One of the great hidden gems of sightseeing in Manchester, the Portico Library is another notch on the literary belt of this most literary of cities. Established in 1806, this has been described as the ‘most refined little building in Manchester’ and we aren’t about to throw our hands up in disagreement. It really is a beaut. French footballer turned pseudo philosopher Eric Cantona is a member as well, which is reason enough to pay it a visit.