Best 20 things to do in Manchester, United Kingdom

If you're headed to Manchester and have no idea where to start, fear not! Our comprehensive list of the top 20 things to do in Manchester has got your back. From the obvious (like visiting Old Trafford and taking a selfie with the Bee in the Northern Quarter) to the less well-known (like drinking an actual fishbowl cocktail at the Tiki bar, Hula), we've got something for everyone. Don't forget to check out the Curry Mile for some tasty Indian food, or try your hand at axe-throwing at the Whistle Punks venue. And if all else fails, just wander around the city center, taking in the beautiful architecture and trying not to get hit by a tram. Happy exploring!

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1. Manchester Art Gallery

4.6 (7978)

Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL, UK

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

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2. National Football Museum

4.4 (5528)

Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG, UK

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

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3. Castlefield

Castlefield, Manchester, UK

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?

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4. Victoria Baths

4.7 (963)

Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0FE, UK

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

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5. Manchester Central Library

4.7 (839)

St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD, UK

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

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6. Manchester Museum

4.6 (5393)

University of, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

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

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7. Chinatown

Chinatown, Manchester, UK

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.

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8. The John Rylands Library

4.4 (187)

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP, UK

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

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9. Manchester Cathedral

4.6 (4804)

Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX, UK

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

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10. Science and Industry Museum

4.4 (15742)

Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP, UK

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

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11. The Lowry

4.6 (5729)

Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK

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

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12. The Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter, High St, Manchester M4 1HT, UK

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!

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13. The Curry Mile

4.2 (1319)

30 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TQ, UK

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

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14. The Whitworth

4.5 (2018)

Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, UK

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

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15. Manchester Ship Canal

Manchester, UK

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

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16. The Royal Exchange Theatre

Royal Exchange, Manchester, Old Bank St, Manchester M2 7PE, UK

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.

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17. The Trafford Centre

4.5 (1761)

The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA, UK

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

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18. The People's History Museum

4.5 (2637)

Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER, UK

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

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19. Old Trafford Stadium

4.6 (43213)

Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA, UK

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

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20. The Bridgewater Hall

4.7 (6035)

The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS, UK

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

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom by plane is to fly to Manchester Airport, which is the main international airport in the area. Many airlines offer direct flights to Manchester Airport from all over the world.

Car

Driving to Manchester, United Kingdom is also an option if you have access to a car. The most convenient route would depend on your starting location, but generally, main roads like the M6 and M1 provide good access to the city.

Train

A convenient way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom by train is to take a train into Manchester Piccadilly station, which is the largest railway station in Manchester. From there, passengers can connect to other local transport options to reach their final destination.

Boat

Although Manchester does not have a direct port, travelers could take a boat to nearby Liverpool and then connect to Manchester via train or bus. Liverpool's international ferry terminal offers services to many European destinations.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, the best way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom is by taking a coach to Manchester Central Coach Station, which is located in the city center. Many companies offer coach services to Manchester from all over the UK.

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