Manchester’s recent spate of urban renewal has infused the city with a vibrant pulse of energy it sorely lacked through the seventies and eighties. Now, the city is clean, modern, and has some amazing architecture, viewed best from the Wheel of Manchester, a 60 metre vertical wheel ringed with 42 capsules that can seat up to 8 people, emulating the one in London. It sits in Exchange Square in the heart of the city centre, and affords glorious views over the cityscape including the nearby Manchester Cathedral, which itself can be explored.
The various sporting legacies that saturate the city in the shape of football, cricket, and the infrastructure emplaced by the 2002 Commonwealth Games are enough to satiate any sports fan. With Manchester United and Manchester City football stadia in the areas known as The Quays and Sportcity respectively, along with the Lancashire Cricket Ground, there’s a whirligig of interesting sporting entertainment to be had.
For the more cerebral of visitors, Manchester’s museums number among the best in the country. The Imperial War Museum whisks the visitor back to militaristic backdrop of Britain’s long history. The Museum of Science and Industry tells the story of Manchester’s past, both scientific and industrial, and its influence thereby on the world at large. The Manchester Museum at the University of Manchester features natural history, while the People’s History Museum showcases the hardships and lifestyles of Britain’s working class during the industrial revolution.
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While Manchester’s attractions are perhaps not in the league of other British cities, it has a few pleasant surprises for prospective visitors that will make your stay memorable. Manchester is known for its rich musical history. Many music stars are either from Manchester, or have given legendary performances in the city.
Musicians that hail from Manchester include Oasis, Joy Division, Simply Red, and The Smiths. It was the venue for Bob Dylan’s famous concert where he first took up the electric guitar, to a mixed reception. Pick up a musical landmark map from tourist bureaus and embark on a musical discovery tour in Manchester!
One of Manchester’s highlights is its architectural attractions. Since the most interesting buildings to visit such as the imposing Manchester Cathedral and the beautiful Town Hall are all located in the city centre, you can visit them all in an easy-to-do morning tour. Some of the best Manchester museums and Manchester art galleries are also located in the downtown area.
If you’re interested in Manchester sport attractions, Manchester is your city. World Famous for its professional football teams, don’t miss visiting Old Trafford and perhaps catch an English Premier League game. Remember to wear red!
Round your visit off with a ride on the Wheel of Manchester that will give you a wonderful view of the Manchester cityscape.
