Manchester, voted the third best city in the world, by ‘TimeOut’ magazine readers

So, what makes Manchester so special? Rob Martin of TimeOut states that “The general great vibes…’ ‘Manchester has a rep for knowing how to have a good time, and it came as no surprise to us that it was voted top for ‘nightlife’, ‘creativity’, ‘community spirit’, ‘friendliness’ and ‘getting to know your neighbours.”. https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world. 

Manchester is considered to be one of the most culturally diverse cities in Western Europe, with around 200 languages spoken in the city at any one time. As well as being linguistically diverse, it’s a city brimming with personality, from its thriving and eclectic nightlife to its multifarious music and art scene. Its many festivals, including; MIF (Manchester International Festival), Parklife & Manchester Jazz festival and its numerous theatres, museums & art galleries.  It’s also home to two of the most famous and successful football clubs on the planet; Manchester United & Manchester City.  

Here are some of the best things to do while living in Manchester: 

• Explore the Northern quarter  

Set in the heart of the city, starting from Piccadilly train station through to Victoria train station and stretching as far as Ancoats. The Northern quarter (NQ) is a labyrinth of red bricked backstreets, crammed with small independent bars like Cane & grain, Convenience store & Port St Beer House, specializing in local craft ales. There is an array of places to eat, such as, the Koffee Pot, serving traditional English breakfasts, Rudy’s pizza, traditional Neapolitan style piazza & Tariff & Dale for more gastro pub style food. Also in this bohemian neighbourhood, you can find a mix of music and clothes shops including Affleck’s Palace and Piccadilly records, as well as live music in many of the bars, in particular; the legendary ‘Night & Day’, The Castle & Gulliver’s, to name but a few. This is just a tiny peak at this vibrant and culturally rich city centre gem, please check out the links below for more information. 

• Alfresco Entertainment 

The city has never been famous for having great weather, however, a relatively new edition to Manchester is eating & drinking outside while being entertained with live music, DJs, comedy, interactive art installations amongst many other things. A selection of bars specializing in craft ales & cocktails and restaurants serving street food, is something you can experience along with many other Mancunians at such places as; Escape to Freight Island, a former freight depot next to Piccadilly train station. Mala, a secret garden filled with prettily decorated ski lift style huts located on Dale St in the NQ. Finally, Hatch, another great award-winning destination located under the Mancunian Way on Oxford Road, which is home to over 30 independent traders who rotate frequently. Here there are not only places to eat, drink but you can also find clothes shops. 

• Get a culture fix 

Greater Manchester has the largest number of museums, galleries, theatres and music venues outside London. So why not try out some of the upcoming shows, exhibitions and concerts, here are a few examples…. 

Manchester Art Gallery – ‘Grayson’s Art Club’ until 31^st October 2021 (free entry) 

The Whitworth – Manchester’s art gallery in the park 

National Football Museum – celebrating the beautiful game (prices vary) 

HOME Manchester – A purpose-built centre for international contemporary art, theatre, film and books. You can also enjoy a drink or eat some great food 

The Lowry – theatre, art exhibitions, events, eating/drinking 

The Palace theatre/ The Opera House – Popular calling points for touring productions and concerts, including big-name West End musicals. (Prices vary) 

Science & Industry Museum – ‘Use Hearing Protection: The Early Years of Factory Records’ an exhibition with a difference   

People’s History Museum – the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. (Free entry) 

The Bridgewater Hall – home to the ‘Halle Orchestra’ and touring musicians from classical to rock music 

These are just a few examples of the variety of cultural entertainment you can enjoy in this great city