Manchester, a major city in the Northwest of England, has become a tourist hotspot over the past decade. More and more people are planning visits to the city every single year. Some will want to visit for the major sporting events. Others will enjoy the abundance of shops that Market Street offers. And plenty of people will want to stay in a city that's near to the wonderful countryside of the Peak District.
But did you realise that there is a lot more to do in Manchester besides these popular attractions? Manchester is also a highly cultural city, filled with rich history and traditions. If you want to get to know the city better, read on to learn about the most interesting outings you can arrange to enjoy Manchester's vibrant culture.
Look around you
The easiest way to enjoy Manchester's history is by walking around and soaking up the architecture. Start at St Peter's Square to see the Town Hall; walk along Deansgate to look at the imposing John Rylands Library; and finish with a coffee in St Anne's Square, which includes a remarkable 18th-century church. If you've got some time left over head over to the cathedral and the national football museum for some truly stunning constructions.
Visit a Library
Sitting down and reading a book may not be what you had in mind for your visit to Manchester. But even if you don't plan on studying while you are here, you should visit one or more of Manchester's historic libraries. Central Library, the Portico Library, and the John Rylands Library are all very special places. Go inside during their opening hours and marvel at the serene refuge they offer to readers.
But above all of these, Chetham's Library is the most unique library in town. Chetham's is one of the oldest public libraries in England - and with a building dating back to the 1650s, it is also among the oldest places you can visit in the city centre. Get yourself on a tour and prepare to be amazed!
Visit a Gallery
There are numerous art galleries in Manchester. The Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth are two of the biggest. Both are free to enter and offer a very wide range of visual art from the renaissance to the present. You don't need to wait until it is raining to go in - have a wander around and see what you can find.
Attend a spoken word event
When it comes to creative writing, Manchester is an amazing place. You will see this for yourself if you attend a spoken word event in the city. Famous poets and writers often give talks at the university and the city's bookshops. Meanwhile, local talent is encouraged and supported at low-key evening events in pubs and bars.
Spoken word events are not totally regular, so do some searching online before you plan to attend one. Keep your eyes out for events like Peter Barlow's Cigarette, No Matter, Poets and Players, Bad Language, and Murmur.
Go Home
No, seriously. Home is not just the place you'll go back to after your visit - it is the name of one of the most exciting cultural venues in the Northwest of England today. Between its theatre, cinema screens, and art gallery, there is something for everyone to enjoy every day of the week. And with a café and a restaurant in the same building, you can follow your visit up with a delicious pizza or cup of coffee.
If you aren't from the UK, there's a good chance you haven't visited Manchester yet. If you are from the UK and haven't visited - what's your excuse? There is something available for everyone in this city. Why not plan a visit and see for yourself? For easy Manchester transfers to and from London or Manchester Airport then check out great transfer options too from Airport Transfers UK who can save you more when visiting this great city.
