Manchester England Industrial Museums and Old Trafford

Why visit Manchester

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.

Industry and heritage

Science and Industry Museum

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.

John Rylands Library

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.

People's History Museum

The national museum of democracy explores protests, trade unions and the fight for votes, a story with deep roots in Manchester.

Manchester Art Gallery

The free Manchester Art Gallery is known for its Pre Raphaelite paintings and changing contemporary shows.

Neighbourhoods to explore

The Northern Quarter

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.

Castlefield

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.

Ancoats

Once the heart of the cotton mills, Ancoats is now one of the city's best spots for independent restaurants and bakeries.

Football and music

Old Trafford

Manchester United's home stadium offers tours and a museum full of trophies and history.

Etihad Stadium

Across the city, Manchester City's Etihad Stadium also runs tours, and the area around it hosts big concerts in summer.

Manchester Cathedral

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.

Food and local flavours

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.

Where to stay

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.

Best time to visit

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.

Getting there and getting around

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.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Visit the John Rylands Library and the Science and Industry Museum, then walk the canals of Castlefield at dusk.

Second day

Spend the morning shopping and people watching in the Northern Quarter and take a stadium tour in the afternoon.

Third day

Ride the tram to Salford Quays for the Lowry and the waterfront, then end with dinner in Ancoats.

Practical tips

• Carry an umbrella, as showers can arrive at any time.
• Tap in and out with contactless on the trams and buses.
• Book stadium tours ahead, especially near match days.
• Many of the best museums are free.