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George Orwell called it the ‘belly and the guts of the nation‘ and anybody who knows the history of the UK knows there’s plenty of evidence to support that.

From Joy Division to the splitting of the atom to Manchester United the city is known the world over – so why aren’t more people considering it as a tourist destination?

Let us get you started then.

Here’s what to see in Manchester in a day.

Start with an English Breakfast at the Koffee Pot

It’s 9 AM and we need fuel.

This nutrition (or lack thereof) institution serves up no nonsense breakfasts and British classics – their fry-ups will provide more than enough energy for a Madchester day out, just don’t count the calories.

a traditional english fry up at the koffee pot manchester
@thekoffeepot via Instagram

Check out the Cathedral

This Perpendicular Gothic cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester. The main attraction here is the 15th century Hanging Bridge, that was at one time was the main entrance of the church before being buried for over 100 years.

tourists view the manchester cathedral
@manchestercathedral via Instagram

Kick Around the National Football Museum

No football fan will want to miss what is perhaps the greatest collection of association football memorabilia in the world – with over 140,000 items and a bunch of skill-testing simulators you might spend the lion’s share of your time here.

an old football in a display case at the national football museum manchester
@nationalfootballmuseum via Instagram

See the John Ryland Library

Over 250,000 printed volumes and one million manuscripts make up this virtual library-museum that’s home to some very early European printing, a fine paper printed copy of the Gutenburg Bible, and the first edition of Ulysses by James Joyce.

an overhead view of john rylands library manchester
@wearemcr via Instagram

The Town Hall

This Victorian neo-gotic municipal building is the ceremonial headquarters of City Council and the clock tower is a great place to climb and get an unparalleled view of the city.

It’s also home to the famous Manchester Murals, a series of paintings by Ford Madox Brown that depict the city’s history.

the town hall in manchester uk
@valerialeccardi via Instagram

People’s History Museum

This national museum charts the struggle for equality and democracy in the UK. Over a series of regularly changing exhibitions you’ll follow the working class’ fight for justice and learn about the history of the area.

a display at the people's history museum manchester
@veeseegee via Instagram

Pint it Up at Port Street Beer House

It’d be fitting to follow up our working class wander through British history with another topic so close to the country’s heart – drinking a pint. This beer enthusiasts’ drinking hole has an epic selection of keg and cask ales and the atmosphere to match.

beers on a table at port street beer house manchester
@jessicaaattt via Instagram

Wander the Northern Quarter

A fashionable, bohemian area of Manchester city centre famous for restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, and gigs is a great way to cap off the day. Manchester’s Shoreditch just might convince you to stay another day 😉

david bowie street art in the northern quarter manchester
@gn0me via Instagram

Ready to have a go then?
Take me to Manchester!

One response to “How to Master Manchester in Just One Day

  1. Awesome places. I will love to visit these on one day
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