
Manchester is well-equipped to keep tourists entertained on rainy days, with its world-class museums, shopping centres and iconic attractions like Old Trafford. You can stay dry while exploring the city thanks to its extensive and affordable train, tram and bus network. And, many of the best indoor venues in Manchester are free entry.
Whether you’re a sports fanatic, bookworm, art lover or gin connoisseur, the city has you well catered for when the sun isn’t shining. Here’s our guide to the best things to do when it rains in Manchester.
Browse artworks from classic masterpieces to interactive displays
适合: 历史, 经济
The Manchester Art Gallery displays over 25,000 works of art, including watercolour and oil paintings, prints, miniatures, sculptures and drawings. Built in the Greek Ionic architectural style during the early 19th century, it’s famous for its collection of Victorian art of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. It also boasts an impressive collection of international art, including an Egyptian canopic jar from around 1100 BC.
The Manchester Art Gallery opens every day and, with no admission fee, it’s an excellent place to escape the rain. If you’re a night owl, head to the gallery on the 1st Wednesday of the month – doors stay open until 9 pm. 阅读更多内容
地址: Monday from 11 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
开放时间 Monday from 11 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
电话: +44 (0)161 235 8888

Manchester Art Gallery
Shop at Manchester’s largest shopping complex
适合: 购物者
With over 200 shops, restaurants and attractions spread over 2 million sq ft, The Trafford Centre is the largest shopping complex in North West England. It was designed in a late-Baroque style to reflect Manchester’s industrial past. Inside, there are over 3,000 drawings as well as a range of Egyptian Revival and Art Deco elements.
The Trafford Centre is connected to the city centre by tram and train, including one that leaves from Manchester Piccadilly. Leisure facilities include the UK’s busiest cinema, Europe’s largest food court (The Orient) and activities such as Laser Quest. There’s lots of art on display to match the centre’s opulent marble interior. Check out the classical Roman and Greek statues in the Barton Square section. 阅读更多内容
地址: The Orient, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA, UK
开放时间 Monday–Friday from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
电话: +44 (0)161 749 1717

Trafford Centre
Spend a few hours exploring Britain’s second-largest library
适合: 家庭, 历史, 经济
Manchester Central Library is one of the city’s most iconic architectural gems, designed and constructed in the 1930s based on the Pantheon in Rome. This Grade II listed building is home to 45,000 shelves of books, over 30 of which were published before 1500. Special collections include The Gaskell Collection, the Theatre Collection and the Newman Flower Collection of Handel Manuscripts.
Manchester Central Library is in St Peter’s Square, where you can also see architectural masterpieces such as the Midland Hotel and Manchester Town Hall. As the nation’s second-largest public lending library, you won’t struggle to find something to read. Just be prepared to jostle for reading space – the library can attract up to 10,000 visitors per day. 阅读更多内容