Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Manchester is the lively capital of the north of England, a city of red brick mills, canals, football and music, where industrial heritage meets some of the best nightlife in Britain.
Science and Industry Museum
John Rylands Library
People's History Museum
The Northern Quarter
+4 more places
Manchester was the world's first industrial city, and its mills, warehouses and canals still shape the skyline. It also gave the world famous bands, two of the biggest football clubs on the planet and a proud, independent spirit that shows in its markets, galleries and bars.
Set in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station, this museum tells the story of the cotton mills, steam engines and inventions that made Manchester.
The museum sits in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station. Photo: Science Museum Group, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
This neo Gothic library on Deansgate looks more like a cathedral than a reading room, with vaulted ceilings, stained glass and rare books. Entry is free.
The John Rylands Library is a neo Gothic masterpiece. Photo: Phil and Juliette Platt , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The national museum of democracy explores protests, trade unions and the fight for votes, a story with deep roots in Manchester.
The People's History Museum explores democracy in Britain. Photo: Bernard Randall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The free Manchester Art Gallery is known for its Pre Raphaelite paintings and changing contemporary shows.
The Northern Quarter is the creative heart of the city, packed with street art, record shops, vintage stores, cafes and bars. Afflecks, a multi floor indie emporium, is a local institution.
The Northern Quarter is the creative heart of the city. Photo: Tricia Neal , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Canals, railway viaducts and restored warehouses make Castlefield one of the most atmospheric corners of the city, with a reconstructed Roman fort gate and waterside pubs.
Castlefield is known for its canals and viaducts. Photo: Ridiculopathy, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Once the heart of the cotton mills, Ancoats is now one of the city's best spots for independent restaurants and bakeries.
Manchester United's home stadium offers tours and a museum full of trophies and history.
Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United. Photo: Arne Müseler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Across the city, Manchester City's Etihad Stadium also runs tours, and the area around it hosts big concerts in summer.
The Etihad Stadium is the home of Manchester City. Photo: Christian David, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the old medieval core of the city, Manchester Cathedral has beautifully carved wooden choir stalls and a peaceful interior close to the busy shopping streets.
Manchester Cathedral stands in the medieval heart of the city. Photo: 瑞丽江的河水, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try a Lancashire hotpot of slow cooked lamb and potatoes, a flaky Eccles cake and a slice of Manchester tart with jam and custard. The city has a famous curry strip along Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, busy food halls and markets, and a fast growing restaurant scene in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter.
Popular dishes to try in Manchester
The City Centre around Piccadilly and Deansgate is the most convenient base. The Northern Quarter suits travellers who want nightlife on the doorstep, while Salford Quays has waterside hotels near the Lowry arts centre and MediaCityUK, linked to the centre by tram.
Where to stay in Manchester
Late spring and summer bring the longest days and the most outdoor events, though rain is possible at any time of year. The football season runs from August to May, and December brings large Christmas markets to the city centre.
Manchester Airport has frequent trains to Piccadilly station. Trains link the city with London, Liverpool, Leeds and Scotland. The Metrolink tram network covers the centre, Salford Quays and Old Trafford, and the compact centre is easy to explore on foot.
Visit the John Rylands Library and the Science and Industry Museum, then walk the canals of Castlefield at dusk.
Spend the morning shopping and people watching in the Northern Quarter and take a stadium tour in the afternoon.
Ride the tram to Salford Quays for the Lowry and the waterfront, then end with dinner in Ancoats.
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