Manchester

Mostly known as the UK’s music capital, Manchester was at the forefront of the industrial revolution having now transformed into a bustling city.

Known as the capital of the north, Manchester is the world’s first industrial city. It has over the years managed to successful reinvent itself to become a vibrant city with an exciting and very active nightlife.

Home to many architectural showpieces including the Grade II listed Corn Exchange, the Manchester Town Hall and the 49-storey Beetham Tower, Manchester has quickly established itself as one of the most modern cities. Easy to navigate thanks to its elaborate Metrolink tramway, various districts such as the Piccadilly Gardens are all within easy of reach.

For a 360 degree views of the city, take a ride on The Wheel of Manchester, Manchester’s equivalent of the London Eye. The John Rylands Library in Deansgate is also worth a visit. It is like entering into a cathedral rather than a library. Manchester Art Gallery is free to enter and is home to a large collection of British Art and European pieces.

The Victorian Town Hall is one of Manchester’s most iconic pieces of architecture. With its 280 foot high clock tower, take a peek inside to admire the 12 murals depicting Manchester’s most memorable moments in time.

Known as a shopper’s haven, Manchester boasts of high-street and department stores based in Arndale Centre, Market Street, Exchange Square, Affleck’s Palace and the Trafford Centre. If sports are what you are after, Manchester is host to two of the biggest clubs in England – Manchester United and Manchester City. Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium are all within reach.

Manchester has produced many renowned bands: from Oasis to Simply Red, The Verve and Take that. Oxford Road has several clubs, pubs and takeaways while the Printworks is an entertainment venue with an Odeon cinema. If you are looking for independent bars with artsy flair, the Northern Quarter would be your ideal.

Getting to the city centre from the airport is easy. Trains to/from Manchester Piccadilly station run every 10 minutes reaching your destination within 20 minutes.