Manchester Pictures

Manchester's Piccadilly Square — not to be mistaken for London's Piccadilly Circus — is in the heart of the city. Shahid Ali Khan Shutterstock

The John Rylands Library first opened its doors in 1900, and today houses more than 250,000 volumes and more than one million manuscripts. Tupungato Shutterstock

Enjoying a pint at a traditional British pub is a must when visiting Manchester. Alastair Wallace Shutterstock

Retreat to Castlefield for a leisurely walk and a history lesson. Placards telling the story of the canal line the way. Shahid Ali Khan Shutterstock

Manchester's tram system makes it easy to get around the city center. Tupungato Shutterstock

The city's old Cotton Exchange now acts as the Royal Exchange Theatre, which stages Shakespeare's classics as well as more modern plays. University of Salford Press Office Flickr

The River Irwell runs right through Manchester's city center. Alastair Wallace Shutterstock

Old Trafford is home to the Manchester United football club, one of the world’s most popular teams. naipung Shutterstock

The counterbalancing system of this structure allows the bridge to raise or lower in less than three minutes. You'll find the bridge near The Lowry. Rainprel Shutterstock

World-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind designed the Imperial War Museum North as three connected pieces symbolizing the fragmenting effects of war on the world. Gordon Bell Shutterstock

This stadium, which is home to Manchester United, is nicknamed the "Theatre of Dreams." mrmichaelangelo Shutterstock

Afflecks is the place to find everything from a vintage dress to a locally produced cup of ice cream. grahamc99 Flickr

Afflecks is the place for offbeat finds, but King Street is where you'll find brand names like Cath Kidston. Courtesy Marketing Manchester

The Greater Manchester Police Museum gets great reviews for its knowledgeable tour guides and its engaging exhibits. Courtesy Marketing Manchester

Don't miss the plethora of pre-Raphaelite works at the Manchester Art Gallery. Style Raw Flickr

You can grab a bite, catch a theater performance and enjoy some art at The Lowry, a mixed-use facility on the Salford Quays, west of the city center.   Shahid Ali Khan Shutterstock

The Manchester Town Hall is one of Manchester's iconic structures and was built in the Gothic style. Alastair Wallace Shutterstock