Tourist Attractions in Manchester

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Manchester

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Manchester

Manchester is the gateway to the northern regions of England, a major industrial centre and home to the famous Manchester United football team, which has won many trophies in its long history. In recent decades, the city has become one of the UK’s most attractive tourist centres. It has a busy nightlife, ample opportunities for good shopping and an interesting sightseeing programme.

Manchester’s former industrial neighbourhoods have now been transformed into trendy bars, designer showrooms, boutiques and nightclubs. The city was able to adapt to the actual requirements of modern tourists and meet the demanding requirements, that is why the interest in travelling to Manchester every year only increases.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Manchester

Manchester City Council

 4/5

472 reviews

The neo-Gothic town hall was built in the second half of the 19th century to the design of A. Wautrehaus. The building is made of hard sandstone, which distinguishes it from typical Georgian buildings. The façade of the town hall is skilfully stylised “under the Middle Ages”, although it lacks decorations to the real Gothic. The 85 metre high town hall tower houses a clock and a bell carillon.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Castlefield

 0/5

In the first century AD, the ancient Roman fort of Mancunium was founded in what is now Castlefield, which began the history of Manchester. In the 18th and 19th centuries, industrial factories were actively erected within the area as the city experienced a building boom. Nowadays, the former industrial Castlefield is a quiet neighbourhood for walking and relaxation. The factory buildings are home to museums, galleries, lofts and bars.

Chinatown

 0/5

The area is located in the eastern part of Manchester closer to the centre, it is considered the second largest Chinatown in the UK. Chinese immigrants emigrated to Manchester in the 20th century. In a fairly short time, they managed to build themselves a “city within a city” with restaurants, supermarkets, numerous shops selling things and products familiar to the Celestial Empire.

Manchester Cathedral

 4.6/5

5303 reviews

The temple was erected at the end of the 15th century. The construction works were carried out under the direction of D. Stanley, who was related to the Tudor royal dynasty. The first large-scale reconstruction of the cathedral was carried out in the XIX century in the era of Queen Victoria, the second – after the Second World War. Many parts of the building are restored. For example, the unique window stained glass windows were made anew only in the 90s of the XX century.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Manchester Central Library

 4.7/5

924 reviews

The Central Book Collection brings together the collections of 22 city libraries. Here are kept rare and valuable books on medicine, philosophy, politics, politics, history, science, art and other spheres of human activity. The oval building of the library was erected according to the project of E. V. Harris in the 30s of the XX century. The building is built in neoclassical style, so it seems to be from an earlier historical era.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

 4.8/5

971 reviews

The book collection is housed in a picturesque 19th century neo-Gothic building. The building was erected with funds from the widow of textile manufacturer D. Rylands. At first, the library housed a collection of theological literature, later on books of other genres were added. The most important exhibit is the Gutenberg Bible, a rare copy of the first printed book.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Chetham's Library

 4.5/5

139 reviews

The library is considered to be one of the oldest in Great Britain, it was founded in the middle of the XVII century at the Chatham Hospital. The library funds have more than 100 thousand volumes, of which about 60 thousand were published before 1851. In addition to books, newspapers, documents and valuable archival materials are kept here. Chatham Library was created as a worthy competition to the book collections of Cambridge and Oxford.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Manchester Art Gallery

 4.6/5

8672 reviews

The museum is housed in a monumental building of classical architecture. It houses an extensive collection of works by English artists. The Gallery opened in 1924 and since then, thanks to the efforts of generous patrons, its holdings have grown by tens of thousands of works of art – paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, furniture and other items. In 2002, two additional buildings were purchased for the gallery.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Whitworth

 4.5/5

2164 reviews

The gallery is part of the University of Manchester. The museum was opened on the donation of D. Whitworth, the engineer who created the sniper rifle. Works of art of XIX-XX centuries are exhibited in the gallery, a special place is occupied by works by Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso. In 2003, these valuable paintings were stolen from the museum, but the police quickly found the thieves and returned the paintings to their place.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Opera House Manchester

 4.5/5

5317 reviews

The building of the musical theatre was erected in 1912 according to the project of a group of architects. For several decades, the theatre did not have its own company, so visiting groups performed here. In 1979, the Opera House was turned into a playhouse, but 5 years later it was returned to its original purpose. Nowadays Opera House is one of the most visited theatres in the UK.

Open time

Royal Exchange, Manchester

 0/5

The stage is located in the former cotton exchange building on St Anne’s Square. It used to be a trading area, but by the 1960s the cotton and textile trade was gradually phased out and the premises became a theatre. The stage hosts plays of various genres, stand-up comedians, concerts and festivals. The theatre’s spacious hall can seat 700 people.

Palace Theatre Manchester

 4.4/5

7196 reviews

The Palace is considered Manchester’s main theatre. It is located on Oxford Street. The stage is also known by the informal name of the Grand Old Lady in Oxford Street. The theatre was erected in the late nineteenth century under the direction of A. Darbyshire. In the early twentieth century a reconstruction was carried out, as a result of which the auditorium was expanded to 2,600 seats. The Palace is second only to London theatres in terms of popularity.

Open time

The Lowry

 4.6/5

6021 reviews

The Lowry is a complete concert complex located on the banks of the city’s canal. The building’s main auditorium seats up to 10,000 people, and there are two additional stages for chamber performances. The Lowry has art galleries that exhibit works by the artist Lawrence Lowry, after whom the complex is named. Thanks to its versatility, the complex is able to host large-scale concerts and productions with elaborate sets.

Open time

Science and Industry Museum

 4.4/5

16890 reviews

In the museum you can learn about the formation and development of Manchester’s industry. In the 70s of the XX century the building housed a railway station. A distinctive feature of the museum is the large number of interactive elements. Visitors can see working industrial equipment or observe a natural imitation of the production process.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Manchester Museum

 4.6/5

6595 reviews

The museum is part of the University of Manchester, so in addition to storing collections, it is engaged in serious research activities. The museum was founded in the XIX century, during the XX century there was an active replenishment of funds. At the moment, the number of exhibits has passed over 6 thousand. Manchester Museum has a rich archaeological, natural science and anthropological collection.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

People's History Museum

 4.5/5

2903 reviews

The exposition of the museum is quite interesting, it covers various aspects of the political life of the city and the country. Here you can learn about the development of democratic consciousness, the life of factory workers in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the history of trade union movements. The museum has collected posters, photographs, leaflets and even personal diaries of the workers. The exposition is located in a modern architectural building designed by C. Henry.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

National Football Museum

 4.3/5

5985 reviews

A modern exhibition centre that opened in 2003. Initially it was a museum of urban life, but later changed its format due to low attendance. Since 2012, it has housed the National Football Museum, where in the Hall of Fame you can learn about the biographies of the greatest football players, see their personal belongings and numerous awards. The museum features interactive attractions that simulate a real football game on the field with the involvement of visitors.

Open time

Beetham Tower

 4.3/5

147 reviews

A 47-storey skyscraper designed by J. Simpson. The building is 168 metres high (the tallest skyscraper in Manchester). The construction was completed in 2006, it was preceded by long debates about the necessity of such a building for the city. But in 2007 the skyscraper won the title of “the best high-rise in the world”. Beetham Tower houses residential apartments, a hotel and a nightclub.

Open time

One Angel Square

 0/5

A unique office building, an example of “green” architecture, which uses 50% less energy than standard urban buildings. This saves up to 30% of the monthly maintenance budget. The secret lies in the special materials from which the façade is constructed. Free space is organised inside the building, which allows for individual layouts.

Victoria Baths

 4.7/5

1076 reviews

An architectural structure of the early 20th century, built in the “English” Baroque style, designed by G. Price. The building attracts attention with its motley and unusual colouring. The facade is made of red and yellow coloured bricks. The window openings are decorated with beautiful coloured stained glass windows. The building could well pass for an old town hall. The building was originally a laundry, swimming pools and a Turkish bath.

Open time

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

 4.7/5

2995 reviews

The garden was opened in 1917 at the expense of philanthropist F. Moss, who donated all his land and money to the city. The park occupies an area of 4 hectares, and there is an excellent infrastructure for recreation of citizens – there are tennis courts, a field for rugby and regular football, as well as cafes and relaxation zones. The flora of the Botanical Garden is quite rich – there are traditional species of England, tropical plants, numerous conifers and many others.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Heaton Park

 4.6/5

13874 reviews

A park in the north of Manchester designed for walking, touring and outdoor activities. Here you can ride a boat, a retro tram or a horse, visit a farm with farm animals and a bee apiary. There are three reservoirs within the park, in which you can swim, but the water in them is cold most of the time due to the peculiarities of the local climate.

Open time

AO Arena

 4.4/5

19853 reviews

A sports arena that was being built for the 2000 Olympics. As a result, the Games were held elsewhere, and the stadium eventually became one of the most popular and visited venues in the world. The arena seats about 23,000 spectators. Mostly, concerts are held on its territory. Many world-famous performers and bands have performed here – Madonna, U2, Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones and others.

Open time

Etihad Stadium

 4.6/5

24439 reviews

The stadium has a capacity of 55,000 spectators and is the home ground for Manchester City Football Club. When the arena is not hosting football competitions, it is used for music concerts. The name Etihad Stadium is a tribute to Etihad Airways, which has been Manchester City’s main sponsor for many years.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Old Trafford

 4.6/5

46172 reviews

The arena is the second largest in terms of size and capacity after London’s Wembley. According to UEFA classification, the stadium has a five-star status. Its capacity is more than 75 thousand people. Old Trafford is the home arena of the legendary club Manchester United. The team settled here back in 1910. In the 90s and 2000s, the stadium was reconstructed and expanded, resulting in a significant increase in capacity.

Open time