The world is bigger than we could ever possibly imagine, and it’s scary to think we will never even scratch the surface in this lifetime. Even if we do travel to the same places, we see the world through different eyes, creating a unique experience. As I dive head first into travel, I am inspired by each of your adventures and am starting Sonderlust Secrets as a series showcasing this. Interested in being featured?
5 Manchester hotspots you have to see
Living in Manchester was great. It’s one of the biggest cultural hubs in the UK after London. Manchester used to be an industrial city and its history is still visible today. Large red-bricked warehouses fill the city and the Victorian, Neo-gothic Town Hall in the centre of the city is simply breath-taking. For those who love a cities with a rich history, Manchester is the absolute best.
1. Deansgate
Deansgate is the main road running straight through the centre of Manchester. At the very beginning, near the metro and train station ‘Deansgate‘ the old Manchester is clearly visible. Canals and old bridges intertwining, combined with the red warehouses. The railway station was first opened in 1849 and later rebuild in 1896. Walking along the canals underneath the massive steal bridges transports you back in time, especially on a hazy morning.
2. Manchester Museum
Not far from Deansgate you’ll find Oxford road, Manchester’s University hub, dating back to 1824. Not only are the building an impressive sight to see, one of those houses the Manchester University Museum. This museum started back in 1821 when the collection of John Leigh Philips was bought.
As far as museums go, this really is a classic beauty, large wooden displays, stuffed animals and an eclectic collection of archaeological finds such as mummies, Egyptian treasure, Celtic coins, Roman inscriptions, dinosaur bones, and a gigantic mammoth skeleton. The gigantic wooden staircase just adds to the feeling. It’s a must visit and a fun museum that just feels3. John Ryland library
So you’re on your way towards the town centre, walking down Deansgate road and you will be passing by the John Ryland library. It’s crammed between more modern looking buildings and the entrance is around the corner. You almost miss this beauty if you’re not careful.
Once you go in, you take the stairs and enter this old massive building that looks like it was décor in the Harry Potter movies. It’s a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building that opened to the public in 1900. The arches in the building are just to die for, so are all the old books. Especially noteworthy is the long reading room, with two stories and a lot of places to sit, read, work or just admire the view. If you’re a lover of books and old building this is one you should not miss.4. Northern Quarter
When heading towards Manchester’s central station you’ll pass the Northern Quarter. To be fair, it’s slightly hidden and it took me a while to discover. But once you know it’s there it’s hard to miss and pretty amazing.
The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s bohemian, indie and cultural centre full of amazing little independent shops. It’s a famous art and music scene. And if you’re looking for a place to find inspiration, this really is the place.
Manchester’s industrial past really comes back to life. Large factories turned into cultural centres, art galleries, cafes on every street corner, vegans and gluten free people will be in heaven there and the chai lattes are to die for. Vintage is alive here.
Notable are Afflecks Palace that just breathes vintage, Fred Aldous where you can find everything for any form of art, The Real Camera Company which is completely stuffed with vintage cameras, and of course the Junk Shop, where you will enter vintage heaven.
Be warned once you enter the Northern Quarter, you’ll never want to leave.5. Christmas Markets
Every year from around 14 November to 21 December Manchester Albert Square in front of the Town Hall is the hub of Christmas festivities. All through Manchester you’ll find the Christmas markets. Little wooden stalls selling food, gifts and everything else you can think off. There is enough glühwein and warm food to go around and you won’t leave the markets empty handed or hungry. Even if you’re not looking to buy Christmas gifts or decorations, it’s an event you just cannot miss. Especially at night the markets are plain magical and they light up the town hall as well.
Have you been to Manchester? What are your favourite places when you’re there? We’d love to hear from you.
To make travelling to Manchester even more fun, download your free Manchester hotspot checklist so you won’t miss anything! Download it here.
Stephanie is a freelance copywriter, blogger, lover of science fiction, book nerd and an avid traveller living in the Netherlands, blogging on Luthien.org and running a business on Stephaniedegeus.nl. She wants to inspire people to live the life they love and believes you can do anything when you set your mind to it. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.