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Feel the buzz -

Reflecting the city's prominent role in the Industrial Revolution, Manchester adopted the worker bee as its official symbol in 1842. The bee is proudly emblazoned across the city, and many locals have bee tattoos–a show of solidarity after the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing. 

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Soak up history at Castlefield -

Roman soldiers established a fort here in 79 CE, calling it Mamucium. The location has since played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, and today is a scenic spot filled with trendy terrace bars and upscale restaurants.

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Explore the industrial past -

The city's industrial heritage is brought to life at Castlefield's Museum of Science and Industry. Interactive exhibits include a working steam train and even a chance to descend into replica sewers.

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Ogle the architecture -

From Victorian mills and neo-Gothic masterpieces to ultra-modern glass structures, Manchester is a fascinating melting pot of architectural styles. The eye-catching One Angel Square is a bank headquarters that has been ranked among the world's top five most sustainable buildings.

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Admire the town hall -

Considered one of the UK's most impressive examples of neo-Gothic architecture, Manchester's town hall sits proudly on Saint Anne's Square, surrounded by sidewalk bars and restaurants. Completed in 1877, it's closed for refurbishments until 2024, but can still be admired from outside.

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Check out a glorious neo-Gothic library -

Manchester's John Rylands Library is often cited among the finest libraries in the world. Opened in 1900 and now part of Manchester University, it's one of Europe's most impressive examples of neo-Gothic architecture.

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Ride the trams -

Manchester's electric trams are a fun, practical way to get around the city center and out into the suburbs. The Metrolink, as it's known, was introduced in 1992, and is now the most extensive light rail system in the UK.

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Visit Chinatown -

Part of Manchester's appeal is its cultural and ethnic diversity. The city's Chinatown, in the heart of the city center, is the third-largest in Europe. Excellent restaurants, supermarkets, and lively Chinese New Year celebrations make it a key part of city life.

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Get your soccer on at the National Football Museum -

Manchester is synonymous with soccer (although it's strictly "football" to Mancunians, of course). It's fitting, then, that the city should be home to the UK's National Football Museum. Located in the eye-catching Urbis building, next to Victoria train station, the ultra-modern museum features interactive exhibits and all manner of prized memorabilia.

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A loud, proud city -

Manchester prides itself on its inclusivity, and the annual Manchester Pride is one of the largest, liveliest LGBTQ+ events in Europe. Held each year in August (pandemics allowing), it sees huge crowds gather to watch colorful parades and live music performances.

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Experience the café culture -

Manchester has a strong independent spirit, and this is reflected in its drinking and dining scene. Areas such as the Northern Quarter (a top hipster hangout) are filled with quirky-cool cafés, tea shops, and informal restaurants.

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Visit a palace of alternative culture -

Since 1981, Manchester's many creative types have flocked to Affleck's, an enormous indoor shopping arcade in the Northern Quarter. Formerly Affleck's Palace, its packed with stalls and stores selling everything from music posters to fashion accessories.

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Pay homage to the suffragettes -

The bronze statue of locally-born suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst made major headlines when it was erected in 2018. Honoring Pankhurst's key role in the fight for women's right to vote, it's one of only two female statues in the city. The other, of Queen Victoria, has stood since 1901.

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Enjoy craft beer in a Victorian public toilet -

A real curiosity on Manchester's drinking scene, The Temple is a bar occupying a former public toilet. Descend the dubious-looking stairs to find a small-but-buzzing bar where DJs spin tunes and hip locals sip craft ales.

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Catch a game at Old Trafford -

One of the world's most famous soccer stadiums, Old Trafford has its own tram station. Catch a Manchester United game here if you can.

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True blue? Visit the Etihad -

Local rivals Manchester City are a force to be reckoned with in the soccer world. Their stadium, the Etihad, is a five-minute train ride from the city center.

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Check out the Gay Village -

Canal Street, which lines the Rochdale Canal in central Manchester, is the hub of what's known as Manchester's Gay Village. Welcoming bars, lively drag shows, and all-night clubbing make it one of the most popular spots in the city for a night out.

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Go record shopping -

With so many of the UK's biggest bands emerging from Manchester, you might even spot a celeb while you hunt for vinyl. Iconic Northern Quarter stores such as Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records have been doing a roaring trade for decades.

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Sample the nightlife -

Manchester nightlife is famous the world over. The city's student population lends a youthful buzz to the city, and the clubbing scene takes in everything from warehouse raves to live jazz.

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Drink in the atmosphere -

A listed building, the Britons Protection has been keeping Mancunians fed and watered since 1806. In the heart of Manchester, it's the oldest pub in the city, and the beer garden is always bustling on Friday nights.

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Enjoy the street food -

Mancunians love their food, and visitors are never far away from an opportunity to sample local grub. Vendors line streets and squares, selling favorites such as fish and chips, pies, and mushy peas.

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Take a music tour -

The home of Oasis, the Smiths, and countless indie heroes, Manchester attracts vast numbers of music-loving visitors. Several companies offer guided walking tours around the city, taking in landmarks such as Salford Lads Club, where the Smiths posed for an iconic album cover.

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Visit the set of the world's longest-running show -

Manchester-based soap opera 'Coronation Street' has been running since 1960, and studio tours take in visits to its iconic sets. Even the Queen has paid a visit to its famous Rovers Return pub!

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Add Ancoats to your list -

Repeatedly voted Manchester's hippest neighborhood, Ancoats is adjacent to fellow hipster hub the Northern Quarter. Once a run-down part of town, it's now an artsy area filled with craft beer pubs and artisanal coffee shops.

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Get some retail therapy -

Shopping opportunities abound in Manchester city center. The mammoth Arndale Centre is packed with high-street stores, but if you're looking to splash some serious cash, neighboring Exchange Square is home to high-end department stores.

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Visit two very special pubs -

The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing was not the first time the city had been subject to an attack. Exchange Square and the surrounding area reflects an impressive rebuilding following the 1996 IRA bombing. The remains of two medieval pubs were retrieved and pieced back together nearby.

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See Piccadilly Gardens -

Once dangerously run down, Manchester's central square has been given a major overhaul in recent years. Fountains, street performers, smart bars, and restaurants now make it a pleasant place to visit.

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Visit the foodie markets -

Local vendors hawk their tasty wares at busy markets throughout town. Piccadilly Gardens and the Northern Quarter are good places to pick up delicious home-baked breads and other treats.

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Feel welcome at Home -

With cinemas, theaters, bars, and outdoor events, Home is an artsy hub in central Manchester. The outdoor area is a hive of activity when the sun shines, while the indoor bars and cafés are popular when the infamous Manchester rain starts to pour. 

Sources: (Time Out) (Visit Manchester)

See also: The best cities to visit with kids

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