11+ Things To Do In Manchester: Never A Dull Moments In The UK’s Music Capital

With this list of top 13 things to do in Manchester, you’ll never have to worry about boredom when putting this city on your international travel checklist. 

Some people hear the word “Manchester”, and all that runs through their minds is football. Well, that’s partly true. It is the home to two of the greatest football clubs in the sport's history, after all - Manchester United and Manchester City.  

But, located in the Northwest of England, this cosmopolitan is also a vibrant cultural hub where the art and music scene thrives. It’s where you’ll find old Victorian buildings nestling between contemporary architecture. Parties are always also just around the corner, with a nightlife scene that offers terrific clubs, bars and restaurants.

Visiting Manchester is an experience you’ll find hard to forget. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture and entertainment. Not to mention, the locals are known for being very friendly and welcoming.  

Before diving into the list, let’s get one thing clear first. Manchester is one wet city! It rains 152 days a year here. However, if you remember to jot down an umbrella and waterproof bags on your travel packing list, no rain will douse your parade.

 

1. See Hogwarts Come To Life At John Rylands Library

See Hogwarts Come To Life At John Rylands Library
The magical world behind the doors of John Rylands Library. Mdbeckwith, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH

Entry: free for everyone, but at peak hours, make sure to show up early for queuing.

Those who have read and loved Hogwarts all fantasise about seeing it at least once in real life. The good thing is you can actually see it in the flesh at John Rylands Library.

Though none of the scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in the library, it was, in fact, a source of inspiration for the filmmakers. Its iconic Gothic architecture will make you feel like you’re stepping into the wizarding world.

At John Rylands Library, you can find yourself a spot and be immersed in the amazing collection of books dating back centuries. You can learn about the history of Manchester and its culture through the pages. Or, if you are not a book fan, John Rylands Library also hosts engaging exhibitions for individuals and groups.

Whether you are a book lover, a history enthusiast, or just want to be amazed by this architectural beauty, a visit to John Rylands Library should definitely be on your Manchester travel checklist.

2. Feel The Sports Spirit At The National Football Museum

Feel The Sports Spirit At The National Football Museum
See how football shapes England at the National Football Museum. tatchie from lisburn, northern ireland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG

Entry: free for Manchester residents and children under 5. Otherwise, it’s about £14 for adults and £8 for older children.

No international travel checklist to the UK is ever completed without a football-related destination. Cliche, we know, but the stories that will be told to you at the National Football Museum through the objects, photos and exhibitions will show you how much the sport has shaped the culture of England.

First opened in 1990, the museum is now the home to one of the most impressive collections of football objects and archives in the world. For a die-hard fan, a tour through the halls will be like taking a walk with the legends. Even for a non-fan, the museum is still extremely fun with workshops and VR sessions that allow you to experience the sport in a new way.

It’s not just about which team dominated which league and how many trophies were handed. The appeal of the museum is also about the interactive activities that allow you to see how the game is played throughout history, how technology influences it and how it is operated.

The National Football Museum sprinkles excitement and spirit on  top of your international travel checklist, especially if you travel with friends or kids.

3. Walk With Pride At Gay Village

Walk With Pride At Gay Village
Gay Village on Canal Street is absolutely fabulous. Photo by Electric Egg Ltd. - stock.adobe.com

Address: Canal Street

Entry: fabulously free entry to Canal Street, and tickets for the Gay Village Party can be found here.

Manchester can be in a grey mood when it rains, but the rainbows on Canal Street, also known as Gay Village, are always bright. To look for a change in atmosphere, a walking tour here is worth putting on your international travel checklist.

It sits lovely right beside the Rochdale Canal. As you walk down, you will find local coffee shops and gay bars that are always brimming with affordable food and drinks, good music and friendly locals.

In the area, there is the Sackville Gardens with amazing memorials of Alan Turing - the founding father of modern computers and a queer icon - and the Beacon of Hope, which is a sculpture to honour victims and survivors of HIV/AIDS. China Town is also nearby if you want to end your walk with some cultural delicacies. 

Every year, Manchester Pride hosts a Gay Village Party, where people in the LGBTQ+ community gather to celebrate. There’ll be glamorous parades, parties and colourful performances.

If this is your scene and you happen to be in the area around the same time as the event, you have to sign up for it.

4. Adopt A Donkey At The Donkey Sanctuary

Adopt A Donkey At The Donkey Sanctuary
Adopting a donkey at The Donkey Sanctuary makes for a unique experience. Photo by Leon Woods on Pexels

Address: Green Fold, Abbey Hey, Manchester M18 8RJ

Entry: free for everyone, but you’ll need to pre-book your arrival.

Travelling doesn’t have to be about looking for the most picturesque spot to make memories. Sometimes, it’s all about finding the best four-legged friend whose personality is just perfect as your soul mate and is named Bonnie to adopt.

Jokes aside, The Donkey Sanctuary is the home to hundreds of gorgeous donkeys and mules. It’s a peaceful corner in the ever-busy Manchester where these gentle creatures are cared for and thriving. Everyone is welcome to visit these sweet animals, learn about them and enjoy a nice cup of tea in the cafe by the farm watching them roam around.

The spotlight of the experience is that you’ll get to “adopt” a donkey that you like. No, you’ll not be taking them home with you, but for £3 a month, you will help the sanctuary buy food, pay vet bills and build shelter for your special fur baby. You can adopt for yourself or as a gift to someone. It’s an interesting experience that will make for great memories along the way.

5. Eat Like A Local With A Manchester Food And Drinks Walking Tour

Eat Like A Local With A Manchester Food And Drinks Walking Tour
Explore Manchester one eatery after another with a Manchester Food and Drinks Tour. Photo by Alex Cooper - stock.adobe.com

Address: The Scranchester Tours, the Manchester Food Walks, the Manchester Cheese Crawl

Entry: From £35 to £60.

There’s a saying that the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. So, if you want to fall in love with Manchester, a food and drinks walking tour is what you need on your international travel checklist. 

Just like the variety of cultures this city has, the choices of tours are also diverse. You can join the Manchester Food Walks as they explore both old and new eateries in town.

Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancy, the Scranchester has private tours that are tailor-made specifically for your taste buds only. Prefer something cheesy? Well, pack your grater because The Manchester Cheese Crawl food tour is all about the heavenly fromage.

Another flavorful touch to these tours is that the local guides know their stuff. It means that most of the time, they will show you eateries that are hidden gems known by only real, local foodies.

6. Satisfy Your Curiosity At The Science And Industry Museum

Satisfy Your Curiosity At The Science And Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is a staple of Manchester tourism. Photo by coward_lion - stock.adobe.com

Address: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP

Entry: Free for everyone, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance for the exclusive exhibitions here

It may sound dry to some, but the Science and Industry Museum is far from it. With over 8,000 4.5-star reviews on Tripadvisor and appearances on the majority of lists of things to do in Manchester, the experience here will be exceptional. 

What would be the Manchester we know of today without the mastermind behind the Industrial Revolution? At the Science and Industry Museum, you will get the answer for yourself as you walk through the extensive exhibitions and collections of steam engines, textile machinery, and computers. Also, you’ll get to see the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, as the museum is located right on top of that.

However, it’s not just the usual look-but-don’t-touch experience you’ll find at other museums. There is an interactive gallery that brings science experiments to life in front of your very own eyes. You can learn, and you can have fun!

7. Travel Back In Time At The Ordsall Hall

Travel Back In Time At The Ordsall Hall
Ordsall Hall is full of fun activities to learn about the culture and history of Manchester. Michael D Beckwith, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN 

Entry: Free for everyone. 

Being one of the oldest buildings in Salford, Ordsall Hall holds within its walls the lingering touch of its past residents. And on its front steps stories of 820 years of history waiting to be told to its visitors. It is an ideal stop for those who seek adventures on the traditional side of Manchester.

Ordsall Hall was a home, a social club and a church hall before it became a cultural spot for the community. At the building, you will find not only workshops that let you experience the lifestyle of a Tudor but also fun group activities like a bookmark hunt. Ways to explore the nooks and crannies of this historical beauty are never-ending.

That’s not all. Entering Ordsall Hall, you will be greeted by a team of lovely staff. Most are alive, some not, but they are all equally friendly and professional. If you wish to meet these not-alive staff, check out their Ghost Nights, where you can embark on a paranormal investigation around the property.

8. Immerse In Arts At The Manchester Art Gallery

Immerse In Arts At The Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery will leave you in awe. Michael D Beckwith from England, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL

Entry: free for everyone.

Visiting an art gallery is a must-have item for any international travel checklist because art tells the story of the destination and its people like no other. And with Manchester’s magnificent art history, you don’t walk, but run to the Manchester Art Gallery.

The Manchester Art Gallery houses a rich collection of arts from British and international artists from different periods and art movements.

As you make your way through each section, you will see for yourself just how art has been in shaping the people and the culture of the city. If you happen to be a fan of pre-Raphaelite paintings, the Manchester Art Gallery also has a world-renowned collection of them.

Being at the heart of the city centre means that the Manchester Art Gallery is surrounded by coffee shops, shipping centres and restaurants. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and a quick bite after visiting the gallery.

9. Shiver With Fear On The Manchester Ghost Walk

Shiver With Fear On The Manchester Ghost Walk

Add a touch of spookiness to your trip with the Manchester Ghost Walk. Photo by Jennifer Boyer