Manchester Central Library Tours & Tickets

Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

If you only have a few days in the city, or you want to discover its secrets and explore the main attractions, this is the best walking tour in the city. Because we are limited by number we can ensure we give you a personal experience and you can really get to know your tour guide and the rest of the people on your tour. Our tour guides are in love with the city, and being in a personal small tour they can answer all of your questions and make tailor made suggestions to make the most of your time in Manchester. All the main attractions are located in the city center, so this tour is the perfect choice to get to know Manchester in just a few hours.

• A unique list of 101 things to do in the city

Rock and Goal Manchester Walking Tour

Join Joe on the #1 Google rated walking tour of Manchester. Wander through the streets and learn some of the hidden gems and secrets of Manchester! On your tour you will see some sets of BBC and Netflix series. You will also see where Hollywood movies were filmed and see that the architecture, staircases and pavements of the streets look like New York. You’ll also experience the incredible street art of the Northern Quarter and find plenty of Instagram photo opportunities! You’ll learn how one Manchester resident was instrumental in ending the 2nd world war. You’ll also see how Manchester had a huge role in leading the way to ending slavery. You’ll see how Manchester gave the world many firsts including the handheld ice cream, women voting rights, vegetarianism and policemen! You will also see the meeting place which gave the world the Premier League! Learn what famous singers did before they made it! And see how and why Manchester has more music than any other city in Britain!

• Tour guide
• Guided tour

Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With this self-guided experience, your smartphone is your new private guide. Stroll around Manchester at your own pace, having the opportunity to take astonishing pictures and enter any attraction you fancy. You will learn about Manchester's history; from when it was founded as a Roman Fort until it became the amazing city it is today. As you walk through these streets, you will learn about its industrial past, encompassed mostly through its innumerable canals and storehouses all over. You will also learn the role this city played (and still plays) in football, culture, music, art, science, architecture, international relationships and even war; where you’ll get to know every important figure in this tale. Plus, you get a unique list of recommendations so you get the most out of your visit. PS: when booking, you will get an email with instructions and a code for using our app (a different code from your booking reference number!).

• You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour (booking reference isn't the code!)
• Jake will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
• Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
• 3 weeks unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
• Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour

England's First Industrial City: A Manchester Audio Tour

Journey into the heart of Manchester and get to know some of its distinct and dynamic neighbourhoods. On this GPS-guided walking tour, you’ll be left not only with a collection of interesting stories and a love for the city, but also a Manchester swagger in your step. The tour begins at Manchester Central Library, where you’ll see some striking architecture from the 1800s. From there, you'll see how England’s first industrial city has grown over the years and become a master of reinvention. As you weave your way through the city’s neighbourhoods, you’ll hear about a man who ended up inspiring a cocktail while inventing a drink to replace alcohol, and about the tragedy of computer scientist Alan Turing, who spent a few years in the city. You'll also see an artwork dedicated to a dream about pets, learn how pizza created some of the most desirable housing in the UK, and take in Newton’s Apple Tree, grown from the seeds of the very tree that birthed the theory of gravity.

• Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
• The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
• Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Manchester Private Walking Tour with a Local

Discover Manchester’s vibrant mix of history, culture, and architecture on this private walking tour starting from St Peter’s Square. As you stroll through the city’s bustling streets and charming squares, you’ll uncover stories of Manchester’s industrial past, literary heritage, and modern transformation. From striking landmarks to peaceful corners, this tour offers an engaging and authentic introduction to one of the UK’s most dynamic cities, with flexible durations ranging from one hour to six hours to suit your pace and interests.

• Insider insights into the city’s culture and hidden gems
• Flexible itinerary
• Private guided walking city tour

Women of Manchester Walking Tour

The weekly 2-hour walking tour is guided by a local feminist and will lead you around Manchester city centre, combining sight-seeing with information about remarkable women. This is an intersectional feminist tour which means that we will talk about women of all backgrounds including women of colour, working class women queer women and disabled women. Trans-exclusionary radical “feminists” (TERFs) are not welcome on this tour. Trans women are women. This tour is open to feminists of all genders. If you’re an ally, you’re welcome.

The Real Manchester from a Real Mancunian a walking tour

Led by a real Mancunian and architect, this tour reveals the hidden Manchester most visitors miss... from protest and music to changing streets and overlooked details.

• Insights into Manchester’s architectural and urban evolution
• Small group size for an interactive experience
• Guided walking tour led by a qualified architect
• Follow-up email with key references and recommended reading
• Use of archival maps, photos and diagrams during the tour

Architectural Manchester: Private Tour with a Local Expert

Join a Local Expert for a two-hour exclusive journey through Manchester's architecture, a can't-miss experience where historic heritage meets modern design, and every building tells a story of style and time. • Enjoy a private and intimate tour, exclusively for your group. • Discover Manchester’s iconic architecture with the guidance of a Local Expert. • Uncover how Manchester City Council has shaped Manchester's skyline. • Experience a personalised tour, tailored to your interests. • Get curated recommendations for further city discovery. Experience the evolving face of Manchester's horizon, a visual journey of its historical evolution and modern growth.

• Exclusive Private Tour
• Tailored Itinerary
• Local Expert Guide

Manchester Self Guided Walking Trail Inerro

Discover Manchester's rich tapestry of history, culture, and hidden gems on this self-guided trail. From the majestic John Rylands Library to the vibrant Royal Exchange Theatre, explore iconic landmarks and charming streets at your own pace. This 3-mile trail, perfect for a casual stroll, invites you to unravel stories behind striking statues and historic memorials. Enjoy an immersive experience that balances the city's past with its dynamic present, making it ideal for curious explorers. - Self-guided trail to explore Manchester’s historic landmarks - Estimated time: 3 hours over a distance of 3 miles (4.8 km) - Accessible with caution; please note there are curbs, uneven paths, cobbles and rough terrain due to the historic nature of the landmarks. Users follow the route at their own risk

• Questions to encourage a closer look at each stop
• A concise introduction to the landmark’s, designed to spark your curiosity.
• Full route instructions with clear directions
• A page of Fun Facts about Manchester
• Spot the detail - fun for children and adults alike
• A brief look into Manchester's history timeline

Full Day Private Shore Tour Manchester from Holyhead Cruise Port

Experience our Private Full Day Shore Excursion tailored exclusively for Cruise Ship Passengers! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of United Kingdom as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Manchester. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Manchester Cathedral, marvel at the grandeur of Royal Exchange Theatre, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like the Manchester Central Library, Albert Square, Manchester Town Hall, and many more. Indulge in delectable local cuisine and explore a myriad of unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey. Our excursions are meticulously designed to align with your ship's schedule, allowing you to savor every moment without the worry of returning to your ship on time. We'll greet you directly at the port and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.

• Pick up and drop off at the port
• 1 hour of free time for shopping and dining
• Professional local tour guide in Manchester
• Modern, air-conditioned private transportation