A COOL CITY WHERE LIBRARIES TOP THE TO-DO LISTS

Manchester, like Norwich, was a city that sparked a “Why?” from many Brits when I told them I was going. I’m really not sure why because Manchester is really cool - the kind of city that’s clearly developed and moved with the times in the last 20 years. Maybe Brits are just extremely spoiled by the wealth of amazing places to go throughout the country.

Manchester was the world’s first industrial city - a former textile manufacturing hub. You can see this history in the city - from the grandeur of the wealthy class’ construction from that era, to the newly repurposed abandoned warehouses, to the creative and quirky neighborhoods just starting to shine on their own. The city’s rise, decline, and rise again can be felt throughout - and it imbues Manchester with a vibrant, creative energy.

Manchester may be most famous now globally for football (soccer ) - and it’s certainly a powerful force there - but Manchester is so much more. It’s an underrated gem that I’m certain I’ll return to.

ADMIRE THE OLD GRANDEUR

Around the train station, Gay Village, and the University of Manchester, Manchester abounds in 4-5 story red brick buildings that are just beautiful. I found myself regularly coming back to this section of the city to admire the architecture - which is stately and distinctive. A sign of moneyed eras past.

While it was closed when I was there for renovation, the most famous piece of Manchester grandeur is the City Council building in Albert Square. It reopens in 2024 - and I hope to return to see it.

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARIES

What excited me most about heading to Manchester was that three of its libraries made the to-do lists when I was looking at where to explore; it’s the first city I’ve seen something like this.

• John Rynalds Library is usually in the top three of any to-do list; it’s a free late-Victorian neo-Gothic library that is just stunning. Its most famous section is an expansive, ornate reading room that is still active and you can use.

• Chetham’s Library is the oldest still-in-use library in the UK and is open for public tours. I didn’t get the chance to check it out but the pictures look amazing.

• The Manchester Public Library is a beautiful building in the center of town; to be honest, though, I found the interior a bit unremarkable.

The John Rynalds library also hosts free exhibitions. When I was there, they had one on Dante’s Inferno that was really interesting.

EXPLORE THE RESURGENCE OF A MODERN MANCHESTER

Manchester is just cool to walk around. My favorite sections to explore were:

• The outskirts of the Central Retail District near Piccadilly Gardens where street vendors set up shop and you’re apt to see a street performer.

• The Northern Quarter, which is bustling with creative energy and odd businesses. Check out the Manchester Craft and Design Centre for stalls of local artists and, if you’re lucky, a crafting event you can join.

• The Canal District and Deansgate, which feels newly built up, repurposed, and expanding. This area alternates between feeling chic and modern, and feeling like history reborn. It’s a fun, compelling area of the city to explore.

I was told Manchester has rapidly expanded in the last 20 years, and from the construction I saw while there I’m under the impression it still is. I expect that this is a city that will continue to evolve and grow, and will look and feel a bit different next time I’m there. I always think places in the midst of growth and change are the most exciting.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Manchester is the UK’s second largest city - though it’s essentially a tie with Birmingham. So, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. Here are some of the most common:

• Football Stadiums and Museums: Manchester is home to two major football (soccer) teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as the (UK) National Football Hall of Fame. Football fans usually head to Old Trafford for the Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour, as well as to the National Football Hall of Fame. You can also head to the Manchester City Stadium. Because my budget was so thin in Manchester, I did none of these, even though I am a fan.

• Go to a Museum: If you’re in a museum mood, there are several that are usually recommended. The Manchester Art Gallery is free and interestingly curated; it’s a public museum and they take input from the community about how to set up displays. The result is a museum that is introspective and self-referential throughout its exhibits. Other common go-tos are the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Museum.

• Head to Heaton Park: A bit outside of the city core, Heaton Park is one of Britain’s largest city parks, and is split into many attraction zones - including an animal park. It was raining the entire time I was in Manchester, so I largely stuck to indoor attractions and didn’t get to see it.

• Check out the Manchester Cathedral: Manchester has a large gothic cathedral dating back to the 15th century. It’s largely unremarkable, I think, except for its stain glass windows - which are abstract colorful designs instead of religious scenes.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you could also take a day trip to the Lake Districts National Park.