Considered the home of Manchester United football team, the city itself holds a population of over 500,000 people. Manchester may not be thought of as often as the core of London itself, but this little borough is equally beautiful and full of character. It’s one of London’s most beautiful cities, and is packed with history and plenty to do, see, and eat. Follow this handy guide to learn more about Manchester.

The Best Neighborhoods

Manchester is loaded with real British charm. It’s a place where you’ll find mostly friendly people and plenty of interesting nooks and crannies. The weather stays decent throughout most of the year, so many of the neighbourhoods are worth wandering through by foot.

Didsbury

Didsbury holds a renewed look that brings a bit of fashionable commercialisation into the city, and is a great place to stop in for a bit of shopping. It’s within Didsbury Village that the near-famous Art of Tea cafe and restaurant puts on real British tea time each day; call ahead if you wish to schedule in, as it tends to be busy.

China Town

China Town holds most of Manchester’s Chinese population, and is a wonderful way to experience the same without travelling far. This neighbourhood is home to many little markets and restaurants, some of which serve the very delicious handmade raman. This special dish seems just a simple bowl of noodles, but is often made with family recipes that have been closely guarded for generations.

The Village (Canal Street)

The Village is the place to be if you’re into meeting new people and enjoying nightclubs. Packed with restaurants and places to dance at night, the Village has been famous for decades for a busy, thriving party atmosphere. It’s also home to the largest pride parade in England each year, the Manchester Pride Parade.

The Northern Quarter

The upscale Northern Quarter is home to fine dining restaurants and entertainment, and is home to several famous Manchester citizens. It’s considered the neighbourhood to be in if you’d rather rub elbows with the famous and rich, over checking out a delicious little mom and pop diner for dinner. The Northern Quarter has undergone several evolutions over time, making it the thriving area it is today.

What to Do in Manchester

There’s plenty for visitors to do once they reach Manchester. For many, the highlight of their trip is the Coronation Street tour. This tour takes them through the street the show is filmed on, and is a lovely way to walk the cobbles.

For parents with little ones in tow, the Chesterfield Zoo is fun. Open throughout most of the year, the zoo is home to special animals and events that will delight and charm most people. Especially beautiful is The Bloom, a celebration of spring that takes place all throughout spring each year.

Shoppers will want to stop by the intu Trafford centre, as this is where nearly all of the best shops exist. But you’ll find far more than just shopping here at the centre; it’s packed full of regular fashion events, tea dances, and music performances that are sure to keep you busy and engaged.

Lovers of Champagne will want to stop by the very beautiful Opus Reserve; this unique little champagne bar at the Radisson Blu Edwardian is an excellent way to enjoy a few moments of higher-class fun.

You’ll also want to take note that the Manchester Information centre is located on Piccadilly Plaza; it’s here that you’ll find maps and all the information you need when wandering around the city.

Getting Around the City

There are plenty of options for getting around Manchester when you visit. Some families prefer to use a rental vehicle, and you can also use a coach hire if you happen to be travelling with a group. Taxis are but a telephone call away, and can be hailed from the side of the street in the busier areas of the city. It’s also possible to park in each neighbourhood, allowing your group to wander the city by foot. This is a lovely way to experience each area during Christmas or other special events, or during the warmer months.