Out and about on foot

Football fans are of course entirely spoilt in Manchester. As well as being home to Manchester City and Manchester United, the city also features the National Football Museum. But that is just one of the popular attractions you can discover on a walk through the charming former centre of the cotton industry. 

After just 30 minutes and 2.4 kilometres, you will have already passed six of Manchester’s most famous sights. The city is brimming with culture and variety, and it’s definitely one of the nicest places to get lost in. But before you set off on your own – or if you don’t have much time before your next planned activity – stick to the well-trodden paths and follow our route, which will lead you through the centre of Manchester and can be easily reached from any of our Motel One locations.

Start at Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, which dates back to 1451. If you have the time and the inclination, you can also book a tour – this is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience, and not just for bookworms. 

If you’d rather test your football knowledge or talent, then you should definitely make the National Football Museum your next stop. The Football Museum’s collection consists of approx. 140,000 objects, ranging from football memorabilia to interactive displays. The building itself is also a highlight. It’s known as ‘Urbis’ and was designed by the British architect Ian Simpson. 

The route will take you further along the River Irwell, past the impressive Manchester Cathedral and the bustling Corn Exchange, and right into the heart of Manchester, where the People's History Museum offers a different kind of stroll – through the history of human civilisation from the dawn of time up to the present day. Last stop: the Manchester Science and Industry Museum. Inside, it’s just as fascinating as it is fun, and from the outside it’s a landmark that effortlessly combines historical architecture with modern design.