Things to See
For a full selection of things to do in Manchester go to
www.visitmanchester.com. Here
is a selection of some of the best.
Manchester Town Hall
Albert Square M60 2LE T:
0161 234 5000
Feast your eyes on this gothic glory that is a testament to
Victorian civic pride. Wonderful arched ceilings and mosaic floors
with symbolism built into every stonework cornice and stained glass
window. Doubles as the Houses of Parliament in many a TV
drama.
Cheethams School of Music
Long Millgate M3 1SB
T: 0161 834 9644
Originally founded in the 15th century, this remarkable collection
of buildings is one of Manchester’s hidden jewels. It’s got a 17th
century quadrangle that wouldn’t look out of place in Oxford or
Cambridge, a medieval banqueting hall and the oldest library in the
English-speaking world.
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate M3 3EH
T: 0161 306 0555
One of the real gems of Manchester’s architectural history,
you’d be forgiven for thinking that the John Rylands building was
an elaborate church rather than a library. This fantastic Grade
1-listed piece of Victorian high gothic has recently undergone a
£16.8m refurbishment, creating a new state-of-the-art visitor
centre to enhance the access to its rare and fascinating
collections.
www.manchester.ac.uk/library
Chinatown
George St, Charlotte Street
The third largest Chinatown in the world outside China (just behind
San Francisco and Vancouver). Have a browse through fascinating
shops, supermarkets and Chinese bakeries. Best day to visit is
Sunday when the Northwest Chinese community descend en masse to
shop and eat dim sum.
Wheel of Manchester
Exchange Square, M3 1BD
OK, so it might not be quite the size of the London Eye, but you
still get a fabulous view over the city from this 60m-high big
wheel.
www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk
The Quays
Hop on one of Manchester’s distinctive trams for a trundle out
to The Quays - just 15 minutes outside the city centre and you’re
in a whole different landscape of big water, big skies and big
buildings, including The Lowry and Imperial War Museum North.
www.thequays.org.uk