At the top of our ranking is a true treasure of Edwardian architecture - Victoria Baths. This impressive public baths complex, opened in 1906, was once described as 'Manchester's water palace'. The building impresses with its beautiful mosaics, stained glass windows and original woodwork. After years of neglect, thanks to winning a BBC 'Restoration' program in 2003 and receiving a £3.4 million grant, the building is undergoing a gradual restoration. Today Victoria Baths functions as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions, concerts and art events. Particularly noteworthy are the Turkish baths with their original decorations - one of the few surviving buildings of its kind in the UK. During the tour, you can learn about the fascinating stories associated with the place, including the legend of the 'lady in white' - the ghost of a woman who is said to appear in the former changing room.

A little further away from the center, in the Didsbury neighborhood, is a true oasis of tranquility - the Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens. Established in the 19th century by industrialist Robert Fletcher Moss, these charming botanical gardens delight with their abundance of vegetation and picturesque pathways. Particularly noteworthy are the alpine garden, the rock garden and the collection of exotic plants. Interestingly, it was here that Manchester's first Boy Scout troop was founded in 1907, and traces of this history can be found in the park. The gardens offer excellent birdwatching - more than 90 species have been identified here. Admission to the gardens is free, making them an even more attractive place for a relaxing stroll.

For lovers of active outdoor recreation, the Chorlton Water Park will be ideal. Created around a lake created by gravel mining in the 1970s, this scenic nature reserve offers not only beautiful views, but also water sports. The 170 acres include walking paths, biking trails and fishing spots. The park is part of the larger Mersey Valley complex and is connected to the Trans Pennine Trail system, providing opportunities for longer trips. It's worth knowing that the Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve is also nearby, where rare species of birds and butterflies can be found.

Another green corner worth discovering is Highfield Country Park - a 70-acre area located in the Levenshulme district. This local gem has a fascinating history - back in the 1970s it was a neglected post-industrial area that was transformed into a vibrant country park thanks to the efforts of the local community. Today, you can enjoy meadows, forests, ponds and wetlands, which have become home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park is famous for its abundant butterfly population and is considered one of the best areas for butterfly watching in all of Manchester. Interestingly, the park hosts regular volunteer events where residents work together to care for this unique area. Highfield Country Park offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded city parks, and its wild character is its greatest asset.

In the heart of Manchester is the Manchester Art Gallery - a place that, while well-known, hides many unobvious treasures. This impressive gallery, founded in 1823, has one of the most important collections of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world, including famous works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Ford Madox Brown. Few people know that the gallery's basement houses a fascinating collection of ceramics and glassware, including pieces from different eras and cultures. Of particular interest is the lesser-known section devoted to costume art, where historic costumes and accessories can be admired. The gallery regularly organizes art workshops and educational events, which are often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the main part of the gallery is free, making it accessible to any art lover.

A little farther afield, on Oxford Road, is the Manchester Museum, an institution with over 100 years of history that recently underwent a major renovation. Although the museum is relatively popular, few visitors know about its hidden gems. One of them is the 'Vivarium' - a specialized center for the conservation of endangered amphibian species, including the extremely rare Panama leaf frog (Agalychnis lemur). The museum also has an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including the mummy of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty priestess Asru, whose history has been thoroughly researched thanks to modern technology. Of note is the less-visited archaeology gallery, which features fascinating exhibits from the excavations conducted by William Flindes Petri in the early 20th century. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, which are a great option for families with children.

For sports enthusiasts, a must-see should be the National Football Museum. Housed in a modern building in the Urbis district, this unique institution presents the fascinating history of the world's most popular sport. The museum has an impressive collection of memorabilia, including an original ball from the 1966 World Cup final and jerseys of legendary players. A little-known fact is that the museum's archives hold more than 40,000 artifacts, only a small portion of which are on public display. Of particular interest is an exhibit devoted to women's soccer, which has a tradition of more than a century in the UK. The museum also offers interactive attractions, such as a penalty kick simulator and match commentary. Ticket prices vary, but discounts are available for families and students.

One of the least known yet most charming places in Manchester's city center is Parsonage Gardens, a small but charming city park hidden among the skyscrapers of the business district. Established on the site of a former church cemetery, this green corner is an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is surrounded by historic buildings, including the former parsonage from the 18th century that gave the place its name. On sunny days, you can see employees from nearby offices coming in to have lunch outdoors. Parsonage Gardens is famous for its beautiful flower plantings, which change with the seasons. Interestingly, the park has several sculptures by contemporary artists that often escape the attention of passersby. It's the perfect place for a short break while exploring the city center.

For seekers of unusual thrills, a real treat will be a visit to The Crystal Maze - an interactive attraction inspired by a popular British TV show from the 1990s.This place offers a unique experience, during which participants in groups solve puzzles and take on challenges in four themed zones: industrial, futuristic, medieval and Aztec. Each zone contains a series of rooms with physical, mental and arcade tasks. Interestingly, the Manchester facility was the first permanent recreation of the maze from the TV show and was designed by the show's original set designers. Challenges are tailored to different age groups and fitness levels, making the attraction accessible to a wide range of visitors. Ticket prices are among the higher, but the experience is well worth the price, especially for groups of friends or work teams looking for an inclusive experience.

One of the most photogenic yet often overlooked sites in Manchester is the Trinity Bridge, an elegant pedestrian bridge designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Opened in 1995, this white, asymmetrical 100-meter-long bridge connects Manchester with neighboring Salford over the River Irwell. The bridge's design resembles a sail and is particularly striking after dark, when it is illuminated. The bridge is not only a practical connection between the two banks of the river, but also a work of art in itself. It is interesting to note that Trinity Bridge was Calatrava's first project in the UK and contributed to the revitalization of the River Irwell waterfront. The bridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding buildings, including the historic Palace of Justice and modern apartment buildings. It's a great place to take unique photos, especially at sunset.

To sum up our ranking of Manchester's non-obvious attractions, it's worth considering which of these places best suits individual preferences. For lovers of history and architecture, the most valuable experience will certainly be a visit to Victoria Baths - this facility offers a unique combination of cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary art. Those who value contact with nature should direct their steps to Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens or Chorlton Water Park, which offer a variety of nature experiences. Families with children, on the other hand, will find most activities at Manchester Museum and The Crystal Maze.

In terms of affordability, the most economical choices will be the parks and gardens (Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Chorlton Water Park, Highfield Country Park, Parsonage Gardens) and Trinity Bridge - all of which are free to visit. The Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester Museum also do not charge admission to the main exhibitions, although there may be an additional fee for some temporary exhibitions. Victoria Baths and the National Football Museum offer tickets in the mid-price range, while The Crystal Maze is among the more expensive attractions.

In terms of location, Manchester Art Gallery, Parsonage Gardens and Trinity Bridge will be the most accessible for those staying in the city center. Victoria Baths, the Manchester Museum and the National Football Museum require a short trip from the center, while Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Chorlton Water Park and Highfield Country Park are located in farther-flung areas of the city. However, it's worth taking the time to get to these more remote places, as they offer unique experiences away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Whatever your choices, each of these ten non-obvious Manchester attractions will allow you to discover a lesser-known facet of this fascinating city and create memories beyond the standard tourist experience.