The best tourist attractions in Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly-owned, free art gallery committed to the belief that creativity is a positive force. It's conveniently located in the city centre and boasts a collection of over 46,000 pieces of fine art, decorative art, and costume, with new additions continually expanding the collection. The gallery hosts a wide range of thought-provoking exhibitions, along with tours and creative workshops.

Explore the city's scientific and industrial heritage at the Science and Industry Museum. This fascinating museum focuses on ideas and innovations that have transformed the world over the past 250 years, starting in Manchester and spanning from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. It showcases contemporary science and history through exhibitions, interactive displays, games and events suitable for all ages, including special activities during school holidays. Admission is free.

Etihad Stadium is home to the legendary Manchester City football team. It ranks as the seventh largest football stadium in England, with a whopping capacity of 53,400. Fans can attend matches to watch the team in action or take advantage of the stadium tours available at this iconic venue. There are various tour packages offered, including VIP options and the opportunity to walk side-by-side with a football legend. The official Manchester City store is also located here.

Manchester Museum is over 130 years old and contains precious collections of archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. It's home to millions of objects housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building – the museum is worth visiting for that reason alone. It also features artefacts from around the world, including approximately 100,000 fossils. You can tour the galleries and temporary exhibitions, as well as visit the café and shop.

Manchester Cathedral, built in 1421, is a key city landmark. Aside from being an architectural masterpiece in a Gothic style with stunning stained glass windows, it also hosts church services, markets, concerts, and events, as well as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Pop along to see an exhibition, enjoy a service, or just admire the breathtaking architecture.

Football fans will love visiting Old Trafford Stadium, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club. This landmark is famously known as the 'Theatre of Dreams' and has a seating capacity exceeding 74,000, making it the largest club football stadium in the UK. Since opening in 1910, it has hosted numerous historic football events, including World Cup and European Championship matches, as well as concerts, including legends like Foo Fighters and The Arctic Monkeys.

The People's History Museum in Manchester is located in a Grade II-listed former hydraulic pumping station and showcases the country's largest collection of materials on working people and democracy. It was established in the 1970s and relocated in 1994 and is now filled with political posters, trade union items, satirical cartoons, ceramics, and personal belongings of key figures. The museum also houses the Labour History Archive & Study Centre, which includes significant political papers and 95,000 photographs. It's family-friendly with interactive exhibits and also hosts a range of events and activities. There's also an on-site café and gift shop.

Given Manchester's strong football heritage, the city centre serves as the ideal location for the National Football Museum. It's a must-see for football enthusiasts and features iconic exhibits such as the first international football shirt and the oldest FA Cup trophy. Temporary exhibitions, tours, and activities are available for all ages.

The Whitworth, a popular art gallery founded in 1889 and linked to the University of Manchester, is the home of diverse exhibitions showcasing historical and contemporary art. As well as displaying works from its permanent collection, The Whitworth also offers daily tours, family activities, concerts, and literary groups. There's also a shop and a café serving seasonal cuisine.

The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is set within a Grade I-listed neo-Gothic building at the University of Manchester and is particularly popular among architecture enthusiasts. It's one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture to exist and is considered one of the greatest libraries in the entire world. Inside, it contains a renowned collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives, drawing visitors worldwide.

Victoria Baths originally served as a public swimming bath from 1906 to 1993 but underwent a restoration project in 2007 and is now a popular tourist attraction in Manchester. It occupies a striking Grade II-listed brick building and is known for being Britain's finest historic municipal swimming pool. Today it hosts various events, ranging from yoga festivals to beer conventions. Guided tours also take you to explore its impressive architecture and rich history.

IWM North is the first branch of the museum group located in the north of England. This museum delves into the effects of war through award-winning immersive experiences. Inside, there are permanent displays along with exhibitions and installations covering a range of topics, such as animals in war and remembrance. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site café and a shop.

Chetham's Library stands as the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, originating in 1653. It's known for being the place where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels began drafting their Communist Manifesto. The library is home to Marx and Engels' original desk from 1845, a rare first edition of John Milton's Paradise Lost, an archive on Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, and a Northern Soul collection. Chetham's was considered as a potential filming location for Hogwarts, which says a lot about its appearance. The library is linked to Chetham's School of Music, where students perform free lunchtime concerts in the Carole Nash Hall on weekdays during term time.

The Lowry is a bustling cultural and creative hub with theatres, galleries, and creative initiatives. It's named after Manchester's legendary artist, L. S. Lowry, and houses the world's largest collection of his work, with daily talks about the artist. The venue hosts temporary exhibitions and is home to three theatres showing a range of performances. It also overlooks the waterfront and includes a bar, restaurant, and gift shop with Lowry prints and souvenirs.

Home is a cultural hub in Manchester with a dedicated gallery space, two theatres, and five cinemas. It commissions, produces, and presents work across film, theatre, and visual art, making it a major attraction for those interested in culture and creativity. There are film screenings, theatre productions, and contemporary art exhibitions, as well as a bookshop, restaurant, and bars on-site. The space also promotes creativity through networking events and educational activities.

Fletcher Moss Park's beautiful gardens are steeped in centuries of history and filled with diverse plant life, trees, flowers, and wildlife. It's the perfect setting for walking and relaxing amongst the hustle and bustle of Manchester's busy streets. The gardens are maintained by volunteers, and amenities include a tea room and tennis courts. There are also activities such as trails and guided walks to enjoy.

The Warehouse Project is a legendary series of club nights in Manchester, top-rated among UK rave enthusiasts. The events take place in atmospheric industrial venues and feature top DJs and live acts covering a wide range of music genres. They run from September to New Year's Day, drawing ravers from all over.

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is a historic villa and museum in Manchester that honours the life and literary contributions of the Victorian writer. It's located in leafy Plymouth Grove inside a designated Grade II-listed building. There are exhibitions and activities, including programmes for children and families, and visitors can also tour various sections of the house and its gardens to delve into its interesting history.

This chic sky bar in Deansgate offers panoramic views of the Manchester skyline. The cocktails are a highlight here; they're themed and made by expert mixologists who are renowned for their mixology skills. The bar is also popular for its afternoon tea, serving up creative versions like cocktail afternoon tea and a well-being afternoon tea in collaboration with the health club below.

Those interested in the history of Manchester's transport will love the Museum of Transport in Greater Manchester. It's aptly located in a 1930s bus garage and tells the interesting story and history of the city's local public transport. Visitors can take a ride in a vintage vehicle, explore historic buses, coaches, and trams, and see transport-related artefacts such as road signs, uniforms, models, and equipment. The museum also hosts events and has a shop and tea room.

Castlefield Viaduct is a unique city landmark, transformed from a Victorian steel structure into a lush sky garden in central Manchester. This modern and thoughtfully-designed spot provides excellent views of the city as well as a touch of history and plenty of relaxation. The National Trust provides free guided tours each morning, but visitors are also welcome to explore at their own leisure.