The city of Manchester, which is in northwest England, has long remained an industrial powerhouse. It is the only city in the United Kingdom on Lonely Planet's “Best in Travel 2023” list and National Geographic's esteemed “Best of the World” list.
With a rich history as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester seamlessly weaves its past with a progressive vision, offering delightful surprises at every turn. The city centre buzzes with unique restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and galleries. Greater Manchester's boroughs offer quaint market towns, charming pubs, and lush green spaces to explore on foot or bike.
This blog post explores the things to do in Manchester, while also focusing on the best places to visit in Manchester.
Top Places to Visit in Manchester
- The John Rylands Library
- Science and Industry Museum
- People's History Museum
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Manchester Museum
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The John Rylands Library
A notable among Manchester attractions, the building of John Rylands Library is designed in the neo-Gothic style. Enriqueta Rylands created the library in honour of her husband John Rylands. The library was opened to the public in 1900 as a special gift to the people of Manchester. The library's interiors are so enchanting that the producers of Harry Potter used them to inspire their spellbinding series.
Things to do at The John Rylands Library
- As a Manchester tourist, explore an impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives
- Enjoy the fascinating exhibitions showcasing historical treasures
- Visit the historic reading room, the brightest and most beautiful, with stained glass windows
- Admire the stunning neo-Gothic architecture
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Science and Industry Museum
Your Manchester sightseeing itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to the Science and Industry Museum, one of the major Manchester tourist attractions. This museum holds a historic place for promoting Manchester as the world's first industrial city. It houses the oldest surviving passenger railway station and the first railway warehouse from 1830. The museum's mission is to inspire visitors with ideas that shaped the world right from the Industrial Revolution, making it one of the most sought places to visit in Manchester.
Things to do at Science and Industry Museum
- Explore the fascinating Operation Ouch! Food, Poo, and You for a journey through the digestive system
- Immerse yourself in the Revolution Manchester gallery to discover ideas that shaped the world
- Experience the thunderous machines and cotton legacy in the Textiles Gallery
- Enjoy hands-on science fun for all ages in Experiment.
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People's History Museum
Another Manchester places to visit is the People's History Museum. It is a captivating place that narrates the story of democracy in Britain, spanning the past, present, and future. Discover the struggles and achievements that granted us the right to vote, fair pay, and leisure time. Delve into the journey towards freedom and understand what still needs to be accomplished for a brighter future. It is indeed one of the most remarkable places to see in Manchester.
Things to do at People’s History Museum
- Learn about the struggles and triumphs for the right to vote, fair pay, and leisure time
- Discover ideas such as equality, social justice, and cooperation from a new angle
- Get involved in meaningful causes for a fair world for all
- Focus on the history of disabled people's rights and activism
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Manchester Art Gallery
Situated on Mosley Street in the Manchester city centre, Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly owned art museum. The main gallery was constructed in 1823. Today, it spans three interconnected buildings, two of which were designed by Sir Charles Barry and are listed on the statutory list of the UK’s historic buildings. They house an extensive collection of over 25,000 objects, including works of local and international significance. The museum is one of the most-visited Manchester tourist places.
Things to do at Manchester Art Gallery
- Explore a diverse collection of more than 25,000 objects that include sculptures, watercolors, and paintings
- Admire local and international artworks of significance
- Get immersed in William Holman Hunt’s masterpieces such as “The Hireling Shepherd” and others
- Experience the gallery's rich history dating back to 1823
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Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum is another notable of Manchester places to visit. Located on Oxford Road within the University of Manchester, the museum has a fascinating collection of archaeological, anthropological, and natural history items. It gives visitors access to an impressive 4.5 million artefacts from all continents. As the largest university museum in the UK, Manchester Museum serves as both a popular visitor attraction and a valuable resource for academic research and teaching.
Things to do at the Manchester Museum
- Witness the spectacular Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition, featuring over 100 objects
- Learn about the South Asian diaspora's contributions and heritage to the UK
- Discover personal stories of migration and collaboration at the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery
- Experience the brand-new dinosaur display and meet Stan the Tyrannosaurus
Best Time to Visit Manchester
The ideal time to tour Manchester is from June to August. The days are warm during this time and the city comes alive with a plethora of events. Another favourable period to visit this spectacular city is from September to December. The days offer a pleasant experience before the gloomy season of winter sets in from January to February. March to May is yet another shoulder season, with rising temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere.
Travel Insurance for Manchester
We have discussed the best places to visit in Manchester. We also know the things to do in Manchester, UK, and the top places for Manchester sightseeing. You also know the best time to visit tourist places in Manchester.
There is another aspect that should not be ignored as a Manchester tourist and that is travel insurance. You must invest in travel insurance online when you visit Manchester’s famous places. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected challenges. It safeguards from accidents, medical emergencies, loss of belongings, flight delays, etc. Make sure to choose a reputable travel insurance provider, and carefully review the policy to ensure it meets your needs.
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