It should not come as much of a surprise that Manchester is ranked as one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world. After London, it is the city in the United Kingdom that receives the most visits from tourists from other countries. The city’s allure comes from a variety of factors, including its thriving arts scene, it’s exceptional shopping and fine dining, its appeal to celebrities, and its LGBT scene. Fans of soccer also flock to Manchester to watch its two teams compete in the Premier League, making the city a popular destination for sports fans.
And of course, there is the music and nightlife scene, cultural landmarks such as the Whitworth Art Gallery and the HOME Arts Centre, the bars and cafes, and the festivals and events that have shaped the modern face of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. All of these things come together to make Manchester one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. There are many compelling arguments in favor of making accommodations in Manchester.
Here are the top five reasons to go to Manchester
Incredible in terms of its Cityscape
Beetham Tower and Urbis are two examples of Manchester’s ultra-modern buildings, which create a striking contrast with the Gothic splendor of Manchester Town Hall and Manchester Cathedral. Manchester’s modern skyline is impressive. Take a tour of Salford Quays with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the city’s rich history as well as its architectural and design achievements, such as the Imperial War Museum North.
Its Richness in Variety
In Manchester, we make an exception for no one. The city is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the United Kingdom, and its Curry Mile is the place to go to sample some of the most popular dishes in the country. Northerners with a salt-of-the-earth mentality, students, and creative types coexist in every neighborhood of the city. In addition, Manchester’s well-known Gay Village is home to one of the friendliest and oldest gay communities in Europe. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, such as Velvet on Canal Street.
It’s a Wonderful Place to Take the Kids!
Discover the wonders of the world at the Museum of Science and Industry, or introduce your children to the world of culture at the Manchester Art Gallery’s hands-on Clore Art Studio. Both of these institutions are located in Manchester. On an open-air bus tour of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in all of these activities. Try your hand at the Manchester Spy Mission Treasure Trail, which located in Piccadilly Gardens, or pay a visit to the Greater Manchester Police Museum to gain an understanding of how law enforcement carried out during the Victorian era.
The Scene of the Music
Oasis, Joy Division, and the explosion of Britpop that took place in the 1990s were all able to get their start in the city’s clubs and venues, which were also responsible for the beginnings of bands like the Smiths and the Smiths. Today, the most recent up-and-coming bands from both the local and international music scenes showcased at venues such as Dry Bar, which was opened by Factory’s Tony Wilson, and Night and Day Cafe, while headlining acts play at the Manchester Arena and the O2 Apollo.
It is the “Sporting Capital of the United Kingdom.”
Whether you’re a supporter of City or United, you should put a visit to the National Football Museum on your list of things to do. Cricket fans should pay a visit to the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Where to go and what to see in Manchester
The Urban Heritage That Is Castlefield
A conservation zone, also known as a “living museum of the city’s past,” has been in effect in this particular neighborhood since the year 1980. Mamucium, an ancient Roman fort, was established in this location, and it was this fort’s name that ultimately inspired the naming of the contemporary city of Manchester. Tourists can still admire its ruins. The Bridgewater Canal is one of the more recent developments in the area, and it has led to the creation of a network of charming waterways that are now dotted with hip restaurants and bars. In the meantime, a historical perspective can be found at the Museum of Science and Industry.
A History of Religion Through the Ages at Manchester Cathedral
This cathedral is part of the Church of England and is a well-known landmark in the middle of Manchester. Its splendor is befitting of its affiliation with the Church of England. Even though it was heavily damaged during World War II and required extensive reconstruction, the building has managed to keep its medieval appearance.
Before allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the minute details of the expansive interior, you should begin your exploration at the visitor center to gain some background information on the towering structure that lies beyond. The interior is illuminated by stained glass windows, and the weight of the building’s history is palpable with each step you take.
The Very Best of Everything at the Manchester Art Gallery
This expansive art gallery, which has been open for nearly half a million people since it first opened its doors, features works of art that date back hundreds of years. The structure itself is noteworthy, as it exemplifies both traditional architectural styles and intricate modern renovations. The end result is an incomparable setting for incomparable works of art, with works from the Dutch and English schools of European painting taking center stage. The Manchester Town Hall is a magnificent example of neo-gothic architecture and should not be missed either. It is located nearby.
Spend the Day in Heaton Park: It’s Worth It
With all of the different sights and attractions that are spread out across the grounds of this public recreation zone, it is almost like being in an amusement park. The area is picturesque and rich in opportunities thanks to the presence of a reservoir, an orangery, a golf course, and seemingly endless green spaces. Visit one of the mouthwatering restaurants in the area and treat yourself to some delicious food, or take a trip down memory lane on the charming Heaton Park Tramway to relieve some of the strain on your feet. Even bowling, horseback riding, and water sports are available for your enjoyment.
The Labor Movement Exhibit at the People’s History Museum
This museum, which is housed in what used to be a hydraulic pumping station, offers an extensive collection of artifacts and information relating to the working classes in the UK. The exhibits paint a picture of this diverse but united class of citizens, and the contexts range from the political to the personal. Find out the specifics of “a day in the life,” and read about the struggle for unionization and rights at the same time. You will leave this museum with a deeper comprehension of the Labor Movement as a result of the underlying theme of a history of democracy, which runs through each exhibit and connects them all together.
What Restaurants to Visit in Manchester
You’ll find an incredible variety of restaurants in Manchester’s Chinatown, which is one of the largest in the country and is also one of the largest in Manchester. Try Yang Sing if you’re looking for traditional Cantonese cuisine, or head to Red Chilli for upscale Sichuan and Beijing cuisine. Both restaurants are located in Hong Kong. If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, the popular restaurants Akbars and Zouk Tea Bar & Grill are sure to satisfy your cravings. You could also give the French at the Midland Hotel a shot for something a little bit fancier. You should budget ten pounds for a simple meal at a diner, but at least fifty pounds for dinner at a more upscale establishment.
When is the best time to visit Manchester?
Manchester experiences its busiest tourist season during the summer, which runs from May until September. This is due to the numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the summer, such as the Parklife Music Festival in June and Manchester Pride in August. Additionally, the period spanning December and January is an exceptionally busy one.
The bustling Christmas Markets in Manchester are among the largest and best in Europe, and each year in January, the celebrations of the Chinese New Year in Chinatown draw visitors from all over the world. Consider making your reservation for the spring (March to April) or fall (October to November) months instead. You will still have access to all of the wonderful shops and restaurants, as well as the history and architecture, sports venues, and the Village; however, there will be fewer people there overall, and hotel rates will be lower.
Instructions on How to Reach Manchester
Plane
The Manchester Airport can be found 12.1 kilometers (7.5 miles) to the south of the city center. A single ticket on the TransPennine Express costs £5 and passengers can board the train at Manchester Piccadilly Station regularly. In addition, local bus routes 44 and 45 as well as a National Express coach service provide transportation to and from the airport. When traveling with National Express, the journey will only take you 30 minutes, and tickets will start at £4.30.
Train
Manchester Piccadilly station, located in the city’s south-central neighborhood, is the final stop for intercity trains coming from major cities in the United Kingdom such as London, Glasgow, and Birmingham. You can get to any part of Manchester using reliable local transportation connections, and the station has a taxi rank where you can hail one when you need one.
Car
The M60 is a ring road that goes around the city and connects to many different major roads. If you are coming from Scotland or the north of England, take the M6 and M61; if you are coming from London or the south of England, take the M6 and M56.
Bus
Both National Express and Megabus provide bus transportation from several cities in the United Kingdom, including London, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Edinburgh. The National Express service from London Victoria to the Manchester Coach Station located on Chorlton Street in the central business district of the city has fares beginning at £7.50. The fare for using Megabus to travel from Edinburgh is twenty-four pounds, and the service will drop you off at the Shudehill Interchange, which is located in the Northern Quarter.
Where to stay in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
The East Central district encompasses the majority of the Central Business District and bounded to the east by the A62, Oxford Road, and A57. The Village, Chinatown, and the hip Northern Quarter are among the notable neighborhoods in this city.
Neighborhoods That Are Extremely Popular in Manchester
The new Spinningfields business development, the Millennium Quarter, Deansgate, St. Ann’s Square, and Albert Square are all part of the thriving neighborhood known as North Central.
Castlefield, Manchester’s affluent neighborhood, is home to the Bridgewater canal, Manchester’s first man-made waterway. West Central is the city’s center. It also includes St. Peter’s Field, where most of the city’s convention and exhibition centers are.
The Best Ways to Navigate Manchester
- Taxi
There is a plentiful supply of licensed taxis, as well as minicabs. The city center, the train stations, and the airport all have taxi ranks where you can hail a traditional black taxi. You can also find these taxis at the airport. The normal fare for a trip of five miles is fifteen pounds.
- Car
Because Manchester is such a large city, having a vehicle at your disposal enables you to explore the city at your own pace, which is extremely convenient. It is very simple to navigate as long as you remember to stay on the left side of the road at all times. Enterprise and Europcar are just two of the car rental companies that have locations both at the airport and in the city itself. You can expect to pay £18 per day for a family car that is of medium size.
Expenses Related to Daily Life in Manchester
Shopping Streets
You can go shopping at the Arndale Centre for leading high-street brands or you can explore the vintage clothing shops and record stores that are located in the Northern Quarter. The designer boutiques and department stores located on Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street are the best places to shop if you are looking for fashionable clothing and accessories. The department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are among the highlights. You could also go to the Trafford Centre, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Europe if you are willing to travel a little further.
Items Other Than Groceries
Local grocery stores and specialty shops can be found all over the city, in addition to locations of national supermarket chains such as Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s. The price of a quart of whole milk is $0.79, and the price of a dozen eggs is $2.45. When looking for baby care products, cosmetics, and toiletries, try shopping at pharmacy chains such as Boots, Superdrug, and Lloyds.