Manchester youth guide
About Manchester
The uncrowned capital of the north, the world’s first industrial city has thoroughly reinvented itself in the last decade and is now one of the most exciting and interesting cities in the world. To many, the city is best known for its enormously successful football team and the extraordinary nightlife that earned it the moniker ‘Madchester’, but Manchester is also where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating museums, rich and varied dining and some of the best shopping outside London.
There is a tangible buzz about Manchester. From the trendy bars and boutiques of the Bohemian Northern Quarter to the chic stylings of Castlefield and the loud-and-proud attitude of the Gay Village, spend enough time here and you too will be infected with the confidence of a city that knows it is on to a good thing.
Manchester Visitor Information Centre (www.destinationmanchester.com) is located in an extension of the Town Hall.
For more information, visit our Manchester city guide.
Seeing
Must Do
Manchester is proud of its status as a former industrial powerhouse and Castlefield Urban Heritage Park contains an impressive cityscape of canals, bridges, viaducts and warehouses that makes for a fascinating stroll.
An impressive, futuristic museum devoted to cities and the way humans react to them.
A Metrolink tram ride across town is
Salford Quays (www.thequays.org.uk/), home to the city’s newest museums. The
Imperial War Museum North (north.iwm.org.uk/) explores ordinary people’s experiences of war. Across the water, head to to discover more about Manchester’s greatest artist.
Manchester is a football-mad town, with United and City supported passionately in huge numbers. play at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Old Trafford, but even offers of organ donation won’t get you a ticket. City fans may have more luck at the
City of Manchester Stadium (www.mcfc.talentarena.co.uk/).
Off The Beaten Track
The little-visited Godlee Observatory dates from 1902 and is still fully functioning. Don’t miss the great views over the city from the balcony.
Insider Info
Manchester has one of the Britain’s largest gay villages, centred around Canal Street. A raucous night out and cutting-edge dining is guaranteed in this part of town. >> Find out more about Gay Manchester.
Shopping
With a large population of footballers’ wives to satisfy it’s not surprising Manchester has some of the best shopping in the country. There’s a plethora of designer and boutique clothes shops in the West End and the upmarket arcades around St Annes Sq; some great quirky shops can be found in the Northern Quarter around the 2nd Hand Clothes mecca - Afflecks Palace. Oldham Street is amazing for music especially Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange are essential for any music fan.
Eating
While there are fantastic eating options throughout the city, there are two stand-out areas to head to for food. The city centre’s Chinatown is great for a fast, filling meal but for a true Mancunian night out take a taxi to Wilmslow Rd in Rusholme (ask for the Curry Mile). It’s great fun and on any given night most places are cheerfully bustling.
Mr Thomas's Chop House
Probably the best pub food in town and they pour great real ale. Tel: +44 161 832 2245; 52 Cross Street.
Shere Khan’s
One of the larger eateries on the Curry Mile, this place serves up top-notch Indian food in large quantities. Tel: +44 161 256 2624; 53 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme.
Simple
Thoroughly minimalist restaurant where you can feast on solid English cuisine. Tel: +44 161 835 2526; Tib Street.
Yang Sing
One of the most acclaimed Cantonese restaurants in town. Tel: +44 161 236 2200; Princess Street.
Nightlife
Manchester’s nightlife is legendary. Quenching the city’s thirst for a good time are lively pubs and bars, ever-changing clubs and a diverse live music scene. Check out the weekly City Lights for more information.
The Old Wellington Inn
Start your night here, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city and is an institution for a pint of real ale. 4 Cathedral Gates.
Cord Bar
Once you’re ready to move up a gear, Cord Bar is a friendly and trendy spot with fittings filched from the Hacienda when it closed. Dorsey Street.
The place to spot a new generation of bands keen to be the next Oasis or New Order. Tel: +44 161 834 1786; 25 Swan Street.
South
Round off the night by putting your dancing shoes to good use at South which hosts varied nights playing northern soul, britpop, funk and disco. Tel: +44 161 831 7756; 4a South King Street.
Sleeping
Manchester gets a lot of visitors, especially when United are at home. You’ll be lucky to find a bed in the city on the night before a match so check the fixtures and book ahead.
YHA Manchester (www.yhamanchester.org.uk/)
Comfortable four-bed dorms in a stunning place near the Museum of Science & Industry in the Castlefield area. Tel: +44 161 839 9960; Potato Wharf.
Manchester Backpackers’ Hostel
Good private hostel in Stretford with cooking facilities, a TV lounge and some doubles. Tel: +44 161 865 9296; 64 Cromwell Road.
Castlefield Hotel
The excellent amenities, including a fitness centre, at this modern hotel make it a good choice. Tel: +44 161 832 7073; 3 Liverpool Road.
Old Trafford Lodge
Modern, functional rooms that fill up when a cricket match is on. Tel: +44 161 874 3333; Talbot Road.