London has decided to give up the job of capital and go into quiet retirement. When everyone north of Leicester is done cheering, England looks around for a substitute and after some consideration the nation turns to… Sorry Birmingham, but it can be only Manchester, the uncrowned capital of the north and a city embracing change like few others in Europe.
Manchester knows all about improbable scenarios and has never shied away from responsibility. After all, this was the city that gave birth to capitalism and the Industrial Revolution, so what’s a little self-inflating urban redesign to a burgh that knows a thing or two about altering the history of the world?
It had been a long time since I thought about my dreams as a child. I had so many of them. My family always called me a dreamer – and indeed I was. However, as I grew older, my childhood dreams gradually became a distant memory. I guess, at a certain point, we all get caught up in day-to-day matters that we forget the dreams we once had. I could never believe my dream in paying Manchester a visit would eventually become reality.
Manchester is a fascinating city in northwest England that’s a destination in its own right. On a casual stroll around the city, visitors will feel the city’s unmistakable spirit that lies in its pioneering past and in its trendsetting present.
Highlights
Catch a football match at Manchester United or Manchester City
Manchester boasts two football (soccer) clubs that are famous all over the world. Man U is the more successful of the two (with the most English Premier League titles) and is also the richest, most valuable club in the world. On the other side of town, Man C’s new owner has grand ambitions, with plenty of cash to match. The fierce rivalry between the two clubs makes it an intriguing spectacle for the casual spectator so if you’re in town during the derby, don’t miss the match!
I watched the game between Man Utd and Inter Milan
Manchester Central Library
The Central Library is one of Manchester’s most famous and best loved landmarks. For generations of Manchester residents and students, it has been not only the place to study but also somewhere to meet friends. It is open to all.
The Lowry gallery
The Lowry houses two main theatres and studio space for performing arts (1,730, 466 and 180 seats respectively) presenting a full range of drama, opera, ballet, dance, musicals, children’s shows, popular music, jazz, folk and comedy and gallery spaces (1,610 metres of floor space); showing the works of LS Lowry alongside contemporary exhibitions.
University of Manchester
University of Manchester is a prestigious university that was involved in splitting the atom as well as creating the modern computer. It is the largest campus in the United Kingdom and is known as “Britain’s #1 Student City.” Whether you are going to tour the beautiful campus or you enroll in the esteemed classes, the University will not disappoint.
Exchange Square
The IRA bombing in 1996 ruined the City Center. Its redevelopment has created a large, impressive shopping area. Dozens of shops, such as the largest Marks & Spencer in Europe, combine with the comfortable open space of the Square, making it the perfect setting for the avid shopper. A new entrance to the Manchester Arndale Centre and the upscale Triangle are all found in or around Exchange Square.
Best Way To Get Around:
Manchester has an excellent integrated transport network, which includes the Metrolink tram system which services Manchester airport, the city centre and the local boroughs.
Have you been to Manchester? What have we missed? Leave a comment and let’s make this a better guide for other backpackers!
