Manchester is a bustling city with converted old brick warehouses and gleaming steel and glass towers on the same street. Over several days we explored its markets, historic landmarks, and street art. Unfortunately, I was sick for part of the time, so much of our sightseeing was split up from each other.
Tuesday
Leandra started the day with a tram ride to Etihad Stadium, home of the Manchester City football club. It was a little tricky to find the tram stop within Manchester Piccadilly station and pro tip: remember to tap your tram card on the platform before boarding!
Much of the area was under construction so it wasn’t immediately obvious how to get to the stadium from the tram but they were able to walk around the outside and see some statues and banners. They skipped the stadium tour and instead stopped into the well-stocked shop, where Leandra bought a Man City shirt on sale.
Later, Leandra visited Manchester Cathedral, which has some impressive stained glass and a very large pipe organ.
Wednesday
Leandra and our friend Martha decided to meet up at Affleck’s for some shopping and then took the train to Liverpool for the afternoon.
I was feeling better, so in the late morning I explored the Gay District, to the canals around Piccadilly train station, and then the Northern Quarter. There is a lot of street art in this area, especially paste-ups.
I also visited the John Rylands Library, though better described as a temple to books, it looks like something out of a Harry Potter movie. A definite highlight of the trip!
Christmas markets
Manchester is known for their large Christmas market, and it did not disappoint. Several hundred stalls line Exchange street and several off shoots as well. Between the lights, the craft stalls, and various food and drink options there is a lot to see and do, even with rain.
And on Wednesday Leandra tried the glühwein in a charming holiday mug – which she kept to add to our collection!
