Manchester Tourist Attractions

There are plenty of things to see and do in Manchester, New Hampshire. From world-class museums to scenic environments, there is something for everyone in this city.

If you're visiting New Hampshire, here is your guide to some of the best attractions in Manchester.

Kancamagus Scenic Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour

Discover the landscape of New Hampshire as you drive from Lincoln to Conway.

Drive along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway to explore New Hampshire with this flexible self-guided audio tour. This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists.

Learn about the region and its history as you drive through the landscape. All audios play automatically based on location. Most stops have animated videos allowing you to visualize, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms.

This is a self-guided experience. There will be no guide waiting to meet you. Be sure to check your email before you begin to download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour.

Please ensure your smartphone is fully charged, or your vehicle has a charger. You will not need to change the booking if your travel plans change.

Fall Foliage Tour

Guests can explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire on this fall foliage tour. The Kancamagus Byway showcases the best 34 miles of road in the entire country for viewing the changing fall colors.

Explore different waterfalls on separate, easy-to-follow hikes, and take dozens of pictures along the way.

From Boston, you will make the 2-hour ride north into New Hampshire surrounded by the beautiful fall colors as you drive higher into the mountains. You'll make a short stop halfway along for coffee or cider.

Once on the Kancamagus Byway, you will make several stops for pictures of the mountains and fall foliage colors. Your knowledgeable guide will share details about the region.

You'll also enjoy short excursions on easy-to-hike trails to view historic waterfalls. Then, enjoy lunch and shopping break in the mountain town of North Conway. This town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rugged cliffs.

After lunch, you'll head further into the White Mountains, New Hampshire's tallest and most extravagant mountain range.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. This tour is approximately 11 hours long. Guests might be asked to meet at a hotel they did not select as a pick-up location.

Currier Museum of Art

Address: 150 Ash Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

The Currier Museum of Art houses works of American and European art. Founded in 1929, it was formerly known as the Currier Gallery of Art. Today, the building is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The museum underwent renovations between 2006 and 2008. The Zimmerman House is also a part of the museum. Its permanent collection includes works by Calder, Matisse, Monet, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Wyeth.

The institution also provides public programs, including family activities, concerts, and tours.

The Palace Theatre

Address: 80 Hanover Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

The Palace Theatre is a performance venue built in 1914. It is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The structure resembles the Palace Theatre in New York City and opened in 1915 with a seating capacity of 1,100 people.

Over the years, the venue hosted famous performers, including Harry Houdini and many more. After the decline of vaudeville, the theater was used as a movie house before it was left vacant.

It reopened in 1974 with a seating capacity of 880. Today, the theater hosts ballets, musicals, plays, and other performances by comedians and musicians.

Massabesic Lake

Massabesic Lake is the most popular recreational attraction in the Greater Manchester area. As a result of its reputation as a fishing destination, several lodges were built around it to accommodate anglers and tourists alike.

Located in the town of Auburn, Massabesic Lake covers an area of about 2,560 acres. Swimming and water skiing are not permitted at the lake because it provides drinking water for the city.

However, water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and sailing are permitted.