Why you will never forget a visit to Manchester
"If I should be so blessed as to revisit Manchester again, all that I could hope or desire would be presented before in one view."
Robert Clive - 1725-1774
Unmissable Manchester
Throughout its history Manchester has inspired love, affection and made a truly memorable impression on its many visitors. It continues to do so today.
Manchester is one of Europe's most popular conference destinations and there are more than a million international visitors enjoying its sights and delights every year.
Whether you are visiting Manchester for pleasure or business there will always be something going on to keep you entertained and many unforgettable experiences to take home.
Manchester offers an endless choice of entertainment and leisure pursuits. It hosts the largest theatre land outside of London and boasts the busiest indoor arena in the world. There are bars, clubs, theatres, galleries, museums, designer shops and one-off boutiques. This vibrant and culturally-diverse city is, quite simply, an extremely exciting place to visit.
"Certainly Manchester is the most wonderful city of modern times."
Benjamin Disraeli, 1844
Disraeli's claim still holds true today. Manchester has it all - and the compact city centre means it is all there for the taking.
To help you make the most of your stay in Manchester here are some of Manchester's unmissable experiences.
- The view from the terraces - sporting pleasures
- Getting away from it all - relaxing pursuits
- Retail therapy - shopping
- Enlightening exhibitions - museums and galleries
- Being a part of it - events
- Tasting the good life - dining out
- Dancing the night away - bars, clubs and gigs
The view from the terraces - sporting pleasures
Manchester may be home to two globally renowned football teams but it still finds the space to pack in many more sporting pleasures besides.
A tour of the dressing rooms, directors' boxes and pitch at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium is a football fan's idea of heaven; but the sheer passion of the lifelong supporters who guide you makes the visit a must for all. The history of football is vividly brought to life at the National Football Museum (Todd Street) where you can record your own commentary over classic moments or test your skills in a penalty shoot-out.
Rugby fans can watch the Sale Sharks (Union) or the Wigan Warriors and Salford Reds (League) and cricket enthusiasts can visit the other Old Trafford to see Lancashire play.
If you are looking for something more active than spectating, how about strapping on an aerodynamic helmet and taking a time trial at the Manchester Velodrome (Stuart Street) which is the home of the British Cycling Team? Or you could test your nerve at the UK's largest indoor ski slope at Chill Factore (Trafford Way)? Nearby Airkix provides more adrenaline-fuelled excitement with its indoor - yes, indoor - skydiving centre. Water sports lovers can find canoeing and dinghying at the Quays or Sale water parks and would-be climbers can scrabble up the Ice Wall at Deansgate's North Face store.
Getting away from it all - relaxing pursuits
Manchester may be mad for it but it's not all extreme sports and adrenaline. In the heart of the city centre the tranquil Piccadilly Gardens offer an oasis of peace and just 12 miles outside the city centre the Peak District begins. A Peak Wayfarer train ticket lets you travel by train from the city to anywhere in the National Park - the walks around Edale are highly recommended.
If even this sounds too energetic how about a memorable pamper at one of Manchester's excellent spas? The Bali Health Lounge in George Street is our preferred therapeutic, stress-busting escape.
Retail therapy - shopping
Retail is another form of therapy that Manchester excels at. From designer boutiques to department stores, big name brands to creative crafts, there is every opportunity to find exactly what you are looking for.
The bohemian Northern Quarter offers a truly unique shopping experience. It is the creative heart of Manchester and its independent boutiques are a snooper's paradise.
The Trafford Centre (just 5 miles outside the centre) and the central Arndale Centre offer more mainstream shopping delights. The granite and marble boulevards of the Trafford house more than 230 shops - including the first ever Selfridges outside London.
Enlightening exhibitions - museums and galleries
Manchester's museums and galleries provide a truly hands-on experience for those who want to explore local, national and international arts and culture. What's more, many are free to visit, so you can come and go as you please.
Manchester is a city deeply connected with science and industry. It was here that the world's first steam-powered mill and microcomputer were seen and you can see a lot more besides at MOSI - the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield. Situated on the site of the oldest passenger railway station in the world and jam-packed with a huge collection of vintage vehicles and historic working machinery, it offers an enthralling day out and an unforgettable experience.
The Imperial War Museum on the Quays uses exciting audio-visual exhibits to explore the impact of war on our society and culture whilst the People's History Museum in Spinningfield tells the tale of British democracy through interactive exhibits that help bring political history to life.
Lovers of art are very well served by Manchester. Alongside a vibrant, contemporary scene supported by numerous galleries - check out the Cornerhouse on Oxford Street for starters - you can also find more traditional works of art. Some of the finest Lowry works in the world are at the Lowry Arts Centre in Salford Quays and an excellent collection of historical and modern works are displayed at the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Street.
Two libraries are worth a visit - one for its architecture and the other for its history. Rylands Library (Deansgate) is housed in a neo-Gothic delight whose interiors abound with intricately moulded plasterwork, elaborate vaulted ceilings and stunning stained glass. Chetham's Library (off Millennium Square) is Europe's oldest English language public library. It was in this ancient building that Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels once discussed their Communist Manifesto and you too can sit in the window seat where they talked and plan your own revolution.
With the largest theatre land outside of London and the magnificent Bridgewater Hall being home to two of the UK's greatest orchestras - the BBC Philharmonic and the Halle - there are plenty of opportunities to take in a show or be blown away by classical music performances.
For children, Manchester offers two very different but must-see attractions. The Sea Life Centre at the Trafford Centre is home to 5000 sea creatures, with interactive touch pools and more fish than you can shake a fin at. Over at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre - just off the Old Trafford - kids can explore the delights of Lego whilst amusing themselves with rides, indoor playgrounds, a 4D cinema, and as part of a LEGO workshop.
Being a part of it - events
Whenever you visit Manchester there is always plenty going on but there are certain times of the year when special events help to really blow Manchester's lid wide open. Visitors during these times are almost as overwhelmed by the scale of activity in Manchester as this nineteenth century visitor was:
"When entering Manchester a stranger, overwhelmed by the new and interesting spectacle presented to him, scarcely dares look this giant full in the face at once...." J.G. Kohl, 1844
Here are just some of the overwhelming spectacles that populate Manchester's year:
Bupa Great Manchester Run (May)
Each year 40,000 runners stream through the streets of the city on this 10k course. Join the thousands of spectators who line the streets cheering them on.
Manchester Day Parade (June)
An annual celebration of all things Mancunian that includes a spectacular parade through the city and many other community events.
Manchester International Festival (July)
A biennial festival showcasing contemporary art and performances.
Manchester Jazz Festival (July)
A plethora of live music performances - many free - take place across the city.
Manchester Pride Big Weekend (August)
As if Canal Street were not lively enough, the lesbian and gay district of Manchester comes even more gloriously to life as its parade passes through the streets in all its outrageous brilliance.
Manchester Christmas Markets (November to December)
The biggest market is in Albert Square so head here for seasonal overindulgence in gluhwein and bratwurst.
Tasting the good life - dining out
Manchester's multicultural population means that practically every sort of food is on offer to tempt your palette.
Lovers of Indian food should head for the neon-lit restaurants along the Curry Mile in Rusholme. Here you will find a dazzling array of Indian restaurants serving spicy dishes nightly. Our personal favourite is Mughli (Wilmslow Road) which benefits from consistent quality and an extensive menu -try those shashlicks before you leave!
For Chinese food Manchester has its own Chinatown and it is home to the UK's second largest Chinese community. We can wholeheartedly sing the praises of the Yang Sing (Princess Street).
Here are a few more restaurants from the amazing selection offered by Manchester that are guaranteed to give you a truly memorable night out:
Manchester House (Bridge Street)
Aiden Byrne is the youngest British chef ever to win a Michelin star and you can find out why here.
James Martin (Watson Street)
The sumptuous interior contrasts with the industrial functionality of the Victorian warehouse but there are no jarring notes in the delicious food.
San Carlo Cicchetti (King Street West)
This Italian restaurant on the ground floor of Manchester's oldest department store - now House of Fraser - serves small cicchetti dishes that are full of flavour.
El Rincon (Longworth Street - off St John Street)
Tucked away in a backstreet off Deansgate, this tapas restaurant serves up an authentic slice of Spain.
Ning (Oldham Street)
The Northern Quarter offers endless dining possibilities but this Malaysian restaurant is one of the best.
Greens (West Didsbury)
Simon Rimmer's vegetarian restaurant is worth the hike even if you are a meat eater.
Dancing the night away - bars, clubs and gigs
"The thing about Manchester is...it all comes from here."
Noel Gallagher - pointing to his heart - 1998
Whatever the time of day or night, Manchester has something exciting tucked up its sleeve. Mancunians are famous for their love of a night out and - although the Hacienda is now a block of flats and Jilly's Rockworld a Tescos - the party is nowhere near over. A great night on the town is still yours for the taking and here are some places to find it:
The views from Cloud 23 make it an atmospheric place to sip a cocktail or to nurse a beer. Situated high up in the stunning Beetham Tower (Deansgate), the bar includes floor to ceiling windows and even glass floors allowing you to view the distant street below.
Canal Street hosts a lively collection of gay-friendly bars and clubs whilst the Northern Quarter has taken on the mantle of being home to the latest DJs and the most exciting club nights.
Manchester's association with cutting edge music has seen it foster the talents of Joy Division, The Fall, New Order, Happy Mondays, Oasis, The Smiths and many others. The tradition continues at events like the three-month party that is the Warehouse Project. Great music is served up year round at innovative venues like the jazz and World Music played at the Band on the Wall (Swan Street). In addition, Manchester's two world-class arenas (MEN and Manchester Central) attract top performers night after night.
Manchester's got everything
"Manchester's got everything... except a beach."
Ian Brown - former lead singer with The Stone Roses.
As Ian Brown pointed out there is perhaps just one thing Manchester doesn't have. With so much else to do and experience we think you'll be too busy to even notice! Enjoy your memorable stay and forget that beach!
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