Explore Manchester In 24 Hours

The season of sports in the city of Manchester will go into overdrive as the ICC Cricket World Cup takes the world by storm. The Old Trafford Cricket Ground in the heart of Manchester will host 6 matches in the tournament including a semi-final. It is here that Virat Kohli & co. beat arch-rivals Pakistan in an extremely heated atmosphere on June 16. A city driven by the love for sports, Manchester is also home to two of the world's widely followed football teams - Manchester United and Manchester City. But outside of the sporting world, Manchester is a celebrated center for art, culture and heritage with too many things to see and do. Its resounding music legacy, having blessed the world with musicians like The Stone Roses and The Smiths, gives the city a vibrant nightlife. (Read Suresh Raina's guide to Manchester) 

Here's a guide to what you can do in 24 hours in Manchester:

One For The Book Lovers

If you are an avid reader, Manchester is as close to paradise as you'll ever get. The John Rylands Library and Chetham's Library are two extraordinary locations that you must visit. The earlier, built in the memory of a successful Manchester industrialist, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. I won't be surprised if "library" isn't the first world that crosses your mind when you enter, maybe a castle or cathedral would be more appropriate. Boasting historical collections dating back centuries, you can expect to enlighten yourself after going through some marvelous pieces of medieval manuscripts. 

The latter, on the other hand, was originally a residence for members of the clergy. In use since the 1650s, Chetham's Library happens to one of the oldest public libraries in the British Isle. A home to over a 100,000 books, most of which were written before 1850, this historic location was also the famous meeting place of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. 

Art Galore

Nothing defines Manchester more than its flamboyant street art. Stroll through the city's Northern Quarter and get in-tune with its hipster lifestyle. Magnificent large-scale murals make a walk through this neighborhood an enchanting experience. If your art craving is still not satisfied, fret not. Manchester is a treasure trove of art. You can start by navigating through the stellar collection at the Manchester Art Gallery. Its in-house art pieces are sublime and grab your attention almost immediately. 

Get in touch with the soul of Manchester at The Lowry, built in dedication to the great English artist L.S.Lowry. The Lowry houses a large number of paintings and drawings by its namesake alongside other talented artists. You can also catch a theatre performance here.  

Chinatown   

An extravagant collection of restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets awaits you on a short trip to Manchester's Chinatown. A haven for Asian cuisine, you're welcomed into this bustling neighborhood by an elegantly lit up archway. Start off your food tour of Chinatown with a visit to Yang Sing for traditional Cantonese cuisine. Its extensive menu is sure to get your stomach rumbling. We highly recommend their delicious dim sums. Even though you're in chinatown, this Japanese inspired restaurant, Yuzu, specializing in sashimi is simply irresistible. And while you will not find sushi here, do remember to order from a wide selection of Japanese beer and sake.   

Don't forget to check out the ICC Cricket World Cup match schedule for Manchester matches.