The second largest city in the United Kingdom, Manchester is a lively city that attracts people from all over the world. Rich in history and culture, there are plenty of museums and art galleries that would keep you engaged in the city. Apart from the famed galleries and museums in Manchester, it also boasts of an active sports scene and a culinary heaven.
The place is also known for its excellent nightlife and also a paradise for music lovers. While Manchester offers incredible attractions, do not miss a day trip to visit London Eye, an iconic spot for breathtaking city views.
With so much to see and do in Manchester, a visit to the city is a must if you have your UK visa and are planning a holiday to the United Kingdom. Here we talk to you about the best things that you can do in Manchester.
Manchester Museum
Owned by the University of Manchester, the Manchester Museum is home to more than 4,500,000 works or items belonging to anthropology, archaeology, and natural history. Right from interesting fossils to life-size remains of tyrannosaurus rex, there are plenty of amazing items to see here. While the exhibits of the museum are remarkable, the fact that the museum is housed inside a Gothic-style building makes the experience of visiting the museum even more remarkable.
Manchester Art Gallery
If you desire to stroll through the artistic past of Manchester, do drop at the Manchester Art Gallery, which is tucked away in the center of the city. Here you will find out pre-Raphaelite pieces coupled with pieces by eminent local artists like Lowry. If you enjoy a broad variety of cultures, this is unquestionably one of the greatest places. This is among the best places for a budget travel in United Kingdom.
The Quays
The Quays ought to be at the top of your list of things you absolutely must see for a number of reasons. The once-derelict docklands of the Salford and Trafford Quays area gave rise to this striking waterfront destination. What was once a barren wasteland has been transformed into a place where some of the nation’s most iconic buildings—The Lowry & Imperial War Museum North are both RIBA award-winners—stand alongside their neighbors to provide a gathering place for culture, sports, shopping, and much more.
Albert Square
The Manchester City Hall, located in this square, is enormous and quite impressive, making it almost worth visiting the area. The square is undoubtedly worth seeing if you want to experience a sense of Manchester’s architectural legacy and prowess. It is also home to many beautiful buildings.
Northern Quarter
If you apply for UK visa and want to explore something unique, head to Northern Qaurters in Manchester to enjoy the bohemian vibe of the city. The place is a heaven for shopping lovers, as it is lined with boutiques and stores of fashion designers. Apart from this, Northern Quarter also has amazing cafes, small eateries (where you can enjoy locally sourced snacks and food), and commercial art galleries as well. However, the best thing about the place is its lively nightlife. As the sun sets, you will get the chance to get to explore its numerous music venues, jazz bars, etc.
Old Trafford
Hardcore football fan or not, visiting Old Trafford is a must when you are in Manchester. Established in 1910, the Old Trafford Stadium is the home ground of Manchester United FC. You can take a tour of the largest stadium in the UK to see the football grounds and backstage as well. It also includes a visit to the in-house museum. During the tour, you would also get to learn about the history of the stadium and the football club. After the tour, you can shop at the retail store and relax at the café.
HOME
For those who enjoy the arts and culture, HOME is a highly recommended destination. It is one of Manchester’s most renowned cultural zones. You can enjoy a variety of experiences at HOME. For example, there are many excellent restaurants that serve delicious meals here. The location frequently hosts plays, popular play screenings, art exhibitions, and theme-based periodic events. Making the most of your visit here can be achieved by planning to stay for the full day, which will allow you to take in a variety of experiences. No wonder this is counted among the greatest Manchester tourist attractions.
Affleck’s
One of the most well-liked locations in Manchester for the alternative crowd is Affleck’s. You can easily find interesting fetish gears or even more subdued items like DIY jewelry here. For some upscale delicious ice cream, try Ginger’s Comfort Emporium if you are on the lookout for an awe-inspiring culinary adventure. There is a gamut of quirky attire, accessories, and jewelry in such stores. If you desire an experience that will fasten in your memory, ensure to visit this spot of town.
Manchester Town Hall
Built in 1877, Manchester Town Hall is the finest example of neo-gothic architecture not only in Manchester but in England as well. While the exterior of the place is magnificent, the interiors are equally mesmerizing. A tour of the town hall would give you the chance to see gorgeous spiral staircases, arched ceilings and innumerable statues and busts. One of the major highlights of the building is its clock tower, which stands 280 feet tall. Even if you do not have time to visit the interior of the building, do check out Manchester Town Hall from Albert Square.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
Although Manchester is rich in history and culture, these are not the only things to see in this city. If you love nature, a visit to the Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is an absolute must. A botanical as well as a rock garden, the garden is home to several types of flora and fauna. A walk in the park would give you the opportunity to see ponds, rockeries, tree groves, and ornamental gardens. For those who love animals, Know about ZSL London Zoo and its amazing displays. They make for a perfect family excursion during your Manchester holiday. Apart from this, you can indulge in several activities like walks on natural trails as well as playing tennis and rugby. The garden also hosts several interesting events regularly.
Museum of Science and Industry
Apart from its cultural heritage, Manchester has also a rich industrial heritage. You can witness all the contributions of Manchester City in the field of science and industry at the Museum of Science and Industry in Liverpool. The exhibits of the museum would give you an idea of how the city has influenced the fields of power, transport, and computing. Apart from checking out the various displays, visitors can also indulge in numerous hands-on activities like science-related games, scientific experiments, and virtual reality booths.
Victoria Baths
You do not have to go all the way to Turkey if you have always wanted to have an amazing experience at a Turkish bath! If you are in Manchester, you must visit the famous bathhouse known as Victoria Baths. In addition to providing an excellent bathing experience, Victoria Baths host weddings, gin and beer festivals, and theatrical productions. In order to maximize your trip, if you are considering a tour to Manchester, be sure to inquire about any special events that fall within your schedule.
Chinatown
Manchester is home to the second-largest Chinatown in the UK, which is home to a variety of restaurants, markets, and retail stores, thus making it amid the greatest tourist attractions in the UK. The great East Asian community which calls the West Manchester abode is marked by a massive paifang arch which was raised in 1987. Chinatown is pulsating and sundry, home to some of the most excellent ethnic restaurants in the city. Red Chilli, one of the finest places to find authentic Szechuan food in the area, is in fact hidden away in the store basement. Spend some time browsing the many shops with their colorful traditional goods and bright toys, or visit the local supermarket to make an Asian dinner at home.
Manchester Cathedral
Established in 1421, Manchester Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the UK. While the church was built in 1421, the place was used as a church since 700 AD. Today, you would see a grand gothic-style church made of stone on this site. Manchester Cathedral is not only architecturally beautiful but also preserves the history of the city. Once you have explored the church and checked out its beautiful wood carvings, you can visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the church.
John Rylands Library
Another famous gothic-style building that you would find in Manchester is the John Rylands Library. Part of the University of Manchester, John Rylands Library was established in 1900. Home to early printed texts, medieval manuscripts, and personal letters from notable figures, this library is considered to be one of the best academic libraries in the country. Apart from being rich in knowledge, what attracts people the most to John Rylands Library is its architecture. The ornate archways, the soft illumination, and the vaulted ceilings have the aura of mesmerizing anyone who visits the place.
Conclusion
This is just a gist of things that you can do in Manchester. Some other popular places that you should visit here include Manchester Art Gallery, Royal Exchange, People’s History Museum, Heaton Park, Gorton Monastery, etc. In short, there are plenty of things to see and do in Manchester. Hence, allot a week or at least a couple of days to Manchester while planning your trip to UK. Expand your adventure by exploring nearby attractions. You can explore the places to visit in North Wales, which include stunning castles and coastal towns. It is just a short drive from Manchester.