Manchester is certainly not short of well-known tourist and visitor attractions - the Science and Industry Museum, the John Rylands Library and the National Football Museum to name but three - but the city also has its fair share of hidden gems which you have to be somewhat in the local know to discover.
From cool bars which disguise themselves from the outside as more mundane establishments to green havens located amid industrial sprawl and from quirky museums to historic buildings tucked away down side streets, Manchester has loads for visitors keen to get off the beaten track a bit to discover.
There was certainly no shortage of candidates which could have made this list, from a veritable index of Northern Quarter watering holes with concealed entrances and off-the-wall themes to cult Manchester institutions such as The Temple (a bar inside what used to be a subterranean loo) to alternative venues like the tiny Three Minute Theatre (or 3MT) tucked into a ground-floor corner of Afflecks.
But this is a list of 11 places ManchesterWorld feels have been somewhat overlooked and which range from the city’s very earliest beginnings way back in ancient history to firmly contemporary venues and hobbies.
5. Vimto Park
Near The University of Manchester is this small green space in which you might spot the playful and quirky sculpture of a Vimto bottle, in honour of the soft drink’s association with the city. Photo: Google Photo: Google
6. Chetham’s Library and Medieval Buildings
Thousands of people walk past Chetham’s School of Music every day, but fewer are aware that the complex boasts this stunning library and medieval buildings over 600 years old which are available to book tours to see. Photo: Sara Porter Photo: Sara Porter
7. Goodtime Games
Board games have exploded in popularity in recent years, and if you’re the sort of person who knows your meeples from your Monopoly then you should head to this excellent cafe in Didsbury and strategise to your heart’s content with their massive selection of board games over a coffee and panini. Photo: Google Photo: Google
8. Hat Works Museum
Stockport was once home to a thriving hat-making industry, and on two floors of a listed 19th century mill exhibitions take visitors through this chapter of history. Photo: Google Photo: Google