Explore Manchester

Culture

The city is bursting with culture and all things arty. From festivals, galleries and museums, to theatres and shows, you’re guaranteed to be entertained. The brand new Home is forever changing with new events - including a 24-hour film-a-thon - workshops and extraordinary art exhibitions. In addition, there are always new theatre productions or comedy shows popping up around the city for you to sit back and enjoy.

Food

With over 200 spoken languages on our streets, we are the most linguistically-diverse city in Europe. A major plus of this is that all these cultures are reflected in the types of food on offer.

Whether you are craving Korean, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish or Persian food – there’s something for everyone. On almost every corner you’ll find a coffeehouse or restaurant. By exploring a little further in the Northern Quarter, you’ll discover chic independent cafes and retro restaurants. You can try a traditional English afternoon tea by visiting some of the city’s best tearooms, such as Sugar Junction, Richmond Tearooms and Teacup on Thomas Street.

Manchester has some pretty impressive markets each week, from right in the centre to far beyond the city’s walls. The markets are stacked full of fresh fruit and vegetables and tantalising street food from all corners of the world. Make sure you don’t forget to visit the enchanting Manchester Christmas Markets from November to enjoy freshly made crepes, hot chocolate and spicy mulled wine.

Keeping fit

To help balance your diet and lifestyle, enjoying the city’s sport facilities seems like a rather sensible and fun idea. Manchester is of course home to two legendary football clubs, but there is far more than football on offer. You can go skiing on real snow all year round by visiting The Chill Factore, cycle to your heart’s content at the Manchester Velodrome or bowl yourself away at All Star Lanes. For further fitness ideas and to take part in University sport teams visit the SPORT Manchester website.

Nightlife

Entertainment is at the heart of Manchester – Radio DJ Mark Radcliffe believes we are a city that “thinks a table is for dancing on”. The city is indeed alive with music and has a whole range from rap, hip-hop and dub-step to jazz and international club venues. Bars such as Matt and Phreds and Trof offer a unique night, which you’ll only find in Manchester.

According to Ian Brown (The Stone Roses) “Manchester has everything except a beach” but with so much on offer…who needs a beach?