Travel Destination: Manchester
About Manchester
If you are looking for a friendly, cosmopolitan and liberal city to explore, Manchester definitely fits the bill.
A city since 1853, Manchester is a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester. There are many airlines offering services to Manchester Airport and trains abound too so it’s an accessible city for both local and international tourists. From the airport, trains to the city centre run every 15 minutes to take you to Piccadilly Station. You can also hail a taxi and reach the city centre conveniently.
Once you’ve reached the city centre, bus, tram, train and taxi can take you around and it only means discovering the place is half done. Just like any cosmopolitan city, Manchester has a thriving arts and culture scene, night life, shopping opportunities, sports, business and the famously friendly gay scene. The Gay Village is made up of trendy lesbian and gay bars and clubs as well as restaurants and hip shops.
Short breaks, month-long vacations, two-week trips, however long you want to stay, there are plenty of things to do, see, consider and enjoy.
Those who prioritise shopping can lead straight to King Street for some upper level credit card spree. It is not a mile-long street but the “sweet and short” stint can give you all the DUO, DKNY and Armani Collezioni that you can want. If that’s not enough, the New Cathedral Street showcases Zara, French Connection and the flagship Marks & Spencer. For the dedicated fashion forward crowd, you can discover the young and hip upcoming designers’ collections and independent labels in Manchester Fashion Market. Purses, jewellery, hats, bags and clothes at prices most can afford. Take note that it’s only open on Saturdays along Tib Street. Check out the Manchester Arndale Centre and Exchange Square for more items like gifts, mobile phones, accessories and fashionable finds.
After shopping for labels, you can turn to best bargains. A good start is the Farmers’ and Producers’ Market at Piccadilly Gardens, for fresh produce, sausages, burger, Caribbean patties, jams, cheeses, dairy products and even Fine English wines.
Surprisingly Manchester’s flavours are not strictly English. Cantonese, Continental, Pakistani, Argentine, Thai and Indian cuisine are easy to find too just in case you crave for it. But if its classic British fare that you came here for, Sam’s Chop House in Cross Street will not disappoint while The Living Room off Deansgate is the choice for home-cooked meals.
Manchester was part of the Industrial Revolution so you can see remnants of this great past in their Museum of Science and Industry where the world’s biggest collection of steam engines is housed. The People’s History Museum neatly captured the history of the working class while The Rochdale Pioneers Museum is the site of the first British working class cooperative.
Manchester is big in the sports scene as well so there many opportunities for sports fans as well. Either swim in the Aquatics Centre or try windsurfing, rowing, sailing and canoeing in Salford Watersports Centre. Manchester Velodrome has cycling, netball, basketball and badminton facilities. Golfers whether beginners or pros can change courses at a drop of a hat with choices of 100 golf courses all around. Heaton Park is open to the public everyday while advanced players can spend time in the greens of Royal Birkdale, Hoylake or Royal Lytham.
The ultimate relaxation trip is possible when you head to Manchester’s countryside. After enjoying the flavours, lights, colours and sounds of the city, it’s time to get close to nature and visit parks in Wigan and Oldham. The picturesque Saddleworth villages are also well worth your time and some nearby lakes and mountains offer respite from the city life.