Manchester

Copyright: Marketing Manchester

Manchester

Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own. Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events. The city's vitality is expressed through its fascinating history, interactive attractions, magnificent architecture and most of all, the spirit of its people, ensuring that there’s always something to do in the Greater Manchester region.

The City

Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan, and welcoming cities. With its fine traditions of culture, music, sport, and top-class events, there’s something for everyone across the whole Greater Manchester region. SPORT From football to cricket to cycling as well as a year-round programme of sports events, Manchester is packed with activities and entertainment to keep sports fans amused even when the games finish. CULTURE From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester’s culture is known for its energy and excellence. HERITAGE Birthplace of the computer, the football league and Top of the Pops, Manchester’s heritage is rich and diverse. Take in the history at SIM, housed in the world’s first passenger railway station, or at Chethams Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. SHOPPING Manchester is the shopping capital of the North, offering a range of shopping experiences from high end to high street, from local to independents. FOOD & DRINK From high-end restaurants and renowned chefs setting up camp here to independent good value eateries, global cuisine and also locally produced grub on offer, Manchester has cemented itself as a culinary city. NIGHTLIFE A visit to Manchester would not be complete without a night out exploring the city’s bars, pubs, and clubs. Each area of the city boasts its own unique style and collection of places to choose from. MUSIC Manchester has music in its soul. Mancunian exports include The Smiths, Take That, and Oasis, who have contributed some of the most important rock and pop music of all time. Today, you can enjoy an array of music from classical to jazz to rock and pop in a wide range of different venues. COUNTRYSIDE Greater Manchester has miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for a great day out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Manchester, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and hotels the city has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Manchester travel guide.

Activities

Manchester is bursting with activities for families and adults. From walking trails to urban crazy golf and escape rooms to adventure courses, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Manchester.

Art & Culture

From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester's culture is known for its energy and excellence. The UNESCO City of Literature is awash with new and refurbished cultural venues, and Manchester is preparing for the opening of The Factory, the new permanent home for the Manchester International Festival.

Events & Festivals

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, there’s always something on in Manchester. With a rolling calendar of events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatre you’ll never be stuck for world-class entertainment.

Do & See

Manchester is perhaps best known internationally for two things: music and football. Huge musical acts, including The Hollies, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis, Take That, Simply Red, and many more, have hailed from Manchester. And the yearly "In The City" music festival has launched many to international stardom. Football fans will want to visit the legendary Old Trafford stadium, museum and megastore. But Manchester has a lot more to offer than just music and sports. It is a young and creative city, with outstanding museums, food and nightlife, crisscrossed by canals, which give it a unique atmosphere. And one of the greatest pleasures about visiting Manchester is exploring the various districts on foot.

Dining

The dining scene in Manchester is more interesting and varied by the day. All manner of new restaurants, gastropubs and bars keep popping up around the city, which now ranks among the country's best and most diverse culinary destinations. A local speciality is the Manchester Egg, the city's take on the Scotch egg, which is wrapped in black pudding and sausage, then breaded and deep-fried, and should not be missed.

Cafes

Manchester has historically been overrun with big chain coffee shops, but a new wave of independent, high-quality, and often quirky cafes and tea houses has been taking over the city, offering more diverse alternatives and more original products. Give these cafes a try, support local entrepreneurs, and while you're at it, enjoy a truly delicious cup of coffee.

Bars & Nightlife

Manchester boasts one of the UK's strongest and most diverse nightlife scenes, offering plenty of alternatives for drinking, partying, and catching world-class concerts and performances. Hacienda was once perhaps Europe's most famous club (back in the 'Madchester' days), and though it is no longer in operation, the adventurous spirit of the city's nightlife remains intact in the numerous venues in the Northern Quarter, Castlefield, and Gay Village. Here's a list of the best bars and nightclubs for a fun night out in Manchester:

Shopping

Manchester has become northern England's shopping capital, offering variety, quality, and bargains. From large shopping centres like Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre to the pedestrian boutique districts and markets dotting the city to the unique items found at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with everything from designer fashion to local handicrafts on offer.

Tourist Information