Free Things to do in Manchester | Attractions in Manchester

Manchester Galleries

Love art? You're in the right city. Manchester is home to two world class Art Galleries - The Manchester Art Gallery in town and the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road, by the university. There's also the recently redeveloped and reopened Gallery of Costume in Platt Fields Park - which you'll pass most days on your commute from Fallowfield to the Uni. All of the galleries house impressive permanent collections (which are free) and regular special exhibitons (which aren't).

Manchester Art Gallery: Mosley Street, City Centre, 0161 2358888

Gallery of Costume: Platt Hall, Rusholme, 0161 2457245

Whitworth Art Gallery: Oxford Road, 0161 2757450

Manchester Museum

There's a dinosaur. And an Egyptian Mummy. And it's free. 'Nuff said.

Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, 0161 275 2634

John Rylands Library

One of Manchester's most beautiful buildings, the John Rylands Library on Deansgate is a fine example of Vicorian neo-gothic architecture which houses some of the most significant books and manuscripts ever produced. Following a recent multi-million pound re-development, the building is a major visitor attraction for Manchester - not to mention a beautiful space to study.

150 Deansgate, 0161 834 5343

The People's History Museum

Recently re-opened after a major facelift, the PHM chronicles 200 years of people's history in Manchester - beginning with the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 and ending in the present day. A visit to the PHM is a great way to understand more about the events, politics, people and tragedies that are woven into the fabric of the city that you now call home.

Left Bank, Spinningfields, 0161 838 9190

Platt Fields Park

Occasionally, in Manchester, it stops raining and the sun comes out. And when this happens, you don't want to miss out. Platt Fields Park is the huge open space that runs between Fallowfield and Rusholme, and features a boating lake, sports facilities and plenty of picnic friendly open parkland. It's also home to the new Parklife Festival, which took place for the first time in 2010 and is going to be even bigger and better this year.