Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous cities. Its rich history, a lot of it stemming from its industrial roots, to its status as a football powerhouse, has made the city really popular to both the English people and many tourists and travelers alike.
The city has for a long time been one of the UK’s most magnetic and culturally rich cities. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into history, obsessed with the beautiful game, or simply a curious traveler drawn to artistic and architectural gems, the city is all rounded.
5 Best Places To Visit In Manchester
1. The Manchester Museum
2. Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
3. National Football Museum
4. Museum of Science and Industry
5. John Rylands Research Institute and Library
Best Places To Visit In Manchester
If you are visiting Manchester City for the first time or have been living there for a while and want to explore, here are some of the best places to visit.
1. The Manchester Museum
Founded in 1867 as a part of the University of Manchester, the Manchester Museum specialises in works of anthropology, archaeology, and natural history. It began as a way to make knowledge open and accessible to everyone.
The museum traces its origins back to the extensive collections of wealthy industrialists and globe-trotting Victorians who brought back artifacts from across the world. Over the decades, it has transformed from an academic resource into one of the UK’s most beloved institutions.
Currently, the museum houses over 4.5 million artifacts and objects, making it one of the country’s largest university museums. Admission is free and accessibility is easy and inclusive, whether it is wheelchair accessible spaces or multi-language materials, or rest areas for kids and older citizens, the museum covers it all.
The museum is divided into 15 galleries, subdivided to cover major aspects of history, biodiversity, earth science, and many more. You can be standing under the shadow of a T. rex one minute and viewing ancient Egyptian burial rituals in the next. It also houses the Vivarium, a conservation for live amphibians and reptiles, dedicated to endangered species.
The museum also regularly conducts exhibitions, talk shows, and film nights to educate guests, so there is always something new to learn. Other nice features, like the courtyards and cafés, offer quiet spots for reflection amidst all the fun.
Location: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Wednesday)
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday
2. Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a peaceful slice of history nestled right at the heart of Manchester. It’s more than just a pretty oasis to walk through; Castlefield is a tribute to Manchester’s Roman past and industrial heritage. The Park first gained prominence for housing the Mamucium, a Roman fort and settlement dating to the Romans’ first invasion of Britain almost 2000 years ago.
However, Castlefield came to be truly known during the Industrial Revolution. The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1761 changed industrial growth in England; it became the world’s first industrial canal, and it helped fuel Britain’s rise as a global power. Not far from there, the Liverpool Road Railway Station, the world’s first passenger railway, was also created, setting the standard for modern transportation.
Today, the park has settled from the 18th to the early 20th century bust of industrialization. It is now a museum without glass walls, but instead, its history can be found around you, from Roman ruins, towering viaducts, and long canyons. Castlefield is a tranquil site you don’t often find in central Manchester; the canal paths are perfect for a slow stroll, and the park areas are great for a picnic.
The Park is home to several cool restaurants and bars refurbished from former warehouses, such as the Wharf. The dining area makes for a delightful breakfast on canal waters, brunch on a sun-drenched patio, or cozy dinners by firelight. It’s charming without trying too hard.
It also houses Castlefield Bowl, Manchester’s go-to for live music, concerts, and festivals, both international and local. So, whether you are a history buff, an architecture connoisseur, or just want to enjoy a scenic park, you should really visit Castlefield.
Location: Liverpool Road, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 27 Hours/Day
3. National Football Museum- Manchester
If you are a football lover, then this museum is the perfect place for you. In a city where football is more a way of life than a game, the National Football Museum is a heritage worth visiting. The museum is not about the sport itself; it’s about everything football means to fans and the communities it fosters.
The museum moved to Manchester in 2012 and is now located inside the Urbis building, with over 2500 artefacts on display. You’ll find the ball from England’s iconic 1966 World Cup win, stare at Pele’s well-worn boots, read letters penned by legendary managers, or visit the wall of fame or trophy wall.
Unlike other museums, you’re encouraged to kick, quiz, and compete at the Football Museum. You can test your reflexes in a reaction challenge, kids can explore the discovery zone, step up to a penalty spot, or dive into the strategy of football through interactive digital exhibits and virtual reality. The museum is built to fit every football lover, young or old, different teams, and is gender inclusive.
Location: Todd Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Every day)
4. Museum of Science and Industry
Fondly called MOSI by locals, the Museum of Science and Industry highlights Manchester’s role in the Industrial Revolution. The city is known for creating the first British canal, rail-road system, and the first stored-program computer, and continues to push the boundaries of science.
The museum is built on the site of the first passenger railroad station established in 1830. Quite unlike many modern or historic museum buildings, MOSI is more rugged: red brick, towering spaces, exposed beams, railway platforms, and several historical buildings woven together. The museum is basically history within history.
Some of the galleries are undergoing renovation, like the Power Hall, home to several large steam locomotives. However, you can walk through the Revolution gallery featuring the Manchester Baby (the grandparent of modern computers) and early engineering marvels like the Rolls-Royce. Visit the Textile gallery complete with live demonstrations showcasing the machine that weaved the cotton that boosted Manchester’s wealth.
Kids particularly love the Experiment Gallery. A fun scientific space for kids of all ages to get their hands dirty and experiment with safe science. The staff at the museum are very friendly and attentive, helping people explore and tour well.
The museum has no parking space, though, so consider traveling with public transportation. Although there is a paid parking space nearby.
Location: Liverpool Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
5. John Ryland Research Institute and Library
John Ryland Library is a combination of an architectural masterpiece and a literary haven. A must-visit for book lovers and scholars. Nicknamed the Cathedral of Books, the library is an impressive neo-Gothic building filled with a collection of 1.4 million items. Some of them span over 5000 years of history.
The library boasts of artifacts like the St. John Fragment, one of Christianity’s oldest textual artefacts, and the Gutenberg Bible. The Illuminated Manuscripts and Renaissance Rarities, manuscripts and books dating back thousands of years. Linking past and present innovations, from the Althorp library spanning 43,000 books, some printed in 1501, to Modern Curiosities like Alan Turing’s programming notes.
The library holds exhibitions and tours, and you are free to come with your camera. The library is free, but if you want access to the special collection, you might need to book ahead of time.
Location: 150, Deansgate, Manchester, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manchester is a thriving, bustling city mixed with both modern and historical masterworks. The city’s well-earned reputation for scientific breakthroughs, industrial revolution, and football wonder just shows that it is the perfect place to explore. Whether you are a history buff, science nerd, engineering connoisseur, or football fan, there is something iconic waiting for you in Manchester. Enjoy these Best Places To Visit In Manchester.
