Outside of London, Manchester is the most popular tourist destination in England. Often referred to as England’s ‘second city’, Manchester is the beating heart of the north. A sprawling urban metropolis where modern, high-rise skyscrapers clash with centuries-old red-brick architecture to create a vivid cultural mosaic that represents the future of Britain, while paying homage to its roots as the birthplace of the industrial revolution.
If you’re planning your own city break, then look no further: Manchester has something for you and then some. It’s a city home to some of the world’s biggest bands, England’s biggest football teams, and two of the UK’s biggest shopping centres.
So without any further ado, here’s a guide to six of Manchester’s must-see attractions.
Go Shopping
The Trafford Centre often finds its way to the top of bucket lists because of the sheer amount that it offers. The palatial shopping centre is a 20-minute drive from the city centre, though also easy to reach via the affordable tram and bus options. Larger than some small towns, the Trafford Centre is one of the biggest shopping centres in the UK. Home to over 280 stores, an enormous food court, laser tag, and a bowling alley, not to mention a 20-screen multiplex cinema, and Sea Life Centre.
Parking is free and widely available, even on weekends.
Learn More About Manchester
You can find the Science and Industry Museum in the heart of Manchester’s city centre, in Castlefield. The museum celebrates the city’s legacy, showcasing not only its status as the world’s first industrial city, but also the exciting technological innovations its hardworking people have contributed to the world, like early computers, and automotive brands, like Rolls-Royce.
Manchester’s history as a global textile titan is also placed front and centre, with numerous exhibits and activities that educate and engage.
Watch a Game of Football
For those of you who live under a rock, Manchester is also home to two of the biggest football teams in the world. Manchester United and Manchester City both host regular home games during weekends at their respective stadiums, Old Trafford and The Etihad Stadium.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a casual sport lover, 90 minutes in either of these stadiums promises an electric atmosphere and a chance to see the best players in the world in action.
Take note that smoking and vaping in the stadiums is strictly prohibited, so we’d advise using a more discreet alternative, like Nicopods, which are permitted.
Go Shopping… Again
The second (and final) shopping centre on this list, the Arndale Centre is located slap bang in the middle of the city centre. Inside, 210 stores call the place ‘home’, as well as over a hundred independent stalls at the Arndale Market.
What’s more, the Arndale Centre’s entertainment facilities are second-to-none. The Cube Live Experience invites players to see how they fare in the TV show’s rigorous challenges, while Roxy’s Ballroom is exploding with games and experiences, like bowling, pool, darts, shuffleboard, and more.
If you somehow still have an appetite for even more shopping, then I’ve got you covered. Selfridges and New Cathedral Street (a road full of designer outlets) are just across the road.
Travel Through Time
The Imperial War Museum allows visitors to step back in time into an immersive, interactive experience that spans the entire 20th Century to the modern day, taking attendees through the battlefields of both World Wars, the Cold War, through to the modern world, with large sections of the museum dedicated to the September 11th attack on the World Trade Centre and the War in Afghanistan.
The Imperial War Museum is also well-known for its dramatic, award-winning ‘shattered globe’ design. It’s hard to miss, standing tall beside the water at Salford Quays, a stone’s throw from Old Trafford and around 15 minutes away from the city centre.
Be Entertained
One of Manchester’s newest attractions, the COOP Live is already making a name for itself as the city’s premier music venue. Its enormous ‘black box’ design is unmissable, located 15 minutes from the city centre and next door to The Etihad Stadium.
Although it’s just been open for a couple of years, the arena has already hosted the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, Charlie XCX, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Fender. It might not always be easy to get tickets at short notice, so I’d recommend checking the COOP Live app while you’re planning your trip, just in case one of your favourites is playing.
Closing Thoughts
Manchester is bursting with so many choices that I knew it’d be hard to fit them all into a single article. If you’re considering a visit to the capital of the north soon, be careful not to spend all of your time racing from one bucket list location to another.
When you aren’t watching football, shopping, or immersing yourself in the city’s history, give yourself enough time to soak in the distinctive atmospheres of some of the city’s vibrant districts.
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