CultureFree
Science and Industry Museum
Castlefield
A museum in the world’s first passenger railway station, exploring Manchester’s industrial past.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
Manchester
10 places, 8 of them free and 3 tours and activities. A lively northern city of music, football and industrial-heritage museums.
Plan your Manchester trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
Food & DrinkFree
Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter
Independent shops, street art, coffee spots and bars in old warehouses.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Nightlife fans · Food lovers
Open-air; shops open daily
Must SeeFree
John Rylands Library
Deansgate
A neo-Gothic library that looks like a cathedral, with a reading room to match.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples · Culture lovers
Daily; hours vary
Culture~£15
National Football Museum
Cathedral Gardens
A museum of the world’s game, with interactive displays and the FA’s biggest collection.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
Local FavouritesFree
Castlefield Canals
Castlefield
A canal basin of Victorian viaducts, waterside pubs and walks.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families
Open-air; always accessible
CultureFree
Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street
A free gallery with Pre-Raphaelite art and contemporary shows.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
CultureFree
Imperial War Museum North and MediaCity
Salford Quays
A striking museum of modern conflict on the waterfront, next to the BBC’s northern home.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
Food & DrinkFree
Chinatown and Curry Mile
Chinatown
Manchester’s Chinese quarter and a long street of South Asian restaurants.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples · Food lovers
Restaurants open lunch and evening
Planning Manchester? 4 places to eat are one tap away.