Manchester is a vibrant city where industrial heritage meets world-famous football, legendary music and a thriving food and drink scene. This guide covers all the best things to do in Manchester
After 18 years living in London, it was getting downright strange that I’d never been to Manchester.
It’s not that it didn’t have appeal; quite the opposite. I knew I’d be into Manchester. Somehow, though, there was always somewhere else to be.
So recently, when Mark was in the Peak District for a school reunion, I took the opportunity to book a solo trip to Manchester.
My first observation was that it’s a very liveable city. Green spaces, independent cafés, lively bars, a legendary music scene and football woven into the fabric of the city all combine to create a place with plenty of character.
It’s also an excellent city break. Victorian warehouses sit alongside Gothic architecture, fascinating museums tell the story of the Industrial Revolution, and compact neighbourhoods make it easy to explore on foot.
This guide covers everything I did during my two-day visit, including the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
Map: Manchester Central
This map covers all the sights in Manchester that I have listed in this guide. You can see that most are very easy to explore on foot.
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What to Do in Manchester
1. Manchester Art Gallery
With its central location, I decided to start with the Manchester Art Gallery. Housed in a Victorian building on Mosley Street, the collection spans more than 200 years, with everything from Victorian pieces to contemporary art.
The most famous section is the Pre-Raphaelites, a group of 19th-century British artists who rejected the standard Renaissance approach. The Manchester Art Gallery has the greatest Pre-Raphaelite collection in the country. They are in gallery 8 if you want to check them out.
For me, there are no standout pieces; instead, the joy is strolling through the variety of art on display in a beautifully restored building.
The permanent collection is free, with only the temporary exhibitions charged.
2. Manchester Central Library
Next up, I popped my head into the Manchester Central Library. Now, this isn’t the famous library in Manchester you may have heard about (that’s coming up), but it’s still worth taking a look.
The highlight is the Wolfson Reading Room, which was modelled on the Pantheon in Rome. The elegant space with rows of wooden desks, tall bookcases and plenty of natural light from the domed ceiling is both impressive and welcoming.
It’s a working library rather than a tourist attraction, so try to keep the noise to a minimum for people working.
The library is free to enter, and you only need 15-30 minutes.
3. Science and Industry Museum
Manchester played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, so the Science and Industry Museum was something I was very keen to see.
Built on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station (Liverpool Road Station, 1830), the museum tells the story of how Manchester became the world’s first industrial city.
There’s a mix of interactive exhibits, working machinery and historic vehicles.
The section on the textile industry was really interesting, and the huge steam engines and restored locomotives will be a bit of a hit if you take the kids.
It’s free to enter; however, there are special exhibitions from time to time which you need to pay for.
4. Campfield Market
Right across the road from the Science and Industry Museum, Campfield Market was perfectly timed for me to enjoy a mid-morning snack.
The restored Victorian market hall has retained much of its original character with exposed ironwork and high ceilings. Today, it’s a mix of independent food vendors, cafés and pop-up retailers.
This was my first taste of cool Manchester, and I wasn’t disappointed. The selection of street food options was diverse and interesting, and each vendor seemed genuinely interested in their craft and in promoting the Manchester food scene.
Campfield Market is only open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
5. John Rylands Library
As a first-time visitor to Manchester, this is my number one recommendation.
The library was built by Enriqueta Rylands as a memorial to her husband, the textile merchant, John Rylands. And, I’d have to say, he would have been humbled by the outcome.
It’s clear to see why it’s one of the most photographed interiors in Manchester. Towering vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and rows of carved oak bookcases create a hushed, cathedral-like atmosphere.
Apart from the breathtaking architecture, the library houses an important collection of rare books including a Gutenberg Bible.
John Rylands Library is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and it’s free to enter.
Tip: Make sure you go to the loo; the Victorian toilets have hardly changed since 1900.
6.People’s History Museum
The People’s History Museum tells the story of democracy in Britain and how ordinary people fought for the rights and freedoms we now take for granted.
Through a series of political banners, posters and photographs, it covers everything from the campaign for universal suffrage to the founding of the NHS.
Rather than focusing on a single period in time, the museum explains how political change has been shaped by generations of campaigning and protest.
Politically, it’s very one-sided with a predominantly left-wing perspective and no alternative viewpoints. So it felt to me like it was telling the story of social change, rather than attempting to be politically neutral.
It’s also very text-heavy, so this one I’d only recommend if you were particularly interested in the subject matter.
It’s free to enter.
7. Manchester Cathedral
I’ve included Manchester Cathedral because it’s easy to collect on the way from the People’s History Museum and the National Football Museum.
The medieval church stood here for more than 600 years, surviving bomb damage before being carefully restored.
The interior is understated compared to some of England’s more famous cathedrals, but it’s full of interesting details. The carved wooden choir is particularly impressive, and the stained-glass windows commemorating the cathedral’s rebuilding are beautiful.
Entry is free.
8. National Football Museum
Not being the biggest football fan in the world, I was a little concerned that the National Football Museum was the only attraction I paid for in Manchester, but it was still well worth it.
Spread across four floors, the museum covers everything from the origin of the game and iconic players to memorable matches and the evolution of football around the world.
There are interactive exhibits where you can test your football skills and learn about tactics and technology. They also have displays with famous trophies and football memorabilia.
Entry was £16, but it gives you access for 12 months.
9. Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is the centre of cool Manchester with independent cafes, vintage shops, record stores, street art and bars spilling out onto the street.
It’s a small grid of streets centred around Oldham Street, Tib Street and Stevenson Square.
This is where you come to enjoy the social side of Manchester, have a pint, some great food and soak up the indie vibe of the city. You’ll find great coffee, iconic stores like Piccadilly Records, and I really liked Afflecks, an indoor market packed with vintage traders.
I had great weather for my visit, so all the tables on the street were packed with groups of locals enjoying the sun.
10. Mackie Mayor
Mackie Mayor is on the edge of the Northern Quarter, so I actually ate here rather than picking one of the already busy places on the street.
It’s a food hall, housed in a beautifully restored Victorian market building. There’s a collection of independent food vendors serving everything from wood-fired pizza and tacos to fresh seafood and burgers.
I had the ramen from Taiko Ramen, which was really good. The communal layout created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a nice little break from sightseeing.
11. Canal Street
I couldn’t go to Manchester without a visit to Canal Street, the city’s famous Gay Village. Running alongside the Rochdale Canal, the vibrant street is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, most of which have outdoor terraces creating a great atmosphere on warm evenings, which I was lucky enough to have.
Unsurprisingly, Canal Street comes alive in the evenings when the bars and clubs fill up, and the partying kicks off.
Sackville Gardens, just off the street, is worth visiting for the Alan Turing Memorial, who lived in Manchester where he worked on the Manchester Mark 1, one of the earliest stored-program computers in the world.
How Long Do You Need in Manchester?
Manchester is compact enough to see most of the sights in a single day, but two days will give you more time to explore the nightlife scene, which is where Manchester really shines.
I was there for an overnight stay, but found I got around all the main attractions in a single day. This included the John Rylands Library, the Art Gallery, the Northern Quarter and the National Football Museum.
In two days you would be able to slow down a bit and hit the bars in the evening, but if you are not interested in the city’s nightlife, one day will cover it for you.
Where to Stay
As a compact city, I recommend staying in the city centre so you can see everything on foot without needing to worry about public transport. Here are the best areas in, or adjacent to, the city centre:
Northern Quarter: Best for independent cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife. This is one of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods, but it will be a bit noisy in the evening.
Deansgate and Spinningfields: This is a good choice if you are looking for a swish hotel, excellent restaurants and easy access to the centre. It’s good, but a little focused on business travellers.
Castlefield: A quieter part of the centre around the historic canals and converted warehouses. It’s a little more relaxed but still walkable into the centre.
Piccadilly: Ideal if you are arriving by train or planning day trips. You’ll have excellent public transport options while still only a 10-minute walk from the main sights.
For my recommendations: The Cow Hollow Hotel (£££) is a stylish boutique hotel in the Northern Quarter, while the Edwardian Manchester (££££) is the best luxury option. For a good value option in a great location, we like Motel One Piccadilly (££).
Best Airbnbs in Manchester
For a special stay or one with a different theme, here are some of the best Airbnbs in Manchester.
The Boutique Penthouse in the Northern Quarter (££££) – This is probably the most iconic Airbnb in Manchester, often featuring in travel magazines.
The Fun & Quirky Canal Boat (£££) – If you want something completely different, this houseboat moored in Castlefield is a winner.
The Beautiful Duplex Apartment (££) – A quiet stay away from the traffic noise but close to everything Manchester has to offer.
Where to Eat & Drink
The food scene is alive and kicking in Manchester. A couple of days is nowhere near long enough to take it all in. But here are a few recommendations from me.
Restaurants
- Erst – One of Manchester’s best small-plates restaurants with an excellent seasonal menu.
- The Sparrows – Award-winning handmade pasta and Eastern European dumplings.
- Bundobust – Excellent Indian street food paired with craft beer.
Cafes
- Pollen Baker – Possibly Manchester’s best baker, famous for pastries and sourdough
- Pot Kettle Black – Excellent brunch and speciality coffee in Barton Arcade.
- Federal Café & Bar – Australian-inspired café with an excellent brunch menu.
- 200 Degrees Coffee Shop & Barista School – Excellent speciality coffee served alongside one of the UK’s leading barista schools.
Bars & Pubs
- Schofield’s Bar – one of the best cocktail bars you’ll find in the country.
- The Marble Arch – historic pub with excellent local ales
- The Britons Protection – Traditional Victorian pub with one of the UK’s best whiskey selections.
- Cloudwater Brewery Taproom – One of Britain’s most acclaimed craft breweries.
When to Visit Manchester
Manchester is a year-round destination, but the weather can be unpredictable in any season.
Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September) are some of the best times to visit with generally mild temperatures and plenty of daylight for sightseeing.
Summer (July and August) has the warmest weather and the busiest atmosphere with outdoor dining, festivals and packed canalside bars. Expect higher hotel prices during major events.
December is also a popular time to visit Manchester, which is filled with charming Christmas markets.
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