One of the UK’s fastest growing cities, Manchester is a bohemian hub of culture, cuisine, shopping and sports. Located on the River Irwell in the northwest of England, Manchester boomed as a centre of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. In recent decades, the city has been revitalised as one of the most liberal, progressive and culturally rich urban centres of the country. Take your pick from a diversity of museums and galleries, hit one of Manchester’s two football stadiums, head to Manchester Arena for a concert like no other or just kick back with a local ale at one of the city’s bars lining it's attractive canal.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Salford Quays — Just outside Manchester city centre, Salford Quays is Manchester’s premier waterfront district and it packs a lot into a small space. Home to the Imperial War Museum, The Lowry Arts Centre, shopping, sports and delectable places to dine, Salford Quays blends contemporary chic with heritage charm to exquisite effect.
Northern Quarter — Born from Manchester’s programme of gentrification in the 1990s, the Northern Quarter is now the city’s hub for alternative arts and culture. It contains an array of quirky clothes stores, bars and clubs and is particularly popular with DJs and music lovers who come here to pick up authentic vinyl from one of its many record stores.
Castlefield — Once the centre of Manchester’s industry, textile production has long since ceased in the Castlefield district. Today, Castlefield’s canals, warehouses, bridges and commercial terraces instead host cafes, bars and other entertainment, perfectly setting the mood for the many summer festivals and music events that take place here.
Peter’s Fields — Manchester’s civil quarter, Peter’s Field is a must see for any keen architectural enthusiast or historian. From the magnificent terracotta-bricked Midland Hotel to the Pantheon-inspired central library and the neo-Gothic City Hall, Peter’s Fields is a real feast for the eyes.
Things to See in Manchester
At the top of any sightseeing agenda should be Manchester’s variety of architectural achievements, from the iconic Town Hall to the Museum of Science and Industry. In the latter, you’ll not only discover Manchester’s fascinating past but will undoubtedly marvel at the 19th century railway building in which the museum resides. For something more modern, why not book a Manchester City Football Club stadium tour? You’ll get to see behind the scenes and will actually step out onto the pitch of this colossal 55,000 seat arena. Imagine the crowds roar!
Things to Do in Manchester
City exploration is bound to work up an appetite, so head to the Print Works entertainment centre in the city centre and jump the queue with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with priority seating. Aside from its many galleries, museums and top class shopping, Manchester also hosts an assortment of annual festivals, including one of the country’s biggest gay pride parades. Every summer, this family-friendly event attracts visitors from all over the world for its flamboyant floats, out of this world costumes and fantastic entertainment.
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