Your guide to Manchester
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Manchester attractions
Manchester city centre and its surrounding area host a huge number of attractions. Whatever your interests or age, Manchester will have loads of places to see and things to do. In Manchester city centre itself there are several parks and lots of green space in the city, largest of these is Heaton Park in the North and Platt Fields in the south of the city – although Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre is a great place to grab a quick sandwich and sit in the sun and watch Mancunians hurry past.
Manchester cultural attractions
In the centre of Manchester there are several museums sharing the history of this great city. The highlights are definitely the Museum of Science and industry which is highly interactive for both adults and children. The Urbis is a modern, glass-fronted free museum which exhibits all aspects of city living.
If you like art, there’s the Manchester Art Gallery on Moseley Street, the Lowry Centre in Salford, over the bridge from the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford. The Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester always has interesting and unusual exhibits and you can also explore a range of smaller specialist galleries ranging from rock photography and gig posters at The Richard Goodall Gallery in the Northern Quarter to the Chinese Arts Centre just a few doors down.
Manchester sporting attractions
Manchester is also known as the home of football and with two huge clubs in the city there is lots to see and do regarding football. Manchester City Football club (MCFC) offer tours around the City of Manchester Stadium, one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in Europe. An even bigger attraction is the similar tour at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) which gives football fans the opportunity to have a memorable picture taken with the trophies.
Manchester city centre attractions
In the city centre you can experience spectacular cityscape views whilst riding the Manchester wheel. The Hilton Hotel situated on Deansgate also offers views of this fast changing urban landscape from its stylish bar on the 23rd floor, Cloud 23 which is accessed by a high speed lift. Don't worry you don't need to use the stairs!
Once you’ve gotten a view of Manchester from above, you can explore its roots starting with the ruins of the old Roman fort in Castlefield. Visit the monument to the Peterloo Massacre, have a look at the wonderful Victorian architecture of the Town Hall and take a stroll through Manchester music history from where the Hacienda defined club culture on Whitworth Street down to the old Paradise Factory and then past the flagstones celebrating Manchester’s musical legacy outside Dry on Oldham Street – all of which should put you in the right mood for a great night out on the town.
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