When visiting England, there are so many different ways you can spend your time – whether it’s a tour of old buildings, a day of shopping or a visit to your local friend’s favorite pub, there’s something for everyone in this country that houses so much history and diversity.
While London might be the first city that comes to mind for most when they think of England, don’t underestimate the excitement and unique charm of Manchester. Whether you’re just passing through Manchester on your way to another city or taking a day trip from another nearby city, planning out a fun day isn’t difficult – Manchester is known by locals and travelers alike to be one of those places that has a little something for everyone.
If you only have one day in Manchester, think about your favorite activities and interests and plan a series of smaller tours or walks around that. For instance, if you’re obsessed with local history, take a walking tour of a few iconic buildings and stop for a few local snacks or drinks in between. And if you’re a sports fan, you couldn’t ask for a more exciting city.
If your English travels are taking you to Manchester for a day, drop off your heavy bags at a luggage storage in Manchester Piccadilly and add some of these unique activities and spots to your itinerary:
Manchester Art and History
International travels aren’t fully complete without checking out some of the city’s most breathtaking, iconic landmarks. Like most other cities in England, Manchester has no shortage of such buildings.
If old cathedrals are your thing, you don’t want to bypass the Manchester Cathedral. Dating back to the year 1215, the building has been incredibly well-preserved over the centuries.
If art galleries and museums are more your scene, you must check out the Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, the Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum.
Pop Culture In Manchester
If you and your friends are music aficionados, Manchester is one place you must visit. In fact, Manchester is renowned to be the birthplace of the sub genre known as BritPop, which was an alt-rock movement that spawned in the 1990s across the UK. BritPop quickly became more than just a genre of music – it became a whole culture that impacted the area’s art, fashion and even politics. Oasis, the Verve and the Stone Roses are just a few of the most popular bands to come from this movement, and there are plenty of bars and spaces that commemorate their history and impact.
Manchester has also always had a thriving musical theater scene. In fact, there are 10 theaters throughout the city where you can catch a musical, concert or comedy gig.
The Hot Manchester Sports Scene
If you’re even vaguely familiar with the sports world (particularly soccer, or “football” as it’s called outside the U.S.), chances are you’ve heard of rival teams Manchester United and Manchester City.
Manchester United is one of the most popular football clubs in the world, and while snagging tickets to a game can sometimes be tricky and expensive, you can take a stadium tour to learn the history of the club and its iconic players. Top it off with a visit to the National Football Museum to learn even more about sports in the UK and what a profound impact it’s had on the culture.
Food and Drink In Manchester
Anyone who visits the UK knows just how fun it is to visit a good old-fashioned pub and enjoy a pint or two with friends. Good food and great drinks are one of the funnest parts of traveling, and Manchester is no different.
If you’re looking for a quick snack, try local delicacies like Eccles cake (a sweet, flaky pastry made with butter and filled with currants) or the Manchester tart (a shortcrust pastry covered with a layer of raspberry jam and custard and topped with coconut flakes and a maraschino cherry.
What Is Manchester Known For?
Aside from the obvious – like its sports history and BritPop ties – Manchester is known for other cultural and political movements that have cemented it as an important place for decades. For instance, Manchester has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, largely centered around the world-famous Canal Street. Canal Street is home to “Gay Village,” a beacon of pride and celebration that everyone should experience during a trip to Manchester.
If old world history is fascinating to you, there is so much to learn about Manchester’s influence as the world’s first industrialized city. Manchester is also home to country’s first working canal and the world’s first ever railway line.
Whether you’re a history buff, a music junkie or simply a traveler looking to meet fun people in a bustling city, Manchester is calling your name.