Beautiful, dynamic, and full of life, Manchester is one of the most sought-after destinations to visit in the UK. Popular worldwide as an origin of the industrial revolution, this fascinating northwestern city in England is bursting with character. While Manchester is popular mainly for the sport–including football, cricket, water polo, rugby and more–the city also has a proud history in science, arts, and politics. Today, Manchester combines its heritage with an enlightened vision to be a place that offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors. I’m always happy to show off my favorites places to visit in Manchester.
The main city is jam-packed with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and museums. Greater Manchester, on the other hand, includes pubs, markets, and beautiful waterways. There’s always something exciting going on in Manchester, including events and festivals.
If you’re looking forward to a real English holiday experience in the near future, then this article is a must-read for you. We know it wouldn’t be fair to constrain the magnificence of Manchester in 6 tourist destinations. While we have tried our best to cover locations that are considered to be the landmarks of the city, this is just a glimpse of what this magical city has in store for its visitors.
Many sites and activities are currently restricted due to COVID-19. Some of the places discussed below may be temporarily closed to visitors. If you want to work with professional, I suggest you contact immigration lawyers Manchester for an update about current visa services in the UK. Please do honor the safety rules and practices put in place due to COVID-19. Call ahead and check for the latest information. Exercise patience, keep your sense of humor, be a good traveler. We’re all in this together.
Old Trafford
Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United, which is one of the most popular football teams worldwide. (Yes, I know you Americans know we’re talking about soccer!)
There’s plenty to do when you visit this beautiful place. While you may not get a chance to experience a live soccer game here, there are many other places, including a museum that adds value to this place.
The entire tour will not take more than 80 minutes, and we assure you’ll cherish those moments for the rest of your life.
Places to Visit in Old Trafford: Megastore
The East Stand of the stadium includes seats, offices, and a world-famous Megastore. From sports goods and accessories to mugs and scarves, everything you could possibly imagine is available here.
Manchester United Museum and Stadium
Also in Old Trafford, immerse yourself in the diverse history of United and get access to the dressing room and other exclusive areas with the Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour experience.
Red Café
Red Café is another popular tourist attraction located in Old Trafford. Open seven days a week, this place is a perfect spot to relax after an 80-minutes tour. With a delectable range of exotic meals, this place offers something for everyone in your family.
Manchester Town Hall
Featuring a magical Victorian Gothic structure, Manchester Town Hall is another must-visit place in Albert Square Manchester.
There are many rooms and offices in Town Hall that showcase the glorified history and heritage of the city.
The sculpture hall depicts the models of famous Manchester dignitaries, including Dalton and Barbirolli. The Manchester Central Convention Complex hosts many concerts and live performances throughout the year.
There’s a cafe too, where you can indulge in various delicacies along with assorted drinks.
Constructed in 1877, Manchester Town Hall was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. The Town Hall was previously used for council meetings. But, these meetings are now organized in Town Hall Extension. The main hall is currently used for weddings and civil partnerships.
Royal Exchange Theatre
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a grade II listed building in Manchester city center. This place is popular for its seven-sided stage layout, which ensures no one is more than 30 meters away from the central stage.
There’s a capacity for 800 people at a time. Although this place is a perfect destination for drama lovers, you can still have some quality time there if you’re not much into watching plays.
Throughout its history, this place has inspired great actors. Some of the popular actors who performed in this theatre include Blenda Blethyn, Gabrielle Drake, Ben Keaton, and Andrew Sheridan.
This theatre gives an average of more than 350 plays per year. Whether you love classic theatre and revivals or adore contemporary drama, this place has some exciting stuff for you.
Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery is another tourist attraction on Mosley Street. This gallery possesses one of the largest collections of work by 19th-century artists.
This gallery is also one of the most beautiful art galleries in the world. Here, you can find the artwork and paintings by Pre-Raphaelites and even 17th-century artists.
Because of its magnificent construction, this art gallery gives a soothing experience to even those with zero art knowledge.
This place is free to visit for everyone. The Manchester Art Gallery is run by Manchester City Galleries. The main building is housed in three connected buildings.
There are more than 2000 oil paintings, 250 sculptures, and over 3000 watercolor and drawings. Also, you can find miniatures, prints, and other decorative art objects.
Manchester Art Gallery also displays amazing work by French impressionist Pierre Adolphe Valette. Because of its old construction and artwork, this place is a heaven for art lovers around the world.
National Football Museum
Pay homage to the country’s most popular sport by visiting the National Football Museum in Manchester city center.
This museum is home to Europe’s top football teams – Manchester City and Manchester United. Visitors to this museum can explore the world of football by visiting the seven floors.
From exhibitions to eye-catching installations and extensive collections of memorabilia, this museum is a must-visit place for sports fanatics.
You may have to pay an entrance fee if you’re not from Manchester. However, the management will reinvest the money raised from the entrance fee to volunteering opportunities.
There is no admission fee for people living in Manchester. National Football Museum is an ideal place for photography as well. This place is open seven days a week. It’s a perfect tourist destination for families and football lovers alike.
Manchester’s Chinatown
Chinatown in Manchester is the home to one of the largest Chinese communities in England.
It is a beautiful colorful place surrounded by many other popular tourist attractions, including the Manchester Art Gallery, Canal Street, and Palace Theatre.
Here, you can have a wide choice of restaurants, markets, and bakeries. The creatively decorated curved entrance leading into the district is particularly stunning.
You must head to this place if you crave Chinese food as there are many restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine at Chinatown.
Besides delicious Chinese food, you can also find unique Chinese handicrafts and artwork at this place.
The annual Chinese festival is the main highlight that includes food stalls and dancing dragons in the parade.
Your Visit to Manchester, Your Way
There’s so much more to discover on your visit to Manchester, and we’re sure you’ll add to our list before you leave, but these top choices is a great start.
For More:
- Manchester Tourism
- On our site: more on Manchester