2024 Manchester Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
Manchester, located in northwest England, Is the United Kingdom 's second the most populous urban area, with a population of 2 1/2 million. You know that cliche image you conjure up of Manchester and the dreary old north of England? Forget the smoke-filled skies and rowdy fans of football (aka soccer to Yanks). Actually Keep the rowdy footballer image, but replace smokestacks and gray skies with outdoor patio bars along brick-lined canals, up-and-coming indie rock bands playing in hipper-than-thou clubs and an international mix of university students, immigrants, and Brits escaping the anonymity of London to enjoy it all. In one evening, you can dine at a restaurant in Chinatown or go for a curry on Curry Mile, catch a performance at one of Manchester's 22 major concert halls and theaters, and end the night with a drink in the lively Gay Village (the vast LGBT community's main drag welcomes all Mancunians and visitors). Mancunians do love their football, and both Manchester United and Manchester City draw huge crowds. From warehouse hotels to city center hostels, sleeping well (and cheaply ) is easy about Manchester.
Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy 11-15℃
Popular Attractions
Etihad Stadium
Chinatown
The University of Manchester
Manchester Cathedral
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
Local guide of Manchester UK 🇬🇧
#localtourguides
If you're planning a trip to Manchester, you're in for a treat! 🍻 This city is a buzzing hub of culture, history, and modernity all mixed into one. Start your day at the iconic Manchester Cathedral, which is free to enter. Its stunning Gothic architecture and peaceful gardens are a great way to start the day. From there, head over to the Science and Industry Museum – it's also free and full of fascinating exhibits about Manchester's industrial heritage and technological innovations. 🏛️
For football fans, a visit to Old Trafford is a must. You can take a stadium tour for around £25 and even visit the Manchester United Museum 🏟️. If you prefer shopping, the Northern Quarter is packed with quirky boutiques and vintage shops, and you can't miss the famous Afflecks Palace, a multi-storey emporium of all things alternative! After a day of exploring, relax in one of the city's many pubs with a pint of local ale 🍺.
In the evening, catch a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre, or for a more relaxed vibe, enjoy live music at one of the many venues around the city. Nearby, Albert Square hosts some of the city's best events, and the Manchester Art Gallery is just a short walk away, showcasing a mix of classical and contemporary art. Whether you're into sports, history, or nightlife, Manchester has something for everyone! 🎶 #trip #Manchester #TravelUK #ExploreTheNorth #CityVibes #FootballFans
Most underrated city
Having travelled twice to manchester, I can sense how under rated it is as a holiday destination. While, it offers everything that it should. When i first went there I had this industrial sort of image of Manchester. No doubt some areas of Manchester retain their industrial past. But the city's come a long way from it. I don't even want to talk about football.
I feel what works best is some sort of walking tour. This has never failed me. It orients you so well with a place and also if there's a guide you get deep insights and tips on things that improve the quality of your stay. From knowing about the legends who are from Manchester to the music scene and sports history. It's a great start. I also enjoyed visiting museums. In the case of Manchester it has not one or two but three of them. People's history museum was fascinating.
There are theaters and galleries in Salford quay. The likes of Manchester art gallery which is absolutely worth you time. Good transport around town. There are trams as well to take you places. The nightlife and food scene is quite good too. I think more people ought to try manchester and they'll get what I am talking about.
#uktrip#localguides #mytravelhacks #100waysoftravel #manchester #summerdestinations
Manchester | The fine dinning place for date night in Manchester
WOOD Restaurant
📍Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester, M15 4RA
This fine dining restaurant feels incredibly fancy, and walking in from the street gave me a bit of a nostalgic feeling, almost like being back on Nanjing West Road in Shanghai—just for a moment, I felt a bit homesick.
The open kitchen adds a Michelin-like vibe, with comfortable sofa seating on the first floor and private, quiet booths upstairs that offer a great sense of privacy. Overall, the atmosphere is very appealing.
We tried the à la carte menu, though the tasting menu also looked excellent. The staff were wonderful—very friendly and attentive!
Wild Mushroom Raviolo | Sage | Chestnut | Pangrattato
The presentation was very unique, with a strong mushroom aroma. The crunchy nuts sprinkled on top added a nice texture and were very tasty!
Cheshire Short Rib | Seven Brothers Stout | Truffle
This dish featured shredded beef short rib, paired with mashed potatoes. The combination with the mashed potatoes was perfectly balanced and absolutely delicious!
#summerdestinations #manchester
Manchester | Cloud 23, the must try afternoon tea with view
Cloud 23
📍 Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ
I decided to try the popular afternoon tea at Cloud 23, a well-known spot located in the Hilton Hotel. A friend from Manchester mentioned that many of their friends have been here. Despite the bad weather, Cloud 23 still offers a great view from its height, with a clear view of passing trains—really fantastic!
My friend and I opted for the Champagne Afternoon Tea and the Classic Afternoon Tea, paired with Assam and Earl Grey teas. The overall experience was excellent. The middle tier of sandwiches included salmon rolls, ham sandwiches, and some pastries. The scones on the bottom tier were served with butter that had an ice cream-like texture—absolutely delicious!
The desserts on the top tier were very sweet. The cake on the left was very sweet on the surface, with a tangy berry flavor in the middle. There was also a red velvet cake, which had a nice texture.
#summerdestinations #manchester #manchestercity
Manchester Travel Guide
Is everyone familiar with 🇬🇧 Manchester because of ⚽️ football? The prestigious Manchester United and the rising star Manchester City have attracted many people's attention to this 🏙️ city, but there's more than just football here. There are fun places, beautiful sights, and many spots worth exploring in depth!
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✈️ Transportation Recommendations
🚂 Train: Train services run 7 days a week, with trains every 10 minutes to and from Manchester Piccadilly 🚂 train station, with an average journey time of 20 minutes.
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🚟 Metrolink Tram: Runs every 12-15 minutes, providing direct access from the airport to the 🌆 city center and smooth travel within the city.
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☑️ Must-visit attractions in Manchester!
1️⃣ Old Trafford Stadium
This is a must-visit place for ⚽️ football fans, especially those who love ❤️ Manchester United. Experience the home of Manchester United and get up close to football ⚽️.
M16 0RA
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2️⃣ Science and Industry Museum
Open daily from 10am – 5pm 🕰️, no tickets 🔖 required for exhibitions. Here you can learn about Manchester's history, textiles, energy, and more!
📍 M3 4FP
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3️⃣ Chinatown
For those who aren't used to 🍨 Western food, this is a great choice. You can find Chinese cuisine 🥮 and snacks here. The landmark is the tall Chinese plaque, perfect for 📸 photos.
📍 M1 4EE
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4️⃣ The Gay Village
We must respect ✔️ cultural diversity. The city center has a 'Gay Village' which is a place all 'rainbow 🌈 attributes' people aspire to visit. Interested friends can take a stroll.
📍 M1
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🧃 Food Recommendations
🍰 Teacup Kitchen
Here you can enjoy a rich afternoon tea. Highly recommend the rainbow 🧁 cake, but go early as it sells out quickly!
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🍕 Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
The pizzas here are around 5💷, reasonably priced, and uniquely flavored. Worth the wait in line. They also have a selection of wines and craft beers 🍺.
⏰ Business hours: Tuesday - Saturday noon, 3 PM and 5 PM - 10 PM
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🫕 Shoryu Ramen
Slow-cooked pork broth with barbecued pork belly, 🥚 egg, mushrooms, sesame, ginger, and 🥬 seaweed is the specialty here. Food lovers shouldn't miss it.
Great All Day Breakfast in Manchester 🏴🇬🇧
If you are in Manchester and you don’t know where to eat because you are overwhelm with all the restaurant options then no worries because I have one for you.
Essy’s is the name of the restaurant and they offer great options of all day breakfast , they also have sandwiches, salads , paninis etc.
The restaurant’s ambience is nice with friendly staff. The interior is simple but pleasing to the eyes.
Recommended budget for two: 25 pounds
Address: 31 - 33 King St W
Manchester
M3 2PW
England
#uk #trip #foodie
One Day in Manchester 🏴🇬🇧
If you happen to find yourself in Manchester and you only have one day then no worries, you will still have a good fun walking around the city center or probably pub hopping too if that is what you are keen in doing.
What to see?
1. Piccadilly Gardens - it is a green space with benches where people hang about and just enjoy the sun. There are also kids playing around so it is a perfect place for families to just have a short rest while walking around piccadilly. It is surrounded by a lot of establishments and commercial buildings such as restaurants, shops, bakeries and cafes.
2. Bar hopping- we went to Sawyer arms and also The Circus Tavern which is apparently one of the smallest bars in the country.
3. St. Peter Square - this is a walking distance from piccadilly gardens and this place has libraries and surrounded by beautiful architecture .
Have fun!
#instatravel #trip #travel #uk
🌟 Manchester's Marvelous Hotels: Views & Vibes 🌆
Bask in the beauty of Manchester and its stunning hotel views! Let's dive into some of the most Instagram-worthy stays in the city that never fails to impress. 📸✨
🏰 King Street Townhouse
Nestled in the heart of the city, King Street Townhouse boasts not just a prime location but also spacious rooms and top-notch facilities. Imagine waking up to the buzz of Manchester in a room that feels just like home – but better. 🛌✨
📍 10 Booth St, Manchester, United Kingdom
🌉 The Lowry Hotel
The Lowry Hotel is all about comfort with a touch of luxury. Think king-sized beds and stellar service that makes you feel like royalty. The concierge is ready to park your car, and the front desk is super helpful, even when you mix up your booking dates! Extend your stay; you'll want to. 🛎️👑
📍 50 Dearmans Pl, Manchester, United Kingdom
🌃 Dakota Manchester
Dakota Manchester is where style meets substance. Spend a few nights here and you'll be talking about the friendly staff, chic décor, and spacious rooms long after you've checked out. While the breakfast might not be your cup of tea, the bar and grill will definitely hit the spot! 🍴🍹
📍 29 Ducie Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
🦇 Hotel Gotham
Step into Hotel Gotham and get ready for an experience straight out of a comic book – minus the caped crusader. The art, architecture, and attention to detail will transport you to another world. It's not just a stay; it's an adventure in luxury. 🎩🖼️
📍 100 King St, Manchester, United Kingdom
#Manchester #ManchesterHotel #ManchesterTravel
Enjoying Leisure and Experiencing the Vibrant Life of Manchester
[Manchester Art] Enjoying Leisure and Experiencing the Vibrant Life of Manchester
🎨 Manchester, a city where dream factories intertwine with classical aesthetics, the echoes of steam locomotives seem to linger in one's ear, traversing a blend of modernity and history, each visit holding new insights. Hongkongers here can also find a hint of home amidst the elegant grandeur of converted old warehouses, savoring the ongoing chatter of Manchester.
Exploring Manchester’s Northern Quarter 🚶🌼, walking from Piccadilly to Ancoats, passing by bohemian alleys, irresistible street art draws the eye, vinyl records curling like hula hoops. The University of Manchester 🏫 appears like a gateway of wisdom, a cultural desert waiting to be excavated, lectures and debates stimulating intellectual encounters 💥.
Art galleries 🖼, with their Greek Ionic columns, silently narrate the evolution of art from the Renaissance to the modern era, each piece a unique creation. Libraries 📚, step into John Rylands or Chetham's, amidst the fragrance of book pages, feel the nourishment of ancient wisdom.
Manchester Cathedral ⛪️, with its Gothic spaces, the ornate curves of the ceilings convey the mystery and solemnity of the Middle Ages. If it's a football match day, Old Trafford stadium 🏟 is a must-visit for the pulsating climax of the trip, the sprinting on the pitch like an epic of heroes.
Don’t forget to rummage for nostalgic records at Afflecks shopping center 🛍, browse vintage styles at Cow Vintage, and check out the diverse collection of items at the Oklahoma boutique. Fred Aldous and Manchester Craft and Design Centre further exhibit Manchester's distinctive artistic flavor.
For dining recommendations, enjoy a relaxing moment at Foundation Coffee House☕️; for brunch, Evelyn's Cafe captures life's scenes under the morning sunlight. Seek out German tastes at Alberts Schloss, and find fulfillment in the structured flavors at Mackie Mayor.
In this trip, every glimpse is a scene from the colorful life of Manchester 🌄. Only through personal experience can one truly understand that Manchester is not just about its steam and mechanical history, but also about its beautiful episodes of aesthetic and cultural revival today.
Festive Delights in MCH Christmas Market
#christmastrip Manchester's Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminate stalls offering crafts and treats. The aroma of mulled wine and hearty foods fills the air. Carolers create a festive soundtrack, and the atmosphere resonates with holiday spirit. In every corner, the market captures the essence of Christmas, inviting visitors into a joyful celebration of the season's magic in the heart of Manchester.
A busy square in the city
#manchestertrip
No matter how many times I keep walking by St. Peter's Square in Manchester, I can never get enough of its captivating charm. This historic square serves as a vibrant hub, seamlessly blending the city's rich past with its dynamic present. The architectural marvel of St. Peter's Church, standing proudly at the heart of the square, is a testament to the city's heritage. Its imposing facade and intricate details provide a striking contrast to the modernity surrounding it.
The square itself is an open canvas for communal gatherings and cultural events. On any given day, you might stumble upon lively street performers adding a touch of artistry to the atmosphere. The buzzing energy from nearby restaurants and cafes spills into the square, creating an inviting ambiance for both locals and visitors.
One cannot overlook the impressive Abraham Lincoln statue, a surprising homage to the iconic American figure. Its presence adds a touch of international flair to the square, sparking curiosity and conversation among those who encounter it. As you stroll through, the abundance of greenery and well-maintained gardens offer a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
Whether you're appreciating the historical landmarks, enjoying a moment of serenity amidst the greenery, or soaking in the cultural vibrancy, St. Peter's Square is a multifaceted destination that effortlessly weaves together Manchester's past and present, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the heart of the city
Manchester Citywalk | Must-visit free attractions guide
||🌟Settled in Manchester and started exploring! Here are a few free🆓 attractions that are worth taking pictures📸 and visiting:
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1️⃣Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum🏛 is located in the University of Manchester campus, not only has the museum's treasures such as the Tyrannosaurus rex fossil🦖 and a large number of rare animal specimens, but also a live reptile museum🙊❗️In addition to animals, there are many cultural exhibits, including the Kangxi Birthday Picture👀‼️ in the 2F China Pavilion. There is also a limited-time exhibition of Egyptian mummies⚰️, which can be walked in without an appointment~
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2️⃣Manchester Cathedral
The Manchester Cathedral⛪ is in the city centre, and it is a truly beautiful Gothic building!! It's great for taking pictures both inside and outside📷, there are often vintage market events that are great to visit🛍, you can walk in to visit or observe the worship🙇🏻♀️!
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3️⃣Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery will have different new exhibitions🆕 from time to time, and the regularly exhibited oil paintings are very worth appreciating and popularizing🔍! Casual shots all have a sense of art bacteria~
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Manchester Science Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is one of the few museums I remember well from childhood. It hasn’t massively changed in terms of the industrial elements on display (Victorian to 1900s) and that’s the beauty of this museum. Displayed across the street (currently under reconstruction) are the various planes and trains used across Manchester in history. Level 2 of the main building gives you the opportunity to engage with fun hands on experiences and experiments.
This museum is free to enter (donation of £5 is well received) and you can enjoy a few hours of science.
#urbanexplorer
#manchester
#museumuk
#sciencemuseum
Amazing day in University of Manchester
Address - Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
Facilities - You can take Bus 250 or other tramlines to the University from the city centre. It is about 15-20 minutes on the way.
Highlights - It was found in 1824, which has a history of nearly 200 years. As one of top 10 in UK, this university creates great atmosphere for passion, creation and cultivation. It hosts a lot of international student.
Rating - 5 out of 5
A great Visit in Manchester Central Library
Address - St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD
Ambiance/Facilities - The Library is facilitate with stairs and lift which is very accessible.
Highlights - You can find the statue of Reading Girl
and Shakespeare Window on the Ground level. And you can find Henry Watson Music Library hosts a.great collection of modern music, pop music and music videos.
Avg. Price per Person -The library is free to all. And you can buy some food and books in the shop in LG Level.
Rating - 4.8 out of 5
A Wonderful Dream in National Football Museum
Address - Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG
Ambiance/Facilities - The museum is located near Manchester Victoria Station and it takes about only three minutes to get there. There are some tramstations around the city centre.
Highlights - There are four levels in this museum. The Football was created here. Football is more than a sports game, it represents faith, dream, passion and endeavor. You can find history of FA and some videos of past games. There are.some games in 2 and 3 floor. Just give it a try.
Avg. Price per Person -The prices of tickets are various. 14 GBP is for an adult. If you are a student, you can buy the ticket for 12GBP.
Rating - 4.8 out of 5
Cute Manchester cafe
Fig & Sparrow is a cafe near Piccadilly bus and train station in central Manchester.
They have a very extensive list of coffees and teas available which are specialities and they do very good classics such as a lovely sausage sandwich (in the photo). They also serve an all day breakfast option which includes the opportunity to build your own breakfast. They also sell birthday cards and have free wifi/plug sockets so that it’s easy to work #urbanexplorer #foodie
MARAY!
Maray is a relatively new restaurant in Manchester City centre that offers Mediterranean style tapas dishes.
The name of the restaurant takes inspiration from a region in Paris where this type of food is commonly found. When we visited, there was a deal for 3 dishes for £17 which was great to share with a friend. I really like the fact that they also have an option at the end to split the bill easily using their electronic machine #urbanexplorer
Green Living
The Green Lab is a lovely cafe in Manchester, close to Piccadilly bus and train station.
There is a healthy vibe to the menu, and when I visited in the morning, there were lots of options that could fulfil different needs - for instance, they have lots of different milk types as standard with their coffees. The atmosphere in the cafe is quite nice and there is free wifi & plug sockets so that people can work #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog
Manchester canals
As Manchester was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, there is still a large number of canals that run through the city, which have been gentrified so that they can make great walks!
They are very unique, have culture and are well maintained. When I was walking down the canal, it was busy with other walkers and I spotted a swan! Every so often, there is a some type of monument linked to the industrial past #urbanexplorer
North Star ⭐️
Like plants, coffee & good food? Then head to North Star cafe in Manchester.
The Yorktown thing about this place is the amount of plants, which you can also purchase. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and they have free good wifi (perfect place to do some work if you need to). It’s situated really close to the main train station in Manchester so it’s a perfect place to refuel before a trip #urbanexplorer #foodie
Shopping in Manchester
The Arndale Centre is definitely the best place to shop in Manchester!
The centre has lots of different stores inside ranging from high end brands to discount shops and also has a big food court as well as restaurants too. They have lots of information centres and guides too as well as elevators for people with mobility issues. On one side of the centre is a market which does some tasty food! #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #shopping
Idle Hands!
#freehotelstay
Idle Hands coffee shop is a cute little coffee bar and workspace in central Manchester.
They offer a range of dishes and drinks (including alcohol based ones) as well as lots of baked goods which are made on-site. the space is very good to work in with free strong wifi, and a great set of 80s songs that act as good motivation to work (in my opinion). #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #foodie
Leonardo hotel Manchester
I recently stayed at the Leonardo hotel in Ancoats as it is very close to Manchester Piccadilly train station.
It has got a nice communal area to have a drink/food in and I found the gym to be quite well-equipped for a hotel gym! The room was bright and airy with all the mod cons that you would expect from the hotel. Even though there was construction next door, I couldn’t hear any noise which was a good sign #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer
Shopping Time In Manchester 🛍
When we're on a holiday, I believe most of us have shopping on our travel list. So here's me suggesting where to shop, if you're in Manchester for a holiday.
1) Number 1 on my list is Arndale shopping mall in Manchester. It is one of the largest and most popular malls in the city area. Here, you can find your popular brands, lots of fashion shops, cafes and restaurants. The streets outside of Arndale shopping mall has lots shops too. So take time to explore and shop till you drop at Arndale mall.
2) I love visiting other countries' chinatown as it gives me a view of how different they are in my home country vs other countries. Here, you can get to visit lots of Asian shops and restaurants. If you're craving for Asian food, you can practically find it here.
3) Within the vicinity of Arndale shopping mall, is Mark's and spencer Manchester. It's another shopping place with a supermarket at the basement, where you can grab your groceries. Then, on other floors, you could get clothes, shoes, accessories and many more. It's possible to spend hours here.
4) My next suggestion is to visit the huge and popular retail store called Primark. Primark sells quality clothing at economical prices. Here, there are many floors of Non stop shopping. You can find clothes for men, ladies, kids and even babies. Shopping experience in Primark is awesome, with it's low prices and there are tons of clothes to see, try on and buy.
I just love shopping at Manchester and you could consider visiting these shopping places too.
#wecreate
Afflecks Palace of Manchester
Afflecks Palace is a modest red-brick building, but don't be fooled by its modest appearance that it has played a key role in Northern Quarter's success. Opened in 1982, the five-storey market, with 70 individual shops, is one of Manchester's most popular cultural markets and a platform for the city's many artists and fashion designers to showcase their work. Whether you're shopping for vintage clothing, used records or custom art, there's no better place to look than Afflecks Palace.
A fantastic trip to Manchester
Getting There- We took the train to Manchester from Leeds at 7:15 a.m. The train was direct and had calling at some station. The free WIFI in the train was connectableb and very fast.
Attractions - We want recommend the Football Museum, located near Victoria station.
Food & Restaurants - We did find the Manchester Jianbing, which was a street vendor. There were so many different flavors and fillings for us to make a choice from. The food was so tasteful.#manchester
An incredible central point of Manchester. The square is incredibly beautiful with an epic dome structure in the middle and open communal area.
Check in at the football holy land of the world - Manchester, England.
❤❤️❤️Recommendation reason:
🔹Manchester is located in the north of England and is the second largest city in the UK (after London). It is based on finance, football, education, tourism, and manufacturing, and has influential cultural and entertainment facilities such as orchestras, theaters, and museums in the northwest of England. It is a diverse and open city.
🔸Manchester's city theme is football⚽️ and the industrial revolution. When visiting Manchester, be sure to check out the most famous places such as Albert Square, National Football Museum, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Art Gallery, and Manchester United Football Stadium. As the most diverse cultural and artistic center in the UK, Manchester is an excellent place for romantic sentimentality.
🔹England is known as the birthplace and paradise of modern football, and the Manchester National Football Stadium details its development history. Fans and fake fans have a special affection for this place and linger here. Especially for football, jerseys, shoes and all kinds of souvenirs with the Manchester United logo, various crazy buying, buying, buying, infected by this atmosphere, we also joined the long army of buying, so we missed the opportunity to visit the Manchester United football field 😜.
🔸Manchester deserves its reputation as a football mecca, where you can see crazy fans shouting on the streets, wearing jerseys, carrying team flags, painting their faces, and even taxis painted in the colors of Manchester United. This city is full of a relaxed and happy atmosphere, where you can feel the infinite charm and many joys of football, as well as a simple and peaceful life...😄
🏛A fabulous art gallery🏛~ Manchester Art Gallery
Definitely add the Manchester art gallery to your to-do list if you visit Manchester. Beautiful portraits and exhibitions, rich in history.
What could sweeten this already awesome place? Admission is free at the moment!! So what are you waiting for?
地址:Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL
餐廳:地下Gallery Cafe
購物:the Gallery shop
#親子好去處 #落雨好去處
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Manchester