Manchester is a city brimming with history, innovation and creativity, from being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution to producing some of the UK’s most iconic bands.
Whether you’re interested in football or want to see real-life filming locations for Peaky Blinders or The Crown, there’s something for everyone around every corner.
Head to China Town for delicious Dim Sum before catching a performance at one of our incredible theatres. Or have a browse of the Northern Quarter’s quirky shops then hop on a tram to Salford Quays and rub shoulders with TV stars.
And, if the weather’s half decent (it doesn’t rain all the time here, we promise!) take a picnic to Heaton Park, where you’ll soon forget you're just a stone’s throw away from the city.
Read on for things you can see and do in Manchester.
John Rylands Library
Entering the John Rylands library is like stepping back in time; the neo-Gothic Grade I listed building is located in the heart of Deansgate but it's a world away from the glitzy bars and swanky shops nearby.
Inside you feel as if you’ve walked into a Harry Potter film set; the huge Reading Room is a breath-taking space but there’s also lots of nooks and side rooms to explore.
The library itself is home to an impressive collection of historical texts, including papyrus fragments believed to be a section of the New Testament.
Manchester Art Gallery
Situated off St Peter’s Square, Manchester Art Gallery boasts permanent collections of artwork as well as temporary exhibitions.
The gallery occupies two buildings which are joined together with a glass atrium, creating a diverse range of exhibition spaces.
It’s home to some iconic artworks, including paintings by Salford's own L.S. Lowry and an outsanding collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, as well as sculptures, costumes and furniture.
The Northern Quarter
Take a wander through the network of streets which make up the Northern Quarter, the city’s cool and quirky district home to vintage shops, independent cafes and plenty of bars. It’s also substituted for New York in Netflix’s The Crown.
The Northern Quarter is where you’ll find some of the coolest street art in the city, from huge murals to the topical artwork you’ll find in Stevenson Square.
Something to look out for in the area and other parts of the city are the mosaic space invaders by the street artist Invader.
In terms of shops, bohemian department store Afflecks is a great place to start and is full of quirky independent traders - there's even a stall dedicated to cassette tapes.
National Football Museum, Etihad and Old Trafford
Manchester is a city divided by two football teams, but any fan of the beautiful game will appreciate a visit to the National Football Museum - plus it occupies one of the coolest buildings in Manchester.
On display are some iconic football artefacts, including the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final and the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Of course dedicated fans can also plan a visit to the Etihad or Old Trafford and soak up more of the city’s football history.
China Town
The second-largest China Town in the UK after London, it’s the go-to place for foodie fans with a host of cuisines to try, including Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese.
Among the most popular restaurants are Happy Seasons, The Little Yang Sing, Pho Cue and Jade City.
Even if you’ve not got a big appetite, it’s worth having a mooch around the neighbourhood with a cup of bubble tea and admiring the striking archway and the brick mural of a Chinese sailing ship.
St Ann’s Square
Hidden away from the main thoroughfares of Market Street and Deansgate, St Ann’s Square is a peaceful part of the city which has a European air to it - have a look up and notice the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
At one end of the square is St Ann’s Church, which first opened its doors in 1712, just outside you'll spot the rather poignant statue of a homeless Jesus, a nod to the church's role in outreach projects.
At the other end, sandwiched between the square and Deansgate is the Barton Arcade, one of the city’s hidden gems.
The grade II listed Victorian arcade features decorative black and gold balconies and is home to the popular independent coffee shop Pot Kettle Black.
Castlefield Basin
Where history meets...even more history. At the Castlefield Basin you’ll find a restored Roman fort alongside bridges criss-crossing canals harking back to the city’s industrial heritage. A designated urban heritage park, there’s lots to explore in the area.
There are four impressive railway viaducts which cross over the water and you’d be forgiven if you thought you’d walked onto a film set when you walk past the magnificent pillars - in fact the area has been used to film scenes of Peaky Blinders.
It’s worth having a wander along the canal towards Salford if you fancy an urban walk.
And round the corner from the Castlefield Basin is Deansgate, where you’ll find a range of bars and restaurants and of course the iconic Beetham Tower, home to the Hilton Hotel and luxury apartments.
Salford Quays
Following one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK, Salford Quays was previously the site of the Manchester Docks. A short tram ride away from the city centre, it is definitely worth checking out.
One of the docks has been transformed into an open-water swimming and water sports pool, but if you don't want to have a dip there's plenty of walkways and bridges to admire the water from instead.
Afterwards, visit The Lowry Theatre and Arts Centre, named after the famous artist, for some cutting-edge theatre and exhibitions. Nearby are plenty of food and drink options in Media City
The Imperial War Museum North can be found at Salford Quays too, where you'll find a range of informative exhibitions and a striking permanent display of poppies.
Gay Village
The Gay Village is one of Manchester’s hidden gems, if you’re looking for a party Canal Street is where it’s at and you’re guaranteed a good time.
The main area is Canal Street, which is lined with bars and clubs - come during the day and you can sit and have a canal-side drink, but at night that’s when the area really comes alive.
Next to it is Sackville Gardens, which contains a memorial statue to Alan Turing depicting him sitting on a bench, and the Beacon of Hope, the UK’s only permanent memorial for people living with HIV or AIDS or who have lost their lives to it.
Ancoats and New Islington Marina
With its edgy warehouse buildings and an array of bars and restaurants, Ancoats has the reputation of being Manchester’s coolest neighbourhood.
At the heart is the Cutting Room Square, where you’ll find Vietnamese food alongside authentic Neapolitan pizzas, and tapas.
Just a short walk away form the square you’ll find Anita Street, a picturesque row of terrace houses which give you a sense of Manchester’s past.
Ancoats merges into New Islington, an area which has undergone an impressive regeneration and its marina is a popular spot on a sunny day.
Top tip: when you cross the footbridge from Redhill Street to the marina, look at the reflection in the canal water where you’ll spot the Oasis lyrics Cast No Shadow.
Spinningfields
Spinningfields is the place to be on an evening, it’s where you’ll find upmarket restaurants and bars including The Ivy and Australasia. There's the Oast House which offers a unique experience with its huge beer garden.
For incredible views across the city try the impressive 20 Stories.
If you’re a fan of architecture then a wander around Spinningfields is a must. The Manchester Civil Justice Centre is one of the most striking buildings in Manchester with a huge glass wall and cantilevered floors, earning it several awards for its design. In complete contrast on Quay Street is Sunlight House, an art deco style Grade II listed building.
On the edge of Spinningfields overlooking the River Irwell is the People’s History Museum, dedicated to the history of working people in the UK. Occupying a grade II listed hydraulic pumping station, It has collections on the Peterloo Massacre, trade unionism and women’s suffrage.
Albert Square
Dominating Albert Square is Manchester Town Hall, a stunning Grade I listed Gothic building, which was completed in 1877.
In the square itself is a monument to Prince Albert, which stands underneath an ornate spire. More gothic buildings line the sides of the square where you’ll find several bars and restaurants.
Currently the Town Hall and Albert Square are under renovation and are expected to reopen again in 2024.
Palace Theatre, Opera House and Royal Exchange Theatre
Manchester is home to some incredible theatres where you can catch touring productions of legendary shows or exciting new plays.
The Palace Theatre and Opera House offer traditional experiences, while the Royal Exchange Theatre features a theatre-in-the-round in a unique setting.
Even if you don’t see a show, stop by the café in the Royal Exchange Theatre instead to admire the interior.
Manchester Cathedral
An incredibly peaceful place to visit, Manchester Cathedral is a must while you’re in the city centre.
The interior is full of historical details, with beautifully carved medieval woodwork. It is known for its impressive modern stained glass windows, which replaced the original Victorian versions which were destroyed during the Second World War.
Heaton Park
Just a short tram ride away from the centre, Heaton Park is the biggest park in Manchester with around 600 acres of green space.
You can easily spend a whole day wandering around the park, which has everything from a charming boating lake to the beautiful 18th Century Heaton Hall.
For incredible views across the city and surrounding areas, climb up to the viewing platform at the Temple.
Science and Industry Museum
A visit to Manchester wouldn’t be complete without taking in the city’s industrial past. The Science and Industry Museum gives an insight into the Industrial Revolution and the role that the city played in the textile industry.
Encompassing 250 years of the city’s innovations, the museum doesn’t just focus on industry but looks at other technological developments, such as modern computing and the development of graphene.
To get the latest email updates from the Manchester Evening News, click here.
