The National Football Museum is housed in the iconic Urbis building in Manchester city centre. It is the world's largest football-themed museum, holding over 140,000 precious artefacts. From the original 1863 FA rulebook manuscript, the 1966 World Cup Final ball, Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" shirt, to the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy and the Lily Parr statue — it condenses the complete epic of football from humble street origins to global obsession. Four floors of galleries with immersive interactive experiences — Penalty Shootout simulator, Pass Master challenge, Shot Stopper goalkeeper training — let every visitor feel the heartbeat of the pitch firsthand. A half-day in-depth tour is enough to make every football fan's blood race.
From Maradona's legendary shirt to the 1966 World Cup Final ball, from the Penalty Shootout simulator to the star-studded Hall of Fame — step into the deepest sanctuary of world football
Just a 2-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station to the foot of the Urbis building. We recommend booking a morning slot online in advance (opens at 10:00). Tickets are valid for unlimited returns for one year after purchase — excellent value. Start on the ground floor Pitch Gallery — pose with the Premier League and Women's Super League trophies, and see George Best's Mini Cooper. Take the escalator up to Match Gallery, the museum's most important exhibition space — Maradona's "Hand of God" shirt, the 1966 World Cup Final ball, and the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy are displayed side by side. Head to Play Gallery to experience the Penalty Shootout simulator (£3 for three shots) and the Pass Master challenge. Finally, reach the top-floor Score Gallery to enjoy the current special exhibitions. The whole tour takes about 2-3 hours — half a day is just right.
Located on the ground floor of the museum, the Cafe Football brand co-founded by the "Class of 92" legends (Gary Neville, Giggs, Scholes etc.) has set up inside the museum. The menu is full of football Easter eggs — try "Fergie's Favourite" classic burger and fish & chips, paired with a Red Devils signature latte. The open-plan dining area overlooks the greenery of Cathedral Gardens, making it the perfect spot for a mid-visit break or post-match gathering. Average £12-£25 per person.
Also on the ground floor of the museum, with a lighter coffee-and-casual-dining style. Offers freshly brewed coffee, sandwiches, desserts and fruit tarts. The child-friendly beef burger and fruit tart are popular choices for families. Stop for a half-time hot drink midway through your visit — perfectly recreating the matchday rhythm. Card payment only. Average £7-£15 per person.
Less than a 3-minute walk from the museum, one of Manchester's oldest timber-framed pub buildings, relocated brick-by-brick after the 1996 bombing. Viking-style oak beams and stained glass create a rich Tudor atmosphere. Try Lancashire Hotpot with a pint of local bitter, or various handmade steak and ale pies. Bustling on match days, it's a peaceful spot to enjoy traditional English pub culture on quieter days. Average £10-£20 per person.
Just across the street from the museum, this entertainment complex converted from a Victorian printworks brings together Hard Rock Cafe American BBQ, Nando's Portuguese grilled chicken, Wagamama Japanese ramen, Chiquito Mexican and Wasabi sushi — satisfying different tastes in one group at one stop. Recommended: Hard Rock classic ribs platter with craft beer. Average £10-£30 per person.