Manchester

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2FWG7WN Manchester, UK, 22rd May 2021. A new mural of Manchester City footballer Sergio Aguero is seen in Manchester’s Northern Quarter the day before the team are presented with the English Premier League trophy, Manchester, UK. Aguero has agreed to sign for Barcelona on a two-year contract when his Manchester City deal expires next month. Credit: Jon Super/Alamy Live News.

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Overview

The one-time engine room of the Industrial Revolution is now driven by invention, discovery and progress; Manchester is a brilliant place to visit.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England.

    Science and Industry Museum

    Manchester

    Manchester's rich industrial legacy is explored in this excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St station, the oldest rail…

  • People s history museum in Manchester - MANCHESTER / ENGLAND - JANUARY 1, 2019 People's History Museum

    People's History Museum

    Manchester

    The story of Britain's 200-year march to democracy is told in all its pain and pathos at this superb museum, housed in a refurbished Edwardian pumping…

  • The Whitworth Art Gallery is an art gallery in Manchester, England, containing about 55,000 items in its collection.

    Whitworth Art Gallery

    Manchester

    Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space…

  • MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 23: A general view of Manchester Art Gallery in the City of Manchester, on June 23, 2014 in Manchester, England. Chancellor George Osborne announced today the possibility of HS3 high-speed rail link between Manchester and Leeds that would help build a "northern global powerhouse" linking cities in the North of England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

    Manchester Art Gallery

    Manchester

    A superb collection of British art and a hefty number of European masters are the highlights at the city's top art gallery. It's home to the best…

  • Chetham’s Library Manchester England. 18 April 2018. It is the oldest public library in the English speaking world opened to the public in 1653. It is still open to the public. .; Shutterstock ID 1388606738; your: Brian Healy; gl: 65050; netsuite: Lonely Planet Online Editorial; full: Free things to do in Manchester

    Chetham's Library & School of Music

    Manchester

    Founded in 1653 in a building that dates from 1421, Chetham's is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, a trove of dark shelves lined…

  • People Swimming in the Men's First Class Pool at Victoria Baths in Manchester, which is having an open swim day to raise funds for restoration work. - Image ID: J4XR5T

    Victoria Baths

    Manchester

    Designed to be the grandest baths in Britain when they opened in 1906, this Grade II–listed Edwardian classic retains much of its former grandeur despite…

  • Salford Quays Millennium Bridge

    MediaCityUK

    Manchester

    The BBC's northern home is but one significant element of this vast 81-hectare site. Besides hosting six departments of the national broadcaster (BBC…

  • Manchester, United Kingdom - April 22, 2013: People visit John Rylands Library on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, UK. The library opened to public in 1900 and is a Grade I Listed building.

    John Rylands Library

    Manchester

    Less a library and more a cathedral to books, Basil Champneys' stunning building is a breathtaking example of Victorian Gothic, no more so than the…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Get to know Manchester – a city where culture, history, sport and music collide – with these top experiences.

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Best Time to Visit

From music festivals and festive markets to crowd-free museums, discover the best (and driest!) time to visit Manchester.

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Transportation

Whether walking, cycling or hopping on a bus is your preferred transport mode, there are plenty of ways to get around Manchester.

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Free Things to Do

Explore Roman fortifications, stroll city parks, check out street art and more: here are the most exciting free things to do in Manchester.

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Best Neighborhoods

There's more to Manchester than its impressive city center. Uncover the best neighborhoods for dining, sightseeing and family-friendly days out.

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Day Trips

Escape the city for pastures new - the seaside, historic cities, or the countryside - with the best day trips from Manchester.

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Money and Costs

Make your next UK city break as affordable as possible with our top tips for visiting Manchester on a budget.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Manchester

Manchester, England, UK. People relaxing, sitting and enjoying a beer near the Peveril of the Peak pub, one of Manchester’s most famous and beautiful pubs Manchester, England, UK. People relaxing, sitting and enjoying a beer near the Peveril of the Peak pub, one of Manchester’s most famous and beautiful pubs 1456747528 The exterior of Peveril of the Peak bar - stock photo Manchester, England, UK. People relaxing, sitting and enjoying a beer near the Peveril of the Peak pub, one of Manchester’s most famous and beautiful pubs

Activities

12 of the best things to do in Manchester

Apr 16, 2025 • 9 min read

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