Top 9 Things to Do in Manchester Near Affinity Living Riverview

Dishoom

A few minutes from Affinity Living Riverview, Dishoom is easily one of the most popular places to eat in the whole of Manchester. This modern Indian restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of Bombay comfort food, from breakfast naan rolls to traditional curries, sharing plates and more. 

Families are welcome during the day, while in the evening it’s packed with groups heading out in Spinningfields. While you can make a table reservation if you want to, Dishoom operates mostly as a walk-in café, so don’t be afraid to just turn up if you’re peckish!

Manchester Opera House

If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester with kids, or want a change from the usual bars and restaurants, Manchester Opera House is an easy way to add some culture to your plans without venturing too far across the city. This historic theatre is one of the largest in Manchester, and it’s just a seven-minute walk from Riverview. 

Having been hosting performances since 1912, the interior still has its original breath-taking grandeur. Today, it’s one of the best places in Manchester for musicals, ballet, comedy, and touring West End shows, including both family-friendly and adult-only performances.

Caravan

Searching for that perfect brunch spot, or just somewhere to enjoy a really good cup of coffee? You’ll find it eight minutes from Riverview, at Caravan Restaurant in St. John’s. Caravan is famous for its unbeatable coffee, which is sourced worldwide from suppliers that meet only the highest standards of quality and ethics. 

They also serve breakfast, brunch and all-day food menus featuring internationally inspired dishes – everything from American pancakes to Asian-style rice bowls and handmade sourdough pizzas.

The Alchemist Spinningfields

If you’re with friends and want to start the evening somewhere with a bit of theatre, The Alchemist is the place – and it’s right on your doorstep, only a six-minute walk from Riverview in Spinningfields. 

Famous for innovative drinks that look like science experiments, this unconventional late-night bar never disappoints. The cocktails are both insta-worthy and delicious, and the food is great, too (especially their Sunday roasts). They also offer cocktail-making masterclasses for parties of 8 or more – a truly unforgettable experience!

The Oast House

You can’t miss The Oast House: it looks like a big wooden barn dropped in the middle of Spinningfields. This iconic pub is as cosy on the inside as you’d imagine, with rustic wooden beams, warm lighting, and comfortable furniture. They also have an outdoor terrace which fills up fast in good weather. 
The Oast House has something for everyone: the food is good, the beer list is long, and there’s live music 7 nights a week. Whether you’re renting in Manchester or only here for a few days, it’s always worth a visit. 

Crazy Pedro’s

Perfect for a spontaneous night out or late-night bite on the way home from the city, Crazy Pedro’s Bridge Street is only four minutes from Riverview. Pizza until 4am, neon lights, and a playlist that never stops – what more could you ask for?

Crazy Pedro’s is a late-night staple with a dive bar feel and a sense of humour. It’s also home to arguably the best pizza in the city. Slices are cheap, toppings are unapologetically over the top, and the bar boasts Manchester’s largest selection of tequila and mezcal.

MOSI (Science and Industry Museum)

If you’re searching for free things to do in Manchester, you can’t beat the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Just around the corner from Riverview, MOSI is a gem for science-lovers and anyone wanting to learn about Manchester’s industrial heritage. It’s spread across several historic buildings, including the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station. 

Exhibitions cover everything from textile machinery to space tech, with many offering hands-on elements perfect for kids. You’ll find enough here to keep the whole family engaged for a full afternoon. Even if you’ve been before, special events are held regularly throughout the year, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

The Crystal Maze

Located just off Lower Byrom Street, next to MOSI, The Crystal Maze isn’t your average escape room experience – it’s a full-on, 75-minute team adventure based on the iconic ’90s TV show.

You’ll race through four themed zones (Industrial, Medieval, Futuristic, and Aztec), tackling a rotating mix of mental, physical, mystery, and skill challenges to win crystals. Then it’s on to the legendary Crystal Dome finale, where every crystal you’ve earned gives your team more time to grab as many tokens as you can.

Factory International

Factory International, known locally as The Factory, is a performing arts and cultural venue in the St. John’s neighbourhood. It plays host to a wide range of events throughout the year, from pop-up art exhibitions and talks to comedy nights and concerts, so there’s truly something for everyone to appreciate. 

The Factory is also home to the Manchester International Festival, a biennial arts festival which takes place every second summer. The venue itself is spacious yet intimate and has excellent facilities, including a very reasonably priced bar.