My Manchester bucket list: 13 things to do before I leave

As excited as I am at the prospect of moving back to Germany and exploring Düsseldorf and the Rhineland, I am going to miss Manchester hugely.

I moved here in 2008, but it’s only really been in the last 18 months I feel I’ve started to make the most of what Manchester has to offer and get to know the city. As I’ve mentioned before, starting this blog has helped me to see the city in a different light and pushed me to explore parts of the city I’d never seen before.

But I still have a few things I want to tick off my list before I go, so I have compiled the below Manchester bucket list. Over the next six weeks I hope to tick as many of these gems off my list as I can, while I try not to add anything else on to it…

1.       Museum of Science and Industry

I’m ashamed to say that despite moving to Manchester over five and a half years ago, I still haven’t paid a visit to what is arguably the best museum in town.

2.       Having a pint in the Marble Arch

I am on strict orders from my office’s resident Bridezilla to visit this long-standing pub on a Saturday afternoon for a pint to soak up its incredible atmosphere. I was a big fan of The Angel in the Northern Quarter so I’m game.

3.       Daytrip to Crosby beach

While technically not in Manchester, this suggestion was too good to ignore. Recognisable for its Anthony Gormley sculptures, Crosby beach is meant to be one of the best beaches in easy reach of the city.

4.       Manchester Central Library

Closed for extensive renovations since 2010, the library finally reopens on 22^nd March 2014. Though I’m away for the opening, I will definitely be paying a visit before I move.

5.       The People’s History Museum

Another museum I’ve not yet been to is the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields, which focuses on the history of labour and working people in the UK. I’ve heard great things and entry is free – why not?

6.       The Coronation Street set tour

Corrie is the UK’s longest running soap and a cornerstone of Mancunian heritage, which, thanks to the TV habits of my flatmate, I’ve found myself getting really into. Now that the set has been painstakingly recreated in Salford Quays, the old set will be open to the public for the first time in 15 years.

7.       Almost Famous

Manchester has a lot of great restaurants, and Almost Famous is one I’ve still never tried. People regularly queue just to get a table, so I’m willing to bet its burgers are pretty good…

8.       Chetham’s library

The oldest public library in the English-speaking world and the regular meeting place of Marx and Engels, this one has been on my list for a while. Its opening times (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) have made it a bit inaccessible, but I’m hoping to fit in a quick trip before I leave.

9.       Imperial War Museum North

I went to this museum a few years ago, but it’s been on my list to revisit for a while now – the temporary exhibit when I last went was brilliant.

10.   Taking a tour of the town hall

Manchester town hall is a beautiful building, but I’ve yet to go inside – something I’m hoping to rectify before I leave. FACT: The building was recently used for filming for the upcoming Frankenstein film starring Daniel Radcliffe.

11.   Having a pint in The Peveril of the Peak

This unique little pub seems to appear in a lot of Manchester ‘must-see’ lists, so I’m keen to see what the fuss is about…

12.   Manchester cathedral

Including this is a bit of a cheat, as I actually went yesterday, but the cathedral had already secured a spot on my list, and deservedly so: it’s beautiful.

13.   Inkifi

I’ve made no secret of my love for instagram(in fact, I talk about it every chance I get) and a friend recently introduced me to a great Manchester-based company where you can get your instagram shots printed as polaroids, framed photos or canvases. I’m pretty proud of my instagram photos of my Manchester and so what better way to commemorate my time here?

So there you have it – my definitive Manchester bucket list. What do you think – is there anything you would add to the list?

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