

Shop for items you won’t find in a big box store  

  1. 📕 Double Midnight Comics🪟🚶1 min | 🚘 0 min:  Comics, tabletop games, board games and a great playing space and host games all day long. Just head downstairs to the main lobby and you’ll see the entrance

  2. 🥃 Manchester Distillery🪟🚶0 min | Come visit for a tour and tastings

  3. 📕 Bookery Manchester🚶20 min | 🚘 5 min: Curated independent bookstore, gift shop & weekly events with a cafe.

  4. 🍝 Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop 🚘 7 min:  Upscale picnic fixings, wine, gifts, and ready-to-heat meals.

  5. 🧁Queen City Cupcakes & Gift Shop🚶20 min | 🚘 5 min: Plantshop and quirky gifts with gourmet cupcakes made daily.

  6. 🪴Terracotta Room 🚘 6 min: Botanicals, plants, homegoods, jewelry, and bath and body. 

  7. 👟Runners Alley🚶16 min | 🚘  5 min: Knowledgeable advice to help you determine what’s best for you and your personal running style, from sneakers to attire. 

  8. 🛍️ Mall of NH 🚘 9 min: If you're in the mood for more mainstream shopping and entertainment, the Mall of New Hampshire is your go-to destination, featuring a wide array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, including the Apple Store, Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Dave & Buster's, making it a convenient and enjoyable place for shopping and leisure.

Quick Bites 

  1. 🌱 The Bridge Café on Elm 🚘 6 min: A place with vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based burgers and other meatless dishes. Their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is commendable.

  1. 🍽 Dizs Cafe21 min | 🚘 6 min: From-scratch kitchen offering up delicious comfort foods. It's a great spot for a quick and tasty lunch.

  1. 🍽 Restoration Cafe 🚘 4 min: This restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes. They offer a rotating seasonal menu, so there's always something new to try.

  1. 🍺 City Hall Pub🚶21 min | 🚘 6 min: A local pub with a warm atmosphere and a wide range of craft beers on tap. Perfect for a laid-back evening with friends with great sandwiches. 

  1. 🥯 Bagel Cafe 🚘 7 min: Award winning bagel shop, offering from scratch bagels made daily and Peet’s Coffee.

  1. 🍽 The Kitchen on River Road 🚘 9 min:  Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with menus varying daily.

  1. 🍤 Goldenrod Restaurant 🚘 14 min: Popular spot for ice cream and seafood year round.

  1. 🥪 The Common Man Roadside Market & Deli Millyard 🚘 9 min: Brings real food, real fast. Dine in a full-service restaurant or take it to go from the café. Featuring appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, and hand-crafted coffees and beverages.

  1. 🥐 Pressed Cafe   🚘 10 min: discover an expansive all-day menu loaded with bold flavors and the freshest ingredients from our local kitchen.  Whether you’re grabbing a post-workout juice, fueling up for the day with an egg sandwich and a hot latte, or catching up with a friend over lunch.  They do it all with exceptional & fast service.

Casual Dining 

  1. 🇮🇹 Piccola Italia Ristorante🚶20 min | 🚘 4 min: A cozy Italian restaurant known for its authentic pasta dishes and classic Italian flavors.

  1. 🇮🇹 Mangia🚶12 min | 🚘 2 min:  This tiny Italian eatery almost gets lost in the mainly commercial strip that is south Elm Street, but it’s worth seeking out. The menu is pasta heavy, but it’s all handmade and delicious + it’s a BYOB establishment 

  1. 🇲🇽  El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria🚶16 min | 🚘 3 min A hidden gem offering delicious tacos and Mexican street food in a casual setting and its sister restaurant Alas de Frida. Try the Birria Tacos! 

    🦞 Ignite Bar & Grille 🚘 4 min: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including excellent kebabs and mezze platters.

  1. 🇧🇷 Gauchos Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse 🚘 4 min: If you're in the mood for a steakhouse experience, this Brazilian steakhouse offers a variety of grilled meats and a unique dining concept.

  1. 🍽️ 110 Grill🚶20 min | 🚘 6 min: Known for its extensive gluten-free menu. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, you'll find something delicious here.  

  1. 🥙 The Gyro Spot 🚘 8 min: Described by some as a Chipotle for Greek food, this eatery specializes in gyro from pork to veggie varieties. Getting fries inside your gyro is the best part. 

  1. 🍽 XO Bistro🚶20 min | 🚘 6 min: A great choice for a stylish and upscale dining experience. The fusion of Asian and French cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds

  1. 🍽 North End Bistro 🚘 9 min: A hidden gem with a small but diverse menu, offering delectable dishes that will leave you craving more.

  1. 🍗 Puritan Backroom Restaurant 🚘 12 min: Winner of the 2020 James Beard Foundation Award America's Classics restaurant. Best known for their delicious mudslides and inventing the chicken tender.

  1. 🍕 900 Degrees 🚘 8 min: A pizzeria that takes its craft seriously, offering wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings and creative combinations.

Feelin’ Fancy

  1. 🥩  Hanover Street Chop House 🚘 4 min: If you're craving a classic steakhouse experience, Hanover Street Chophouse delivers quality cuts and a sophisticated atmosphere.

  1. 🍽 The Foundry 🚘 5 min Enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of the region. A must-visit for farm-to-table enthusiasts.

  1. 🍽 Cotton 🚘 6 min: A popular seafood restaurant with a range of fresh seafood options and other New England specialties.

  1. 🍔 The Crown Tavern🚶22 min | 🚘 5 min: Known for its diverse menu and craft beer selection. This is a great spot for both food and drinks with friends

  1. 🍽️ Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant 🚘 11 min  The critically acclaimed, AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant has a few options options on the property. 

Bites, Drinks & NightLife 

  1. 🍸 Industry East 🚘 5 min: Offers a unique dining experience with creative menus and a great selection of drinks.

  2. 🍸 Stash Box 🚘 6 min: Sister restaurant to Industry East, offering cool vibes, tasty cocktails and a small yet killer menu.

  3. 🍻 Wild Rover 🚘 5 min & Shaskeen 🚘 4 min: These Irish pubs not only serve great drinks but also have impressive kitchens, making them excellent choices for pub food in the area.

  4. 🎤 Strange Brew 🚘 8 min: Known for hosting local artists and comedy nights, Strange Brew is a fantastic place for entertainment along with your meal. Check out the Laugh Attic on Wednesday nights. 

  5. 🎶 The Goat🚶17 min | 🚘 3 min: Enjoy live music every day of the week at Goat while savoring a variety of dishes and drinks. It's the perfect spot for music lovers.

  6. 🍸 Manchester Distillery 🪟🚶0 min |

  7. 🍺 To Share Brewing Company 🚘 6 min: Jenni & Aaron Share have been brewing beer since 2003. Since falling in love with the Granite State (and the city of Manchester in particular), they wanted to give back to the community and provide great craft beer to the people. Stay awhile and check out shuffleboard, pinball, foosball, the chalkboard wall, and board games.

Sweet Treats

  1. 🍨 Ben & Jerry’s 🚘 7 min: Iconic Vermont-based ice cream parlor. Open late night for pickup and delivery!

  1. 🍫 Van Otis Chocolate🚶10 min | 🚘 4 min: local treasure, offering a divine selection of premium chocolates and confection. Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or treating yourself.

  1. 🍭 Granite State Candy Shoppe🚶20 min | 🚘 4 min: For a nostalgic candy store experience.. It's an ideal place to pick up unique gifts or simply relish in classic and timeless sweets, making it a delightful destination for candy enthusiasts of all ages.

  1. 🧁 Queen City Cupcakes is a delightful and locally-loved bakery and gift shop. Known for their renowned gourmet cupcakes. They offer a variety of flavors each day.

  1. 🧁 Bearded Baker: Known for their custom cakes, sandwiches, and rotating baked goods. 

Coffee & Tea

  1. ☕ Eighty-Eight Coffee Co  🚶3 min | 🚘 16 min:  BIPOC, family-owned coffee roasted single origin coffee roasted in-house.

  2. ☕ Cat Alley Cafe🚶20 min | 🚘 4 min: Located inside Bookery on Elm Street, enjoy exceptional coffee, light fare and a colorful array of fresh baked goods.

  1. ☕ Hometown Coffee🚶18 min | 🚘 3 min: Offers small-batch specialty coffee roasted on location, offerings also include breakfast items and baked goods. 

  2. ☕ A&E 🚘 5 min: A certified organic and shade-grown coffee roastery and whole-leaf tea purveyor. A small shop inside, but plenty of space outside for seating. 

  3. 🍵 Kung Fu Tea 🚘 3 min: Bubble tea specialist with a selection of other hot & cold drinks, including coffee & slushes.

  4. ☕ William & Sons Coffee Co. | 🚘 9 min:  Small boutique coffee roaster.

 Day Trips 

Concord, NH 

🚘 ~20 miles from Manchester


Concord, the state capital, offers a mix of history and culture. Visit the New Hampshire State House, explore the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and take a stroll along Main Street to enjoy boutique shopping and dining. The city's charm and historical significance make it a great day trip.


Hampton Beach, NH

🚘 ~25 miles from Manchester


Hampton Beach is a popular summer destination with a beautiful sandy shoreline and a lively boardwalk. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during the warmer months. The Hampton Beach State Park and the annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival are also major attractions.


Nashua, NH 

🚘 ~20 miles from Manchester


Nashua offers a mix of historic and modern attractions. Explore the historic downtown area, visit Mine Falls Park for outdoor activities, and enjoy shopping and dining options. The city's cultural diversity and proximity to the Massachusetts border make it an interesting day trip.


Milford, NH

🚘 ~17 miles from Manchester


 Milford is a picturesque town with a charming town center and lovely parks. Stroll along the Souhegan River, visit the Milford Oval, and explore local shops and eateries. Milford's small-town atmosphere and outdoor spaces are appealing for a peaceful day out.



Lake Winnipesaukee

🚘 ~ 60 miles from Manchester


Lake Winnipesaukee is one of New Hampshire's largest and most beautiful lakes. You can spend the day enjoying water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by charming towns, including Wolfeboro, which is known as the "Oldest Summer Resort in America."


Portsmouth, NH

🚘 ~50 miles from Manchester 


Portsmouth offers a coastal experience with historical sites, cultural attractions, shopping, and dining. The picturesque harbor, lively downtown, and proximity to Maine make it a perfect day trip destination.


Merrimack, NH 

🚘 ~10 miles from Manchester


Merrimack is home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can take a brewery tour, visit the Clydesdale horses, and sample some of their famous beers. It's a unique and entertaining day trip for beer enthusiasts.


White Mountains

🚘 ~80-100 miles from Manchester 


If you're up for a longer day trip, the White Mountains offer stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Explore the Franconia Notch State Park, hike the Flume Gorge, or take the scenic Kancamagus Highway for breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing.