Guest Post: Why tourists are flocking to Manchester

Everybody knows that with it’s unique mix of heritage and modern culture Britain is a tourists paradise. As you’d expect the two most visited cities are London and Edinburgh. But what might surprise you is that the third most visited city is Manchester.And it’s not hard to see why.

Located in North West England, Manchester can date its history back to Roman times and the locals are rightly proud of the city’s heritage. The city’s stunning architecture and numerous museums and galleries vie for tourists’ attention, alongside the city’s more modern attractions such as the city’s world class nightlife and shopping. The only problem facing visitors will be to decide what to do and see during their stay.

Culture

Culture-vultures won’t be disappointed by Manchester, as it has plenty to offer.As well it’s Roman historic roots, the city has also played an important role in British history, including women’s suffrage, the Industrial Revolution, and the Trade Union movement. Several museums celebrate Manchester’s rich past, including the Museum of Science and Industry and the Imperial War Museum North.Manchester has a thriving art scene too, so there are several galleries worth visiting. Manchester boasts two fantastic art galleries: Manchester Art Gallery houses one of the U.K.’s most important collections of pre-Raphaelite works. The other gallery, The Lowry,is based in an amazing glass and metallic building on Salford Quays. The building is a must see in it’s own right.

Architecture

Architecture buffs will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding magnificent buildings in Manchester. As well as the aforementioned Lowry the city’s architecture ranges from the Gothic flourishes of the medieval Manchester Cathedral, to the Victorian splendour of Manchester Town Hall, to the imposing skyscrapers built in the 1960s and 1970s. Mixing modern icons with historical gems, Manchester really does have it all.

Sport

The 2002 Commonwealth Games were heldin Manchester, and the legacy lives on as the city now features first class stadiums and sports facilities. Therefore big sporting events are never far away, including various world championships, ranging from cycling to lacrosse. But for millions of people around the world Manchester is most known for its two Premier League teams; Manchester United and Manchester City. And for many a trip to see one of these two teams play is a must-do on any trip to Manchester.

Shopping

The BBC has describes Manchester as the “retail capital of the North West”. From high street stores to designer boutiques, shoppers will find plenty of stores to cater to their budgets. The Northern Quarter is jam-packed with quirky, independent stores and second-hand shops for those who prefer to lead rather than follow fashion trends. But for those with cash to burn, a trip to Exchange Square to browse Selfridges and Harvey Nichols should do the trick.

Nightlife

Aside from football, Manchester is probably best known for its lively nightlife. The film “24 Hour Party People” was set in Manchester in the 1980s, when the city was experiencing a musical boom with bands such as the Stone Roses, the Charlatans, and the Happy Mondays. The area also gave birth to the ‘BritPop’ phenomenon of the 1990’s.

Always a known as a party city, the night scene received a boost in the early 1990s when breweries and the city’s council invested millions in the area’s pubs and clubs. Today, there are more than 500 venues licensed to serve alcohol in the centre of the city, and they have a combined capacity to cater for about a quarter of a million people. This is just as well, because tourists are flocking to visit Manchester. And with so much to enjoy in the city, who can blame them?

This was a guest article from One UK, specialists in apartments in Manchester.