Manchester is undoubtedly a powerhouse and the uncrowned capital of the North of England. While most travellers make a beeline for London to soak up the history and the hustle and bustle, the vast majority fail to even consider Manchester. And that’s a shame because this is the city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution. The locals are regarded as the most friendly and relaxed people in the UK and are fiercely proud of their roots. And why wouldn’t they be? Manchester has a rich history, promotes one of the world’s leading medical and scientific research facilities and sports two of the world’s largest football (soccer) teams, an ice hockey team and has hosted the Commonwealth Games. One day here, therefore, means you will have plenty to see!
Because of its geographical location in England, it is known as ‘Rain-chester’ due to the fact that it rains a lot here. Even by English standards! The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and the weather tends to get trapped rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean.
Navigating the city is easy. The whole city is connected by the Metro service. Bright yellow trams meander the city and are relativity cheap. Do not bother with taxis. You will be faster on foot or using the Metro & Trams service.
One of the great things about Manchester is how compact the city is and therefore how easy it is to see a lot with just 1 day in Manchester!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Manchester Travel Guide to plan your trip to the UK!
1. Visit the Manchester Cathedral
Everyone spending a day in Manchester should make a point of visiting the magnificent cathedral. The history of the Gothic church can be traced to the 7th century – and it is gorgeous both inside and out.
The interior of the cathedral is decorated with statues, stained-glass windows and a beautiful organ, which is mounted over the pulpitum at the entrance to the choir.
It is free to enter the Manchester Cathedral, but donations are appreciated.
Pro Tip: Check the website for opening hours and special events – like the free lunchtime organ concert!
2. Visit the Football Museum
One of the city’s biggest attractions: the National Football Museum. The comprehensive museum covers the historic moments of the game, features interactive exhibits and displays epic memorabilia.
Tickets are required and it is best to purchase tickets in advance.
Top Travel Tip: Visitors should plan to spend a minimum of 1.5 hours at the Manchester National Football Museum.
3. Visit the Shambles Square
A salvaged historic square tucked into the busy shopping district, Shambles Square is a quaint little corner of Manchester. The square is centred on The Old Wellington Inn, which was built in the year 1552 (and is the birthplace of English poet John Byrom).
The Old Wellington Inn, a half-timbered Tudor house, is flanked by two other historic buildings. The Mitre Hotel (dating to 1815) and Sinclair’s Oysters Bar (built in 1807 – and selling oysters since 1845).
Interesting Fact: The buildings on Shambles Square are not in their original location. They were dismantled, moved and rebuilt in 1999 to accommodate for the expansion of the mall.
4. Abraham Lincoln Statue and Manchester Peace Garden
Not many Manchester visitors know that there is a connection between the City of Manchester and Abraham Lincoln. Yet, it’s a telling story of the history of the city and, today, a towering statue of Lincoln graces the Peace Garden in a hidden courtyard (aptly called Lincoln Square).
The link between the city and the US President can be traced to cotton. By the 1860s, Manchester was thriving on the cotton industry – turning the raw material from the USA into woven cloth. When cotton from the southern states faced an embargo due to their use of slave labor, workers in Manchester suffered.
However, rather than supporting the US Confederacy (in an effort to continue business), they turned their support to Lincoln and the abolishment of slavery.
5. Royal Exchange Building and Theatre
Built in the 1860s, the Royal Exchange was the center of trade for Manchester’s cotton industry. Once ranked as the largest trading hall in England, the Manchester Royal Exchange Building currently operates as a shopping center and theater.
The Royal Exchange Theatre was opened in 1973 and features a circular style stage that is completely surrounded by seats. One of the interesting things to do Manchester, UK is to attend a performance.
Pro Tip: Can’t make it to a show? Visitors can still go inside to see the grandiose architecture of the building interior.
6. Deansgate Shopping Street and Barton Arcade
Even if you are not interested in shopping in Manchester, it is worth spending a little bit of time strolling along Deansgate. A thoroughfare in the city since Roman times, Deansgate is a north-south route through downtown that extends more than a mile.
A worthwhile detour off Deansgate is the historic Barton Arcade. The Victorian arcade, which was built in 1871, features glass and iron construction.
Top Tip: A few other places to seek out in the vicinity are the 18th-century St. Ann’s Church, Parsonage Gardens and Castle Fine Art Gallery on King Street.
7. John Rylands Library
The next stop on your Itinerary for One Day in Manchester is the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. Opened to the public in 1900, the library hosts an extensive collection of books, letters and manuscripts – and the design is utterly exquisite.
The library was established by Enriqueta Rylands in her husband’s memory – and since 1972, it has been part of the University of Manchester. The Historic Reading Room, which resembles a church, is a must-see Manchester attraction.
The library is free to enter.
Top Travel Tip: While at the John Rylands Library, pop into the ground floor toilets – which are original and unchanged since 1900.
8. Iconic Manchester Architecture on Quay Street
During your one day in Manchester, England, it would be impossible not to notice the mishmash of architectural styles that decorate the landscape. Warehouses from the Industrial Revolution, Georgian gems and stylish Art Deco buildings all line the streets of Manchester.
Quay Street, in particular, hosts a fascinating array of design styles – from the Classical Opera House (built in 1912) to the Art Deco Sunlight House (dating to 1932).
The Great Northern Railway Company’s Goods Warehouse is a massive brick structure that was completed in 1899 and is now a popular entertainment and shopping complex.
Pro Travel Tip: At this point in your Manchester One Day Trip, you are probably getting hungry for lunch. There are numerous eateries within the vicinity of the Quay Street and Deansgate intersection. For a quick (and classic) British lunch, pop into Pieminister for a savory pie (Moo and Blue is our favorite!). Eat it there or – if the weather is nice – get it to-go and dine al fresco in St. John’s Gardens.
9. Manchester Museum
Hosting an incredible collection of exhibits from around the world, the Manchester Museum is a fascinating place to visit. Run by The University of Manchester, it has been in operation for more than 130 years.
The museum focuses on natural history, as well as cultural influences. From dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies to live amphibians, the displays are varied and well-presented.
Entry to the Manchester Museum is free.
In Our Option: Of all the museums that we highlight in our Manchester in a Day Itinerary, the Manchester Museum ranks as our favorite!
10. The University of Manchester
The history of The University of Manchester dates to the year 1824, when it was established as an Institute of Science and Technology. The institution moved to Oxford Road in the 1870s and the university’s most iconic buildings – now called the Old Quadrangle – were built in 1902.
Visitors are free to step into the Old Quad courtyard that is encircled by the Whitworth Building, John Owens Building and Beyer Building – all of which feature sumptuous Gothic architecture. At the foot of the ivy-covered Beyer Building, look for the giant boulder that dates from the Ice Age.
Travel Tip: The Whitworth Art Gallery, which is part of the University of Manchester, houses artworks by masters. The gallery sits on the south end of Oxford Road, right next to Whitworth Park (one of the city’s best green spaces!).
11. Sackville Garden and Alan Turing Memorial
The next stop on your Manchester One Day Tour is Sackville Gardens, a city-center park in Manchester’s Gay Village. The park was designed in 1900 – and today it hosts several monuments: The Turing Memorial, the Beacon of Hope, The Tree of Life and the LGBT Queen Bee.
The Turing Memorial is a statue dedicated to Alan Turing, who is known as the ‘Father of Modern Computing’ for his work and discoveries as a mathematician and computer scientist. A brief story of his life is inscribed on an adjacent plaque.
On the north end of the park, The Beacon of Hope stands in remembrance of those who have died from AIDS and as a tribute to those who live with HIV.
Top Tip: After visiting Sackville Gardens, take a moment to walk along pedestrian Canal Street that runs alongside the Rochdale Canal just to the north of the park. The colorful street is lined with lively bars in the heart of the Manchester LGBTQ+ District.
12. Visit the MediaCity & The Quays
MediaCity and The Quays is an iconic waterfront destination positioned on the banks of the historic Manchester Ship Canal, in Salford, Greater Manchester. A place bursting with creativity and culture, boasting one of the UK’s most visited arts attractions - The Lowry. The Lowry is an award-winning venue housing two major theatres, a studio theatre, extensive art galleries and a range of public spaces including cafes, bars, a restaurant and shop. The Lowry galleries are free to everyone and display the famous LS Lowry Collection, alongside a vibrant programme of special exhibitions. Bringing visual arts and performance together are central to The Lowry’s exhibition and engagement programmes. The destination is also home to the Imperial War Museum North, the BBC and Coronation Street’s famous cobbled set and experience, while dock10 attracts TV show audiences all year round thanks to the many shows filmed here including The Voice and Countdown.
13. Manchester Chinatown and Archway
The Chinatown District in Manchester is vibrant and buzzing. The enclave of Chinese (and other Asian) restaurants, shops and bakeries ranks as one of the largest Chinatown districts in all of Europe.
A large, ornamental gate straddles Faulkner Street – and is a must-see Manchester attraction. The paifang, which was gifted to the Chinese community from the Manchester City Council, is painted red and gold with dragon decorations. Top Tip: By this point in your Manchester One Day Itinerary, you have clocked some miles! If you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a moment to rest your weary feet, stop by one of the Chinatown tea shops – like Ohayo Tea, where they serve an array of freshly brewed fruit teas and bubble tea concoctions.
End the day with a nice dinner and some drinks
Food and drink are extremely important in Manchester. The locals are hard drinkers and are ever so surprised foreigners choose this city over London. They have a genuine interest in knowing your business over a few beers, so you feel welcome here in a matter of seconds!
Some of the best places to sample the local brews are in the Northern Quarter, fondly known as The NQ, where most bars serve local independent beers. Tib Street Tavern, Lammars, Dry Bar, and The Terrace are among my favorite bars here.
If you head towards the Town Hall and Albert Square, you will find numerous bars and restaurants that all offer great food and reasonably priced cocktails. Head down Oldham Street and stop at the Manchester Shop to get all your Manchester-based souvenirs. Then, head up the stairs into the legendary Afflecks arcade. Originally known as Afflecks Palace, this indoor market is a treasure trove of alternative culture. You can get lost for hours exploring its maze-like interior.
TIP: If you’re looking for ideas for the best souvenirs from Manchester, I recommend you pick something featuring a worker bee, as this industrious insect has been the city’s symbol since 1842.
Is Manchester Worth Visiting?
Yes! The city boasts incredible sights and hip neighborhoods, making it well-worth planning a day out in Manchester, UK. Whether visiting on a day trip or as part of a longer United Kingdom Itinerary, Manchester is most certainly worth a day.
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