24 hours in Manchester: what to do, see and eat

Begin your day with breakfast at Atlas Bar – one of the original independent cafe-bars that took off in the 1990s when Manchester was just becoming known for its nightlife and bar scene. It sits on the edge of Castlefield – a heritage district that gives you an insight into Manchester’s past with its Roman fort and industrial architecture.

This neo-gothic library on Deansgate is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings – and home to some incredible artefacts including a 4th-century trilingual Qur’an manuscript, Shakespeare’s first folio, and Alan Turing’s notes on programming the MARK I computer.

Head over to Manchester Art Gallery to see works by famous Mancunian artist LS Lowry and iconic Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Dante Gabriel Rosetti, Ford Madox Brown and William Holman Hunt.

Wander up past Piccadilly Gardens into the Northern Quarter to explore its independent shops, street art and bars. There’s no shortage of great restaurants too. Food hall Mackie Mayor in an old market hall gives you plenty of quality options for lunch under one roof.

Football fans will likely want to visit one of the big stadiums. We’re not taking sides on which one you choose. Old Trafford isn’t as shiny and new as the Etihad Campus but it’s still the Theatre of Dreams to Man-U fans worldwide.

Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is part of a huge regeneration project in East Manchester. Head here by tram to see how the city is evolving in the 21st century.

If you happen to be visiting Manchester on a Tuesday, seize the once-a-week opportunity to take a tour of this photogenic, partly-restored Edwardian era swimming pools and Turkish baths. It’s a fascinating insight into early 20th-century life in the city when this was the public baths for Manchester residents.

If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, music fans should head to Salford Lads Club in Ordsall to get a picture in the iconic doorway featured on The Queen is Dead and pay homage to its creators in The Smiths Room. This well-preserved Grade II listed building was used as a location in Peaky Blinders and is worth exploring even if you’re not a huge Morrissey fan.

Open every day, this family-friendly museum on the Oxford Road university campus is known for its Egyptian mummies, 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex, and vivarium housing cute little lizards. Get your Manchester souvenirs in the brilliant gift shop.

Ready for a beer stop? Head up the road from Manchester Museum to rock n roll dive bar Big Hands, home to a lush roof garden and a contrastingly dark and grungy interior.

We’re back in the city centre for dinner at this much-loved spot for sharing plates, natural wines, and top-tier cocktails.

Fingers crossed, there’ll be someone awesome playing at this stunning gig venue in a former Wesleyan chapel. If not, head next door to Albert’s Schloss for cabaret, fresh pilsner and one of Manchester’s best nights out.