Manchester
Top 10 things to see in Manchester
Ten places worth your time in Manchester, from the Science and Industry Museum to Chinatown, and how to get between them.
Manchester packs a lot into a small centre. If you have a day or two between flights, or you are visiting for the first time, these are the places most people enjoy.
The list
- Science and Industry Museum. The story of the Industrial Revolution, with working steam engines and textile machinery. It stands on the site of the world's first passenger railway station, and children usually love it.
- Manchester Cathedral. A Gothic building dating from 1421, with stained glass, medieval carvings and the ancient Angel Stone. It also hosts concerts and exhibitions.
- Old Trafford. Home of Manchester United. Even if you are not going to a match, the stadium tour takes in the tunnel, the dressing rooms and the club museum.
- The Northern Quarter. Independent shops, street art, record stores and live music venues, all within a few streets.
- John Rylands Library. A neo-Gothic building with vaulted ceilings and quiet reading rooms. It holds rare manuscripts, including the St John Fragment.
- National Football Museum. Interactive exhibits and memorabilia covering the history of the game.
- Heaton Park. One of the largest city parks in Europe, with Heaton Hall, a boating lake and seasonal events.
- Manchester Art Gallery. Pre-Raphaelite paintings, contemporary work, decorative arts, workshops and guided tours.
- Castlefield. Canals, old railway viaducts, a reconstructed Roman fort and restored warehouses that now hold bars and restaurants.
- Chinatown. Restaurants, supermarkets and the Imperial Chinese Arch. The Chinese New Year celebrations are the highlight of the year.
Getting around
Most of the city centre sights are within a short walk of each other. Old Trafford and Heaton Park are further out, and a car saves a lot of time if you have luggage, children or limited mobility. If you are arriving by air, a pre-booked car from Manchester Airport transfers can drop you straight at your hotel.
Whatever your plans, book online and you will see the fixed price before you confirm. Payment is by card, online.
