Any student going to the Manchester universities will definitely be aware of how lucky they are.

Not only does the Northern city have arguably the best nightlife in the UK, it also has a whole host of fantastic ways to spend the daytime hours.

But which are the best attractions in Manchester?

Here’s a rundown of the top things to do in the city, according to TripAdvisor.

1. The John Rylands Library

Where?: 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
How much?: Free

This 100-year-old centrepiece of the University of Manchester was given as a gift to the city when it was built. Free to enter and open all week, the beautiful building is visited by more than 250,000 a year. Not your typical university library, eh?

2. Breakout Manchester

Credit: Breakout Manchester Facebook
Where?: 14a Brazennose Street, Manchester, M2 6LW
How much?: From £18 per person

Everyone loves a good escape room. These fiendish experiences challenge your noggin in far more an entertaining manner than any exam could hope to, tasking you and up to four pals with escaping from locked rooms within an hour. For a good way to get your neurons firing without consulting a textbook, look no further.

3. Museum of Science & Industry

Credit: Museum of Science and Industry Facebook
Where?: Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP
How much?: Free

Even if museums aren’t your thing, this powerhouse of an exhibition centre features a huge number of fascinating things to see, including the oldest railway station and warehouse in the world. Manchester is the world’s first industrial city, so why not learn a little bit more about that heritage?

4. Etihad Stadium

Where?: Ashton New Road, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3FF
How much?: From £17

Home to the current Premier League leaders, the Etihad Stadium holds more than 55,000 supporters and is a fantastic day out if you want to learn more about England’s top club right now. Either going to a behind-the-scenes tour or seeing a game is a must for anyone in the city who cares even a little about the beautiful game.

5. Manchester Three Rivers

Credit: Manchester Three Rivers Facebook
Where?: 21 Red Bank | Green Quarter, Manchester, M4 4HF
How much?: £95

An absolute must for even casual fans of gin, Manchester Distillery’s Gin Experience tour is a complete treat for anyone who likes their drinks a little bit harder than usual. The tour, while expensive, features an extensive look through the process of making gin and the history of the drink, featuring complimentary drinks and the chance to make your very own bottle. That’ll help to ease the post-exam blues (but maybe not your headache…).

6. The Manchester Museum

Where?: The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL
How much?: Free

Anyone into their history should take a trip to the Manchester Museum, owned by the university and featuring some dazzling exhibits such as a massive T.Rex, treasures from ancient Egyptian times and also live reptiles to squirm away from.

7. Royal Exchange Theatre

Where?: St. Anns Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
How much?: Tickets from £17

The jewel of Manchester’s extensive theatrical scene, The Royal Exchange has won countless awards for its production of Shakespeare, Wilde, Chekhov and more. Its layout means every single seat has a fantastic view, and with prices to suit everyone you can’t afford not to check out at least one performance in this historic venue.

8. Greater Manchester Police Museum

Where?: 57A Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1ET
How much?: Free

You might not think a police museum would have the most open of collections, but the GMP one has some fantastic exhibits. Featuring displays on crime, uniforms and police gear along with some fascinating tours of the station itself — where you can check out offices and cells and chat to volunteers (retired officers) about any question you have — this is a great day out to learn more about the history of the force keeping the city safe.