Manchester, a great mix of new and old. This video brought to you by Visit Britain.
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Of all the contenders (and pretenders) for the unofficial crown of Britain's "second" metropolis, Manchester makes the loudest noise. And understandably so. After shrugging off its post-industrial blues, the city formerly known as "Cottonopolis" has reinvented itself as a buzzing, business-and-tourist-friendly destination, with world-class culture, sport and shopping (and bundles of Northern charm and character). The compact city centre is an absorbing place to stroll around, with an eye-catching jumble of grandiose Victorian and Edwardian buildings, Brutalist oddities and flashy modern high rises. Adventurous travellers will discover hip, leafy suburbs and hilly, eminently hikeable outskirts.
Manchester's magnificent selection of galleries and museums come in particularly handy on those occasionally drizzly days. If you're after something for the whole family, MOSI – the Museum of Science and Industry (msimanchester.org.uk) – is hard to beat. Spanning huge warehouses and the world's first passenger railway station (from which trains first chugged to Liverpool in 1830), MOSI is crammed with awe-inspiring exhibits – such as classic locomotives and steam-powered mill wheels – and hands-on treats like kaleidoscope workshops and textile weaving.
Mancunian foodies chortle – or bristle – when you ask how many Michelin-star establishments the city has. The answer? None. But that doesn't mean you can't dine well here. Top of Manchester's culinary tree is The French (the-french.co.uk). Set in the historic Midland Hotel, it's run by Simon Rogan (who boasts two Michelin stars for his flagship restaurant, L'Enclume, in Cumbria). Expect inventive "modern British" cuisine – think: grilled halibut with brown butter lobster, parsley, sprouting broccoli, pig skin and smoked roe cream – and 10-course tasting menus for £85 ($168).
The redundant cotton factories of the Northern Quarter have been transformed into achingly cool places in which to eat, drink and shop. This creative neighbourhood rewards impromptu wandering and browsing, but when you need a liquid pick-me-up, try Nordic-flavoured Takk for artisan coffee (takkmcr.com), and Port Street Beer House (portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk) – a stalwart of Manchester's craft ale revolution.
It's not even the richest football club in the city anymore – that mantle is now held by Arab-backed Manchester City – but Manchester United retains its magical aura. Even non-supporters are wowed by the stadium tour of Old Trafford, which offers an anecdote-peppered trawl through the hallowed dressing rooms, players' tunnel and pitch-side dugouts of the "Theatre of Dreams". Peruse vintage memorabilia and multimedia exhibits at the superb stadium museum, then pop across the road for a drink at Hotel Football (where you might find Ryan Giggs, one of five ex-Red Devils who run this slick joint).
King Street Townhouse (eclectichotels.co.uk/king-street-townhouse) is a sparkling addition to Manchester's booming high-end accommodation scene. Round the corner from another swanky newcomer, Hotel Gotham (hotelgotham.co.uk), it occupies a restored old bank in the city's most upscale dining and retail zone. On top of its 40 stylish rooms and dapper public areas is a rooftop pool with tremendous city views. Rooms priced from £120 ($237).
A great time to visit Manchester is when the Manchester International Festival is in full flow. This arty, musical extravaganza takes place biennially in various locations across the city, with Bjork, Damon Albarn and Cuban dance legend Carlos Acosta among previous performers. The next (fortnight-long) festival is scheduled for July 2017 (mif.co.uk).
This article brought to you by Visit Britain.
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