Nightlife

Like many large British cities, Manchester offers many places to drink and dine. The strong independent music scene, love of dance culture and large gay community mean that Manchester should offer something for all types of party lover. Some of the main areas include:

Canal Street

Manchester prides itself on its thriving gay community. The internationally famous Canal Street, is the home to the ‘gay scene’ in the city. The street is awash with pubs, clubs, bars and cafes. It is the focal point for the annual gay pride march every August and has featured on television shows such a “Queer as Folk” and “Coronation Street.” Close to the street there is a statue of the “father of modern computing” Alan Turing, who was forced to hide his sexuality at a time when it was illegal in the country. Visitors will find the streets lively every night and every day (during the summer months).

Deansgate Locks

The Deansgate locks, and surrounding areas, offer a number of more “trendy” or mainstream establishments. This row of bars is seen as slightly more upmarket by those who attend them and usually require a more formal dress code. The bars are divided from the road by part of the city’s canal system and so are accessible via a series of bridges, which give the place a certain amount of character. The bars here are popular with people of all age ranges.

The Northern Quarter and “Dirty” Indie Clubs

Guitar based “indie” bands have continued to emanate from the city for many decades: from The Smiths to The Stone Roses, from I Am Kloot to Oasis, Manchester has continued to produce its distinctive guitar driven sound which has proved popular all over the world. Consequently, the style of music is extremely popular in the city, and a number of indie discos, live music clubs and festivals showcase the music which has made the city famous. Many of these are located in the so called Northern Quarter, close to the city centre. But others can be found off Deansgate and in the south of the city, which is heavily populated with students.

Theatres

Manchester is famed for its many excellent theatres. There are small alternative experimental theatres, such as The Contact, and large well established ones such as the Manchester Opera House. Many theatres host touring shows as well as original Mancunian plays. During the Christmas period there are also many opportunities to witness the British tradition of a pantomime in the larger of the city’s theatres.

Football

Many people associate the city of Manchester with Manchester United Football Club. The city actually has two equally well supported local teams (Manchester City being the other, located in the City of Manchester Stadium) but the Old Trafford team have attracted world wide recognition with their European success and promotion in Asia. Both clubs offer tours of their grounds on non-match days.

Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

The Museum of Science and Industry is devoted to the development of science, technology, and industry. It has a particular focus on the city’s contribution to these areas. The choice of building is apt, as it is housed partly in the old Liverpool Road Railway Station, which was part of the world’s first ever passenger railway service. It has close ties with the technological wing of Manchester University, UMIST. Highlights included a genuine-smelling industrial era sewer and many locomotive displays. It is an Anchor Point of ERIH - The European Route of Industrial Heritage.

Shopping

The world’s largest in town shopping centre, The Arndale, was opened in the 1970s and recent redevelopment after the IRA bombing has made it a popular place to shop. Europe’s largest out of town shopping experience is available at the Trafford Centre on the edge of the city. Both offer a wide range of chain stores as well as dining opportunities. The Trafford Centre also features a cinema, golf-driving range and other leisure activities. A more alternative shopper might want to try Affleck’s Palace, which is awash with ever changing bazaars selling new and second hand clothing, records, accessories and many weird and wonderful items.