Manchester, England is a city steeped in history and innovation, known as 'The Northern Powerhouse'. Nestled amidst its thriving metropolis are landmarks that have not only shaped the city's skyline but have also etched themselves into the annals of history. From the industrious days of the cotton mills to the pulsating beats of its vibrant music scene, the city of Manchester boasts a rich tapestry of famous landmarks and architectural attractions. Below we will embark on a journey through our city's past and present to uncover 50 of the most famous Manchester landmarks, each with its unique story to tell and a role to play in Manchester's enduring legacy. Join us as we explore the iconic architecture, cultural hotspots, and historic sites that make our city a place like no other.
1. Manchester Town Hall
Built between 1863 and 1877, the gothic style Town Hall building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, also known for his work on the Natural History Museum in London and Strangeways prison up here. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and probably the most famous landmark in manchester, and this is why we've put it at #1 in our list. The original building features a large clock tower, which is frequently used in films as a stand-in for the Palace of Westminster, due to its similar towers and resemblance to Big Ben (see Sherlock Holmes, The Iron Lady and, another fine example of British filmmaking, Ali G InDaHouse.) The interior boasts a grand sculpture hall, adorned with busts of influential Mancunians including John Dalton and James Joule, plus the Great Hall with a glazed skylight, a mosaic tiled floor (decorated with Manchester bees) and a 16 feet organ with 5,000 pipes! The Town Hall is currently undergoing an extensive restoration, now due for completion in 2026. Trust us when we say it will be well worth a visit when it's complete!
2. Manchester Cathedral
Established in 1421, the beautiful gothic architecture of Manchester Cathedral stands on Victoria Street, close to other iconic landmarks of the city such as Victoria Station and URBIS. which houses the National Museum of Football. The origins of the church building are obscure, but the year 1421 has been established as the year the foundations were laid for the building, as their extensive historical archives have been backdated until then. The structure includes lots of locally sourced materials, from Collyhurst sandstone rock to limestone floors from the Peak District. Restorations have been consistent since the 15th century, including repairing damage caused by bombs during World War II and the IRA terrorist attack in 1996. Interior details include fourteen angel sculptures and intricate stained glass. The Cathedral is easily one of the best gothic buildings you can visit in Greater Manchester.
3. Manchester Central Library
Following the opening ceremony of Manchester’s first library in September 1852 (attended by Charles Dickens,) work began on Central Library in 1930, which later became the headquarters for the city's 24 libraries. Opened by George V in 1934, it was the largest library in the country at the time, with a domed structure and a large columned portico at the entrance. One of the most famous buildings in Manchester, the library holds extensive collections of sheet music, works by Elizabeth Gaskell and a record of the history of the theatre of Manchester, and was visited frequently by A Clockwork Orange author Anthony Burgess who lived nearby in Piccadilly.
4. John Rylands Library
Mdbeckwith, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The jewel in the crown of Manchester’s gothic architecture collection and a truly special place to visit, the library opened to the public in 1900 in memory of Mancunian philanthropist and engineer John Rylands. There are not many buildings like it in this part of England, and it's one of the things that Manchester should be most proud of. Noted for its large collection of historical materials (from mediaeval manuscripts to the earliest extant New Testament text) and for being as beautiful outside as it is inside, the building boasts a dramatic and intricate church-style exterior facade and a grand Victorian-style reading room, which has been featured in modern historical film dramas The Limehouse Golem and Darkest Hour. One of the most famous landmarks of Manchester and one of our most historic buildings, the library is a must-see for anyone who would love a moment of calm among some of the oldest texts in the world, you can escape the hustle and bustle of busy Deansgate outside and enjoy the atmosphere of the library for free. You can also book appointments to use the historical reading room and view the special collections to learn both about the history of Manchester and the whole world.
5. Manchester Art Gallery
A space right in the heart of the city to be inspired and absorb some culture, Manchester Art Gallery is just off the busy central hub of Piccadilly Gardens, which can be seen inside the gallery as it was in 1954, painted by LS Lowry. The building is one of the best landmarks in the city, with three floors of mind-expanding artwork, from Egyptian mummification jars dated 1100 BC, to iconic Banksy street-art style original work. The gallery has seen a recent exhibition from Grayson’s Perry Art Club, showcasing work made by amateur creatives all over the country during the COVID pandemic lockdowns. Explore the first floor for Victorian and pre-raphaelite art, the second floor for current temporary exhibitions and the third floor for the gallery’s collection of glass and ceramics.
6. Manchester Museum
Where can you see Charles Darwin’s warbler finch, magically rotating Egyptian artefacts and Stan the t-rex under one roof? Manchester Museum! Take a trip over to Oxford Road to enjoy another of the city's excellent examples of Victorian gothic architecture, also designed by town hall architect Albert Waterhouse. Wow-ing visitors since it opened its doors in 1888, the museum is very popular with kids due to its collection of prehistoric fossil casts displayed as lifesize creatures, very inspiring for the imagination! With 4.5 million items from every corner of the globe, it is the UK's largest university museum and a fantastic cultural asset for our city.
The museum reopened in 2023 after being closed for 18 months for renovation and is easily the best manchester museum in our opinion.
7. Museum of Science and Industry
Exploring scientific visions of the future while paying homage to the city's industrial heritage, the Science and Industry Museum recognises that our city has been at the heart of for over 250 years pioneering technology and celebrates it. Located in Castlefield, the museum is located on the site of the world's first passenger railway station – Manchester Liverpool Road – which opened as part of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830. The museum features a collection of locomotive steam engines and the enormous textile weaving machines used during the industrial revolution in Manchester and brings it right back to modern technology with the PowerUP exhibition featuring the best video games and consoles from the last 50 years and Use Hearing Protection, a retrospective of items from Factory Records.
8. Beetham Tower
In 2003 much of the UK was experiencing an economic boom and high-rise towers were being built in many English cities. The same year, construction began on Manchester’s answer to the Empire State Building, Beetham tower. This impressive building houses commercial spaces, homes for city dwellers and a luxury hotel, and towers 554 feet above the red brick industrial buildings of the city below. When it was built, Beetham Tower became the tallest building in the United Kingdom outside London and the first to reach a height of over 150 m (490 ft), making it also the first official skyscraper outside London.[2] In 2018, Deansgate Square South Tower became the only skyscraper in the United Kingdom outside London to reach a height of over 200 m (660 ft). The best part of the tower is the views enjoyed from inside the building, where 82 miles away, Snowdonia can be seen on a clear day. Visitors can take in the sights of Manchester and beyond from a window seat at Cloud23, Manchester’s luxury sky bar on the 23rd floor.
9. Old Trafford
The largest club football stadium in the UK, Old Trafford stadium a.k.a. "The Theatre of Dreams", has been home to Manchester United since 1910. A short tram ride from the centre of Manchester, the ground is just over the river from Salford’s MediaCity. Currently able to host 74,310 football fans, the record attendance for a match at Old Trafford was in 1939 at 76,962 people when it had standing space.
10. Etihad Stadium
Where Old Trafford is a reminder of the history and legacy of football in Manchester, Etihad Stadium brings it right into the 21st century. Built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Etihad seats 53,400 people for football matches, or 60,000 for live concerts. Recent performances at the stadium include the Spice Girls reunion tour in 2019, Stone Roses in 2016 and Liam Gallagher in 2022. Etihad Stadium is the centrepiece of the region of Manchester known as SportCity, with other buildings including a velodrome, the UK’s only permanent indoor BMX track and the National Squash Centre.
11. Manchester Arena
Conveniently attached to Victoria Station, Manchester Arena is the place to see the big names of entertainment in the North West. With a seating capacity of 21,000, the arena has the highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the UK, bringing sell-out shows from huge international acts like Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar and Five. The venue will host one of the most talked about comeback tours of recent times, Mr Manchester himself Peter Kay will perform 40 dates at the Arena between 22nd September 2023 and 25th July 2025.
In 2017, 22 people lost their lives as a result of a terrorist attack at the Arena during an Ariana Grande concert. Manchester Arena closed its doors for 4 months, reopening on 9 September 2017, with a benefit concert featuring Noel Gallagher and other acts associated with North West England, including Courteeners and Blossoms, 1980s pop star Rick Astley, and poet Tony Walsh.
12. Midland Hotel
Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A triumph of eclectic Edwardian baroque architecture, the grand 326-roomed Midland Hotel is one of the jewels on the crown of Victorian buildings in Manchester. Situated opposite the aforementioned Manchester Library, this red brick behemoth opened in 1903 to serve Manchester Central railway station (now a convention centre formerly known as GMEX) its northern terminus for its rail services to London St Pancras. The hotel has gained some legendary notoriety, as the place where Rolls met Royce, Hitler’s favourite hotel in the UK (allegedly) and the place where The Beatles were denied access for being "inappropriately dressed". It's also home to award winning restaurant The French, which we'd say is the best way to visit the building.
13. Manchester Opera House
From Phantom of the Opera, to Friday night bingo, Manchester Opera House has been bringing together entertainment lovers since 1912. Seating 1,920 people, the most famous theatre in Manchester hosts tours from some of the most popular musicals and shows in the world, while still feeling intimate and comfortable. If you fancy seeing a show in Manchester this year, you can catch The Official RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series Four Tour, The SpongeBob Musical or the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime in December at the Opera House.
14. Castlefield
It’s more of a location than a landmark, but well worth a peruse for lovers of Manchester's industrial history. Repeatedly used as the backdrop for the hit BBC series Peaky Blinders, this part of Manchester features rows of cobbled streets, red brick railway arches with sturdy steel frameworks and a canal basin with moored residential barges. Although most of the architecture of Castlefield is from the Victorian era, it isn’t the oldest landmark in the area. Visitors will be able to visit the restored Mamucium, a former Roman fort founded c. AD 79. The area is particularly nice during the Summer (aka the 3 and a half days of sunshine we get a year) where people can enjoy the green space around the Roman ruins, grab a cocktail from one of the outdoor bars in the converted cotton mills around the canal, or go to a concert at Castlefield Bowl open arena with their annual Sounds of the City shows.
15. The Printworks
Only in Manchester could you find an 1800s former newspaper printer converted into an entertainment venue packed with bars, restaurants and a cinema. After laying dormant for 15 years since closing as a printing press in 1985, The Printworks opened its doors in the new millennium after redevelopment following the 1996 IRA bombing. It’s a place to enjoy with your family with eateries like Frankie and Bennys and a 23 screen cinema, but you can also let your hair down at the weekend with live oompah bands at Bierkeller and cocktails until 4am at Cargo. One of our favourite Manchester fun facts - there are even bee hives and chickens on top of the Printworks!
16. Gay Village
Did you know Manchester is home to Europe’s most successful gay village? Centred around the infamous Canal Street, this pedestrianised area is lined with gay bars and clubs making it one of the most fun and vibrant places to visit in Manchester. With its history in hosting drag shows during World War II (at the Union Pub, still standing at the Princess Street end of Canal Street) the Village offers a warm welcome for everyone; boys or girls, gay or straight, and anyone in between. Although it’s known for offering one of the best nights out in town, it’s also another great spot during a rare sunny day, where visitors can sit at one of the bars that offer outdoor seating (or at the open windows of those who don’t) and people watch while enjoying a cold drink and a friendly atmosphere.
17. Piccadilly Station
Opening as Store Street station in 1842, Manchester Piccadilly Station is the hub for train travel to and from Manchester centre. Expanded and renovated over 180 years, it serves as the starting point for long-distance journeys departing from Manchester, transporting travellers as far as London, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Cardiff. Made up of 14 platforms, 2 tram stops and a large glass and steel train shed roof, several future proposals are planned to expand the busy train station, including the Northern Hub, High Speed 2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail projects.
18. Afflecks
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David Dixon / Afflecks and the Tib Street Horn 2012
A truly unique building, Afflecks has been the number one place for independent shopping in Greater Manchester since 1982, Afflecks has been where The Manchester Shop has called home since we opened 5 years ago! Formerly known as Affleck & Brown and then Affleck’s Palace, the red brick building was previously a department store in the 1860s, stocking high-quality dressmaking materials and even providing a furrier. Afflecks has established its reputation as an expansive eclectic indoor marketplace, spanning over 4 floors with 70 different traders, offering stall holders the opportunity to start out with affordable rent and no long-term contracts. Afflecks experienced a big boom in trade during the late ‘80s / early ‘90s when the Madchester scene was “‘avin’ it large” all over the city and ravers flocked to the stalls to get their baggy pants and tie-dye tees. The atmosphere in Afflecks hasn’t changed much since then, make sure you pop in to see us when you’re planning your visit to Manchester!
19. Royal Exchange Theatre
With an average of 350 performances a year, the Royal Exchange Theatre is a contemporary stage and structure built within a Victorian landmark. Founded in 1976, the theatre is a unique and intimate 800-seat steel and glass module, a large pod that looks like something from space, located in the grand central hall of the Royal Exchange building. Key productions at the Royal Exchange include Miss Julie with Maxine Peake, The Last Days of Troy by Simon Armitage and Your Home in the West, a World premiere starring Andy Serkis in 1991.
20. People's History Museum
A modern monument to Manchester’s history of socialism and democracy, the People’s History Museum is the UK's national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation and study of material relating to the history of working people in the UK. A former hydraulic pumping station, the history of the museum began in London, before relocating to its new home in Manchester in 1990. By documenting working people's lives at home, work and leisure in the UK over the last 200 years, the collection at the museum is vast, including 2,000 campaign posters, 300 political cartoons, 7,000 trade union badges and tokens, as well as 95,000 photographs and the largest banner collection in the world.
21. Chinatown
Nestled between the central hotspot of Piccadilly and the cultural hive around Oxford Road is Manchester’s Chinatown. One of the largest Chinese communities outside mainland China, the area has grown since the opening of Manchester's first Chinese restaurant, Ping Hong, on Oxford Street in 1948. Visitors will be treated to a fantastic decorated paifang archway on Faulkner Street, bakeries with tasty treats and shops filled with cute and kawaii gifts. Why not visit at Chinese New Year, where you can see a traditional dragon parade, enjoy the illuminated night dragon performance or stroll among the expanded food and gift stalls across Chinatown and Piccadilly Gardens.
22. Salford Lads Club
Do you love Manchester music or REALLY love Manchester music?! For the fans who prefer to do more of a deep dive, Salford Lads Club is a must-see. Afterall, where else are you going to get a picture of you recreating the iconic Smiths photo?! The band stood in front of the red brick building’s green doors for a picture that was later used on the inner sleeve of their album The Queen Is Dead and was accepted into the National Portrait Gallery in 2008. Visitor open days (where you can view their Smiths room) take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11am to 2pm. No need to book – just turn up!
23. Palace Theatre
Originally known as "the Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street", the Palace Theatre has been providing entertainment on its stage since it opened on 18th May 1891. One of the largest and best-equipped theatres outside London, it hosts hundreds of performances every year from a variety of artists, including major musicals, stand-up comedians and classical musicians. The building has survived a direct hit from a German bomb during the Manchester Blitz plus multiple threats of closure due to declining audience numbers. However, with the annual Manchester International Festival showcasing performances at the theatre and huge musicals like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mamma Mia! coming to Manchester, the Palace doesn’t show any signs of closing its curtains anytime soon.
24. St. Peter's Square
While it might not be as famous as its namesake in the Vatican, St. Peter's Square in Manchester is one of the most well-known spaces in the city and has made its own mark in history. Once known as St Peter's Field, it was the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, where eighteen individuals lost their lives, and an estimated 400-700 others suffered injuries as the cavalry charged into the crowd of 60,000 demanding parliamentary representation reform. The site today is divided into two halves by the St. Peter’s Square tram stop. One half features the iconic Manchester library and Town Hall, the other half moving the area into the future with glass-fronted office buildings. Interested in Manchester’s history with the Suffragette movement? A statue of Emmeline Pankhurst was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square on 14th December 2018 to commemorate 100 years since women were first allowed to vote in United Kingdom general elections. The square is also the location of the Cenotaph, which was erected as a memorial to the First World War. Since then, additional memorials for subsequent wars were built around it. The memorial was built in 1924, and it continues to serve as the focal point of commemorative activities in Manchester up to this day.
25. Victoria Station
Victoria Station stands as Manchester's vital gateway to the North, connecting commuters from Yorkshire, the North East, and Cumbria to this vibrant city. A historical gem, this station boasts a rich heritage, dating back to the 1840s when it first welcomed passengers. Adorned with exquisite architectural nuances from the early 1900s, Victoria Station serves as a testament to the city's past while forging the path towards a dynamic future.
During the industrial revolution, the station's inception aimed to knit Manchester tightly with the bustling cities of Leeds and Liverpool. Today, it stands as a bustling hub that not only preserves its historical significance but also serves as a bustling focal point for modern travel and exploration.
As you step out of Victoria Station, a world of excitement awaits! Engulf yourself in electrifying events at the iconic Manchester Arena or delve into the rich history of football at the National Football Museum. For shopping enthusiasts, the Arndale Centre offers an eclectic mix of retail therapy, while the Corn Exchange beckons with a delightful array of dining experiences, catering to every palate.
26. Albert Square
If you love the Victorian gothic architecture Manchester has to offer, Albert Square is a must visit. Dominated by the beautiful town hall and lined with cobbles, it’s a go to spot to see what the city might have looked like during the industrial revolution. The square is also home to other monuments and statues, including a fountain erected for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (1897) and a large Prince Albert Memorial, featuring a marble statue of the Prince Consort standing on a plinth. There are a few bars with outdoor seating opposite the town hall, if you happen to be lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, this makes prime seating for enjoying a drink and some people-watching.
27. St. Ann's Church
In the early 1700s, when Manchester was a small rural town with many fields and timber-framed houses (hard to imagine now!) St. Ann’s Church was built in a cornfield. You can visit this church today, but instead of being surrounded by greenery, there is now a McDonald’s and Starbucks! Luckily this beautiful Grade I listed building is still standing and is still active with regular services and an annual Bach festival. It looks particularly wonderful at Christmas time, when the Christmas Markets are taking place in St. Ann’s Square and the church looks bright and festive.
28. Granada Studios
If you love northern soap operas as much as we do, you’ll know the infamous filming location of everyone’s favourite, Coronation Street - Granada Studios! Opening in 1956 as The Manchester Studios, legendary broadcasts from Granada include The Beatles’ first television performance in 1962, the first general election debate in 2010 and thousands of episodes of Corrie, the world's longest-running television soap opera. Granada played a significant role in broadcasting the first live football match on independent television. In 1957, it beamed the European Cup semi-final to the homes of its new customers, making history in the world of sports broadcasting.
29. Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
Head down to the aforementioned St. Peter’s Square and you might find a 2 1⁄2 metre bronze statue of a woman wearing a fancy hat. This is political activist, leader of the suffragette movement and iconic Mancunian Emmeline Pankhurst. Commissioned by the WoManchester Statue Project, the statue was sculpted by Hazel Reeves and unveiled on 14 December 2018, the centenary of the 1918 United Kingdom general election, the first election in the United Kingdom in which women over the age of 30 could vote. As well as the significance of the anniversary, the statue is also the first sculpture of a woman since a statue of Queen Victoria was dedicated more than 100 years ago.
Love everything Emmeline? Our Womanchester collection donates 15% of sales to the Pankhurst Trust.
30. Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Slightly outside of Manchester's centre at 84 Plymouth Grove, you’ll find a large neoclassical villa once the home of Elizabeth Gaskell. Writer of classic novels such as Mary Barton and Cranford, and visitors to Gaskell’s home included Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte. Although the Grade II status of the building meant it couldn’t be demolished, the property fell into disrepair after the last of the Gaskell family died in 1913. It wasn’t until 2009 when restoration work began to be recreated as an authentic-looking Victorian home, with a number of rooms and performance spaces dedicated to educational work, literary and community events. It's a good place to visit to learn about the history of Gaskell, one of the most important historical figures of Mancunian literature. Thinking of tying the knot? Fans of Victorian classics can even get married at Elizabeth Gaskell’s house!
31. Alan Turing Memorial
One of the greener corners of Manchester’s gay village is Sackville Gardens, where you’ll find what looks like a bronze figure sitting on a bench. One of many monuments in Manchester, this is a sculpture of a pioneer of modern computing and gay icon, Alan Turing. An honorary Mancunian, Turing helped to develop the world's first stored-program computer at the University of Manchester in 1948. A plaque at the foot of the sculpture reads "Father of Computer Science, Mathematician, Logician, Wartime Codebreaker, Victim of Prejudice" Visit around June 23rd and you’ll see the statue adorned with flowers left by admirers to mark his birthday.
32. The Corn Exchange
Opened in 1903 and used to actually trade corn (not anymore,) the Corn Exchange is another one of Mannchester’s beloved Victorian buildings. Located in Exchange Square, the triangular building is currently surrounded by the Arndale market and luxury department stores, making it the perfect place for shoppers to unwind and grab a bite to eat at one of the 17 restaurants there. A light and airy building with glass frontage that’s perfect for people-watching, you can also sit outside and enjoy a cocktail while watching the world go by.
33. The Great Northern Warehouse
A former railway goods warehouse, the construction of the Great Northern building was completed in 1899 and renovated 100 years later to house a large and popular leisure complex. During the industrial revolution, the building built with 25 million bricks could hold up to 650 goods wagons and employed over 800 people. Now Mancunians and visitors to the city can enjoy a trip to the pictures at Odeon, play a few slots at the casino or grab a tasty bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. It’s also a great place to park for those who need access to Deansgate, St. Peter’s Square or Castlefield.
34. Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
In true Manchester fashion, this red brick structure is another example of “built during the industrial revolution and now it’s something else.” It goes without saying though, that the former Refuge Assurance Company building is the jewel in the crown of our many Victorian-era architectural constructions. With an ornate terracotta facade and 217 foot eclectic baroque clock tower, it’s as impressive on the inside as on the outside. Once the offices for an insurance company employing 2000 people, visitors can now relax in luxury where workers once laboured away in an enormous business hall. It sounded like it wasn’t all work and no play at Refuge though; the ballroom in the basement was used as a dance hall for workers in their lunch hour.
The building has been renovated four times since opening in 1895, and is currently run by Kimpton who have cleverly kept a lot of the wonderful original features while tastefully modernising the interiors, making it a popular location for weddings and events. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a range of quirky amenities, including a music concierge, who will arrange for a record player and curated selection of vinyl (provided by iconic Manchester record shop Clampdown) to be set up in your room so you can listen to the music of Manchester during your stay.
35. The Old Wellington
Tucked behind the Victorian Corn Exchange and facing the modern glass luxury department stores, you’ll find The Old Wellington Inn, a pub built in 1552. With it’s Tudor style black and white timber front, the building was originally a drapers and was also "Ye Olde Fyshing Tackle Shoppe" before becoming a pub in 1830. As with most buildings in the Exchange Square area, it was unfortunately damaged in the 1996 Manchester Bombing. The decision was made to dismantle and rebuild the pub, as well as it’s neighbour Sinclair's Oyster Bar. For anyone who wants an “iconic British pub” experience in Manchester city centre, the Old Wellington is the place to go. Enjoy one of the city’s oldest buildings in their large beer garden where you can admire the ancient architecture or people watch busy commuters and serious shoppers.
36. Sinclair's Oyster Bar
An extension to the aforementioned Old Wellington built in the 18th century, this building was originally home to a Punch House, where strong alcoholic punch was sold. After a few changes of hand, oysters were being sold from what was then known as Sinclairs in 1845, and has kept that name (and the selling of oysters) since then. Keeping its old-school traditions, visitors are asked not to use their phones in the pub, and it has no online presence whatsoever. But as a compromise you can expect one of the cheapest pints in the city and a space that is well known by Mancunians as being a notorious sun trap. During the rare days when the temperatures rise in the city, sitting outside Sinclair’s is one of the finest places to be.
37. Market Street
Whether you’re a born-and-bred Mancunian or a one-time visitor to the city centre, chances are you’ve been down Market Street. Lined with the high-street stores you’ll be familiar with from any major UK destination, it’s the busiest space for foot traffic in the city, soundtracked by frequent buskers and street performers with thousands of commuters and shoppers passing by every day. From Piccadilly Gardens you can pass by the tram stops and large Primark, find the Arndale centre where you can buy anything and everything and end up heading towards St. Ann’s Square or Exchange Square and onwards to Deansgate and Castlefield.
38. Free Trade Hall
In the 1800s, Manchester’s Free Trade Hall was a venue for public meetings and political speeches, with speakers such as Christabel Pankhurst, Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the same stage was part of music history for two momentous occasions - Bob Dylan is heckled “Judas!” for going electric and the icons of the Manchester music scene attend a Sex Pistols gig, including Morrissey and Marr, Ian Curtis, Mark E. Smith, Pete Shelley and Mick Hucknell. The palazzo-style building opened in 1856 and is adorned with a plaque recording that it was built on the site of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. Today, the Free Trade Hall is one of the luxury Radisson hotels which offers a spa and pool as well as being a popular location for weddings and events. Strange to think you could be enjoying an aromatherapy massage under the same roof that Johnny Rotten screamed “I am an antichrist” in 1976.
39. The Bridgewater Hall
Since 1858 the Hallé Orchestra called the aforementioned Free Trade Hall their home, but the poor acoustics and outdated audience facilities meant the venue was not doing justice Manchester’s orchestra deserved. In 1996 the Bridgewater Hall was opened. Now hosting over 250 performances a year including 70 from the Halle, spoken word sets, popular musicians and Christmas concerts, the concert hall is also the primary concert venue for the BBC Philharmonic orchestra. The building is very different from the Victorian architecture Manchester is known for (what with it being about 100 years younger,) constructed from reinforced concrete and glass like a large angular sculpture. The hall itself seats 2,400 and has a large pipe organ at the back of the stage featuring 5,500 pipes! At the time of construction, the organ was the largest instrument to be installed in the UK for a century.
40. Victoria Baths
Head just outside Manchester city centre to Hathersage Road and you’ll find another one of Manchester’s architectural delights from the turn of the 20th century. You might think the classic red brick and terracotta exterior of Victoria Baths is the best bit, but once you see inside, you’ll think again! The building has been beautifully restored to make the original features sparkle, including vibrant green gloss tiles, colourful and intricate stained glass and preserved mosaic art. Opened in 1906, Victoria Baths offered the people of Manchester spacious and extensive facilities for swimming, bathing, and leisure. Cherished by all who frequented its halls, this iconic building became a beloved landmark, etching itself in the hearts of its patrons. From refreshing swims to blissful leisure, Victoria Baths earned a special place in the affection of the community it so faithfully served.
If you’re not lucky enough to attend a wedding at Victoria Baths (it’s become a very popular location since its restoration in 2007) then you can book a private tour or head down for one of their Welcome Wednesday events.
41. FAC 251 Factory Manchester
When The Haçienda nightclub closed its doors in 1997, it created a massive rave-shaped hole in the nightlife scene of Manchester. There was the Warehouse Project, but was it really continuing the legacy left by Tony Wilson?
Back in early 2010, Peter Hook (bassist for Joy Division and New Order), alongside the Haçienda's original interior designer Ben Kelly (responsible for the black and yellow “hazard” look synonymous with Factory) and British audio specialists Funktion-One, breathed new life into FAC 251 (the former Factory Records headquarters on Charles Street), transforming it into a vibrant nightclub. While the club retains its original name, FAC 251, it has affectionately earned the nickname "Factory" among the people who frequent its lively halls. Thanks to this remarkable renovation, the spirit of the iconic Factory Records lives on, welcoming party-goers to groove and celebrate in its hallowed spaces.
42. Sackville Gardens
As much as we love our city centre, green space is quite rare. If you’re looking for a small slice of nature among the city bustle, Sackville Gardens might be the place to go. Nestled between the Gay Village and university campus buildings, the gardens are lined with lawn and trees that provide a much-needed boost of green among the brick and concrete. Here you’ll also find the Alan Turing statue and the Beacon of Hope, the UK's only permanent memorial for people living with HIV or AIDS and lives lost to it. The park is the location of a candlelit vigil twice a year, as the closing event of the Manchester Pride LGBT celebration weekend and to mark World AIDS Day in December.
If you want to see the best bits of Manchester by foot, then a walking tour is the way to do it! Luckily for you, a daily free guided tour around the city sets off from Sackville Gardens every day which is a great way to learn all the facts about Manchester you could ever dream of.
Gone But Not Forgotten Manchester Landmarks
43. The Haçienda
Back in 1982, the Haçienda emerged as the ultimate spot to catch the hottest rising Mancunian bands and artists, including The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Oasis, and The Stone Roses, to name a few. Its legendary stage also witnessed unforgettable performances, like Madonna's first live concert in the UK and the boundary-pushing German act, Einstürzende Neubauten.
Pioneering the house music scene in the UK, the Haçienda's house night "Nude" became an instant hit, drawing crowds every night by 1987. The following year, they introduced the acid house night "Hot," giving birth to the Madchester scene. Unfortunately, with inadequate security and the club's architecture, drug use spiralled out of control, impacting the Haçienda's finances, and ultimately leading to its closure in 1997.
Though its doors have closed, the Haçienda remains an unforgettable chapter in the history of music and Manchester's vibrant cultural scene.
44. The Boardwalk
It’s not just the Haçienda that can be credited as the top venue for Manchester music history. Oasis played their first gig on 14 August 1991 at the Boardwalk club in Manchester, bottom of the bill below the Catchmen and Sweet Jesus, and the band went on to play seven more gigs there during their early years. The stage was graced by other Mancunian legends in its 23 year history including James and Happy Mondays as well as huge international acts like Sonic Youth and Rage Against the Machine. The former club on Little Peter Street is now home to “modern city apartments,” but a blue plaque marks the spot where Manchester music history was made, featuring an acid house smiley face.
45. Assize Courts
As we’ve outlined here, Manchester has its fair share of beautiful 1800s-era buildings, still going strong today. One of the city’s most widely admired buildings was Assize Courts in Strangeways. Referred to as one of Britain’s lost buildings, it was demolished in 1957 after it was damaged during the Manchester Blitz wartime bombing. A Venetian-gothic structure featuring sculptures and carvings depicting different punishments throughout history, some of the artwork still remains at Manchester Crown Court. When you visit the site of the former Assize Court today, you'll discover a brand new building seamlessly attached to the front of the historic Victorian Strangeways Prison. The striking combination of old and new creates a captivating sight that showcases the evolution of the location's architectural heritage.
46. Botanical Gardens and Palm House
The Botanical Gardens at Old Trafford, once the site of the Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition, were renowned for their beauty and meticulously cared-for flowers, providing a tranquil haven for both locals and visitors. Despite its initial success, financial difficulties arose in the 1880s, and interest in the gardens declined by the end of the 19th century. Although Manchester lacks a dedicated botanical garden (we are lucky to be able to visit the newly opened RHS Bridgewater in nearby Salford), the cherished memories of the Old Trafford Gardens have sparked a desire to see their revival. Today, the entrance to the historic gardens has been preserved on Chester Road, serving as a poignant reminder of the lush greenery that once graced the area, while the site transformed into White City Retail Park, taking on a new form.
47. The Hippodrome
The Manchester Hippodrome on Oxford Road, with a rich and vibrant history dating back to its construction in 1901, has played a significant role in the city's theatrical landscape. Originally designed as a circus and variety theatre, it later transformed into a cinema, captivating audiences with diverse performances and entertainment. Over the years, it hosted a plethora of acts and events, becoming a beloved venue for Manchester's residents and visitors alike. However, with the changing tides of time and the decline of the music hall industry, the Hippodrome faced financial challenges and eventually closed its doors. After demolition in 1935, the theatre was replaced by Gaumont cinema which later became Rotters nightclub, a venue which comes with its own stories and legends!
Brand Spanking New Manchester Landmarks
48. Factory International
If you find yourself wandering around the Science and Industry Museum area of Castlefield, you might come across what looks like a huge 3D geometric sculpture. This is Factory International, a unique cultural space built on the former site of Granada Studios to host the Manchester International Festival. Its debut year in 2023 saw the showing of the incredibly successful Yayoi Kusama art exhibition “You, Me and the Balloons.” The enormous 13,300m² warehouse-style space inside will enable the commissioning of large-scale and intimate work across different art forms, including dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, popular culture and digital work, plus major exhibitions and concerts.
49. Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park
Castlefield was already one of the favourite places for Mancunians and visitors to spend a day wandering around the canal, the Roman ruins and the waterside bars and restaurants. But now we have a secret garden to enjoy too! On top of a disused steel and brick viaduct is Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park, a National Trust site that opened in July 2022, a gorgeous green space for city dwellers. The site includes bee-friendly wildflowers for our favourite pollinators and a section of the viaduct has been left untouched to provide a sense of how nature has reclaimed the space since its closure in the late 1960s. Initially temporary, National Trust announced it will be open to visitors until at least November 2024 due to a successful first year.
50. Mayfield Park
Manchester’s first public park in over 100 years opened in September 2022. In an area which was previously a disused former railway station and an industrial site near Piccadilly train station, the completely derelict space was transformed into a park with a children’s play area, green spaces and water features. The park has been praised as being an “urban oasis” by those who live and work in the city centre that crave natural environments which are lacking in the area. It’s perfect for walking the dog, going for a jog or getting some headspace on your lunch break.