Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Manchester, England

There are very few places that make you fall in love with themselves so much that you’ll want to keep coming back, and England is undoubtedly one of those. Steeped in history and culture and blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, this country is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the entire Europe. Usually, the capital city of London is often the first name that comes to mind whenever there is a mention of England. But, the country is home to several other vibrant cities as well that enthral a large number of visitors from across the globe. In fact, each city in England has its own unique charm that makes it worth exploring.

Offering an eclectic mix of old and new, Manchester is one of the best places to visit in England. Situated in the northwestern part of the country, this city is known for many reasons, including its thriving music and art scene, delicious food, football clubs, and rich history. No matter what your interests are, Manchester is a place that will never disappoint you!

Must-visit Attractions in Manchester, England

Being one of England’s popular tourist destinations, Manchester leaves you spoilt for choice in terms of activities to try or places to visit. From iconic historical sites to bustling street markets, and awe-inspiring museums to magnificent libraries; there are plenty of tourist attractions in Manchester.

For your convenience, here is a detailed list of all the famous tourist places that you will always find on the itineraries of Manchester tour packages:

• The John Rylands Library
• National Football Museum
• AO Arena
• People’s History Museum
• Manchester Cathedral
• Royal Exchange Theatre
• Greater Manchester Police Museum
• Manchester Central Library
• Albert Square
• Manchester Opera House

The John Rylands Library

If you’re someone who loves reading, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to go in Manchester for you. This library was commissioned in 1890 by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her late husband, John Ryland, a famous industrialist. Currently, it houses one of the finest collections of some of the rarest books, manuscripts, and archives in the world. These also include the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St. John Fragment, and a 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Other than the magnificent collection of world-class literature, the John Rylands Library is also famous for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture. Because of its impressive castle-like outer appearance, this library attracts a large number of architecture lovers as well.

National Football Museum

This museum is another addition to the list of the best places to see in Manchester. If you’re a football fanatic, you should definitely visit this museum, as it will give you a chance to learn so many new things about the sport. It houses a large collection of football memorabilia, such as Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" shirt, a ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, etc. Other major highlights of this museum include exciting exhibitions about the sport and interactive games offering an engaging experience.

Another good thing is that this museum is accessible using all modes of transport. It is based in the Urbis building in Manchester city centre, so no matter what part of the city you choose to stay in, you can easily reach here.

AO Arena

AO Arena, formerly known as Manchester Arena, is one of the most popular attractions in Manchester. This venue plays host to a multitude of events, such as concerts, live shows, sports events, etc. With a capacity of 23,000 people, it is among the largest indoor arenas in the country. Since it is located in the heart of Manchester's city centre, within the Victoria Station complex, it is easily accessible by public transport. If you want to spend a fun evening while enjoying world-class events with exceptional hospitality experiences, this is the best option you have.

People’s History Museum

The People's History Museum, formerly known as the National Museum of Labour History (until 2001), is among the places of interest in Manchester for history enthusiasts. Currently, it serves as the United Kingdom's national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation, and study of material relating to the history of working people. Exhibiting a large collection of printed material, physical objects, and photographs, this museum does a great job of telling the story of democracy and workers’ rights in Britain.

Royal Exchange Theatre

The Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the oldest performance venues in Manchester, England. Located in the city centre at St Ann's Square, this theatre is housed in a Grade II listed building from the 1800s. This theatre is famous for its unique spaceship-like design featuring sleek marble columns and glass domes. For more than four decades, this place has been a hub of exceptional storytelling, both on and off stage. If you want to end your day with a great performance, you should definitely visit the Royal Exchange Theatre on your trip to Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police Museum

Located in the historic Northern Quarter of the city, this museum is one-of-a-kind and among the major tourist places in Manchester. It exhibits a large collection of archive material and objects relating the history of policing in the Victorian era. Originally, this building used to be home to one of the oldest police stations in Manchester, England. In 1981, it was turned into a museum to reflect the reality of policing in the late 1800s and 1900s. If you’re fascinated by the history of this place and want to know what life was like for police officers at that time, you should definitely visit this museum.

Manchester Cathedral

Located on Victoria Street, this beautiful cathedral is also one of the major tourist attractions in Manchester. Being the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, the seat of the Bishop of Manchester, and the city's parish church, it has a huge religious significance. Other than this, it also serves as a great example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. With a seating capacity of more than 900 people, this cathedral has been hosting religious services for years now. Since it is open on all days of the week, you can visit this place at any time at your convenience.

Manchester Central Library

Sitting on the corner of St. Peter's Square, Manchester Central Library is another great place for book lovers. Designed by E. Vincent Harris, this place was first opened in 1934. Years later, in 2010, it went through a major transformation, which took four long years. This library has a unique outer appearance, which makes it look like an ancient Roman temple. But as soon as you enter the premises, all you can see are books and manuscripts covering a wide range of subjects. No matter what genre you prefer, this place will give you plenty of options. Whenever you want to take a break from sightseeing, spend a quiet afternoon with a book of your choice to re-energise yourself.

Albert Square

Situated in the heart of the city, this is a bustling public square that is equally popular among locals and tourists. The main highlight of this place is the Manchester Town Hall, which is a Victorian Gothic building structure built by Alfred Waterhouse. Apart from this, you can also see a number of other buildings from the same period. This square is also home to several monuments and statues. The Albert Memorial, a monument dedicated to Prince Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria, is the largest one. You can come here at any time of the day, and the soothing vibe of this place will instantly calm your mind.

Manchester Opera House

Known for its opulent décor and historical charm, Manchester Opera House is among the best places to go in Manchester for a fun evening. It is one of the largest theatres in the city and hosts a number of events, including concerts, musicals, ballets, etc. Other than this, this is also the venue for a special Christmas pantomime every year. If you’re someone who enjoys live performances, you should definitely include this in your Manchester itinerary.

With this comprehensive list of must-visit attractions in Manchester City, you can easily plan a fun-filled vacation. To make sure that you don’t miss any major visitor attractions in Manchester, you can also book a tour package with Veena World. We offer an extensive collection of all-inclusive England tour packages, designed to suit the diverse needs of travelers. You can choose one of these and plan your trip in an effortless way.