Things to do in Manchester
The city centre is dotted with attractions like Manchester Art Gallery. Enjoy city views from the Wheel of Manchester or walk around Castlefield and the city canals. The Lowry cultural complex around Salford Quays is a Manchester must. South of the centre, the university district is home to Manchester Museum and its award-winning Vivarium. Experience Old Trafford with Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. Many museums are free.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Manchester Museum - Fossils and native art
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Ancient history and world cultures are explored in the university-owned Manchester Museum's galleries in the city centre. Displays include dinosaurs, Egyptology and Mediterranean archaeology. Discover monitor lizards and Amazonian habitats in the award-winning Vivarium.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun & Mon 11am-4pm
Address
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 275 2634
2. Manchester Art Gallery - Renowned Pre-Raphaelite collection
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The refurbished city centre Manchester Art Gallery houses thousands of exhibits from 17th-century European art and Pre-Raphaelite paintings to Victorian dolls' houses and a Levi jeans chair. Enjoy the special exhibitions or take a break in the café.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Address
Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 235 8888
3. Whitworth Art Gallery - Watercolours to rare wallpapers
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Renowned for its British watercolours and JMW Turner works, the Whitworth Art Gallery, in the central university district, houses themed exhibitions, modern and historic fine art prints, sculpture, textiles and rare wallpapers. Don't forget to try the gallery's award-winning café.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-4pm
Address
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 275 7450
4. Museum of Science & Industry - Past and future explored
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The Air & Space Centre and Electricity Gallery are among the entertaining galleries at the Museum of Science & Industry, in the world's oldest railway station in Manchester's regenerated canal district. Get hands-on in Xperiment or crawl through Underground Manchester.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 10am-5pm
Address
Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 832 2244
Attractions
Expand all5. The John Rylands Library Deansgate - Architecture meets literature
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A beautiful 1890s Victorian, neo-Gothic building with a vaulted roof, the refurbished John Rylands Library on central Deansgate houses the oldest-known New Testament piece and an early edition of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun-Mon 12pm-5pm
Address
150, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 275 3764
6. Chill Factore - Indoor ski slope
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Chill Factore at Trafford Quays Leisure Village has a 180-metre real snow indoor ski slope. Ski equipment is available for hire and qualified instructors offer lessons. A special play area, inflatable tube rides and a luge slide cater to non-skiers.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
1-hour lift pass £15-£25; lessons from £22; fun activities £13-£16
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-10pm (from 7.30am Wed)
Address
Trafford Way, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Manchester M41 7JA
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 749 2222
Special things to do
Expand all7. Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour - World-class football history
Show more The Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour goes behind the scenes of the world-famous Old Trafford football club. Stops include the Hall of Fame, Trophy Room, player's tunnel and even manager Alex Ferguson's spot in the dug-out. Pre-booking is recommended.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£12.50; concessions £8.50
Opening Hours
Daily 9.40am-4.30pm (not match days or days before Champions League home games)
Address
Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 868 8000
8. The Lowry - Waterside art and culture
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On Salford Quays in revamped docklands, The Lowry's glass-and-metallic structure houses an eclectic blend of galleries and visual art including LS Lowry's urban cityscapes. The complex offers waterside dining, gift shops and theatres; opposite is the Imperial War Museum North.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Sun-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm
Address
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
Telephone
0870 787 5780 (Box Office, from UK only)
9. Wheel of Manchester - Sky-high views
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The 60-metre-high Wheel of Manchester in Exchange Square offers 360-degree views of Manchester's ever-changing cityscape from its 42 pods, while commentary highlights local landmarks. Enjoy the 13-minute ride in heated, air-conditioned eight-seater capsules or sip champagne in the VIP gondola.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£6.50; 4-16 yrs £4.50; under-4s £1
Opening Hours
Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri 10am-12am; Sat 9am-12am
Address
Exchange Square, Manchester M3 1BD
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 831 9918
