A Guide for Travellers to Manchester

A major city in the North of England, Manchester is currently one of the most vibrant and fascinating UK destinations, promising a multi-faceted weekend break for an open-minded and fun-loving visitor.

Best known globally for its sporting and industrial legacy, Manchester now enjoys a reputation as a must-see city - a place to engage with the past, present, and future.

What to See

Piccadilly Gardens houses Manchester's central bus and train stations as well as an attractive urban park. The Piccadilly Plaza complex includes the Jarvis Hotel and Sunley Tower, as well as the Portico Library and Gallery that has exhibits open and viewable by appointment.

Manchester's industrial history echoes through the Northern Quarter, which was home to the city's textile industry in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Fascinating boutiques and quaint cafes now stand on the site of the old mills, enticing tourists with their eclectic wares.

Albert Square is home to the Town Hall and lined with cafes and restaurants, while the Manchester Art Gallery, Library and Theatre welcome thousands of culture vultures through their doors. St. Mary's Hidden Gem, one of the oldest churches in England, is another popular tourist stop.

Peter's Fields or Exhibition Quarter, as it is known, is famous for its conference and concert halls. You will find shopping, entertainment, and luxurious hotels that will keep you busy throughout your trip.

Manchester's China Town is among the biggest and busiest in Europe, while The Village or Gay Village has gained international renown for its range of buzzing bars.

Sports fanswill likely insist on payinghomage to two of Europes's greatest football clubs - Manchester United and Manchester City. If you're very lucky, you might even be able to catch a game at the legendary Old Trafford or the state-of-the-art City of Manchester Stadium.

Avast range of historically fascinating buildings will engage all those with an interest in the past. Check out Victoria Station and Baths, Sunlight House and the Royal Exchange for a start.

Where to Shop

Manchester's main shopping district is in the central St. Ann's Square, although the biggest shopping mall is the newly redeveloped Arndale Centre, which now boasts 280 stores. The mall borders a branch of department store Selfridges, introducing an element of London sophistication to Manchester's retail heartland.

Younger fashionistas may also like to check out The Triangle complex which offers an extensive range of trendy boutiques.