Location: Manchester
Top Things to do in Manchester
What to do and see in Manchester, England: The Best Architectural Buildings
Famed for its soccer team and music scene, which has produced the likes of the Smiths and Oasis, this center for sports and the arts is a down-to-earth and friendly city. The so-called Capital of the North has overcome industrial decline, bombing (in WWII and by the IRA) to become a confident and cosmopolitan city of well over two million. It is well served by a bus and light rail network. Top attractions include the Lowry art complex, arcade Affleck's Palace and Canal Street gay village.
Restaurants in Manchester
1. Manchester Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,384 reviews
Manchester Cathedral has been centre stage in its city’s history for nearly 600 years. In 1421 Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built. In 1847 a new Manchester diocese was created and this historic church became a Cathedral. The doors are open 7 days a week and the admission is free. Do not miss one of the most interesting churches in the land at the heart of one of the most exciting cities on Earth.
Reviewed By KeithP221 - The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom
Very interesting, impressive building. Worth a visit to immerse yourself in the quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
2. The Shambles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Reviewed By chongo49 - New York City, United States
The Wellington Inn is one of the only surviving Tudor buildings in Manchester city centre. Shambles Square is a very historic part of wonderful Manchester, with an interesting, rich history. Although there are 4 pubs in the square, we chose to admire the square from the overlook street. It's a wonderful place for a photo op. Charming beyond words!
3. Manchester Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,520 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. This neo-Gothic masterpiece was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and completed in 1887. At the front main entrance sits a statue of the Roman Governor, Agricola, founder of the original fort of Mamuciam, from which the city began. The building dominates Albert Square.
Reviewed By NB1957
A magnificent building from a time when civic buildings made a statement and architecture from a time when elegance was the driving factor. This impressive building, dominates the attractive Albert Square. Unfortunately due to renovation it will be a while before the main hall is open again to the public. I am told it is not to be miseed.
4. The Bridgewater Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,143 reviews
The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester's international concert venue, built to give the best possible space for music. The Hall hosts over 250 performances a year including classical music, rock, pop, jazz, world music and much more. The Hall is home to three resident orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata. The Hall also programmes its own classical music season, the International Concert Series. The Hall works with a range of promoters and charity hirers on other programming.
Reviewed By martinsP1493RM - Chester, United Kingdom
Came here with my Son and Daughter to see David Bowie's ex drummer and producers band, absolutely brilliant night, great acoustics,cosy feel about the place,seats seem to all have plenty of leg room,all in all a fab night even without the main man himself. ????
5. St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By rpOreNZ - Auckland Central, New Zealand
With my short stay in Manchester, I sought this church for catholic mass service - and it was all worth it! Located near Albert Square and Town Hall, it was easy to find and provided a place for quiet contemplation and meditation. Now I know why it is called the "hidden gem"!
6. The Monastery Manchester
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
This former church and Franciscan friary has been described as architect Edward Welby Pugin's masterpiece. Derelict for many years, it was saved from ruin by the building preservation trust that still maintains and operates the site to this day. Today, The Monastery operates as a venue for hire and heritage visitor attraction. All proceeds from venue hire go towards the preservation and restoration of the site. The Monastery aims to be open to the public Sunday-Friday between 11am-4pm with free entry & parking. Visitors are most welcome to call in between 11am-4pm and visit the Heritage Corner but we cannot guarantee that the Nave will always be available. Special Heritage & Visitor Open Days are held all year round on every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday when the Nave, Cafe & Shop are open between 11am-4pm. Tours and talks can also be pre-booked on these open days. The Nave is very occasionally closed to visitors on these Special Heritage & Visitor Open Days or has limited access.
Reviewed By RuthAshton65 - Manchester, United Kingdom
My friend invited me to a Health and Well-being event at the Monastery today. We arrived at 11am and a lady on the desk explained what was planned for the day and collected our £5 admission. We had a look round the stalls and asked about the ‘Laughing Yoga’ class later that day, but the highlight of this whole visit was walking round this beautiful building. I have been to visit on a number of occasions, as living in Gorton it is on my doorstep, but today I got to take time to see it in all its glory and it is a truly breathtaking piece of architecture . ???? Gorton Monastery is quite simply stunning, and to learn about the restoration work (there is information and videos available around the building) was fascinating. To think we nearly lost this building, that was designed by Edward Welby Pugin, who’s father designed the Houses of Parliament, is beyond belief. If you are in Manchester you MUST take time to come and see Gorton Monastery and take in all its splendour. To the people who campaigned to save it, the sponsors who funded the ongoing restoration and the people who continue to raise awareness and funds, thank you ❤️????❤️. Long may it be in our hearts. ⛪️
7. Cross Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
8. Victoria Station
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 482 reviews
One of Manchester's main rail stations is part of a large Center City area that includes an entertainment complex and an office and hotel tower.
Reviewed By t_alan97 - Manchester, United Kingdom
This station has just had a 47 million pound facelift that places a brand new huge bubble roof over this old station. The station concourse has many original features such as the domed buffet bar-its a nice place to wait for a train , although its a bit expensive for alcohol .There are various war memorials on the station and an original large ticket office -also there is a huge wall tiled map showing the original routes from the station. There is a bakery on the station as well as a couple of coffee shops and a food store, and the bar that I mentioned-which also sells food ,also a newsagents. The trains cover the north of England such as Liverpool ,Newcastle ,Blackpool ,Southport ,Leeds, Bradford as well as local stations. There are many trams running through the station to take you to -Piccadilly station, Altrincham Bury and the Etihad stadium also Rochdale and Oldham which run between 6 and 12 minutes. The front façade of the station is lovely with tiled lettering of the stations currently/formerly served. The station is also next door to the huge Manchester arena which can be reached from the station via a footbridge/lifts available and fully disabled access. This station is a must visit.
