Widely recognised as the coolest city in Britain, Manchester has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmark buildings, a brilliant art and culture scene, great bars and world-class hospitality. A city with every experience imaginable, from fine dining and top class theatre, to major sporting events and year-round festivals.
As the Northern Gateway to England’s North Country, the city is also just a short trip from some of the World's most beautiful countryside and historic towns. The Lake District, with its 16 Lakes, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales are all easy day trips from the city.
With a history as rich and diverse as Manchester’s, you’ll find world-class museums, galleries and attractions, that all serve as home to Manchester’s past, present and future. The Museum of Science and Industry, for example, is built on the site of the world’s oldest passenger railway station and now occupies a 5-acre site. To contrast this, visit Urbis, the shimmering example of modern architecture that will be home to the National Football Museum in 2011.
Just a 15 minutes tram ride from this location takes you to Manchester’s magnificent waterfront destination, The Quays, where modern day architectural wonders vie for your attention on both sides of Manchester Ship Canal. On one side there’s The Lowry, home to the largest collection by LS Lowry, a year round exhibition programme, two theatres and a restaurant. On the other, the Imperial War Museum North, a unique space with the most breathtaking audiovisual display of what war means to the people it touches. The Quays is also the location of MediaCityUK which will be a global hub for the media and digital industries and home to five BBC departments.
Whilst it doesn’t cost a penny to wander through the streets of Manchester, you may struggle to resist the temptations of the vibrant shopping culture in the city. You’ll find exclusive up to the minute labels, designer boutiques and high street fashion nestled neatly together. Shopping areas at top of your list should be the Manchester Arndale, officially the busiest shopping centre outside of London and Market Street, considered by many a ‘high street haven’ with big name brands and department stores on every corner. If you are looking for designer style, make your way over to King Street and St Ann’s Square where there are designer outlets a plenty. Or for something a little more cosmopolitan, head over to Exchange Square and The Triangle, where cool designer outlets combine with the retail giants Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.
Manchester is also home to The Trafford Centre, located approximately 4 miles from the city centre. Here you will find all your favourite high street names alongside a great leisure and dining offering. The Trafford Centre has over 10,000 free car parking space so no matter what size your vehicle, you are sure to find a spot to squeeze into.
If the theatre is your passion, you’re in luck. Manchester can rightly claim the title of the ‘West End of the North’ with it’s thirteen theatres covering a wide range of genres. For a sensational night out with foot tapping musicals, head for the Palace Theatre on Oxford Street or The Opera House, just a short walk away on Quay Street. Alternative venues include the stunning Royal Exchange Theatre, a modern theatre within the historic splendour of the Victorian Cotton Exchange building, the Library Theatre, beneath Manchester’s Central Library and the Bridgewater Hall, the current home of the BBC Philharmonic and the world famous Hallé orchestra. Global pop acts head to the Manchester Evening News Arena, the largest indoor arena in Europe, while on the other side of the city, The Lowry Theatre hosts a diverse programme of everything from ballet and comedy to Shakespeare and children’s productions.
Manchester not only offers first-rate entertainment, but also boasts over seven hundred eateries in over thirty cuisines throughout the city. First class chefs, fresh local produce and great service combine to make eating out in Manchester an experience in itself. Whatever your budget, you are guaranteed a super stylish restaurant, café or bar to suit your tastes no matter which part of town you find yourself. Ultra-chic restaurants include Stock, The Restaurant Bar and Grill and The River Restaurant, within the fabulous 5* Lowry Hotel. For a more laid back feel why not try heading over to the Castlefield or Deansgate Locks. Choose from Choice, Dukes 92 or the curiously named Albert’s Shed. Closer to the city centre is Mr Thomas’ Chop House, and Sam’s Chop House, both serve classic British cuisine at it’s best.
Manchester is everything you've heard about and so much more.
We look forward to welcoming you to our city for the 2012 IEEE International Conference on Imaging Systems and Techniques.
For further information please see www.visitmanchester.com
