Explore Essentials: The Definitive Guide to Manchester’s Top Attractions

“The bee is the emblem of Manchester and you’ll find yourself as busy as one if you want to fit in all of the city’s sights during a trip. Here’s a round-up of the must-see attractions in Manchester.

The Museum of Science and Industry
———————————-

The five listed buildings of the Museum of Science and Industry are filled with hands-on exhibits about ideas and inventions that changed the world. It’s worth checking the attraction’s What’s On page before you visit, to see if you can catch one of the family-focused shows or demonstrations. Or, if you’re heading here without little ones, you might prefer to book in to a special adults-only after-hours ‘Late’ event.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily

Nearest tram: Deansgate-Castlefield

Open in Google Maps

The John Rylands Library
————————

Stained-glass windows, grand Gothic architecture, sweeping red carpets and ancient illuminated manuscripts are just a few of the reasons to visit the John Rylands Library. One of the best ways to get to know the building is to take one of the free tours that run on Wednesdays and Fridays between 3pm and 3:30pm. Take a look at the library’s website before you visit, too, to see if you can schedule your trip to coincide with one of the free printing demonstrations or Collection Encounter sessions.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 5pm Sunday and Monday

Nearest tram: St Peter’s Square

Open in Google Maps

Imperial War Museum North
————————-

Built in a series of geometric sections that represent a shattered globe, the Imperial War Museum North tells the stories of the last century of war. There’s a good chance you’ll get lost during a visit here. The building’s architect Daniel Libeskind designed it to be disorientating to reflect the unsettling nature of war. Admission is free, but you’ll need to take a pound coin with you if you want to use a locker.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily

Nearest tram: MediaCityUK

Open in Google Maps

National Football Museum
————————

You’ll need around two to three hours to explore the exhibitions inside this six-storey homage to the Beautiful Game. Guided tours are included in the cost of a ticket and run at 11am, 1pm and 2pm. You can book a place on one in the main entrance when you arrive. Just so you know, the penalty shootout experience is not included in the ticket price. That costs an extra £2 per person for three penalty attempts. You also have to pay for the cloakroom – jackets, small cases and rucksacks cost £1 to store while larger cases cost £2.

Admission: £10 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 15. Free for Manchester residents

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily

Nearest tram: Victoria Station

Open in Google Maps

The People’s History Museum
—————————

There are three floors’ worth of exhibits at the People’s History Museum aka the museum of democracy. If you’re visiting with a child aged three to six, you can borrow a free Busy Bee Explorer rucksack, which is filled with games and resources to help you explore the museum. Admission is free, but a donation of £5 is suggested.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily

Nearest tram: St Peter’s Square

Open in Google Maps

The Lowry
———

You could spend a whole day at the Lowry, moving from the small outlet mall to the art gallery to the Pier 8 restaurant and then on to the theatre. If you’re heading here to shop, schedule your visit to fit in with the monthly Makers Market. Taking place on the last weekend of every month, the event sees dozens of artisans, creatives and artists from the North West set up stall to sell everything from paintings to knitted mug warmers.

Admission: Gallery: free Theatre: various

Opening hours: Outlet mall: 10am to 6pm. Gallery: 11am to 5pm Sunday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday

Nearest tram: MediaCityUK

Open in Google Maps

Manchester United Stadium
————————-

Tours of Old Trafford, home of the reds, take roughly 80 minutes and a handheld multimedia guide is included in the cost of a ticket. Tours take place every day, except on home matchdays. Die-hard fans should go online to find the latest dates for the Legends Tour, when a past player joins the tour group.

Admission: From £25 for adults and £15 for children.

Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday

Nearest tram: Old Trafford

Open in Google Maps

Manchester City Stadium
———————–

A tour of Manchester City Stadium includes immersive experiences such as interacting with a techy replica of Pep Guardiola. It’s best to book your tour in advance online, as walk-up tickets are £2 extra. Tours are available on match days, but the dressing rooms and tunnel are not visited on these days.

Admission: From £25 for adults and £15 for children.

Opening hours: 10:30am Monday to Saturday and 10:30am to 3pm Sunday

Nearest tram: Etihad Campus

Open in Google Maps

Planning a stay in Manchester? Find a place to stay with our pick of hotels in Manchester, UK.”