Manchester

Manchester is a city of two halves, with a collection of trendy bars and restaurants in the centre, and a world of sporting landmarks scattered through the suburbs. From the iconic Manchester United to the world-class Manchester City, it is a football city and has the biggest club in the world in this sport. The city is also known for its music and vibrant nightlife.
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Top places to visit

1John Rylands Research Institute and Library

4.8
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4.5
(5576)
Library
Art gallery
Museum
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is a Neo-Gothic building housing rare books and manuscripts. It's considered one of the finest Neo-Gothic historical buildings in Europe, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Manchester City centre.
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Such an incredible place so much history and so well kept. Lots of old books very well preserved. People at the reception very polite and friendly. Very well located within walking distance from the train station, Manchester Piccadilly. In my opinion this place is one of the ones to visit without a doubt.
A wonderful story! A truly marvelous place!!! A real working library with some of the rarest books on the planet! Our children were amazed at the treasures in the book shop downstairs. Wheelchair friendly throughout the building and the staff were most patient, informative and careful to point out certain features. It's been on our bucket list for a while and I'm so glad we put it on our priority list this time!
Really spectacular place. I was here for hours yesterday - just sitting on the tables with my laptop. It’s one of the best places to be in Manchester. You get a sense of great focus and concentration here when you’re surrounded by all these ancient books. The library is like something out of Harry Potter. Beautiful from every angle.
Beautiful building to have a wander in. We visited during an exhibition on Dante, and there was also an interesting selection of items highlighted from the library contents including Japanese culture, Jewish history, and midwifery. The central hall was stunning, and the exhibition inside described how the building came to be. A few students working inside, and friendly and helpful staff. Well worth a visit.
I stumbled upon this place many years ago and recently returned. It looks a little like a gothic church from the outside. Inside it is a wonderful building, with vaulted ceilings, columns and embellished with decorative stone details. Lighting exentuates the shapes. The books are behind plexiglass but you still get a great sense of the overall experience. I found myself captivated by the array of sizes and different book spines. There was a well curated exhibition running when we visited. This gave a glimpse into some of the books Overall, it's a quiet place, as you'd expect from a library. There are lifts and it seemed like accessibility had been considered. Staff were welcoming and engaging. There can be queues to enter at certain times of the day.
Possibly my most favorite place in Manchester :) beautiful architecture, the sence of antiquity just breaths on you. Entrance is free and you can just go in and study as many of our ancestors would have Just the staff is quite rude, so try to avoid them
Perfect representation of the city, old and new combined into one. The Library has great architecture inside and out, and it was worth the time to explore. The entrance was free. I recommend visiting.
The architecture is stunning and beautiful. I visited this library because I’m Harry Potter fan but turn out that it’s more than that as I’m so impressed with building and structure. Highly recommended if you visit Manchester as a must to see.
Wow, what a place. The building is incredible in its architecture and contents, the library and exhibitions are stunning. The walls seem to ooze a sense of the interesting and important discoveries that no doubt have been made here. Very much worth a visit
An astonishingly beautiful location right in the centre of Manchester, a place to breathe and have a refreshing break from the shopping adventures on the streets outside (although there's a neat little store in here too). The location is just extraordinary and with a changing rota of shows definitely worth returning to. It's free and inspiring and thoroughly recommended! And there's a cafe if you fancy a cuppa too.
Wandering amidst the neo-Gothic splendor of the John Rylands Library, a marvel that first opened its doors in 1900. Each stone whispers tales from centuries past, a testament to a time where architecture met art. This incredible treasure-trove, right in the heart of Manchester, has not only cradled wisdom for over a century but also served as a backdrop for – yes, it's a Harry Potter filming location!
Superb place open free to the public combining past and modernity... The various historical objects presented are magnificent. We have young people who were studying upstairs amidst thousands of books. you just need audioguides for foreign visitors (who don't speak English very well)
A very majestic building with a rich history. The tour was short and lovely and the library itself, although not quite that big, is filled with artifacts and information that makes time fly by. The neo-gothic interior is definitely something to look at. There wasn't any entry fee and there's a small gift shop filled with cute accessories.
150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH, United Kingdom•https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/?utm_source=rylands…

2Etihad Stadium

4.6
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4.5
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Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Etihad Stadium is a huge, modern sports venue that hosts football matches and stadium tours with behind-the-scenes access. It's home ground of the Manchester City Football Club, one of the largest football clubs in the UK. The stadium has a capacity of 55,097 spectators and features holographs, 360-degree cinema, and state-of-the-art technology.
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The best stadium in the world! New, modern, staff are incredible! Friendly approachable and accommodating. Especially in the City store! Really helpful! The match day food is exceptional for a football ground. Get a chunky steak pie and chips from inside the stadium! Amazing!!!
What can I say. Its a truly spectacular stadium from both inside and out. Lovely statues of some iconic City players outside the ground. Nice clean concourse, seats and overall stands are cleaned and well maintained. I was situated in the standing area too behind the goal which was a bonus. The atmosphere wasn't the greatest but then again I didn't go to a particularly important match. Would recommend so you can tick this off the bucket list.
Great concert venue, location and facilities brilliant. Sadly once you get outside the stadium,unless you have knowledge of the area, a little hard to navigate your way back to the city centre as no one seems to have thought of signposting the area, even more difficult when you are one of over 40,000 people looking for directions. But couldn't fault Etihad
The Etihad Stadium Tour was amazing value for money. At the beginning of the tour everyone was given a Manchester City Stadium Tour lanyard, which also gave you 10% off in the Club Shop. (A discount is always welcome 😁) The tour lasted 80mins and we were told so many facts and interesting information. Our guide Stan was absolutely brilliant, his passion for the club shone through. At no time during our tour were we rushed through, everyone was given plenty of opportunities to take as many photographs as we wanted. To learn the history of the club, and how the club was formed was really heart warming. It was very interesting to learn the powerful effects psychology has on players, before a match, like why the away changing room is set out the way it is, how the away players enter the stadium, the pitch, etc and why the club go to such lengths, The flip side is the positive impact of psychology for players prior to their match. The Home Dressing Room demonstrates a perfect example of this. A lot of attention to detail is invested in the whole Club. If you love football, enjoy learning about a clubs history, this tour is a must. The Etihad Stadium is awesome. Highly recommend making the trip. 🩵⚽🥅🩵
I was fortunate enough to be there for the first match of the season 23/24 against Newcastle. The first time game of the season celebrating the Treble and the super cup. Very nice atmosphere and a modern stadium that offers the best experience. The 90:20 lounge if you have access is a Quite a unique experience with good food and live music. I loved that this is a non-smoking stadium. The boutique has everything that you will be looking for.
Wonderful tour led by Keith and Matt in what is one of the most impressive stadiums in the country. The facilities at the Etihad are top class and my favourite part of the tour was the interactive Pep Guardiola in the press conference room. Even as an Arsenal fan I loved it!
Came here for a stadium tour a day after one of their FA matches in March. Easy to get here from the city centre, the tram just drops you off right in front of the stadium. Coming from the United States, this feels like a proper stadium, a lot of other stadiums are super run down and feels like you went back in time but this is modernized to today's world. We started the tour ar the gift shop and the tours run every 15 minutes so a ton of demand, I also went here on a Sunday. Then we went to the "VIP" area and saw where the players enter, went to the fitness and dressing room next and then finally walked out to the pitch. After that we went to the press area then ended back to the shop. Amazing tour and would highly recommend.
Champions of Europe,always a great experience when your there,if you go with children except a little bit if language,but it's all part of the game.. Get there early,head for the west stand so you can watch the team coach arrive. A lot of redevelopment going on around the ground,so it felt a little bit strange,but all for the good.
One of the best looking stadiums in the Premier league. Home to the best football team in the World! Seats aren't cramped and generally the view from any seat is decent. Matchday food and drink is fairly priced and toilets and gate entry and exit are easy to access. Tram stop and local bus stops are next to the stadium. Be warned - It is very hard to get onto a Tram heading back to Manchester Piccadilly due to the amount of users so you may have to walk.
One of best stadiums in world to feel what is real soccer. The stadium have a lot of places where you can eat, drink, buy clubs uniforms and other souvenirs. Good location. Big parking space. Very good organised entrance and exit. Even the stadium is full there no queue. You can easily come with family and kids.
great stadium! highly recommend to all football fans, so interesting to see behind the scenes. The tour guides are so kind and friendly and even stopped for longer to check everywhere. Thank you Man City. I will be back soon!
The first home game of the 2023/24 season, was treated to the Mancunian restaurant in the stadium for the against Newcastle. The stadium is huge, but what an experience, walking in through the main entrance (the same one as the players walk in) and going up a couple of floors. The food was good, ask for vegan options. It was great eating your main meal then going out to our very comfortable seats to watch the game. At half time you come in again for your snacks & more drinks before going out for the 2nd half. The whole experience was great.
Ashton New Rd, Manchester, M11 3FF, United Kingdom•https://www.mancity.com/etihad-stadium

3National Football Museum

4.3
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4.5
(3867)
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Mentioned on 
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National museum
Museums
The National Football Museum is a must-see for football fans of all levels of interest. The museum has a wide range of exhibits that explore the sport from different angles, with rotating events and exhibitions that keep things interesting for visitors. From learning new skills to enjoying old-school arcade games, there's something for everyone at the National Football Museum.
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I have visited this wonderful collection of football history a number of times going back to the days when it was at Preston but here, I want to focus on the Manchester incarnation. The museum was always free entry until a few years ago (2019) when they started charging £11 to enter which badly affected the numbers of those who attended which is a shame because something like this should be free for everyone and not just those who reside in the local area. A family pass is about £28 for 2 adults and 2 kids. So, the museum entry aside, what’s on offer inside? The entrance is a great start as leading up to the entry doors, there are stepping plates to remember players and managers from years gone by. It’s a nice touch before you even get inside the door. Once inside the venue, there are a plethora of sights over a number of levels. Things are mixed up a little to avoid the repetition of seeing the same things over and again. Mind, many of the items on show are permanent pieces and rightly so. The museum hosts exhibitions throughout the year and you can finish up in the museum store and cafe before leaving to explore more of what’s on offer in Manchester. The last visit I made meant I was able to see a Pele exhibition which was absolutely fantastic. If you are a football of any degree, this place is worth a visit. Even if you aren’t or just hold a passing interest, it’s worth the trip. Despite my personal disagreements with entry prices, I’ll be going back again in a couple of months to see the new changes and seasonal exhibition, “When Football Was Football”.
Brilliant for kids and not so little kids, we went as a family of 5 for around £30 which means you can revisit for the next year free. Only thing we paid for was a penalty shoot out which was also brilliant highly recommended
Went on a fact finding mission for our development of the Welsh football museum. Very good introduction tour from a very knowledgeable guide and it was a great introduction to the galleries. Some very good and interesting exhibitions tendency to concentrate on England and events in the English game. Particularly good collection of trophies. Some aspects of the development of stadiums and football at war. Interactive floor was good fun and should keep the young and old busy. The current exhibition about football games is like a step back in time and should fascinate youngsters as to how games both board games and electronic have developed. Yes you can play Subbuteo! Particularly good is the introductory corridor which has films and stills about 11 particularly important events in football and some football art on the other wall. At the end is a case containing inclusive football of every variety. There's a little shop with some good reasonably priced items. The cafe is limited in choice but a decent cup of coffee. I would say that the entry fee is worth it given the amount of things to see and do.
If you are a Football fan, you cannot miss this Museum. As the only national football museum in the UK, it is heavily focused on the game within the boundaries of the island and information on world cups in general. The museum displays exquisite football history from its beginnings until what it is today. It has awesome interactive tools for engaging with the past, videos about former stars discussing historic events and a whole level for testing your skills (such as scoring penalties, dribbling, shooting aim and goalkeeping reflexes).
Good collection of football history. It will be cheaper if buy ticket online and it is valid to enter multiple times through out the year. You can experience multiple events happen as part of football match like live commentary. One goal shoot-out events organiser at the top floor of the building with additional charge but you have to spend lots of time in queue to get your turn.
Took my son and his friends for his birthday. Ideal place for a football fans’ birthday celebration. A good mixture of interesting facts, displays with boards to read, colouring in, skills booths to practice your kick ups and the best of all was the penalty-taking area where the boys queued up to pay £2 for shots against a full size net which was a screen with a goalie trying to save your shot! Well worth it and what a lovely city to visit. Lovely architecture and had lunch in the Arndale centre which had a great variety of shops. All fully accessible for people of all backgrounds and abilities- despite the stairs.
I’ve visited here over a Dozen times over the years ,, it used to be free - so I would leave a £5 donation and it’s a wonderful place to spend a few Hours - Souvenir shop is overpriced as is I think the Cafe with a limited Menu , slow but friendly service. Staff used to be so Friendly and bubbly - Toilet Services are superb and clean - very clean. My last visit was a shocker ,, curtly told that it was free only if you resided in the Gtr Manchester area - My Disabled Bus pass STATING Gtr Manchester on my address didn’t satisfy them and payment was demanded - embarrassed & disgusted I rather lost my composure & left. I always leave a donation anyway but I was dismayed at the arrogance of the Staff won’t be going back. Just a General Comment ,, Since 2014 I’ve seen a steady decline in Manchester City Centre - it’s becoming run down and unclean ,, used to be so well kept around this area - beautiful and relaxing - things get worse the further you venture ,, I suppose it’s the same everywhere but it’s a shame..
Lovely place for children and adults to visit, and lots of things to see, even if you're not into football, I think you'd still appreciate this museum! Each floor has interactive games for you to try, although a couple of them is a long wait, but people still queued to have a go! There is a gift shop on the way out and a cafe to have a brew etc! I'm not into football myself, but I really enjoyed it. Also, if you are a Manchester resident and bring proof of your address and name, you get in for free!
Nice museum especially if you have kids to do some activities. You can see some trophies, old shirts and other stuff. I do recommend buying the ticket online as they will ask some information to register before having the ticket. I was looking to see the FA cup but I did not find it!
Cool museum, it’s fun to look at for any football fan, was mostly English football which was fun to learn about but would have loved to have seen more European stuff! It’s smaller than I expected. The last (top) floor was just about women. Felt like they didn’t need a whole floor for that. But it was good to pass an hour
Prebook the tickets if going on weekends or holidays. We went over Easter, and by about 1 p.m. it was sold out so we purchased for two days later whilst there - which was good as it also sold out by midday. The museum is well laid out, and covers every aspect of football - the history of the game, key players, fans involvement, critical matches, memorabilia, stadium buildings, info from the refs, coaches, and physiology points of views. The largest focus is on England’s men teams, but dos also cover women’s football and international matches. It is good for both football enthusiasts as well as those just wanting to see something new or interesting. It also uses a variety of mediums - video clips, artwork, uniforms, and good signage throughout. You can probably see it in about 1-1.5 hours at a moderate pace, not including the additional activities on the 2nd floor (some of which were paid). Most items are on the 1st floor, though there are pieces to see on 2nd and a special exhibition on 3rd. They also have a small shop and cafe, and decent toilets.
Overall the visit was good. Most of the staff were interacted with seemed rude or like they didn’t want to be there. Some were lovely however like the lady in the cafe. As with all places like this the cafe and gift shop were over priced. The displays were fantastic and there were lots of interactive displays. We all enjoyed our day out but a few small changes could have made it so much better.
Enjoyed an hour or so wandering around, but it felt like they were stretching for exhibits to fill the space available. Very anglo-centric, as perhaps expected for a National display, and was missing detail on key eras (eg. not much on the seventies or Liverpool in the eighties).
Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG, United Kingdom•http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/

4Manchester Museum

4.6
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4.5
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Museum
Specialty Museums
Manchester Museum is a large, free museum located in the city of Manchester, England. It contains a wide range of exhibits, including mummies and dinosaurs, as well as an events programme.
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Loved it because of the projects they displayed are really amazing. It gives a clear idea about how they manufactured clothes with a premium quality and the designed different patterns on it.
There may be a queue on a Saturday afternoon, but it goes quick. It’s free to enter. The Manchester Museum is a great place to bring the family. Newly refurbished. The centrepiece is the replica T-Rex skeleton. Take a look at the small Egyptian exhibit while you’re there. Grab a coffee from the museum’s trendy cafe on the way out.
Very good museum in a vibrant part of the city. It's free! There's a great collection of Egyptian mummies and Egyptian culture in general. I loved the multicultural aspect of the Indian and Chinese culture collections. There's a dinosaur exhibition with great didactic panels. A vast taxidermy collection. Exceeded expectations!
This was actually my first visit, despite visiting Manchester dozens of times. I was pleasantly surprised. It's not the biggest museum but that probably makes it more appealing, as you can get around and see most of the exhibits in an hour or two. There seemed to be plenty of consideration about how the exhibits are viewed, especially the newer and temporary ones - from translations for the Chinese exhibits, an explanation about returning some antiquities to China, storyboard/pop art style descriptions to appeal to kids, and a description on the mummy about the ethics of displaying a mummified body. It can be a bit noisy and busy at times, if you're sentive to environmental stimulus. There appeared to be good accessibility, including a lift to all floors. Lovely welcoming staff. Worth a visit.
Great museum with lots of great galleries on various topics. Clear that they are trying to improve the representation of different backgrounds in their museum. Only downside is the display of the dead human bodies (in the mummy section) being on display; this seems incredibly disrespectful to me.
Excellent museum. The V1 bus stops outside and picks up on it's route. The museum staff was very helpful. The artifacts and displays was outstanding. The only niggle is that it's quite dark in places and the info on the displays was small and we couldn't read it. Also in some rooms it can get quite warm and there's only floor fans for coolness. Toilets are clean and tidy. The cafe was reasonably priced with delicious treats.
It was really nice to be there… A very well managed and maintained museum. There is a lot to do there for children and adults. The dinosaur section is the best. It all takes you to back in time and helps you visualise how it would be back in those times. I guess its about your imagination powers too. I really enjoyed!
Great museum with well thought out exhibitions that have a natural progression without being linear. Especially enjoyed the live vivarium room, I have so many photos of the frogs and lizards now! Would definitely recommend avoiding peak times and/or school groups if you have sensory issues.
(Detailed review below) Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Accessibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cost ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Entrance is free (including for the Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition) but a donation is encouraged. The new extension is pretty good and the highlight, the mummies exhibition, is really nice and fascinating; you do have to book for tickets to enter the mummies exhibition but you can do so at the museum. However, you may want to book in advance if you think that it's going to be busy (i.e. weekend). The new South Asia Gallery and Chinese Culture Gallery are also welcomed additions to the recently refurbished museum. There's certainly more to see now. The Museum Shop has some really nice things on sale (including items for kids). The cafe is okay but I would like to see more food options (they do have a small area outside to sit if the weather is good). Overall, this is easily a nice day out for individuals, groups or families. Do plan ahead if you're visiting during peak periods.
It is free to visit but I would recommend booking a ticket in advance to ensure no or shorter wait. It is free to book a ticket and can be done online. Fantastic exhibitions with lots of signage to tell you everything about each artifact. Great coffee in the cafe! Dinosaur exhibition felt a bit bland compared to the other exhibitions. It was very busy and warm when I went unfortunately. Gift shop didn't really have much of a selection. Only a few affordable knick knacks and then expensive handmade items, which are great if that's what you're looking for but not so great if you want a little trinket to remind you of the trip.
My favourite place to visit with the kids. For a free day out its the place to be. The new Golden Mummy's of Egypt exhibition was great. So much to see here. We lost a full day exploring everything. Great for all ages.
A fascinating museum with several floors with different parts, such as animal fossils, aquatic animals, dinosaurs, etc. It also has various freeze-dried animals and some living Harlequin frogs that are unique. It is one of the largest shells in the UK, with extensive collections of birds, eggs, bryozoa (small marine animals), and a very diverse collection of specimens preserved in spirit. We really enjoyed ourselves and had a lot of fun with the family.
I spent about 3 hours here, and saw a lot but by no means all. The Egyptian exhibition (open until December) is remarkable, several beautifully decorated mummy cases, mummy chest coverings, and mummy masks, some jewellery, and lots of information about the history and how the pieces come to be in England. Free (but donations welcomed of course), and definitely worth a visit. The South Asia gallery is very colourful, and some murals by the Singh brothers as you enter the gallery need plenty of time to appreciate fully.
The Museum makes for a decent day trip. The entry is free but I recommend bringing your own food and or drink because the Museum Cafe is overprice. If you want to support the Museum I personally think the gift shop, guide book and direct donation is the best way. Make sure to check out the Golden Mummy Exhibit. I also found the display of human remains unethical, the people did not consent to be on display in death.
This place is well organised you will find different sections for everything. You will be aware of lots & lots of animals that exist or existed in the pre historic period until now. There is Egyptian mummy, which is well preserved by the team. Some of the reptiles that I have seen for the 1st time. There is a whole section of Asian things, dinosaurs, and lots of activities to do here on the top floor. I love this place and it is a good educational visit for kids & youngsters.
First ever visit to this amazing museum, housed in a stunning example of Victorian splendor. Brilliant exhibitions, covering nature, animals, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs and most things in-between! Lots to see and beautifully presented. Perhaps more interactive elements for children and a right kerfuffle getting into mummy exhibition as needed to scan qr code and then fill in all your details, but these are just suggestions for development. Lovely picnic area and had tasty coffee from the cafe. Biggest issue we had was parking and being directed into bus zone.
University of, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom•http://www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

5Manchester Art Gallery

4.6
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4.5
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Mentioned on 
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Art gallery
Museums
The Manchester Art Gallery is a world-renowned venue that houses works by some of the most renowned artists in history. The gallery is open to the public daily and has a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, making it a great place to visit with family.
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Definitely add the Manchester art gallery to your to-do list if you visit Manchester. Beautiful portraits and exhibitions, rich in history. What could sweeten this already awesome place? Admission is free at the moment!! So what are you waiting for?
The standard collection here is worth the visit always but they had a menswear fashion exhibition on at the time which was great, looking at the history of men's tailoring and dressing. The shop in here has some great bits to purchase or just look through, with the cafe doing some normally priced treats and lunchtime specials. You could easily spend an hour
Lovely place! We had a great chat with one of the staff (she was greeting at the front door on Wednesday 5th July at around 10am!) and told us all about the building, the exhibitions and even the best route to go around. If you could pass on our thanks to her, it'd be greatly appreciated!
Interesting mix of classical and contemporary pieces to consider. A good couple of hours spent here. Well worth visiting for the collection in general rather than any specific items.
Very interesting art pieces. The artwork ranged from early 17th century to modern abstract, paintings and sculptures. There were also a few clothing pieces by artist in the area. It was also very busy when I went and it was filled with people varying of all ages but mostly younger people.
A great museum with a little bit of everything. I appreciate that they were trying to do things a bit differently with their acknowledgement that old white men were the only viewpoints reflected in the travel gallery, and their exhibit on the female vocation in Manchester. They also had fun themed gallery's like men's fashion and tea. Also, it is free. You can see everything in 2 hours or less. Nice gift shop as well.
Stunning piece of historic architecture right in the city centre just off St. Peter's Square. Always running local, regional and national exhibitions. Very community focused. Loads of loo facilities and a great café for food & drinks too. Free to everyone and a brilliant Manchester City community facility.
It was a really lovely experience going with my friends.. The art pieces were really lovely to behold. There were different sections in the museum, like the 18th century, 19th century, even a Fashion gallery section as well.. There was a lift and a cafe and shop section to buy memorabilia...
Great experience at the Art Gallery in Manchester. There were lots of different rooms and expositions. There was a fashion one that included an area where you could sketch a mannequin. The paintings were all beautiful in their own unique way.
A wonderful place to go with family and friends. You can easily spend hours here. They have a lot of interesting stuff. I noticed they have rooms/events for family&kids! The atmosphere is very chill.
Came on a school trip. Really enjoyed the experience. Will come again to take more time and get a good look at all the artwork. Recommed all visitors to Manchester to go. 👍😊
Friendly curators, well signposted art, this gallery guides the viewer to reflect on art from the past with questions/audio guides making one consider the future of the world. In particular, loved the climate justice gallery, an absolute must see.
We only had about an hour to spare, but managed to swoop around most of the gallery. There are some great pieces in here, especially the Pre-Raphaelite ones. The only negative is that the postcard for Hylas and the Nymphs was sold out! I like to collect postcards from everywhere I visit, and the painting was the reason I even thought about going to the gallery, but it seems many other people agree! There were a plethora of other excellent paintings to choose from though, so I didn't go home empty handed. Galleries and museums that are free are so important, go to them all!
Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3JL, United Kingdom•https://manchesterartgallery.org/
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Top places to eat

1MyLahore Manchester

4.4
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affordable
Asian fusion restaurant
This trendy, east-meets-west restaurant promises mouth-watering food with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features dishes from all over Asia, as well as international favourites such as burgers and chicken wings. MyLahore Manchester is also perfect for takeaway, with a range of options to choose from including desserts and drinks.
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First time visiting and I will be back very soon! The staff are absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable offering recommendations depending on your taste. The portions are really big so well worth the money. Gutted we couldn’t fit a dessert in.
Had lunch here on Sunday one of the first in and filled up fairly quickly which is understandable due to the quality of the food. Decently priced and has good portion sizes. I got the mixed grill which was delicious, lamb chops were cooked perfectly. My family enjoyed their dishes as well. The decor was very nice and liked the theme. Very clean and customer service was very good.
The food and atmosphere is great, I’ve been there couple of times and tried few different things but my favourite is the chicken lasagna and the red velvet cake is to die for. Friendly and fast service at a decent price, their customer service is great and the staff named Muhammad was very helpful. I will definitely be going back. Would be good if you could book a table beforehand.
Always a safe bet for a special occasion. Have visited numerous times for birthday meals etc with friends and family. Reasonably priced, friendly and fast service, and beautifully decorated restaurant. The fish pakoras, chicken steak and sides, Sindhi biryani and school desserts were all delicious. The cheesy samosas were the only disappointment. Would be good if you could book a table too.
The food and atmosphere is fantastic. For all that was ordered, the price is very decent. The waiter, Nadeem was also awesome. I will definitely be coming back. It's also fully halal so that was the highlight.
Authentic Pakistani food here. First time I have ever tasted egg fried rice the same as in Pakistan. Chicken tikka bohti the same also it was weird as the taste identical. I have literally had hundreds of Indian meals in the UK and none authentic like this . Service very hit and miss unless you a young female then they will rush to serve you which was annoying . Also very very loud inside . Tables also had a greasy feel to them which was off putting . But food is good apart from the fish in the mixed bbq which at £20 plus is expensive fish lukewarm and chicken wings undercooked . I’ll go back again as granddaughter enjoyed mango lassi which was expensive but very tasty . Rusholme ruined now Arab shisha bars and Romanian beggars plus the whole area a health hazard . Go early as local Asians pack the place out
Food good 👍🏻 and service is good too. Price is on middle range so reasonable. Really busy and would definitely advise booking
First timer at My Lahore, the restaurant looks very colourful and desi. Food was good, I had various grilled items and the samosa chaat. Although the food didn’t excite me but I would dine there again. Service was very good and the staff were polite.
Really attentive staff in an extremely busy restaurant. Great atmosphere created by the manager called Shaf, feel looked after and they never fail to make me and my party feel welcome every single visit. Good food served, generous portions with great value for money. 5* from me every time without exception 😊
14-18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M14 5TQ, United Kingdom•http://www.mylahore.co.uk/

2Tattu Manchester

4.4
(2107)
•
4.5
(4341)
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Mentioned on 
+2 other lists 
very expensive
Chinese restaurant
Restaurant
Tattu, located in Manchester's lively Spinningfields area, offers a blend of modern Chinese cuisine and creative cocktails in an elegant setting adorned with intricate carved screens. This oriental haven boasts a stunning interior, featuring a magnificent cherry blossom tree that takes center stage. Ideal for a romantic date night, Tattu provides not only a romantic ambiance but also an array of small plates perfect for sharing during an intimate dinner.
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We visited recently for a 40th Birthday. We arrived early and went for drinks. 4 cocktails came out at £43. We were invited upstairs and to our table for our meal at the time we had booked. Natalie our server was top notch. Very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was absolutely superb! A tapas style approach is encouraged as well as trying all the dishes that are ordered. The food really was sublime with so many flavours! It's not by any means a cheap place to visit, if you have seen the menu, you know this, but the atmosphere and the food made it all worthwhile..... For a special occasion!
Excellent place, fantastic atmosphere, delectable food that we couldn't get enough of, to the point where we kept ordering more. The staff were so bubbly and nice, when one new hire who hadn't tasted the dish we were having, we offered for her to have some, after approval, she had a bite and loved it. She made a birthday party very special. Tattu, has a reputation, and it met it and excelled it. It is expensive, but worth it.
Firstly, the atmosphere, visuals and the staff were amazing. We were sat upstairs just across from the blossom tree, which is definitely a feature. When it comes to the drinks, they're good measure and go down easy. The food itself was tasty, full of flavour, does it warrant the price?, personally I don't think so due to portion sizes offered. The chicken dish for example, a couple of small chunks of chicken, mostly peppers and onions, tasted amazing, but didn't come with a side of its own either. Definitely a high end restaurant and worth the experience for sure, sadly I can't see a return on the cards for myself though. Just not my personal cup of tea.
My partner and I chose Tattu for our fourth-anniversary celebration and had a wonderful experience overall. The food was truly exceptional, with each dish presented in an tasteful manner and delivering exquisite flavours that impressed us. The restaurant's decor and ambiance added to the special atmosphere of the evening. However, we did encounter a minor bump in our otherwise smooth evening. While relishing our meal, an incident occurred. The table staff seated a couple accompanied by a toddler at the adjacent table. While we hold deep respect for family dining, the unexpected presence of a child in such an intimate dining setting felt like an intrusion that was unappreciated. Considering the premium we paid to savor an exceptional meal and celebrate our special occasion, the intrusion was unappreciated. Despite this, our time at Tattu was memorable. The artful presentation and outstanding taste of the dishes, along with the restaurant's overall ambiance, made it a notable anniversary dinner.
Both myself and my partner celebrated my birthday at Tattu and it was absolutely divine! Our waiter, Edwin, was brilliant and it was so refreshing that he knew the menu inside and out, took care of us the whole duration, explained the menu beautifully and nothing was ever too much to ask for. I have wanted to go to Tattu for some time, and as we are from London, the Manchester restaurant isn’t exactly round the corner, so when making our trip to Manchester, we was hoping Tattu lived up to its reviews and pictures online. All thanks to the amazing food and our waiter Edwin, I would highly recommend Tattu to anyone visiting Manchester! We hope to see you soon - and hopefully we can be seated in Edwin’s section!
Fantastic reception & great high quality food. I came here to celebrate a special occasion and the customer service was 10/10 👍. The food was very tasty, well presented & cooked to perfection. All our needs were catered to, and considering the size of my group, they all went above & beyond and did an amazing job all night long! All of the staffs were very welcoming & fast to deal with our requests. Thank you for looking after us and providing us a memorable night to remember. ❤️
We both enjoyed the set menu for £75 each. Great selection of food, generous portions. The tuna and caviar was superb and also the steak. The desserts were also very interesting and definitely unique! Cocktails were something special as well and made it a night to remember. Definitely worth a visit, highly recommended for a special occasion & that’s coming from us & our very high standards. Will return! Thank you
Very much impressed with the high standard and quality of food and customer service. Every body there is so lovely especially Stephano and Olivia who were absolutely fabulous and made our experience memorable by being so kind, welcoming and pleasant. It is always busy there but food comes quickly and you don't wait long time to enjoy the delicious tasty dishes. I highly recommend visiting this elegant and classy restaurant. Thank you for looking after us. Perfect place for celebrating any special occasion. ❤️
Decent meal, it’s definitely one of those style over substance places though. The food looks good, but doesn’t taste nearly as good as it photographs, not that it tastes bad. Basically, it wasn’t worth the asking price and the place is sort of overhyped. I feel like, with here, you’re paying for the vibe of the joint rather than the quality/taste of the food. With saying that, if you’re someone that doesn’t go out for fine dining very often you probably won’t notice and will think this is great, each to their own I guess. The staff were great though & the ambiance was nice. Definitely not the worst choice you could make.
Went to celebrate my friends birthday. The food was absolutely amazing!!! There were 4 of us and we couldn't decide what to get so we ordered 2 of each of the different sharing menus so we could try a bit of everything. Would definitely recommend doing this so you get to try lots of different items off the menu. Great service and atmosphere. We didn't feel rushed at any point either. The food and drink were expensive so would only go here for a special occasion, it was definitely worth it though!
Really delicious food with a unique dining experience. The deserts especially are a dramatic work of art. Vegan options pretty limited but tasty. Expensive but great for a special occasion. The staff all make a special effort to chat with guests and gave us a lovely firework and cookie for our wedding anniversary. Our Greek waiter (sadly I can't remember his name) was excellent. I can't remember having a server making so much effort to give my husband and I such a lovely and memorable dining experience. Didn't drink alcohol so can't comment much on the drinks but the cocktails looked lovely. Service charge is included in the bill.
3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester M3 3EB, United Kingdom•https://tattu.co.uk/locations/manchester/

3Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill Manchester

4.7
(4344)
•
4.5
(3268)
affordable
Bar & grill
Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill Manchester is a top-notch Brazilian eatery known for its all-you-can-eat meat-on-a-skewer dining experience. With an elegant and relaxed ambiance, this restaurant offers a wide variety of protein-packed options that will leave you satisfied. Similar to Bem Brasil, Fazenda provides a unique rodizio concept where chefs carve the finest grilled meats right at your tableside, ensuring ultimate freshness.
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Lovely ambience. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Family friendly as well. In my booking message I mentioned I was coming with my daughter and there was a high chair and a colouring book with crayons waiting at our table. There was a variety of tasty grilled meats to choose from and we all ate to our fill. And the drinks we ordered were absolutely delicious. Only thing I would have changed in the meal was the boiled rice which was kinda hard and tough to chew. Everything else was great.
The service is outstanding, the atmosphere is great, but we had a part of about 10 men next to us which were a bit load, but there is nothing you can do about that. The salad bar is amazing, and when the staff comes out with the meat on the skewers, the meat is fantastic! It's expensive but always worth it if you have not been before. I would have given 5 stars but there is always room for improvement I don't know where here though! Well done guys brilliant!
Impeccable service right from when you walk through the door, exactly what you would expect from this establishment. Sides were very hit & miss though and the meat was very good but not the best I've ever had
Restaurant was nice, staff friendly, service efficient, salad bar was nice, food was nicely cooked with good seasonings and flavours. There was several mix up with our bill but eventually staff rectified this. Only disappointment given the standard of the restaurant the toilets could have been done being more frequent cleaning. Restaurants often make really good effort regards service, food, deco but negligent that the wash rooms/restrooms also needs to be looked after.
Fantastic Food, eat as much as you like! Nice selection of grilled meat, side orders and a market table of cheese, fish, sauces and bread. Friendly service from the staff who we’re always on hand to help. A little pricey but it’s in the heart of Manchester. Great atmosphere and provided us with a free birthday chocolate cake!
This restaurant is a must visit for any meat lover, the service is excellent with attentive and friendly staff. Spectacular sides along with deliciously cooked meat brought to tableside. The only negative for me was the 'special' Christmas cocktail which wasn't great in my opinion. Will definitely be returning in the future.
Simply fantastic! The food was wonderful and the service even better. It was our first visit but we were treated like regulars. The gourmet sides section where you serve yourself is an experience in itself and would warrant an additional charge in lesser places. Every side dish we ordered was great and the meats were sublime. The garlic steak, sirloin and honey pork were strong favourites. When it comes to service it was first class. The attentiveness was perfect without ever feeling intrusive and we truly felt that they couldn't do enough for us. Every single one of the awards which take pride of place on the bar is thoroughly deserved and I'm sure there are many more to follow! A great experience from start to finish.
This is a meat lover must try place! Great salad bar with seafood and cheese. 2 side dishes per person. Simple but chic decoration, service was nice apart from we asked 3 times for the ice cubes. Highly recommend rosemary lamb and all beef. Sausage was too salty. £210 for 3 people without alcohol. Would definitely come back.
A fine dining all you can eat experience in spinning fields. Downside (as with everything in spinning field) there's no direct parking for the restaurant but theres paid parking scattered around near which is costly £6.50 for 2 hours / £9 for 3 hours. The service is great, very friendly and attentive staff (there is a 10% service charge added to the bill though). Meats are of good quality and frequent, the starter buffet is very high quality and this goes for the sides. The buffet and sides are much better than competitors but the meats I'd say are on par. I'd recommend visiting but it is on the pricey side so you take someone whose a big eater as £50 a head for food only may not be worth it for some.
The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP, United Kingdom•http://fazenda.co.uk/manchester/

4The Laundrette

4.4
(1291)
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4.5
(2889)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
affordable
Restaurant
The Laundrette is a trendy, compact café/bar that offers innovative pizzas and drinks. The establishment has an urban feel with exposed brick walls and a warm outdoor seating area. The dessert options are particularly outstanding, including a delectable chocolate and croissant bread pudding that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness. However, one cannot leave without trying their unique take on the Dessert Calzone, which combines Nutella, banana, marshmallows, and salted caramel ice cream.
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The very honest emma served us today. Emma, got us a table sorted very quickly, help and recommended a great refreshing drink( after a birthday party). Emma also helped me pick the right food for my hangover after providing me with her observations from how much other customer had left on their plate and personal knowledge of the menu. Emma is a great asset to the team, providing a great first experience here.
Great food (had sharing platter to start, which was more than enough for 3 and bolognaise pot pie). Good portion sizes. Service was a little slow and had to ask for finger bowls after ribs and wings from platter but apart from that, helpful service. Great covered outside space and inside is cozy. Arrived early in the evening and the place started to fill as we left so suggest booking a table.
Absolutely amazing experience. The food was outstanding and freshly made. The team made a fuss over the kids and went above and beyond to cater for their needs. Definitely will be coming back very soon! Our new fave spot 💫
Great night out for my daughter's birthday. The waitress was superb and friendly. Food was great and pretty quick too, even though it was very full. The cocktails were amazing too, including the no/low alcohol ones. The only real downside was a single, very cramped cubicle toilet for each of gents/ladies. Not enough for an establishment of that size.
Wow, first visit and absolutely loved it! Everything about this place is just right, amazing food, fab cocktails and really friendly, helpful staff! Great atmosphere and lovely decor, we will definitely be back and will bring more friends!
Relaxing atmosphere and stylish decor. The drinks are well presented and taste just as good. Unfortunately though, the food just doesn’t live up to the same standard. We tasted 4 dishes and a sharing platter and they were all just average and made 3 of us feel unwell. Not good enough for the price they’re charging. Will be back for drinks but would stay clear of the food next time. What we love: - Picture worthy cocktails - Well presented food - Attentive and efficient service Food recommendations: - BBQ Cauliflower bites - Parmesan fries What could be improved: - Food needs to be more refined - Quality / freshness of the produce - We always tip when going out for food but find it off putting when restaurants automatically add it to the bill without asking
Amazing service and the most fabulous atmosphere! Food and drinks are top notch 🥂🍹🍕 can’t wait to come back! El was super friendly and was absolutely the hostess with the mostess 😘
Amazing experience. We loved the food, service, atmosphere, comfort,... Service by Izzy was perfect! So quick, efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Have already sent a message to my friends about this place, can't believe I've never been before. It's unfortunately so hard these days to find a restaurant with great service but the Izzy and the Laundrette smashed it. It was all so effortless. Great vegan options too, vegan goats cheese pear salad was delicious. Outside seating was incredibly nice and comfortable. Thank you!
Our grandchild was welcomed with a big smile. Relaxed atmosphere, thanks to helpful and very friendly staff. Cocktails are nice. The hot marsh-mellows on top of the cocktail on the right had already been eaten.
Funky restaurant with delicious cocktails and one of the best pizzas I've ever tasted. Our server Mac was amazing, helped us with great recommendations and made us giggle! Will definitely be back! Sorry lighting not great for photos!!
Great food and service. Only let down by the steak, we were asked if we wanted it "pink or cooked through" 🤣 we asked for pink but it was a little over done, so not a top steak house by any means. Dough balls, pizza and burgers were fantastic though and £170 for 5 adults including alcoholic drinks (including cocktails), mains and sides I thought was quite reasonable
Loved this, they were able to fit me in last minute and provide a doggy bag to take back. This was a Laundrette back when I was a child living in the area. The menu headings are lifted from Laundrette Terminology. The atmosphere was brilliant, family friendly and the food abd service great. Accessibility: A bit tight, but wheelchair users can get in. Food and Drink: Wide range for all tastes. Loos: Did not test!.
32 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EL, United Kingdom•http://www.thelaundrette.uk.com/

5Turtle Bay Manchester Oxford Rd

4.6
(6692)
•
4.5
(2844)
affordable
Caribbean restaurant
Located in Manchester, Turtle Bay is a contemporary bar-restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant offers caribbean cuisine and cocktails served bottomless.
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I can't believe the value for money at this place. My partner and I came for Valentine's day after coming for New Years. We went for the bottomless cocktails and meals menu, which is insane value. We ended up with 7 cocktails each, plus 3 courses. With certain items, you have to pay a supplement and you might have to add a side, but it's still unbelievable value for money considering that the food is really nice. I think it's worth pointing out though that this place isn't really authentic when it comes to Caribbean food, but it's still lush. The cocktails are really good, too. With plenty of alcohol. The only thing I would say is that it really matters what time you book when you go to something like the bottomless dinner. When we arrived, the waitress was coming over to get our next cocktail order before we'd even finished the ones we had. However, as the night went on, this slowed down. We ended up having 7 cocktails each in a space of two hours, so can't really complain, but it is worth noting. Would strongly recommend.
Visited on a weekday after work for dinner. It wasn't that busy, and we're greeted and seated quite fast. The atmosphere is nice and vibrant, but the music was a bit too loud. The service was friendly and helpful. They were very accommodating after we asked some of the dishes to arrive first as some people of our party were leaving earlier. The drinks were great, they even have an offer 2 for 1 cocktails. The food was good, I really liked the crispy chilli calamari. However, my sweet potato fries were a bit burned. Nevertheless, it was a good experience, and we had a great evening.
Amazing cocktails on the 2-4-1 bit overpriced when full price as they are quite small. The food however was absolutely gorgeous, and full of flavour. The staff were so helpful and friendly and recommended items. Lovely atmosphere with great music and vibe.
Had a great meal and great cocktails. Our server (Amy) was more than happy to help with our requests and gave great recommendations based on our preferences. She knew the menu inside out and was able to recommend dishes/cocktails which would suit our pallet. Service was speedy and we were never without a drink. We felt the value for money was amazing and defiantly got our moneyed worth. Thanks so much for a great experience Amy and team Turtle Bay.
Came here for a quick breakfast as everywhere else had massive queues and we didn't have time to wait. It's breakfast with slight Jamaican twist, which was nice. You also get unlimited tea, coffee and juice. So we had a quick coffee and glass of juice each. This made it a real bargain! The staff were really friendly and it was great we managed to get breakfast before getting our train home.
Love this place! Customer service was great our server was really nice and friendly, I would recommend going when drinks are 2for1 as £9.20 for one cocktail isn’t the best price! Would definitely recommend as part of a good night out just make sure you book!
The girls and I booked in for a bottomless brunch, and it was amazing! The lovely waiter(Levi) who served us was so friendly, understanding, and calm! We picked so many drinks, and we struggled to get up to leave at the end. It was nice and clean, the staff was lovely and the atmosphere was great! I'd 100% go again, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Always a great evening. Come here before going to theatre. Staff are great. Cocktails amazing. Owen was amazing Thank you for looking after us Everyone. A visit is well worth your time
Great ambiance and loved the decor. The food was great but the shared platter will do for just 2 adults rather than 4 because of amount and taste (too tasty to be shared). At some point the waitresses became a bit hard to find, maybe they took a break. Good music (Jamaican and Afrobeats). Excellent happy hour because what’s one drink when you can have two at the cost of one
33-35 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 4WB, United Kingdom•http://www.turtlebay.co.uk/locations/manchester-oxford-st/?utm_s…
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