Overview

Architecture may not be Manchester's main feature, but the city does possess many remarkable buildings, such as its famous Gothic Revival Town Hall, which opened in 1877. Close by is the lovely cupola-topped central library, one of the largest in Europe. Manchester Cathedral, for its part, was built in the 15th century, and finally, the John Rylands University Library, which houses a beautiful Gothic Revival building built in the late 19th century, showcases precious books and rare manuscripts.

The city also has its share of noteworthy museums, such as the Museum of Science and Industry, which reveals the rich industrial past of Manchester, considered as the first industrial city in the world. Its 15 exhibit rooms display such objects as weaving looms and locomotives. The Manchester Museum showcases impressive collections of objects from all over the world.

The Pumphouse is a museum dedicated to the relatively recent history (past two centuries) of men and women going about their daily tasks, while those who wish to learn more about different means of transportation should visit the Greater Manchester's Museum of Transport. The Jewish Museum, for its part, tells the story of the city's Jewish community, which has been thriving here since the mid-18th century.

Among the city's famous art galleries are the City Art Galleries, which include the Princess Street Gallery and the Mosley Street Gallery, as well as the Cornerhouse Galleries.

Football-lovers are probably already familiar with the well-known Manchester United team, so why not take this opportunity to visit the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre at the Old Trafford stadium? If you prefer simply stretching out your legs, Greater Manchester offers some 130 parks that are ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Going Out

Music of all kinds, café-bars, pubs and nightclubs are a top priority in Manchester. Revellers actually come from faraway places just to party, bar-hop, or enjoy theatre here. Public sites such as the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Palace Theatre, the Greater Manchester Exhibition and Event Centre, the Bridgewater Hall and the Nynex Arena present shows almost every night. The city also has its share of festivals, such as the Boddington Festival of the Arts and Mardi Gras.

Discovering everything Manchester has to offer in terms of night entertainment can be as exhausting as it is fascinating, as you dance the night away or watch a band that might one day make it to the Top Ten. Indeed, Manchester, like its neighbour Liverpool, has always been a musical talent pool, which is proven by the success of bands such as Oasis and The Smiths.

Where on earth

Manchester is located in the northwest region of England and is crossed by the River Irwell, a tributary of the Mersey. It is home to 450,000 people, while Greater Manchester, the second-largest urban conglomeration in Great Britain, has a population of 2,400,000 inhabitants.