Sightseeing
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),
In Salford, not Manchester, The Quays are an urban future‐park. Good for a walk, the Lowry Theatre/art gallery, and near IMW North
Despite the loss of the Aerospace Hall, a large museum about subjects local to Manchester
Mid‐size, but location, building and curation make the Art Gallery popular. Especially for international visitors
National by name, in a modern building. Amusing even for non‐football fans
Old building packed with ancient natural and cultural artefact. If you’re near, visit
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,
…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 building could be from Lord Of The Rings, the books by Erasmus
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’,
No better way for an hour to take in the city. Or, by foot and more in depth, try the Free Manchester Walking Tour
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
Wear off a plane flight
Nearby
Beyond the borders of Manchester but, with transport, easy to reach,
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.