Previously, I had listed out my 5 must-do’s in Cambridge, and now I’m back with a similar post, but this time, I’m taking you on a journey to Manchester. Without further ado, here are 5 must-do’s in Manchester.

Old Trafford

Nowadays, when you hear “Manchester”, you immediately think of the football team. Therefore, the number one thing to do in this city is to visit the stadium. Even for those who aren’t die-hard fans of the sport or the team (such as myself), the visit is worth it. You can either just visit the outside of the stadium or you can book yourself a full tour inside the museum. The tour includes a stroll through the museum as well. If opting for the tour, remember to book your tickets online as it is cheaper. Without tour tickets, you cannot enter inside the stadium however, you can enter the Red Café, where I recommend getting the hot chocolate!

John Rylands Library

For all the bookworms out there, who’d like to get a glimpse of what Hogwarts would feel like, head over to John Rylands! It’s a place not just for book lovers but also for all those who admire Victorian and neo-gothic structures. So popular is this library, that they have designated Instagram spots. Social media aside, they also have a lot of special books and manuscripts on display and is truly a sight to behold.

Manchester Cathedral

The Manchester Cathedral is again an amazing piece of medieval architecture located in the centre of the city. Most of the church was severely damaged during the Manchester Blitz. Thus, most of what you see today was put up as part of the restoration process.

Central Perk

For all those who are fans of the TV show FRIENDS, the Central Perk cafe is a must-visit! Located inside the Primark store found in the city centre (Market Street), the cafe is a replica of that which appears on the show. You can go in for a cup of coffee or you can sit outside on the famous orange sofa and take your pictures.

Media City UK

Located near the canal, this area spans out for about 200 acres and houses broadcasting companies and a part of the University of Salford. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect spot to sit by the waters and have a snack/drink. There are several tours offered by BBC that allow visitors to tour the buildings.

After a tour of all these amazing spots, I’d recommend coming back to the city centre as it is quite lively. I was lucky enough to have visited Manchester during their “International Festival”. As a result, there were many street-food stalls, ice cream trucks, a drinks tent and a stage where there was live music.

Overall, it was a beautiful city and a good option for those looking for a weekend getaway to explore other cities in the UK.