Most Famous Landmarks in Manchester

From top-tier shopping and a great nightlife scene to a unique culture and heritage, Manchester is one of the UK’s most iconic cities. Visiting Manchester is a great way to get to know the culture of the UK, but what are the best sights? 

Hop on a train to Manchester Piccadilly with CrossCountry and explore the must-visit, most famous landmarks in Manchester to get a better idea of what makes this city so great. 

Manchester Town Hall

Manchester’s Neo-Gothic town hall can be found in Albert Square, surrounded by sculptures of notable figures throughout history, including Henry III and Elizabeth I. The glorious clock tower, with its thought-provoking inscription Teach us to number our Days, began ticking in 1879. If you’re lucky enough to be in Albert Square on the hour, you’ll get to hear its proud chimes. 

In 2018, Manchester Town Hall closed its doors to the public to begin essential restoration work. This ambitious project is designed to preserve and improve the building’s architectural splendour for the next generations. Whilst the interior remains off-limits, visitors can still admire the grandeur of this iconic Manchester landmark from the outside. The Town Hall is expected to reopen to the public by Summer 2026.

The Printworks

Right in the heart of Manchester city centre, the neon dream that is The Printworks overlooks the corner of Withy Grove and Corporation Street. It began life as a newspaper printing house before being redeveloped, with the help of Sir Alex Ferguson and Lionel Richie, into the centre of entertainment it is today. 

The façade of Manchester's Printworks is a triumph of modern architecture, adorned with giant digital screens, reminiscent of Times Square in New York.  

Inside, visitors can enjoy movies, nights out, restaurants serving delicious treats, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Be sure to look up while you're inside and take in the impressive digital ceiling – the biggest in Europe. 

Manchester Cathedral

The story of Manchester Cathedral begins in the 7th Century. In 923, the original building was destroyed, and a new cathedral was constructed on what is now Victoria Street. 

Over the centuries, the cathedral has endured numerous attacks, from the turbulence of the English Civil War to the devastation of the Manchester Blitz during World War II. Today, the beautiful Gothic building stands proudly and defiantly as a symbol of faith and inclusion. 

A visit inside is essential to really appreciate the building’s splendour. Free guided tours are often available, allowing you to get a real sense of the history and architectural genius behind the cathedral. Don’t forget to spend some time marvelling at the gigantic and dazzling Stoller Organ. 

Afflecks

Afflecks is a sprawling indoor market located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Now one of the most famous buildings in Manchester, it started life as a drapery in the 1860s and opened as Affleck’s Palace in 1982, offering affordable rent to enterprising small businesses. 

Afflecks soon developed into a hub for alternative fashion and culture. You can spend hours exploring this colourful warren of boutiques and independent businesses. 

Afflecks is inclusive and welcoming to all. So, whether you’re a crate digger, a trainee witch, an at-home horticulturist, or a tattoo fan, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you inside. 

A Monument to Vimto Statue

Perhaps one of the most unique landmarks in Manchester, “A Monument to Vimto” consists of a large vintage Vimto bottle surrounded by its signature fruits and herbs, carved from oak. The sculpture was created by Kerry Morrison in 1992 and serves as an interesting talking piece in Vimto Park. 

The soft drink was invented in 1908 as a health tonic, only becoming carbonated many years later. Across the rest of the UK, opinions on Vimto are as divided as those on Marmite, but in Manchester, it remains a firm and enduring favourite. 

Alan Turing Memorial

In Sackville Gardens, you can share your lunch with one of the most meaningful Manchester statues - the great visionary, Alan Turing. Alan Turing was a pioneer of theoretical computer science, inventing the Turing machine and the Bombe, which was instrumental in cracking enemy codes during World War 2. 

Despite his contributions to science and technology, he was harshly persecuted for his sexuality. In 2009, the British government issued an apology for Turing’s prosecution and appalling treatment, then two years later, he was granted an official pardon for his conviction. Today, he is regarded as an icon in the LGBTQ+ community. 

In 2023, it was suggested that Alan Turing should be honoured with another statue on the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square – a bold testament and acknowledgement to his work that saved lives and helped shorten the Second World War. 

If you’re planning to visit some iconic Manchester landmarks, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.