Manchester is one of the most important cities in England and the most well-known in the north of the country. It was the textile capital of the country and is recognised for its great industrial value. There are also many activities, monuments and museums to do and see in Manchester. In addition, this city will take you back in time with its 18th century canal system that add to Manchester’s character. At Passporter we want to help you organise your trip; in this post we will show you the essential places to see in Manchester and two itineraries that you can do on your trip to the city.
Manchester seems to have it all; from its cosmopolitan vibe and the hustle and bustle of the city centre, to its beautiful green spaces to unwind and take a breath of fresh air in the suburbs. Are you ready to discover it?
Things to see in Manchester
Albert Square and Town Hall: things to see in Manchester
Albert Square is a square located in the centre of Manchester, and one of the most important points in the city. The square is dominated by Manchester City Hall, one of the must-see buildings in Manchester. This is the city hall building, it is Gothic in style and the heart of Manchester. This square hosts many seasonal events, including Manchester’s famous Christmas markets. The Town Hall towers imposingly over the square. It was built in the second half of the 19th century and remains one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks today.
The Cathedral, one of the Manchester’s must-sees
The Cathedral is a must-see in Manchester. As well as being attractive from the outside, this cathedral boasts a magnificent interior of medieval woodwork. The ceiling features various carved details that give life and character to the whole building, as well as its glasswork. Guided tours are often available at Manchester Cathedral and is a key stop to see in the city.
John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library in Deansgate is a beautiful Victorian Gothic library and one of the most popular places to visit in Manchester. From the outside it may look more like a palace or cathedral, but inside you will not be left with any doubts. This library was commissioned in 1890 by the wife of John Rylands, one of Manchester’s most successful industrialists. Today, it is home to major collectors’ items and artefacts of great historical value, such as a 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Northern Quarter and Oldham Street
Located between Piccadilly and Ancoats, the Northern Quarter retains a unique character and charm, which will be preserved through continued development and regeneration. Manchester’s urban and creative heart is home to countless independent fashion shops, record shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and the world-famous Afflecks Palace, which offers affordable outlets for independent designers and retailers over four floors. Oldham Street is the main road going through this famous neighbourhood and one of its busiest.
Victoria Baths
The Victoria Baths complex was designed by Manchester’s first city architect, Henry Price, and opened in 1906. No expense was spared in its design and construction. The facade has multi-coloured brickwork and terracotta decoration, the inside is tiled and most of the windows have decorative stained glass.
At its opening ceremony, the Mayor described the Victoria Baths as a water palace, saying all citizens of Manchester are proud of the essential facilities and leisure that the baths provided.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is located in the heart of Manchester, the world’s first industrial city. It is a place full of amazing objects and revolutionary ideas that changed the world forever.
Explore Manchester’s rich legacy of innovation and discovery in the Revolution Manchester Gallery, discover how the city’s heritage is intertwined with the cotton industry in the Textiles Gallery and see science come to life in Experiment, an interactive gallery for families.
Castlefield
The Roman heart of the city. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life in Castlefield, with a variety of waterside restaurants, pubs and bars. See Castlefield, where the first Romans settled and where the Bridgewater Canal, considered to be the world’s first industrial canal, was built.
In addition to these two historical facts, the former Liverpool Road railway station was the terminus of the world’s first passenger railway in 1830, linking Liverpool and Manchester. Today, this station is part of the Museum of Science and Industry.
Chinatown
Manchester’s Chinatown is the second largest in the UK, so you’re guaranteed a wide choice of quality restaurants, bakeries and shops. The annual Chinese New Year festival in February is one of the highlights of Manchester’s events calendar, with the famous parade including stalls and dancing dragons.
Manchester Art Gallery
Here you will find one of the country’s finest art collections in a spectacular Victorian and contemporary setting. The gallery’s £35 million renovation means the collection can be presented to visitors in new and imaginative ways.
Highlights include Pre-Raphaelite paintings, craftwork, designs and early 20th century British art. The exhibition programme is exciting and there is a wide range of events, from talks and tours to hands-on activities for children and adults. Great visitor facilities include two cafes and a large shop with disabled access.
Canal Street and Gay Village
The Gay Village is a must-see for any visitor to Manchester. Located just south of Chinatown, along and around Canal Street, the Village is both the party capital and a living piece of social history, proof that Manchester is one of the world’s leading gay-friendly cities.
This area of the city has blossomed into a village-like community with a mix of bars, pubs, restaurants and green spaces along a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal. This has become the perfect setting for outdoor dining and drinking. The vibrant Gay Village is home to venues to suit all tastes offering entertainment every night of the week.
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester has a special place in history. Its origins as England’s first civic university are closely linked to Manchester’s development as the world’s first industrial city. Through a free guided tour, you can discover the varied history of the institutions that eventually formed the University of Manchester as we know it today.
This tour takes you through the fascinating history of Owens College, which was to become England’s first civic university. Explore the beautiful buildings of the Old Quadrangle on Oxford Road, designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, and follow Owens College on its journey to becoming a university.
Shambles Square
Shambles Square is a historic square located right next to the Exchange Square Metrolink station. The term “shambles” comes from the name of the street where butchers slaughtered and sold meat. The square is home to the Wellington Building, one of the only surviving Tudor buildings in the centre of Manchester. It is made up of four main pubs; Crown & Anchor, The Old Wellington Inn, Sinclairs Oyster Bar and The Mitre Hotel.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in and around Manchester
Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre has been leading the way in water-based activities in the North West of England since 1989. The centre is located on the shores of Hollingworth Lake, with the dramatic and rugged Blackstone Edge skyline as a stunning backdrop to all activities. The centre now offers pre-booked group mountain bike rides, both for beginners and experts on the centre’s own fleet of bikes.
Heaton Park
More than just a walk in the park, Heaton Park is a historic area on the outskirts of Manchester with all the attractions for a full day out for all ages. Visit the playgrounds, cafes, Animal Centre, Tramway Museum, bowling greens, golf course, boating lake and even try horse riding.
Make the most of the annual events, which include open-air concerts, plays and theatrical performances. Don’t miss Heaton Hall’s beautifully restored interiors to get taken back to the 18th century, with a collection of furniture, musical instruments and occasional recitals in the Music Room.
Altrincham Market in Cheshire
Altrincham is one of the original market towns. It dates back to 1290. Located between the fertile agricultural belt of Cheshire and Manchester’s trading area, the town has a long and important history and Altrincham market is now the centre of the new modern market town.
At weekends there are popular themed markets selling regional food, vintage fashion and furniture, home and garden decor and contemporary crafts. Market House has become a permanent tasting centre where people can eat at a variety of top quality restaurants.
Derbyshire, Buxton
Derbyshire, a famous historic spa town in Buxton, features idyllic 18th and 19th century architecture. The small town is home to the historic Crescent Palace building, which has been transformed into a five-star, 80-bedroom spa hotel. Buxton also hosts an interesting selection of festivals.
What to see in Manchester in one day?
Manchester can be seen in a day, although it is better to stay a little longer in order to appreciate and get to know the incredible surroundings of the city and the points further away from the city centre. Here is a one-day itinerary for you to enjoy this experience to the fullest and discover the essential places that characterise the city of Manchester.
- Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall
- Manchester Cathedral
- John Rylands Library
- Victoria Baths
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Northern Quarter and Oldham Street
- Canal Street and Gay Village
- Shambles Square
What to see in Manchester in two days?
Two days in this city is the perfect amount of time to get to know the north of England and the most attractive places it has to offer. The area around Manchester offers some beautiful landscapes that are well worth seeing. When you discover them, extending your stay in Manchester will seem like the best possible idea. Take a look at this two-day itinerary and get ideas for your trip to the north of England.
Day 1:
- Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall
- Manchester Cathedral
- John Rylands Library
- Victoria Baths
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Northern Quarter and Oldham Street
- Canal Street and Gay Village
- Shambles Square
- Heaton Park
Día 2:
- Hollingworth Lake in the morning.
- Altrincham Market in Cheshire to eat.
- Derbyshire, Buxton to spend the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manchester has many sights to see, but because of its size the most important places can be visited in a short time. One to two days is recommended.
It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and the second most influential city in the UK, known for its multicultural, musical and sporting scene.
Deansgate Street is the street with the most nightlife. Here you’ll find plenty of interesting pubs and venues for a great night out in the city.
The most typical dish in the North of England is Pies. A pie is a puff pastry that is usually filled with different ingredients; meat, fish, cheese and onion or vegetables. It is usually served with gravy, mashed potatoes and peas.
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