7 Reasons to Visit Manchester for a Taste of the North ...

By Neecey

When people come to the UK they are usually intent on seeing London and maybe Edinburgh, but I’d like to tell you the reasons to visit Manchester. Manchester puts up a very good fight with Birmingham to be called “England’s Second City” and it has plenty to commend it. I could write a very long list but here are just 7 reasons to visit Manchester.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

No Bum Notes on the Music Front

No Bum Notes on the Music Front Manchester might lose out to Brum as the second city, but when it comes to being the “UK Capital of Music” there is no contest. Liverpool may have ruled the 60s, but Manchester has ruled the roost since. If you are a music lover, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit Manchester. Music is in Manchester’s DNA. “Madchester” is the home of Oasis, The Smiths, New Order, Joy Division and The Stone Roses, to name a few. It was where Tony Wilson started and based the legendary Factory Records and where the club of the same name still belts out music and hosts indie gigs. And if you prefer stadium gigs, the cream of the world’s crop of bands and artists play the MEN, O2 Apollo and Manchester Central.

2

No Hurry for a Curry Where West Meets East

No Hurry for a Curry Where West Meets East Manchester’s food scene is as cosmopolitan as its neighborhoods and while the rest of Lancashire might tuck into pies and barm cakes*, Manchester’s soul food is of the Asian persuasion. There’s a terrific selection of Thai and Japanese restaurants but if Cantonese is your leaning you’ll find your seventh heaven in Chinatown. But, most would say that no foodie should go to Manchester without at least one visit to an Indian restaurant along the Curry Mile.

3

Plenty to See at Salford Quay

Plenty to See at Salford Quay Salford Quays stands near the end of the Manchester Ship Canal. Like all Victorian docklands in the UK, it has been extensively renovated and is now a major destination. Take the tram to the Quays for plenty of fun and entertainment. If you’re interested, the northern branch of the Imperial War Museum is here, as the Lowry Galleries displaying the works of the famed British artist known for his “matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs”. There’s also a shopping center, arts and entertainment center and a theater.

4

Goal or Howzat?

Goal or Howzat? Whether you love sport or not EVERYONE has surely heard of Manchester United – yes? The football club that gave the world David Beckham! There really is no doubting the city’s sporting credentials and the top class teams and events are excellent reasons to visit Manchester. Manchester United are currently playing second fiddle to Manchester City but both teams have magnificent stadiums that are open for tours. And if soccer doesn’t float your boat, maybe a day of hearing the sound of leather on willow at the Old Trafford Test cricket ground will be to your liking. Or you could take to the tracks at the National Cycling Center or even just visit the National Football Museum.

5

Shop ‘til You Drop

Shop ‘til You Drop Even the most hardened shopaholic will find their fix in Manchester. If you want to mainline your retail experience, the destination to point your fashionista’s compass to is the Millennium Quarter. As well as prestigious Harvey Nichols, Armani and Selfridges, all the top names of the British high street are open for your delectation. And, if that’s not enough, there’s the Arndale Center and the Corn Exchange too. And on top of that is the baroque-inspired Trafford Center – one time the UK’s largest mall, with more than 250 stores under one roof.

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Get Hysterical about History

Get Hysterical about History Manchester has always been a major presence in the English North West. It was a huge market place before it became hugely prosperous on the wealth of the "dark satanic mills" in Victorian times. This means there’s plenty of history in plain view in Manchester. Great historical sites and attractions of Manchester include the Gothic cathedral and Chetham’s Library and School of Music. Chet’s is Manchester’s oldest building, believed to be the oldest public library in the world and is where Karl Max and Friedrich Engels studied in the 1840s. The People’s History Museum is another must-see, along with the Manchester Art Gallery, the Town Hall and the Royal Exchange.

7

1001 Nights on the Tiles

1001 Nights on the Tiles After London, Manchester’s nightlife is second to none. All other cities will claim to be the greatest after the sun goes down, but there’s something completely special about a night on the tiles in Manchester. And if you want to become a WAG*, you stand the best chance of bagging yourself a professional soccer player in the clubs of Piccadilly than anywhere outside of London. As well as all the music venues to rock out in, you can relax in timber-framed pubs and uber-chic wine bars enjoying cocktails, before heading to the clubs to dance your stilettos into the ground.

If you’re ever heading to the UK, I do urge you to consider the reasons to visit Manchester. You won’t be disappointed. Have you ever thought about putting it on your destination wishlist?

Notes

*barm cakes are a floury bread roll popular in North West England.
*WAG = wives and girlfriends of celebrities – originally used for the partners of professional soccer players.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I agree with this post so much, I'm English and moved to manchester this year for university. I now work in the Trafford centre, went to 4 football games at old Trafford this season and I am due to go to the cricket ground soon. Factory is my most visited club, mainly due to the 'Madchester' vibe and the choice of music venues and artists that visit the city are exceptional. I believe that Manchester is England's premier city for it's chilled vibe compared to London where it is hectic and rushed. There is something for everyone and the friendly north is definitely worth a visit if you are coming to the country; shows a truer look into how the English live compare to the aesthetic London.

have lived there for 7 months, for shopping i agree trafford centre is fab but stay in city centre. outside centre it is rubbish! people are violent and mean. yugh!

don't forget to sit in the park esp in the summer... :)

I want to be a WAG of a professional soccer player ;( but I can't afford to go to Manchester right now. Still in America.

Been there once. That was enough! All due respects but don't think Americans would want it on vacation.

Related Topics

all london museums best delis in the us highest attraction in the world most underrated european countries oregon malls rooftop bars victoria istanbul best rooftop restaurants fun companies to work for tunnel trees abraham lincoln thumbs up

Popular Now