Top 10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Manchester NH
Via a Google search on “AI Mode” – with a few tid bits from Judi
1.) The Currier Museum of Art and Frank Lloyd Wright houses
The Currier Museum is an internationally recognized institution featuring European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The Currier also manages and offers tours of two nearby homes designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright: the Zimmerman House and the Kalil House.
Tid bits from Judi: The Currier is less than a mile from Diz’s on Elm Street. Defiantly worth the trip. When I volunteered with the Granite State Ambassadors at the Manchester Boston Regional Airport, I would help people with direction to the museum when they specifically asked about visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright house.
2.) Live shows at the Palace Theatre
The historic Palace Theatre is an 865-seat venue that hosts Broadway hits, musical performances, and touring acts. It is also the location of the smaller Rex Theatre, which features comedy shows, concerts, and other events.
Tid bits from Judi: Many theatre goers join us at Diz’s for food and drinks before the shows. The Palace and their sister theatre The Rex are just steps from Diz’s. A 3 minute walk brings you to see professional shows, musicals, tributes, and the wonderful Palace Youth Theatre. Special note – Diz’s will be parterning with The Rex in 2026! Join us for Diz’s Supper Club during the week and be watching for details about what Diz’s Supper Club Plus will bring in 2026.
3.) Entertainment and events at the SNHU Arena
The SNHU Arena is Manchester’s premier venue for large-scale events. The arena hosts major concerts, sporting events, and family shows.
Tid bits from Judi: SNHU Area brings lots of people to Downtown Manchester whether for a concert, bull riding events, or Disney on Ice. Make sure you make reservations before the show. Diz’s will be happy to save a table for you. SNHU Arena (555 Elm Street) is just .03 miles from Diz’s (860 Elm Street.)
4.) Baseball games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
Catch a game with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a Double-A minor league baseball team, at the stadium overlooking the Merrimack River. The venue offers family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer.
Tid bits from Judi: This Halloween Fisher Cates at Delta Dental Stadium bring you Fright Night at the Field. In 2026, Diz’s is excited to be partnering with the Fisher Cats to promote their upcoming Chicken Tenders Night on Tuesdays. Join us for Diz’s Supper Club during the week and be watching for details about what Diz’s Supper Club Plus will bring in 2026.
5.) Hands-on learning at the SEE Science Center
This interactive museum is perfect for families and features a variety of exhibits that encourage creativity and problem-solving. SEE Science Center is home to the world’s largest permanent LEGO installation at mini figure scale, a detailed model of the city’s historic Amoskeag Millyard.
Tid bits from Judi: Speaking of the Amoskeag Mills, my Dad, Jim Guild, worked in the mills his whole life to support our family of nine – seven children and my mother Jill Guild. I remember the smell of the buildings with centuries of textiles to the 1970’s era of boots and shoes when my dad worked there. When I was in grammar school, I always had high fashioned shoes because I wore a size 4, the sample-size. So when the samples were out of fashion for the season, the shoes were tossed (or brought home to me.)
6.) Dining in the revitalized Millyard District
The former textile mills that powered the city are now filled with hundreds of businesses, including many restaurants. Popular dining options include The Foundry, which offers farm-to-table cuisine with river views, and The Crown Tavern, which was once the Crown Movie Theatre, for comfort food.
Tid bits from Judi: Diz’s is located in the historic McQuade’s building. Originally home to the McQuade’s Department Store founded by Elias McQuade in 1862, our building was a landmark downtown Manchester destination. Read more about it in our Diz-Ya-Know: About McQuade’s Department Store in Manchester NH article written when we first opened in 2020.
7.) Eclectic nightlife on Elm Street
Downtown Manchester features a variety of pubs, bars, and a lively after-hours scene. Headliners Comedy Club at the DoubleTree Hotel and Boards and Brews, a popular board game cafe, provide other entertainment options.
Tid bits from Judi: Downtown Manchester is transitioning from a business downtown to a residential downtown with the help of Manchester’s Economic Development Office. Their 2024 report outlining the city’s evolution. The face of nightlife in Downtown is evolving too. Of course there are still great pubs, comedy clubs and cool event-style businesses (including the Granite State Escape Room.) But added to that is what you can also see when people live downtown – people walking their dogs, parents with babies in strollers, couples strolling hand-in-hand, along side showy cars and bikes cruising Elm Street, groups of young adults dressed for the evening events and people searching for just the right vibe to get a bite to eat. “Eclectic” is the perfect word for Downtown Manchester day or night. Stop by Diz’s to eat at our window seat for a great place to watch the fun on Elm Street.
8.) Historical insight at the Millyard Museum
At the Millyard Museum you can learn about Manchester’s rich history, from its Native American roots to its industrial past as a bustling textile hub. The museum features engaging exhibits that trace the city’s development over 11,000 years.
Tid bits from Judi: So many visitors (and new residents alike) ask about our mill building and what Manchester’s story is all about. I send them to the Millyard Museum. An historical detailing of our 11,000 years of history including our vast diversity of people, iconic memorabilia from the mills and life of our residents.
9.) Tax-free shopping at local boutiques
Enjoy a classic New England experience with tax-free shopping at a variety of independent retail outlets and specialty boutiques in the downtown area.
Tid bits from Judi: “Back in the olden days”…. ha ha ha…. Elm Street in Downtown Manchester had tons of department store. Manchester, along with most cities, fundamentally changed as highways routed drivers around the cities and malls began to pull people from downtown streets. Thankfully, Downtown Manchester is showing a resurgence of shopping options. From the community-focused bookstore, The Bookery (next door to Diz’s) to Fish Toes with their cool spin on vintage fashion. Find shopping details on the VisitManchesterNH.com website under “Things To Do” – “Downtown Shopping.”
10.) Arts and culture in unexpected places
Downtown Manchester’s creative spirit can be found in unique spots like Cat Alley, a hidden alleyway featuring public art. For more traditional fine art, the Art 3 Gallery, located in a restored townhouse in the Millyard, showcases work by local and regional artists.
Tid bits from Judi: I love this one! First, Cat Alley not only engages people with painted cats, but it also the connects additional downtown parking on Franklin and Middle Streets to Elm Street and is just steps to Diz’s. Second, art is everywhere from the selfie-spot sponsored by Red Oak Apartments in front of “Greetings From Manchester” mural on Hanover Street by James Chase to the painted step at Arm’s Park near the Merrimack River. There are too many to mention here but one little studio is Mosaic Art Collective making artistic engagement accessible.
Final Tid Bit from Judi: Visit Downtown. Read about Downtown in the City’s very own, Manchester Ink News, Listen to our local radio station WMNH and The Morning Show with Peter White (where I got the idea to do this Top 10 List.) Eat. Drink. Be Happy and Have fun. Diz’s Downtown will welcome you with open arms. You can save your table from www.dizscafe.com or by calling 603-606-2532.