The Manchester Art Gallery is a public art museum that houses over 25,000 objects of fine art, decorative art, and costume dating back to the early 1600s. With many interactive exhibits and regular events, it's a must-see for art connoisseurs and novices alike.
The Northern Quarter is the bohemian gem of Manchester's city center. It's filled with independent shops, cafes, and bars set amid colorful street art and trendy red-brick warehouses. Spend the morning getting lost in this vibrant neighborhood's winding streets.
A street food fair that happens twice a week (Fri: 4pm-10pm; Sat: noon-10pm) is a must-visit. It's a collection of shipping containers that have been converted into mini restaurants, selling food from all over the world.
The Manchester Cathedral is a medieval church that dates back to the 1400s. It is notable for its stunning stained glass windows, its medieval wooden misericords, and its beautiful choir stalls. A serene place suitable for some peaceful contemplation.
For football lovers, the stadium tour is better than visiting the club's museum. Spanning 11 km, the tour takes visitors to the dug-out, press room, and stands, among other parts of the stadium.
The Refuge by Volta is a contemporary American-meets-European restaurant with a chic industrial feel. It serves globally-inspired shared plates with a solid vegan selection in addition.
Manchester is a walkable city, and most attractions on this itinerary are within close proximity of each other. A taxi or public transportation may be needed to get to Old Trafford stadium for the Manchester United Football Stadium tour. Taxis cost around £10-15 per trip, and the Bus 250 costs about £4.50 for a return trip. Total estimated travel costs for the itinerary are £14-£30.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby cities of Liverpool or Leeds, both less than an hour away from Manchester, or spending more time exploring the cultural hubs of Manchester, taking in more museums or galleries. If you have less time, consider skipping Manchester United Football Stadium in exchange for visiting John Rylands Library, one of Manchester's most famous libraries.
Manchester Airport (MAN) is the largest airport serving Manchester located 8.6 miles south-west from the city centre. A direct train from the airport to the city centre takes around 20 minutes and costs £5-£10. Alternatively, a taxi ride to the city centre costs around £20-£30 and takes approximately 25-30 minutes.