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Manchester Travel Guide
The Manchester Travel Guide takes a closer look at 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.
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Manchester Guide
Overview and Attractions
Manchester Hotels
Manchester Map
Manchester Local Search
Manchester Travel Videos
Manchester Weather
Flight Search
Overview and Attractions
The winding down of heavy industry in the city meant a period of decline and very 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. Watersports are available at the Salford Watersports 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. For further information please see:
The Quays
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. For further information please see:
Manchester Museum
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!
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 art 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. For further information please see:
Manchester Art Gallery
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 Rylands 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. The library is to open in 2007. For further information please see:
John Reylands Library
Manchester Cathedral is situated in the heart of Manchester city centre, it is one of the best known landmarks in the city. It has a magnificent interior and the ceiling is full of intricate detail. There are guided tours available, it is also the venue for some concerts.
Manchester Cathedral
The Victoria Baths complex was first opened 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. For more information please see:
Victoria Baths
There are plenty of places to shop in Manchester, 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 area is popular with new bars, restaurants and residential developments springing up, it has become a sought after area to work and live. For further information please see:
Northern Quarter
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. For more information please see:
Trafford Centre
The nightlife in Manchester is thriving, whether you like traditional or cutting edge there is likely to be somewhere in Manchester 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 cubs 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. For further information please see:
Matt and Phreds Jazz Club
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. For further information please see:
The Ox
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. For more information please see:
Manchester Evening News Arena
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. For further information please see:
Palace Theatre
Manchester events
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 at:
Manchester Events
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. 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. For further information please see:
Manchester United Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
Manchester offers accommodation that is suitable for all budgets from low cost guest houses to well known luxouious hotels. One thing to remember is to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, if you wish to minimise the travelling time each day to and from your hotel, this can take up a substantial chunk of your time. It is advised to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location and offers the facilities that you require. For those wanting a quieter stay hotels outside the main city centre and established tourist stops can offer a quieter stay at a competitive room rates. There are a number of fine budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Manchester, for further information please see:
Selection of Manchester Hotels
For a full list of Manchester Hotels please see:
Manchester Hotels
The Manchester travel Guide has taken you on a concise tour of Manchester, it makes for an interesting place to visit. There is plenty to see and do, it makes for a great destination for those all over the UK given the good transport links Manchester has. Easily assessable by road, rail and air this city has new found confidence and there is the promise of good times ahead for the city.
Manchester Travel Guide
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SiteMap
Resources:
Manchester Map and Local Search
Use the + and – on the map below to zoom in and zoom out. Hold curser over map to scroll across, up and down.
Manchester Local Search
Use the Manchester Local Search map to find a range of local services. Search for Restaurants, Bars, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Tourist Attractions and much more. There is also a placefinder and phonebook to help your search. To view click on the Manchester Local search link below and ensure your browser is pop up enabled:
Manchester Local Search
Manchester Travel Videos
Take a tour of Manchester with the Manchester Travel Video Guide below.
Manchester Weather
Search for Cheap Flights with SKYSCANNER Flight Search
Find Cheap Flights from the UK and beyond with the Skyscanner flight search. Click on the Search tab to begin your search.
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester Guide
Overview and Attractions
Manchester Hotels
Manchester Map
Manchester Local Search
Manchester Travel Videos
Manchester Weather
Flight Search
Overview and Attractions
The winding down of heavy industry in the city meant a period of decline and very 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. Watersports are available at the Salford Watersports 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. For further information please see:
The Quays
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. For further information please see:
Manchester Museum
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!
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 art 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. For further information please see:
Manchester Art Gallery
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 Rylands 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. The library is to open in 2007. For further information please see:
John Reylands Library
Manchester Cathedral is situated in the heart of Manchester city centre, it is one of the best known landmarks in the city. It has a magnificent interior and the ceiling is full of intricate detail. There are guided tours available, it is also the venue for some concerts.
Manchester Cathedral
The Victoria Baths complex was first opened 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. For more information please see:
Victoria Baths
There are plenty of places to shop in Manchester, 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 area is popular with new bars, restaurants and residential developments springing up, it has become a sought after area to work and live. For further information please see:
Northern Quarter
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. For more information please see:
Trafford Centre
The nightlife in Manchester is thriving, whether you like traditional or cutting edge there is likely to be somewhere in Manchester 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 cubs 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. For further information please see:
Matt and Phreds Jazz Club
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. For further information please see:
The Ox
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. For more information please see:
Manchester Evening News Arena
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. For further information please see:
Palace Theatre
Manchester events
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 at:
Manchester Events
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. 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. For further information please see:
Manchester United Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
Manchester offers accommodation that is suitable for all budgets from low cost guest houses to well known luxouious hotels. One thing to remember is to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, if you wish to minimise the travelling time each day to and from your hotel, this can take up a substantial chunk of your time. It is advised to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location and offers the facilities that you require. For those wanting a quieter stay hotels outside the main city centre and established tourist stops can offer a quieter stay at a competitive room rates. There are a number of fine budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Manchester, for further information please see:
Selection of Manchester Hotels
For a full list of Manchester Hotels please see:
Manchester Hotels
The Manchester travel Guide has taken you on a concise tour of Manchester, it makes for an interesting place to visit. There is plenty to see and do, it makes for a great destination for those all over the UK given the good transport links Manchester has. Easily assessable by road, rail and air this city has new found confidence and there is the promise of good times ahead for the city.
Manchester Travel Guide
Useful Links:
Essential Travel Guide Home Page
Online Travel Guides
City Guides
Online Travel Articles
Flights
Car Hire
Cheap Holidays
Online Hotel Booking
Last Minute Travel Getaways
Restaurants
Business Culture
Cheap Travel Insurance
Travel Planning
International Flight Tracker
World Travel Blogs
Travel Podcasts
Online Travel Videos
Advertise on EssentialTravelGuide.com
Contact Us
SiteMap
Resources:
Manchester Map and Local Search
Use the + and – on the map below to zoom in and zoom out. Hold curser over map to scroll across, up and down.
Manchester Local Search
Use the Manchester Local Search map to find a range of local services. Search for Restaurants, Bars, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Tourist Attractions and much more. There is also a placefinder and phonebook to help your search. To view click on the Manchester Local search link below and ensure your browser is pop up enabled:
Manchester Local Search
Manchester Travel Videos
Take a tour of Manchester with the Manchester Travel Video Guide below.
Manchester Weather
Search for Cheap Flights with SKYSCANNER Flight Search
Find Cheap Flights from the UK and beyond with the Skyscanner flight search. Click on the Search tab to begin your search.
Powered by SkyScanner
