Manchester is famous for its thriving music scene that has given rise to several well-known bands throughout the years, including Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Stone Roses. It is also home to numerous outstanding galleries and museums, including the Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery. The city is renowned for its extensive industrial history, and many of its old factories and warehouses have been converted into hip bars, eateries, and cultural hubs. To help you plan your itinerary when visiting Manchester, we've asked some of our Northern SilverDoorians for their favourites and put together a list of the top 12 best places to go in Manchester. Sort of like an unforgettable guide to Manchester, if you will.
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Sadie Draycott-Dodgson Content Marketing Executive |
The Northern Quarter
We start off our Manchester tips with The Northern Quarter, a quintessential hipster hotspot, where you can grab a flat white, browse vinyls at Piccadilly Records, and then head to a treasure hunt at Affleck's Palace vintage emporium. You can explore all the small independent stores, great street art, hip pubs, and restaurants in this area on a sunny day when visiting Manchester.
Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery is home to a magnificent collection of great art, which includes pieces by some of the most well-known British painters, such as Turner, Constable, and Lowry. It is a must-see for every art enthusiast and is free to enter! So, why not brush up on your culture at Manchester Art Gallery - Trust us, it's a masterpiece.
The Science and Industry Museum
With displays on everything from textiles to transportation, The Science and Industry Museum is an interactive exhibition highlighting Manchester's rich industrial legacy. Even the world's oldest still-operating passenger train is available for a ride. It’s a great option for families looking to spend a fun-packed day with kids. It's not rocket science really, the Science and Industry Museum is a must-see.
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Ross Knipe Account Manager |
John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is housed in a magnificent Gothic structure. It is where you can find some of the earliest copies of the Gospels, as well as a collection of rare books and manuscripts. Due to its opulent surroundings and impressive architecture, it is also a popular location for weddings.
Oh, and fun fact; Enriqueta Rylands, the library's founder, is rumoured to haunt the John Rylands Library. Her ghost is reported to have been seen in the old reading room and the stacks. Several visitors to the library have mentioned experiencing a spooky presence and hearing odd noises... pay her a visit if you dare!
The Ivy
The Ivy in Manchester is well-known for its upscale setting and delectable cuisine, but what sets it apart is its capacity to "leaf" a lasting imprint on its customers. It's no surprise that The Ivy has established itself as a staple in the Manchester dining scene with its classy interior, excellent service, and delectable food.
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Aaron Flavill Partner Relations Support |
Manchester United Football Club
A guide to Manchester couldn’t exist without including the Manchester United Football Stadium. A tour of Old Trafford Stadium is a memorable experience, whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply inquisitive about the world’s most popular sport. You'll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Manchester United's storied stadium and discover the fascinating history of the organisation. It is perfect for both a fun leisure visit or a corporate event! So why not take a tour of Old Trafford and score big with your colleagues?
Etihad Stadium
If you’re a football lover like Aaron, don’t just stop at the Manchester United Stadium. Go and visit United’s Manchester derby rivals at the Etihad Stadium. It is home to Manchester City’s Football Club and is a must-visit for football fans, with stadium tours available that allow visitors to explore the dressing rooms, tunnel, and pitch. Whichever stadium you visit while visiting Manchester, you won’t be disappointed.
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Sarah Garnett Senior Account Support |
Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery is a modern art institution with a noteworthy collection of both historical and current pieces. The Whitworth is a proud part of The University of Manchester and houses over 55,000 works of art – immerse yourself in some impressive craftsmanship within the red-bricked walls of this display of 19th-century architecture.
Manchester Cathedral
History fans and lovers of architecture must visit the historic Manchester Cathedral. The structure has undergone several restorations throughout the years and presently combines Gothic and contemporary elements. Add this to your itinerary if you want to soak up some Mancunian culture.
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Ryan Tolan Global Facilities Manager |
The Palace Theatre
Catch a classic West End show like Wicked or The Lion King, or a regional production at the historic Palace Theatre. A magnificent example of Victorian theatre design, its imposing entrance and elaborate interior are a show in themselves and provide the perfect environment for a bit of theatre magic. With the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Judy Garland having graced the stage in their day, allow The Palace Theatre to steal the spotlight on your next trip to Manchester.
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is THE best place for a successful shopping spree when visiting Manchester. This shopping centre is well-liked by both locals and tourists and features more than 200 stores, a movie theatre, and a variety of restaurants. You can even find an indoor mini-golf course and laser tag arena, making it a terrific place for a fun day out with family and friends.
Cloud 23
This stylish bar is situated on the 23rd level of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate and offers sublime views of the city skyline.
With so much to see around Manchester, you'll need to stay in town for a while. Don’t sweat, we’ve got you covered. Browse our portfolio of serviced apartments in Manchester and, if you're looking to plan a fun evening out, take a look at our list of the Top 8 Bars in Manchester.
