Manchester

Manchester, United Kingdom

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. Its 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.

Population:

2.8 million

Currency:

British Pound, £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Numbers:

112
999

Opening Hours:

Shops are usually open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Newspapers:

The Guardian
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Metro News (free)

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. Both the Whitworth and HOME are settling in since opening in the last few years and we await the arrival of The Factory, due in 2020.

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. Stores available include Patagonia, Fjall Raven, French Connection, Watches of Switzerland, Paul Smith, Colette, Victoria’s Secret, Timberland, Chisholm Hunter, Victoria’s Secret & Victoria PINK and Chopstix.

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.

See & Do

Manchester is perhaps best known internationally for two things: music and football. Huge musical acts, including The Hollies, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis, 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.

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, in 2020, with high profile Pre-Factory events in 2018 as well as the next MIF in 2019.

Accommodation

Greater Manchester offers a wide range of accommodation, from unique boutique hotels and luxury pads to beautiful countryside settings and cosy family hideaways, there’s something to suit every need and taste.