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Located in the North West region of England, Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK. I lived in Manchester for 5 years and loved it. I had to relocate for work nearby, but I still visit Manchester on a routine basis. There’s SO MUCH ongoing in Manchester – food, shopping, football, nightlife, music, nature, art, science, student life, research, and so much more. If you are visiting Manchester for the first time, or for the 20th time, there’s so many things to do. Here’s 10 things you need to do for a classic Manchester experience!
(Note: you’ll want to read my post on transportation in Manchester to complete the bucket list!!)
Have Dim Sum at Chinatown
Manchester Chinatown is the second largest in England and third largest in Europe! As an Asian person, Chinatown is my go-to place of finding food. My favourite dimsum place in Chinatown is Mei Dim. It’s located in the basement, so look at the door and go downstairs. Enjoy your har gouw, siu mai, and feast on dim sum goodness!
John Ryland’s Library
Do you know that you can see a manuscript of the Bible here? You can see the fragment of the Gospel of John here! It is unfortunately on break currently as light exposure can damage the artifact but it will be back in Spring 2025, which you can see on the link above. However, there’s so much more to John Rylands. Visit and marvel at the gorgeous neo-gothic architecture and the vast collections of rare books. Bring a book and enjoy your book here, there are study and reading spaces here too. Do you know that John Ryland’s Library is a part of University of Manchester?
Learn in Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
I used to volunteer here in fact when I did my engineering degree in Manchester. Do you know that Manchester was the world’s first industrial city? This museum reflects the industrial history of the city, including some textile, railway, mass production, and many more. On the holidays, the museum is filled with kids, they have so many interactive exhibitions and sessions for the young friends. Also, it’s FREE to enter, so what else are you waiting for?
Visit Old Trafford/Etihad
Arguably one of the best city to visit in the UK if you are interested in football! Manchester is home to 2 strong football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City. The stadiums are located at the opposite side of the city, Etihad stadium (Manchester City) are on the east side and Old Trafford (Manchester United) are on the west side. That said, nothing is stopping you from visiting both if you want to! Both stadiums are open to visitors, with a tour as well: Old Trafford Museum and Stadium Tour and Etihad Stadium Tour. I have been to Old Trafford Museum and Stadium Tour because my Dad is a United fan, and as a non-football fan I still enjoyed learning the history and understanding more about the football team itself.
Old Trafford (Manchester United)
Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)
Walk along the canal in Salford Quays
Walking along the canal at Salford Quays is such a delightful experience. The waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Manchester Ship Canal, with its calm waters reflecting the modern architecture that lines the banks. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, especially on a sunny day when the light dances off the water. You can watch boats pass by, from narrowboats to the occasional tour boat, adding a touch of activity to the peaceful scene. There are benches dotted along the promenade where you can sit and take in the view or simply watch the world go by. The area feels alive yet serene, bustling with people enjoying the outdoors—joggers, families out for a walk, and tourists snapping photos of the iconic landmarks. It’s a great place to unwind and appreciate the unique blend of history and modernity that defines Salford Quays.
Fun Fact: Quays is pronounced like keys, not qu-ays haha. I made a mistake for a long time despite living in Manchester! It’s walking distance from Old Trafford, and also walking distance to Trafford Centre. The BBC also resides here, you can see their unique campus on your walk.
Shop and Marvel at Trafford Centre
The architecture of the Trafford Centre is truly impressive and makes it a standout destination in Greater Manchester. As you approach the centre, you’re greeted by the grandeur of its exterior—a blend of classical and contemporary styles. The vast domes and columns evoke a sense of grandeur reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, while the sleek glass facades and modern detailing give it a contemporary twist. Inside, the architecture continues to impress with its expansive spaces, marble floors, and ornate ceilings. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the elegant balconies overlooking the main halls to the intricate decorative elements that adorn the walls and ceilings. The Trafford Centre is not just a shopping mall; it’s a work of art, where shopping, leisure, and architecture come together to create a truly immersive experience for visitors.
See the Mummies in Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is a pretty cool spot to check out in the city. It’s got all sorts of interesting stuff—from ancient Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. Walking around, you’ll come across exhibits that make you feel like you’re on a mini adventure through history and nature. There’s a huge T-Rex fossil that’s super impressive, and they even have live animals like frogs and snakes in the Vivarium. It’s not just for history buffs either; the museum has interactive displays that make learning fun for everyone. Plus, they often have special events and exhibitions going on, so you never know what cool things you might discover when you visit Manchester Museum! Best of all – they are free to visit. They have just finished renovation too!
Be in Nature at Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey is a really cool Georgian mansion surrounded by awesome gardens and a deer park. When you step inside, it’s like stepping back in time with all the fancy architecture and cool old stuff they’ve got on display. The mansion itself was built way back in the early 1700s and is filled with cool old furniture, paintings, and other historical treasures. Outside, the gardens are super chill, with ponds, meadows, and nicely trimmed lawns perfect for taking a leisurely stroll. Oh, and don’t forget about the deer park! You can spot these majestic deer roaming around freely—it’s a pretty neat sight. Whether you’re into history or just love hanging out in beautiful green spaces, Dunham Massey has something awesome for everyone.
Dunham Massey is part of National Trust, and it has a beautiful house you can visit and a great big garden too. Depending on the season, you may be able to see seasonal flowers there such as roses, tulips, daffodils, etc. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see some deers! They are wild though, so definitely just observe them from far away and don’t try to touch them. Deers may transmit some diseases, including lyme disease.
Embrace some art at the Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester is like a treasure trove of creativity and inspiration. It’s this cool place where you can wander through halls filled with all sorts of art, from classic paintings to funky sculptures and everything in between. The building itself is pretty awesome too, mixing old-school Victorian vibes with modern architecture. They’re always hosting cool exhibitions and events, so there’s always something new to see and do. Plus, they’ve got these lush outdoor spaces where you can chill out and soak up some art and nature vibes at the same time (it’s beside Whitworth Park too!). It’s basically a must-visit spot for anyone who loves art or just wants to have a good time in Manchester.
Have curry at Curry Mile
Curry Mile in Manchester is a total foodie paradise! It’s this vibrant stretch of Wilmslow Road where you’ll find loads of Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern restaurants serving up the most mouthwatering dishes. Picture this—spicy curries, sizzling kebabs, fragrant biryanis—all packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. The atmosphere is buzzing, especially in the evenings, with people bustling about and the air filled with delicious aromas. It’s not just about the food though; Curry Mile has a lively vibe with cool shops, cafes, and shisha lounges where you can hang out and soak in the lively scene. Whether you’re a curry enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Curry Mile is definitely a must-visit spot in Manchester!
If you don’t like curry, there are other good options too – such as Malaysian food, Nur Malaysia below. I’m Indonesian, so Malaysian food have similar cuisine, and it does hit the spot especially when I miss home.
If you are visiting Manchester in winter time, you’ll want to read this guide on how to dress in Manchester for winter.
Don’t forget to share this with your friend for your bucket list competition!