24 Hours in Manchester, UK: How to Spend Them

Manchester, UK
Manchester, UK. Photo by Steven Roussel on Unsplash

While it might not be such a popular tourist hotspot as London, Manchester will surprise you with its energy, culture, and diverse tourist attractions. Even if you only have one day to spend exploring the city, you are guaranteed to have a great experience. Here are some ideas on how you can spend your 24 hours there.

Have an English Breakfast

English breakfast might not be everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), but it is filling and will give you energy for the rest of the day. So make sure to get one before you hit the streets of Manchester.

Head to The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library is as good a spot as any to start your Manchester journey. It impresses with its Gothic exterior and interior while holding one of the rarest book collections in the world that will keep you wanting to find out more.

Take a Short Walk to Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum, which is less than ten minutes from The John Rylands Library, serves as a testament to the city’s industrial roots. It celebrates all things science, industry, and technology with collections of old cars and railway locomotives, various engines, and items from the fields of transport, communication, and computers.

Explore Castlefield Urban Heritage Park

Located a few minutes from the Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a place where you can find Roman ruins, old warehouses, abandoned factories, and lovely green spaces. You can also sit down for a pint and grab something to eat, as the area is known for having some of the city’s best pubs and restaurants.

Enjoy Art at the Manchester Art Gallery

It’s a bit of a longer walk to Manchester Art Gallery, but it is well worth it. It houses more than 25,000 artworks, including paintings and sculptures from the likes of Pierre Auguste Renoir, William Etty, Edgar Degas, and many more.

Learn More About Soccer at National Football Museum

Even if you are not a soccer fan, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the National Football Museum. You will get a better idea of why the whole nation is crazy about the game while also learning more about Manchester United and other clubs from the area.

Catch a Live Music Show

Manchester has a rich music history, being the hometown of Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, and many other iconic bands. This makes catching a live music show a perfect way to end your Manchester odyssey. Some of the venues with great live music include Blues Kitchen, Cane & Grain, ONE EIGHT SIX, and Yes.