City guide

Greater Manchester: a practical starter guide

Ten boroughs, one city region

Greater Manchester is made up of ten local authority areas: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. People often say "Manchester" for the lot, but your bins, council tax and planning sit with your own borough.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority brings the ten together, and it's led by an elected Mayor.

Getting around

Transport for Greater Manchester runs the Bee Network, which brings buses, Metrolink trams, bike hire and walking and cycling routes together, with local rail joining in stages from December 2026. TfGM is the place to check routes, fares and any disruption before you travel, because they can change.

Finding your council

If you're not sure which council covers an address, GOV.UK can find it from your postcode. It's the quickest way to reach the right page for bins, parking permits or planning.

Hiring a tradesperson

Our guides explain how to check someone before you book. Two registers are worth knowing: the Gas Safe Register for anyone working on gas, and Registered Competent Person Electrical for registered electricians in England and Wales.

Visiting the city

Visit Manchester is the official tourism site, and it's a good place to check what's on. Our own guides stick to practical questions, so you can plan with confidence.

A note on this guide

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change, so please check the official sources we link to before you make a decision.