Anyone traveling to England usually has London in mind. Perhaps Brighton or the coasts of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. But Manchester? This northern city is often overlooked - wrongly! In addition to its formative role in the industrial revolution, Manchester today inspires visitors with its diverse districts, major festivals and impressive architecture.

Manchester is often referred to as the world's first modern city. In the 18th century, it was the center of global cotton production - mechanized, steam-powered spinning mills drove capitalism and industrial growth. At the same time, wealthy industrial magnates endowed the city with museums, galleries, theaters and libraries as well as outstanding urban architecture. Architectural masterpieces such as Bridgewater Hall, home of the Hallé Orchestra, Urbis, an exhibition center with glass curtains, and the Imperial War Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind still dominate the cityscape today.

But that's not all: the former textile district of Ancoats has been transformed into a trendy residential area. Stylish cafés, craft beer bars and chic restaurants have moved into the once derelict mills and warehouses. Manchester also boasts a vibrant LGBTQ community and the UK's second largest Chinatown, which offers a mix of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese cuisine as well as lively markets.

Manchester has long been considered a stronghold of the indie and pop music scene, and to this day a large student scene ensures that the city's club scene remains vibrant. Bands and artists such as Take That, Freddie and the Dreamers, The Hollies, Oasis, Simply Red, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Morrissey and many others started their careers here. In addition to music and exciting nightlife, Manchester also offers space for relaxation: those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle will find a welcome break in the picturesque Lake District - the perfect place to combine nature and city life.

Where to go

Hotels

#1 Dakota Hotel Manchester
Not quite in the city center, but still chic and glamorous - the hotel, which is only five years old, has 137 rooms, a warm color scheme in earth tones and is equipped with all the amenities of a luxury hotel. It also offers a stylish and ambitious grill restaurant. Manchester's chic crowd meets in the Dakota Bar and on the elegant terrace. dakotahotels.co.uk/manchester, double room from 135 GBP

#2 King Street Townhouse
A historic luxury hotel in the heart of the city that gives its guests the feeling of a private residence. Set in a listed Italian Renaissance building, it houses 40 elegant guest rooms, an ESPA Spa & Gym and the Tavern restaurant serving British classics. Particularly noteworthy is the world's first ESPA suite, which offers a holistic wellness experience. kingstreettownhouse.co.uk, double room from GBP 166

#3 The Alan
This design-oriented hotel boasts a prime location, just a stone's throw from the Manchester Art Gallery, Chinatown and the lively Piccadilly Gardens. Despite its historic building, the interior is modern and contemporary: exposed brickwork, metal beams and piping combined with retro furniture create an industrial-chic aesthetic. thealanhotel.com, double room from 50 GBP

 

Restaurants

#4 Erst
Somewhere between the red brick halls of Ancoats, England's first industrial suburb, Erst opened five years ago - an industrial-style wine bar specializing in natural, organic and biodynamic wines and run by a group of friends. The simple menu includes British oysters, grilled partridge with lentils and gnocco fritto with sweet and sour pumpkin. For those who prefer to avoid wine, there is a good selection of craft beers. erst-mcr.co.uk

#5 Skof
Tom Barnes worked in numerous Michelin-starred restaurants before taking the plunge to open his own. Skof is located in a former textile warehouse, with exposed bricks and iron beams reminiscent of the site's industrial heritage. The cuisine combines Japanese influences with ingredients from the restaurant's immediate surroundings. For dessert, there is usually Amakase sorbet and Manchester honey ice cream. The whole experience is complemented by the chef's carefully selected playlist and a relaxed atmosphere. skofmanchester.co.uk

#6 Higher Ground
Three mostly good-humored friends are behind the British bistro, which delights with a daily changing menu and regional, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. What began as a pop-up in 2020 was so successful that it quickly became a permanent address. Many of the ingredients come from the restaurant's own market garden and the preparation can be followed directly from the counter. highergroundmcr.co.uk

#7 Mackie Mayor
Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner - you can eat your way through the day here, always trying something different without leaving the room and even without changing tables. The food hall is located in a historic building dating back to 1858 and is a popular meeting place for the local youth, who also like to enjoy a beer from the Blackjack Brewery. 1 Eagle Street

#8 Mana
Head chef and owner Simon Martin can be seen working in the open kitchen from every table. He prefers to use British produce, especially seafood - after all, you're eating on an island here. Dishes such as Tropea onions with roasted yeast butter or grilled langoustines with sea buckthorn cream earned him Manchester's first and only Michelin star. manarestaurant.co.uk

Bars & coffee shops

#9 Schofield's Bar
Brothers Daniel and Joe Schofield have made it to the top of the UK's 50 best cocktail bars with their bar and were officially named the best cocktail bar in the country in 2024. Located in a magnificent 1930s art deco building, Schofield's offers all the classics on the menu and some rarities such as the Tattletale with scotch, lemon, honey and smoke. schofieldsbar.com

#10 Flawd
Relaxed wine bar and wine shop with a focus on wines from small wineries in Europe. Guests are not given a wine list, but are encouraged to browse the shelves and choose a bottle. The range arouses curiosity and the selection changes regularly, so there is always something new to discover. Add to this the relaxed atmosphere and the delicious snacks that you can enjoy with your wine. flawdwine.co

#11 Allpress Coffee Roasters
They are actually coffee roasters who supply around 400 independent cafés in the UK with selected coffees and their own blends. In Manchester, however, they have opened their own café in the historic art deco building Redfern in the trendy NOMA district. The café is bright and airy, offers the best espresso in town and serves delicious sandwiches. allpressespresso.com

 

Sightseeing

#12 The Lowry
A cultural highlight in the lively Salford Quays waterfront district: the striking Lowry complex impresses with its modern architecture and diverse program of art and events. It hosts thrilling theater productions, dance performances and exciting exhibitions, while the stage is open to both established artists and up-and-coming talent from Manchester and around the word. thelowry.com

#13 Victoria Baths
The landmark, listed as a historical monument, was opened in 1906 and is considered the most beautiful historic swimming pool in the country. From April to September, it is open to the public free of charge every Tuesday and serves as a popular venue for cultural and other events. The shop also invites visitors to browse. victoriabaths.org.uk

#14 Aviva Studios
When the new arts and culture center opened in October 2023, it was four years late and £130 million over budget - but it marked a milestone in the British cultural landscape. Under the direction of the Manchester International Festival (MIF), an ambitious program is being developed here that commissions, produces and presents creative works, music and special projects by leading artists. factoryinternational.org/aviva-studios

 

Shopping

#15 Manchester Craft and Design Center
In an impressive Victorian building, independent artists and designers present their work - a lively showcase of Manchester's creative scene. From handmade jewelry and colorful ceramics to artwork and design objects, there's plenty to discover here. An inspiring place to find unique pieces and support local artisans. craftanddesign.com

#16 Afflecks
Want to buy something but don't know what? Afflecks can help. This iconic spot is a treasure trove of independent traders selling vintage clothing, quirky gifts, alternative fashion and special home accessories. The venue is an indoor market in a beautiful old department store. afflecks.com

#17 Fred Aldous
Established in 1886, Fred Aldous has been a cornerstone in Manchester's Northern Quarter for over a century. This family-run establishment offers a vast selection of materials catering to various creative pursuits, including painting, drawing, jewelry making, and model making. The knowledgeable staff and extensive range of products make it a one-stop destination for artists and crafters seeking to unleash their creativity. fredaldous.co.uk