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Sightseeing

image of central-library
Central Library

Assume you have only a day or two,

Visits

No need for my opinion. As far as I know, these are the most popular sites in Manchester (most popular first),

Salford Quays

In Salford, not Manchester, The Quays are an urban future‐park. Good for a walk, the Lowry Theatre/art gallery, and near IMW North

Science and Industry Museum

Despite the loss of the Aerospace Hall, a large museum about subjects local to Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery

Mid‐size, but location, building and curation make the Art Gallery popular. Especially for international visitors

National Football Museum

National by name, in a modern building. Amusing even for non‐football fans

Manchester Museum

Old building packed with ancient natural and cultural artefact. If you’re near, visit

Imperial War Museum North

Modern building houses an unusual approach to things that obsess people

…or

A few items that don’t appear on the list. Either I feel the visitor figures are compromised, or they deserve a note,

Manchester United Stadium Tour

…or the Manchester City Stadium Tour. If you don’t have a preference between the teams, it’s history (Manchester United) vs. modernity (Manchester City)

The John Rylands Library

The building could be from Lord Of The Rings, the books by Erasmus

Whitworth Art Gallery

Contemporary/community art housed in millions of pounds. Sometimes shows Hogarth

TODO

If you have a day or two in Manchester, things you may like to do that don’t fit into the category of ‘visit attraction’,

Manchester Bus Tour

No better way for an hour to take in the city. Or, by foot and more in depth, try the Free Manchester Walking Tour

Walk the King Street/St. Anne’s Square Quarter

Manchester’s premium shopping area. With architecture that has survived the Arndale shopping mall

Walk the Northern Quarter

Perhaps stretching a little, but the Northern Quarter is a shambles of coffee bars, small venues, shops and interesting corners—I think many, even two‐day visitors, would if they knew a city had such a quarter be interested. If you have money and want for calm, Spinningfields

Heaton Park

Wear off a plane flight

Nearby

Beyond the borders of Manchester but, with transport, easy to reach,

Brontë country

Beyond Rochdale, in the Calder Valley, is the deep Pennines of Hebden Bridge and Brontë country. If you know, you’ll want to go

North Cheshire

South of Manchester, one of the richer areas of the country has national attractions. Starting with Tatton Park, Jodrell Bank, Lyme house and park…

…after that

Manchester is de‐centralised and chaotic. Across the city, there are many things to do. Go look at the site.