Sarah Contreras

Sarah is a lifestyle blogger, a household chef on weekends, and a fan of Queen’s music at the…

The Best Things that You Can Do in Manchester for FREE

Manchester ‒ a bustling city in North West England, the fifth-largest metropolis in the entire United Kingdom, a.k.a “Capital of the North ‒ probably not a cheap city. It always sounds intimidating to visit cities like this, especially when the budget is real, real tight. But fear not because we have put together some exciting activities that you can do and awesome places that you can visit for free. Yes, you’re not mistaken. Just because a city seems opulent doesn’t mean you can’t have the opportunity to explore one on a budget. Plus, exploring the city has never been so accessible for there are several available transport lines and coach hire in Manchester.  

Start including these open-for-public activities in your itinerary and make your Manchester trip a memorable one!

 

Unfold memoir at John Rylands Library.Unfold memoir at John Rylands Library.

One thing that Manchester is known for is its rich culture and history. You’ll find several libraries and museums in the city and good news is that a lot of these attractions won’t let you spend a penny for entrance fees. John Rylands Library is among these institutions that are open for public use. What you’ll love about it is how it looks more like a castle than an actual library that houses some of the world’s oldest and most important books. Maybe because it is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. 

 

 

Embrace culture at Manchester Art Gallery.Embrace culture at Manchester Art Gallery.

A lot of travellers are saying that dropping by the astonishing art gallery of Manchester makes you hate to leave. Aside from it’s surrounded by the city’s lively shops and pubs, the gallery also boasts for its roughly 13,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs on display ‒ not to mention the same number in the craft and design collection, which makes a great way to indulge yourself for a few hours.

 

 

 

Travel back in time at the Museum of Science and Industry.Travel back in time at the Museum of Science and Industry.

From 10 to 5 every day, the gallery is open for visitors. There is plenty to see as it regularly features some popular exhibitions that will make you fall in love with the city’s artful culture. Plus, you’ll get inspired by how science, industry, and innovation have influenced the world that we live in today. 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet new friends at the Donkey Sanctuary.Meet new friends at the Donkey Sanctuary.

If you’re travelling with kids, the Donkey Sanctuary would be a great destination, which I’m sure little ones will love spending a day tour at. You can meet the adorable donkeys up close, while there are caretakers to whom you can ask anything about these animals. Visitors are free to adopt a donkey or give some donations to keep the donkeys healthy and well-cared.

 

 

 

 

Take IG-worthy shots at Manchester Town Hall.Take IG-worthy shots at Manchester Town Hall.

Manchester Town Hall makes a perfect go-to place if your goal is to collect Instagrammable photos from your Manchester tour. The town hall is said to be the most revered building in the UK, that has stood the test of time since the late ‘80s and has been adorned by its neo-gothic architecture. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stroll in Queens Park Heywood.Stroll in Queens Park Heywood.

The historical Victorian park is another perfect destination to visit with kids. The park boasts for its flat lawn that’s filled with beds of different lovely flowers. You won’t get bored staying for hours because the park is surrounded by cafes, outdoor theatre, tennis court, BMX track and a fancy playground. More than just a walk in the park, you can also have a peaceful trail by the lake that’s just a few steps from it.  

 

A wise man once said that a man’s love for his pairs of shoes will never die — and that spending money on the things that separate his feet from the ground will always be worth the investment. Well, we couldn’t agree more about that. However, compared to a woman’s undeniable relationship with her shoes, there are rare moments that a guy would brag about how many types of shoes he owns, but the passion is there. 

There are several occasions that may require some relevant outfits with details that must be on point, especially when it comes to shoes. Shoes can make or break an outfit, which is why a man should know what shoe is fitting to get the job done. 

Unlike women, gents don’t need fifty pairs of shoes in their closets. Because what they simply need is a bullpen of footwears that can walk them to specific occasions and the seasons. When I first think about it, I came up with a shortlist of ten. Check out the listing below and find what else is missing from your collection. 

 

Dress ShoesDress Shoes

Would you agree if I say that a man is not a total man without his dress shoes? For me, it is a pairs of shoes that marks the maturity and manliness of a guy. Also, it is a fact that in life there’ll be always one reason or another that men will need to wear something formal. It could be attending a wedding, a funeral, a romantic dinner date, or a gala. You can keep a pair of brogue, leather, or suede, depending on your preference for a dress shoe.

 

 

Black Leather ShoesBlack Leather Shoes

Leather Black is always a statement to men’s formal wear. There’s just something about black that gives a man the authority and influence that anyone would want to see from him. I think if there’s one pairs of shoes that every man should start with, it’s a pair of black leather Oxfords. The pair has a sleek simplicity which makes a perfect choice for any formal gathering. Plus, it makes a smart investment, especially when your line of work requires you to wear something formal.

 

 

Work BootsWork Boots

For hardworking men, work boots are necessary to protect their feet from hazardous objects such as steel and other similar weapons. Work boots also provide additional ankle support if you’re involved with strenuous activities like hiking or lumbering. 

  

 

 

 

Duck BootsDuck Boots

There’s nothing else that could be worse than wet feet. But thank God for a pair of duck boots ‒ the pairs of shoes every wet-feet hater needs! These boots are made with water-free rubber which makes it a necessity if you’ll have to pass by dreadful swamps and puddles that literally become that street’s very own bodies of water. 

  

 

 

Street Sneakers 

Definitely the Toyota Camrys of shoes ‒ Vans, Adidas, Keds, Loyalti Footwear  ‒ that serve as men’s go-to pair for casual day-to-day use like running to grocery stores or walking your pets at the park. These street kicks are every man’s favourite because they do not just provide comfort and style but they do also last for years. 

Street Sneakers 

 

Training ShoesTraining Shoes

Obviously, you can’t just wear brogue shoes at the gym if you don’t want to make a scene. Since you’re a dude which means you do lift and work out your cardio at least three times a week, you need a pairs of shoes that you can sweat in. That’s why men’s closets should always have that special place for these training shoes. 

 

 

 

Loafer Slip-OnsLoafer Slip-Ons

Loafers are perfect for a line of work that requires semi-formal outfits. This stylish pair is sometimes made of leather or suede. While others come with tassels or buckles, some are just plain leather. Try them with a slim fit dress shirt and jeans. 

 

 

 

 

Boat ShoesBoat Shoes

Either going to the airport for some peak season vacay or just trying to get some casual stroll, boat shoes make a perfect sense to wear. These shoes are timeless ‒ that every generation would still want to wear even if our grandparents have already mastered wearing them for half a century ago.  

 

 

 

Outdoor SandalsOutdoor Sandals

Among all the footwears in the closet, outdoor sandals are not a hundred per cent necessity. But if you are the adventurous type who wouldn’t last a year without going on an outdoor trek like hiking which often involves stepping on submerged rocks or crossing muddy river stones, it’s smart to keep a pair that can wrap your feet in comfort without having to wear socks. Because, honestly, wet socks are gross. 

 

 

 

Flip-flopsFlip-flops

Technically not a pair of shoes but a total necessity for not just boys but rather everyone on this planet. Flip flops make a total beach day or just a day-to-day requirement. No gentleman would stroll around the house neanderthals.