Things to Do
Manchester is a city full of many great place to see and things to do. To help you find your way around and keep yourself from sitting in your room not knowing what to do, we've put together a selection of top attractions and things you can try out.
1. Manchester Arndale
Easily found from Exchange Square (next to Victoria train station) and Picadilly Gardens, Arndale is the home of high street shopping. It has a huge selection of stores from the leading high street names, including Apple, Next, River Island, Topshop, Sports Direct, Argos and more. It's also home to many smaller specialist stores and food outlets, plus the indoor Arndale Market.
2. Museum of Science and Industry
Manchester is world famous for its connections to science and industry, from the first steam-powered mill and the first steam-powered railway line, to the invention of the modern computer. Based on the site of the oldest passenger railway station in the world, you can find out more about Manchester's industrial history through their hands-on exhibitions and their huge collection of vintage vehicles and machinery.
3. Old Trafford
Affectionately called the Theatre of Deams, Old Trafford is home to the world famous Manchester United Football Club. It's home to many of the red's matches throughout the football season, as well as the official Megastore. Stadium tours also take place regularly which anyone can book on to.
4. Afflecks
Around the corner from the Arndale in Manchester's iconic Northern Quarter you'll find Afflecks, a place we can only describe as Camden Market in a building. From top hats to tattoos, if you're the sort of person who fancy's something different from the norm, Afflecks is the place for you.
5. National Football Museum
Whether you’re a die hard football fan or not, here's the place to discover the history of football in one of the worlds biggest footballing cities.
6. Canal Street
A beacon of celebration in the city, Canal Street is home to the Gay Village, and is a must for any visitor to Manchester. Located just south of Picadilly Gardens and St Peters Square, the Village is both party central and a living piece of social history - proof that Manchester is one of the world's leading gay-friendly cities.
7. Trafford Centre
Situated just 5 miles outside Manchester city centre, the Trafford Centre is home to over 200 stores along three miles of granite and marble boulevards. Stores range from designer and high fashion favourites, including the first Selfridges outside London, to stylish homewares at Barton Square. The Centre is also home to 60 restaurants, cafés and bars in The Orient, as well as a 20 screen Odeon cinema, a Sea Life centre and Legoland.
8. Salford Lads Club
Located a 20 minute walk away from the Peel Park campus, Salford Lads' Club was established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys. The club was famously featured on the cover for the The Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead'.
9. John Rylands Library
For those who set eyes on Deansgate's The John Rylands Library for the first time, 'library' might not be the first word that comes to mind. This masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture looks more like a castle or cathedral. The library's collection includes the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St John Fragment, as well as magnificent illuminated medieval manuscripts and a 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
10. Etihad Stadium
If you're more of a blue than a red, why not check out the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. It is located east of the city centre in the sporting heart of the city, formally used as the stadium for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and surrounded by other sporting venues including the Manchester Velodrome. The club regularly host stadium tours which anyone can book themselves on to.
11. Manchester Art Gallery
In the heart of the city centre, just off St Peters Sqaure, you can find one of the country's finest art collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. Highlights include outstanding pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design and early 20th century British art.
12. Christmas Markets
OK, we know, it's not Christmas yet. However we simply couldn't miss the Christmas Markets off this list. They may not be here yet, but as soon as December comes around the markets will pop up across the city centre surrounding Town Hall. It's free and accessible for all to come and soak up the atmosphere with more than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets, tempting you with international food, drinks, delicately crafted Yuletide gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys.
