Manchester is a city in north-western England, which has a rich industrial heritage.
The history of Manchester can be traced back to the Roman era, with the area becoming an important town during the Middle Ages, due to its location at the crossroads of several major trade routes.
During the Industrial Revolution, Manchester became a key location for the textile industry.
Today, Manchester is a major cultural and economic centre in the United Kingdom.
The city is home to two of the country’s most successful football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City.
In addition, Manchester is known for its lively music scene, which has produced artists such as Oasis and the Stone Roses.
Manchester is a great place to visit, offering a mix of modern culture, world class museums, sporting attractions and a diverse music scene, set against the backdrop of this rich industrial city.
Things To Do In Manchester
1. Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium, also known as the City of Manchester Stadium, is the home of Premier League club Manchester City F.C. and has a capacity of 55,097.
Designed by Arup, Etihad Stadium was built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
It has since gone on to host multiple high-profile sporting events such as the 2004 UEFA Cup Final, 2008 UEFA Champions League Final and several matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Etihad Stadium’s unique design features seating that allows all spectators to be closer to the action on the pitch, resulting in an electric atmosphere during matches.
The stadium also has a variety of state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, making it one of the most modern and comfortable stadiums in the world.
Whether you’re a diehard Manchester City fan or just looking for a unique and unforgettable sporting experience, a visit to Etihad Stadium is sure to leave you impressed.
You can purchase a Stadium and Club Tour online or over the phone.
Address: Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF
2. The John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is a world-renowned research library located in Manchester.
Named after its founder, local businessman John Rylands, the library opened in 1900 and houses over 250,000 printed volumes, 3,500 manuscripts and a large collection of archives.
The John Rylands Library is particularly renowned for its collections of early Christian and biblical manuscripts, which include some of the oldest and most significant documents in existence.
The library also has an extensive collection of English literature, with works by major authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens.
In addition to its world-famous collections, the John Rylands Library is also notable for its striking neo-Gothic architecture.
Designed by architect Basil Champneys, the library’s exterior features intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.
The library’s main reading room is similarly impressive, with a soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling and walls lined with bookcases from floor to ceiling.
Entrance to the library is free and it is easily accessible by road, tram, train and by foot.
Address: John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH
3. Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is a museum in Manchester, dedicated to the history of science, industry and innovation.
The museum was established in 1969 and is housed in a converted warehouse on the site of the world’s first passenger railway station.
The Science and Industry Museum has five main galleries that tell the story of Manchester’s rich industrial heritage.
The galleries cover topics such as the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution, the development of local industries such as textiles, and the impact of scientific discoveries.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Museum also has a variety of temporary exhibitions that showcase different aspects of science and industry from around the world.
The museum also has a hands-on activity area for children, making it a great place to visit for families.
Address: Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP
4. The Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum is a museum of natural history, archaeology and anthropology located in Manchester.
The museum was founded in 1883 and houses over 16 million items in its collections.
The Manchester Museum’s collections are particularly strong in Egyptian archaeology, where it has one of the largest and most important collections outside of Cairo.
Other highlights of the museum’s collections include dinosaur skeletons, Anglo-Saxon treasures and a wide variety of natural history specimens from around the world.
In addition to its extensive collections, the Manchester Museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about different aspects of natural history and archaeology.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events for both children and adults.
Address: The Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
5. National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of football.
Based in the city centre, the museum was founded in 2002 and houses over 140,000 objects in its collections.
The National Football Museum’s collections include items such as historic football shirts, trophies, photographs, programmes and match tickets.
The museum also has a library and archive that contains over 100,000 books, magazines and documents relating to the history of football.
In addition to its collections, the National Football Museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the different aspects of the game.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events for both children and adults.
Whether you’re one of many football fans or not, the National Football Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG
6. Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly owned art museum in Manchester.
The main gallery premises are on Mosley Street in central Manchester, close to St Peter’s Square.
The art galleries first opened to the public in 1824, making it one of the oldest public art collections in the United Kingdom.
The Manchester Art Gallery houses a diverse collection of artwork from all over the world, including paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Manchester Art Gallery also has a number of temporary exhibitions that showcase different aspects of art from around the world.
The gallery also offers a variety of educational programs and events for both children and adults.
Manchester Art Gallery is open seven days a week and is free to enter.
Address: Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL
7. Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library is the central library of the city of Manchester.
The library was opened to the public in 1934 and houses over two million items in its collections.
The Manchester Central Library’s collections include books, magazines, newspapers, maps, CDs and DVDs.
The library also has a wide variety of digital resources that can be accessed by visitors.
In addition to its collections, the Manchester Central Library also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about different aspects of the library and its history.
The library also offers a variety of educational programs and events for both children and adults.
Address: Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD
8. People’s History Museum
The People’s History Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of working people and is located on the corner of Left Bank and Bridge Street in the Spinningfields area of Manchester city centre.
The museum houses over 60,000 objects in its collections.
The People’s History Museum’s collections include items such as trade union banners, Suffragette medals, posters and photographs.
The museum also has a library and archive that contains books, magazines and documents relating to the history of working people.
In addition to its collections, the People’s History Museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the different aspects of the history of working people.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and regular events for both children and adults.
The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm and is free to enter, but has a suggested donation of £5.
Address: People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER
9. Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Manchester, located in the heart of the Medieval Quarter.
The Cathedral is a Grade I listed building and is one of the most important Gothic Revival buildings in the United Kingdom.
King Henry V signed a royal charter in 1421 granting permission for the church to be built, then in 1847 this historic church became a Cathedral.
The Manchester Cathedral’s collections include items such as stained glass windows, sculptures, paintings and tapestries.
In addition to its collections, Manchester Cathedral also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the different aspects of the history of the Cathedral.
Manchester Cathedral is open 7 days a week and admission is free.
Address: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX
10. Manchester United Museum and Old Trafford Stadium Tour
Manchester United FC is one of the most famous football clubs in the world.
The Manchester United Museum is open for visitors and can be booked on its own, however most visitors opt for the Stadium tour as well.
The Stadium Tour gives visitors access to the player’s tunnel, a walk next to the world famous pitch, player’s dressing room and a visit to the dugouts, before getting the view from the Ability Platform.
Exhibits at the museum include trophy displays, kit displays and a display about the Munich Air Disaster.
The museum and tours are open most days except match days.
Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA
11. Fletcher Moss Park
Fletcher Moss Park is a public park located in Didsbury, Manchester.
The park is named after Alderman Fletcher Moss, a local vicar who donated the land to the city of Manchester in 1915.
The amenities include a wildlife meadow, rose pergola garden, heather garden, a wellbeing garden and a rockery.
The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including trees, shrubs, and flowers and there is also a pond.
Visitors to the park can enjoy walking trails, picnicking, and birdwatching.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Address: Fletcher Moss Park, 18 Stenner Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RQ
12. Manchester Arena
Manchester Arena is an indoor arena located in Manchester with a capacity of 21,000.
The Arena is situated near Victoria railway station and is on the north side of the city centre.
The Manchester Arena is one of the busiest concert venues in the world and has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and comedy shows.
The Manchester Arena opened in 1995 and was originally known as the Nynex Arena. In 2000, the arena was renamed the Manchester Evening News Arena.
In 2009, the venue was again renamed, this time to the Manchester Arena.
Tickets for concerts and events can be booked online.
Address: Manchester Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1AR
13. Manchester Jewish Museum
The Manchester Jewish Museum is a museum which tells the story of the city’s Jewish community.
The museum was founded in 1984 by members of the Manchester Jewish community, and opened to the public in 1992.
It is run by a charitable trust, and receives no public funding.
The museum’s collections include objects relating to religious life, community life, business and politics.
The museum also has a library and archives, which contain materials relating to the history of the Jewish community in Manchester.
There is also a cafe, shop and learning studio.
The museum is open to the public seven days a week and tickets can be bought online.
Address: Manchester Jewish Museum, 190 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8LW
14. Manchester Town Hall
Manchester Town Hall is one of the best examples of Neo-Gothic architecture.
It is one of the most important examples of this type of architecture in the United Kingdom and was designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage.
The building houses a number of local government departments, as well as the ceremonial offices of the Lord Mayor and other civic dignitaries.
The town hall complex also includes a concert hall, library, art gallery and museum.
The exterior of the building features a number of ornate details, including gargoyles, grotesques and statues.
The interior is equally lavish, with a grand staircase, stained glass windows and sumptuous decorative detailing.
The Manchester Town Hall is open to the public and offers a range of tours, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Address: Manchester Town Hall, Lloyd Street, Albert Square, Manchester City Council, Manchester M60 2LA
15. Royal Exchange Theatre
The Royal Exchange Theatre is located in the city centre on St Ann’s Square.
The theatre was founded in 1976 and has been housed in two different buildings.
The Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the leading theatres in the UK and has a reputation for producing innovative and cutting-edge drama.
The theatre frequently collaborates with other organisations, such as the BBC and Manchester International Festival, to produce new work.
The theatre is also home to a number of education and community programmes, which engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Royal Exchange Theatre is open to the public and offers a range of tours, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Address: Royal Exchange Theatre, Old Bank St, Manchester M2 7PE
16. Explore Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a creative and independent small district, full of laid-back charm.
Located between Piccadilly station, Victoria station and the Ancoats, it is easily accessible and popular with visitors and locals alike.
The Northern Quarter is the centrepiece of Manchester’s music and independent fashion scene.
There are vintage clothes shops, independent record stores, interesting gift shops and up and coming fashion designers.
Along with street art, and great bars and restaurants, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a must-see part of the city.
FAQ
Is Manchester a good place to visit?
Manchester is a great place to visit and is one of the most vibrant cities in England.
There is so much to see and explore, if you are visiting for a weekend or a week, there is something for everyone.
How long is needed to explore the Imperial War Museum Manchester?
The Museum is open daily between 10am and 5pm, and admission is Free.
There is an abundance of interesting exhibits and displays to see, so we recommend a minimum of 2 hours on site.
Where is the best street food in Mancester?
Piccadilly Gardens street food market is a ‘pop up’ market open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Located in Piccadilly Gardens, it has Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, Afro-Caribbean and many more delicious foods.
You can buy anything from dim sum and tapas, to gourmet hotdogs and burgers.
What is Canal Street Manchester famous for?
Canal Street is in Manchester’s city centre and is the area of Manchester’s gay village.
The street runs along the west side of the Rochdale Canal and is lined with restaurants and gay bars.
