I wished I were a football fan so I’d be more excited when the Airbus touched down on Manchester Airport. I could head to Old Trafford, the largest club football stadium in the UK, or visit the National Football Museum, which houses more than 140,000 football memorabilia. But I did none of that; instead, I embarked on a journey finding traces of the revolutionary history of the world’s first industrialized city.

Those who love architecture will find Manchester intriguing with its wide variety of architectural styles. Built in the Gothic revival style, Manchester Town Hall is considered one of the most important Victorian buildings in the country, while the distinctive red brick buildings lining the streets remind people the city’s heyday as the global center of cotton trade during the industrial revolution. To take a glimpse of city’s past, I took a stroll down to its birthplace, Castlefield, declared as an urban heritage park in 1982.

In 79AD, Roman soldiers came to North West England and established a fort named Mamucium on a sandstone bluff protected by the Rivers Irwell and Medlock. After years of rebuilt and conservation, the Roman ruin is regarded as the first record of human settlement in the region. Castlefield is also home to the Bridgewater Canal, the first arterial canal in Britain opened in 1761 at the beginning of the industrial revolution, as well as the world’s oldest surviving railway station. Today, most of the warehouses have been converted to apartments, offices, and galleries, while the outdoor spaces are used for a variety of events and exhibitions. Even if you’re not interested in history, it’s a pleasure to roam about the tranquil, picturesque area before taking a perch in one of the chic bars and restaurants nearby.

Another attraction that I found fascinating was the John Rylands Library, founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her husband. Located on Deansgate, the Victorian neo-Gothic building was opened to readers on New Year’s Day in 1900. It has a huge special collection of manuscripts and archives that believed to be among the largest in the country. You’re not able to flip through the pages of those masterpieces but you’d be filled with awe by just marveling the architecture of the building. Resembling a mighty cathedral, the Historic Reading Room is the centerpiece of the library, decked out with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, alcoves on the sides for personal study, and statues of Enriqueta and John Ryland at either end.

It seemed that I was whisked to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when I walked down the main staircase to the historic entrance hall, where the toilet is located. You must not leave before going in; not because I’m worried about your needs, but the toilet is of high historical value. You’d be able to see the original Victorian toilet that remains unchanged since 1900. I didn’t dare to stay inside for long alone. Dimly lit with water dripping sounds echoing around, the creepy space reminds me of Moaning Myrtle.

If you’re a performing art lover like myself, you’re in the right city. Manchester is known for its thriving music, dance and theatre scene. Without any plans in mind, I came across the name of Royal Exchange Theatre when searching for the city’s attractions. After checking out a few reviews of their recent show, Frankenstein, I decided to treat myself to the British play in the largest theatre in the round in the UK. To my surprise, a ticket only costs £7 for people under 26. Seating up to 750 audiences, the venue is divided into three levels and I was arranged to a seat on the fourth row. How lucky I was! The show was amazing with incredible sound and light effects that create an intense, exciting atmosphere. Some of the frightening scenes even made us gasp for air.

Frankenstein was the highlight of my trip to Manchester. I always admire performers who spent years of hard work in exchange for moments of applause and appreciation.  And it’s totally worthy. If you’ve been on the stage, you will agree with me.