The Manchester Travel Guide takes a closer look at local attractions, places of interest and offers useful tourist information for visitors to Manchester, situated in England's North West region in Lancashire. Manchester is the third largest city in England after London and Birmingham and is known as the capital of the north. It has a rich history and has been an important centre since it became the world’s first industrial city.
Overview and Attractions
The winding down of heavy industry in the city meant a period of decline and challenging times for locals. However from the dour pessimistic picture has emerged a new vibrant and modern Manchester, the city has had a huge amount of regeneration and modernisation. The city has transformed itself and this new positive vibe and outlook is very much in evidence when visiting the city.
The ambitious redevelopment has lead to many areas in Manchester undergoing a facelift, on such example is Salford Quays. There are now plenty of things to do there for leisure and entertainment. Water sports are available at the Salford Water sports Centre where you can row, canoe, sail and windsurf. There are theatres such as the Lowry that has a full range of drama, comedy, opera, ballet, dance, musicals, shows for children and gallery spaces.
There is also the much talked about Imperial War Museum where you can see how lives have been affected by conflict. Shoppers have their own paradise here in the form of the Lowry Outlet Mall where top designer brands are on offer at competitive prices. With a cinema also, there is plenty to see and do at the Quays and is a great day out.
Manchester has a reputation at being at the cutting edge when it comes to the arts and culture, like neighbouring Liverpool there has been evidence of plenty of creative talent in the city. Those with an interest in the arts are well served in Manchester with plenty of places to explore, one such example is Manchester Museum. Here you can explore the world, with the several floors worth of exhibitions and displays. There are also a number of galleries from all over the world. Exhibits include the world of nature featuring mammals, and birds, ethnology collections from South America and there are also Museum's collections of minerals and fossils. It makes for a fascinating and educating outing.
The Museum of Science and Industry is among the best cultural attractions in the area, located on the site of the world’s first passenger railway. Visitors can learn about the history and industry of Manchester. If you are feeling brave you can even walk through a Victorian sewer, but given it comes with real life smells and sounds you may wish to do this before having a meal! There are a range of exhibitions covering a range of areas for visitors to explore; these include transport, industry, communications and people.
Manchester Art Gallery is a must for those with an appreciation of art. Located in the city centre, it has free admission and a collection of fine and decorative art covering all periods. The museum is famous for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and works by Manchester’s Adolphe Valette; you can also explore the history of art and design through the centuries up to the present day. There are workshops and tours to enjoy. The gallery has collections that include more than 25,000 objects of art, craft and design. So whether you are an art aficionado or just wish to have a quick look, the gallery is well worth a look.
Manchester's attractions include Manchester Urbis - a remarkable museum resembling a huge glass triangle, Manchester Town Hall - a very large Victorian style hall which has a prominent position in Manchester's central Albert Square. The John Reylands Library is one of Manchester's most beautiful buildings and seen as a masterpiece of Victoria-Gothic architecture. It contains one of the finest collections of books, archives and manuscripts in the UK. It has undergone extensive refurbishment to ensure the period features and historical legacy are kept whilst introducing state of the art facilities.
Manchester Cathedral is situated in the heart of the city centre in Victoria Street, it is one of the best known landmarks in the city. Known for its fine architecture, the cathedral has a magnificent interior and the ceiling is full of intricate detail. Entrance in to the cathedral is free of charge and there are guided tours available; it is also the venue for some concerts.
The Victoria Baths complex was first opened back in 1906. They were designed and built with no expense spared in their design and construction no expense was spared. Viewed as the most ornate and prestigious baths complex in the UK, private baths and a laundry were housed there alongside the three swimming pools and Turkish Baths. In 1952 the first public Aerotone was installed here. The Grade II listed building is still mainly intact with most of the stained glass and original tiling remaining. The Friends of Victoria Baths organise Open Days, so it is advisable to check their website for times to see if times fit in with your schedule.
Manchester Shopping offers visitors with plenty of choice, the Northern Quarter houses a number of independent fashion stores, cafes, and record shops in the famous Afflects Palace. Seen as a place for the fashionable and trendy there are more than 50 independent traders. Famous as the 'creative quarter' of Manchester the Northern Quarter area is popular with new bars, restaurants and residential developments springing up, it has become a sought after area to work and live.
The Trafford Centre is one of the largest shopping complexes in the UK. Situated a few miles outside the city centre, there are over 230 stores with something for everyone; there are well known high street stores and designer stores. Should you get hungry or thirsty from all that shopping you can relax in one of the restaurants and cafes there are over 50 to choose from with cuisines from all over the world. There is also a cinema in the complex; it has proved a popular place not just to shop but to relax, be entertained and to meet friends. With all of these facilities under one roof it is easy to see why the Trafford Centre has proved to be a big hit with the locals and visitors alike.
The nightlife in Manchester is thriving, whether you like traditional or cutting edge there is likely to be somewhere in the city for you to enjoy a great night out. The Northern Quarter's streets are a mecca for creative, free thinkers and its night spots reflect this persona. Bar Centro is a popular bar, a trendy and stylish bar, you will find a selection of ales and European beers here. Matt and Phreds Jazz Club is a lively place for musicians and artists. One of the few clubs in the north that is dedicated to jazz, there are local and international artists showcasing their talents and with good food and drink also on the menu, you can truly enjoy a great night out.
Deansgate offers cuisine from all over the world and is famous for bars such as Atlas that attracts the city crowd. This bar under a railway arch enjoys a great atmosphere and is viewed as a great place to go and be seen. Deansgate has been transformed from an area of unused railway arches in to one of the most fashionable and hip places to go in the evenings. There are traditional pubs such The Ox located in Castlefield that is also a small hotel. The Ox is a gastro pub with highly acclaimed food and a small beer garden. It has transformed itself in to a trendy bar and restaurant whilst keeping the traditional feel.
If you interest is gigs then the Manchester Evening News Arena, the largest venue in the city is worth checking out. It attracts some of the biggest names in pop and show business, from singers and pop groups to comedians and entertainment shows there is a wide range of entertainment available. Other well known venues include the Manchester Apollo and Manchester Academy. Whilst Bridgewater Hall offers the latest acoustics and a varied programme taking in classical, jazz, and World Music.
With Northern Quarter’s Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, the Comedy Store in Deansgate Lock among others visitors have a range of place to see great comedy that attracts well known performers. Theatre fans can see productions of some big budget and well known works at the Palace Theatre. See Palace Theatre for more details on the Palace Theatre and a range of other venues in the city.
In keeping with a city that is constantly on the go, Manchester has a packed events schedule. Visitors can choose to visit the city in time for one of the events to see them first hand. Jazz fans can see the Manchester Jazz Festival in July and the Speciality Christmas Markets in December. The Manchester Irish festival takes place in March as a celebration of Irish culture, art, music, theatre and sport. There are many others and you can check before you visit see Manchester Events for more details on a range of events taking place in the city.
Manchester's football loyalties like their neighbours in Liverpool are spilt between the red of Manchester United and the blue of Manchester City. Both clubs have passionate supporters evident in the derby games between the two teams. Visitors can see a game to experience the passion, great support given to the home teams and wonderful match day atmosphere. It is wise to book early given games are usually sold out in advance. Manchester United one of the most recognisable names in world football are one of the largest and best supported clubs in the world and stadium tours of the 'theatre of dreams' are available.
Manchester is a city with a range of attractions for visitors, there is plenty to see and do, it makes for a great destination for those all over the UK given the good transport links the city has. Easily assessable by road, rail and air via Manchester Airport the city has new found confidence and there is the promise of good times ahead for the city.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
