1. Manchester Art Gallery

Ah, Manchester Art Gallery - a place packed with so many frames and canvases you'll be wondering if you've stumbled into a Picasso-themed maze. Get lost in the maze, and you might end up in the Victorian Gothic-style library, where the shelves are filled with books and the chairs are so comfy you could easily nap among them. But don't sleep for too long, or you might miss the rotating exhibitions that showcase some of the city's most eclectic artists.

manchesterartgallery.org

2. National Football Museum

Welcome to the National Football Museum in Manchester - the only place on Earth where you can dive headfirst into the world of footie without any accidental headbutts. With enough football-related artefacts to fill an entire stadium, this museum is every fan's dream come true. From vintage jerseys to iconic boots, this place has it all - except for a team to cheer on when your favourite club is losing.

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

3. Castlefield

Welcome to Castlefield, the part of Manchester where ancient meets modern and irony meets practicality. It's where you can wander down picturesque canals and then grab a pint at a trendy brewery, all while contemplating if you're in a hipster's heaven or an old-timey blockbuster film set. Be sure to take a trip on a canal boat, because who doesn't love the sensation of getting stuck behind a paddleboarder while navigating Manchester's industrial past?

4. Victoria Baths

Welcome to Victoria Baths! Get ready to dive in this historic swimming pool and be transported back in time. Don't worry, we won't be pushing you off the diving board, but we will give you a tour of the grand Turkish baths, complete with marble floors and intricate tiling. Don't forget to pack your swimsuits, because you never know when you might feel adventurous enough to take a dip in one of the two restored pools!

www.victoriabaths.org.uk

5. Manchester Central Library

Manchester Central Library, or as the locals call it, the "biblio fortress," is a haven for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. Step inside and bask in the grandeur of its ornate domed ceiling while trying not to knock over a stack of books. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Librarian, known for their uncanny ability to shush even the rowdiest of visitors.

www.manchester.gov.uk

6. Manchester Museum

Welcome to Manchester Museum, where you can meet Stan, the T-Rex who's been dead for ages (but not as long as Keith Richards). Explore the history of the Earth, from its ancient rocks to its current questionable state thanks to us humans. And don't forget to say hi to the stuffed animals - they won't bite, unless you're a particularly tasty-looking plant or insect.

www.manchester.ac.uk

7. Chinatown

If you want to be transported to another world without leaving Manchester, then head over to Chinatown. This vibrant neighborhood is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, with colorful lanterns hanging from the treetops and an array of tantalizing aromas filling the air. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as you taste your way through the many restaurants and food stalls serving up everything from traditional dim sum to funky fusion dishes.

8. The John Rylands Library

If you're looking for a place to quench your thirst for literary knowledge in the "Rainy City" of Manchester, look no further than The John Rylands Library. With its Neo-Gothic architecture straight out of a Harry Potter movie, this library will have you feeling like you've stepped into Hogwarts. And don't forget to watch out for the ghost of Mr. Rylands himself, who apparently still haunts the place!

www.library.manchester.ac.uk

9. Manchester Cathedral

As you wander through Manchester, don't forget to stop by the absolutely stunning Manchester Cathedral. It's a real beauty, and you can't miss it. With its impressive architecture and rich history, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and maybe even get a glimpse of the divine.

www.manchestercathedral.org

10. Science and Industry Museum

As you wander through the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, you'll find yourself surrounded by all manner of whirring machines, hissing steam engines, and other curious contraptions. Be careful not to bump your head on the massive spinning cogs overhead - they're a bit like giant metal disco balls, but without the music (or the fun). And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a slightly eccentric inventor, madly tinkering away in one of the museum's many galleries.

www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

11. The Lowry

Welcome to The Lowry in Manchester, a uniquely shaped building that will have you questioning whether or not your eyesight is up to scratch. It's like someone has taken a massive cake slicer and sliced off some edges, but in a good way. Inside you'll find art, theatre, and dining options that are designed to make you forget about the fact that you're in Manchester - until you look out the window and see the rain, that is.

www.thelowry.com

12. The Northern Quarter

Ah, the Northern Quarter in Manchester, a place where the hipsters and the bohemians come together to form one big, quirky community. It's like a kaleidoscope of street art, vintage shops, and artisanal coffee shops. You'll find more flannel shirts and beanie hats here than you can count, but don't let that intimidate you, it's a friendly place, promise!

13. The Curry Mile

Welcome to The Curry Mile in Manchester, where the only thing hotter than the food is the competition between Pakistani and Indian restaurants. The street is jam-packed with aromatic flavors that can make your mouth water from a mile away, so make sure to come prepared with a full appetite and a pack of antacids. But don't forget to save a little room for dessert, because the kulfi ice cream is definitely worth the extra calories.

www.mughli.com

14. The Whitworth

As you step into The Whitworth, you're hit by a wave of culture and sophistication. Well, not literally hit, that would be alarming. But you get the idea. The Whitworth is a gallery that boasts a diverse collection of art, from ancient textiles to modern installations. And if that's not enough to tickle your artistic fancy, there’s even a park right next door. And yes, the grass is indeed green - we checked.

www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

15. Manchester Ship Canal

Welcome to the Manchester Ship Canal, where water is the boss and boats are the toys. This 36-mile-long canal connects Manchester city to the Irish Sea and offers a scenic route for ships and barges to transport goods, and for tourists to marvel at the engineering marvels of the 19th century. Enjoy the sights and sounds, but watch out for the occasional angry swan who doesn't take too kindly to visitors.

www.manchester.gov.uk

16. The Royal Exchange Theatre

Welcome to The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, where the plays are so good you'll forget you're in rainy England. The building, resembling an enormous space helmet, will teleport you to another world of drama, suspense and unexpected surprises. And if you're lucky enough, you might even glimpse some of the city's artistic ghosts, who haunt the corridors and balconies like true theatre enthusiasts.

17. The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre in Manchester is a shopping paradise for those seeking retail therapy or just a way to escape a rainy day. It has more shops than you could shake a stick at, and a food court that will make your taste buds dance with joy. It's the kind of place that you plan to visit for an hour and find yourself lost in for the whole day.

traffordcentre.co.uk

18. The People's History Museum

If you're a history buff who enjoys a good laugh or two, you won't want to miss a visit to The People's History Museum in Manchester. This museum offers a refreshing take on the past and puts the people's stories front and center. From the Peterloo Massacre to the Suffragette movement, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for Manchester's colorful and rebellious past.

www.phm.org.uk

19. Old Trafford Stadium

Welcome to Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, the iconic home of Manchester United, a place where dreams come true and hopes are dashed in 90 minutes. This stadium is a hallowed ground that has seen legends play and fans sing - and sometimes throw things. But don't worry, you won't need to dodge any flying pies during your visit, unless you're sitting in the away section.

www.manutd.com

20. The Bridgewater Hall

The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester is a musical haven for all the cultured folk out there. The acoustics of this place are so amazing that even a proverbial pin-drop can be heard! It's so grand, it's like giving the Royal Albert Hall a run for its money, but with better chips.

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk