Your guide for a weekend in Manchester

If you have been following me for a while now, you might know that I have moved and lived in Manchester for a while during my studies. Manchester has grown into my heart and I am always pleased to travel back whenever possible. To revisit the old memories and see what I have missed during the time. Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England with a rich industrial heritage. It is a vibrant city with big university campuses, loads of restaurants and music gigs. A lot of people say it is like a second London, and it is indeed like that! 

WHAT TO DO & SEE

1. Albert square & Manchester Town Hall

Albert Square is a large public square in the centre of Manchester, dominated by its largest Victorian Gothic building - The Manchester Town Hall. On the square, you will find a number of monuments and statues, including the Albert Memorial, a monument to Prince Albert, the prince consort of Queen Victoria. The square was named after Prince Albert.

2. The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library is a late Victorian neo-Gothic building on Deansgate which was opened in 1900. This library is maintained and part of the University of Manchester, which was merged together back in 1972. It is open to readers and visitors. The building and the inside of the library is stunning. Definitely, worth a stroll around the old books!

3. Manchester City and Manchester United stadiums

What more to say about it. Football fans will know more than me. However, Manchester has two teams and two stadiums - Etihad stadion and Old Trafford station. Both stadiums are located on one side of the city. There is also a football museum in the centre, worth noting that down.

4. Royal Exchange Theatre

The building is located in St Ann's Square. Inside the complex, you will find a theatre and entertainment facilities. The current building is the last of several buildings on the site used for commodities exchange, primarily for cotton.

5. Manchester Museum

Visit Manchester Museum, if you are interested to see works of archaeology, anthropology and natural history. The museum is owned by the University of Manchester and it is located on Oxford Road, at the heart of the university complex. If you are already around, do stroll around the buildings of the University of Manchester nearby.

6. Manchester Cathedral

Formally it is called the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George is located on Victoria Street in Manchester city., just behind all those shopping and restaurants. The architectural style of the cathedral is Gothic style.

7. Castlefield

Castlefield is a beautiful area alongside the canals of Manchester. It is passing by River Irwell, Quay Street, Deansgate and Chester Road. You will find many bars, restaurants or museums nearby the canal. Castlefield is a conservation historical area and worth to read more about its history and the first railway warehouse and station. In summer 2022, Castlefield Viaduct will open as a temporary park in the sky – a meeting place for people and nature. The entrance is free, but make to book a time slot ticket prior. Not far from Castlefield you can also visit Museum of Science and Industry which traces the development of science, technology and industry with emphasis on the city's achievements in these fields

8. The Curry Mile, Rusholme

The Curry Mile is in Rusholme, located just down off from Oxford Road. It is known for Middle eastern restaurants and shops. Great place to go if you are craving for some Indian cuisinene.

9. Media City

The waterfront destination in Salford is the so-called Media City. Known for the offices as BBC or ITV. Besides office buildings, you can find here also a port, Manchester Dock or Imperial War Museum North. Totally different scenery and vibes around here. 

10. Whitworth art gallery

Whitworth art gallery located just next to Whitworth park on Oxford Road is part of the University of Manchester. The gallery contains about 55,000 items in its collection and always host a number of events and new exhibition. There is also a cute coffee shop in the gallery overlooking the park.

11. China town

Outside of London, you can find Chinatown also in Manchester. It is the second largest Chinatown in the United Kingdom and the third largest in Europe. The archway on Faulkner street was completed in 1987. You may find various Asian cuisine around Chinatown, from Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, and Nepali to Vietnamese. Apart from supermarkets, come here to visit bakeries, shops and supermarkets too.

12. Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly owned art museum on Mosley Street in Manchester city centre, just off the Albert square. The main gallery premises were built for a learned society in 1823 and today its collection occupies three connected buildings, two of which were designed by Sir Charles Barry. 

13. Ancoats

Ancoats is an area of Manchester in North West England, next to the Northern Quarter, the northern part of Manchester city centre. It is an upcoming area filled with eateries and bars. For many years, from the late 18th century onwards, Ancoats was a thriving industrial district. Up until now, you will see many brick buildings or factories that have transformed into living spaces. Just next to the Ancoats neighbourhood you can go for a nice walk alongside the canals.

14. Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is a trendy neighbourhood, with vibrant street art, bohemian bars and independent record shops. It’s home to buzzy restaurants and some of the city’s liveliest music venues. Cultural attractions include the artists’ studios at Manchester Craft and Design Centre and rotating exhibits at the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art. Think about this area like the famous Shoreditch in London. 

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Manchester is pretty easy to reach by a foot, if you are staying and exploring around the inner Manchester City. However, number of buses are running in and out of Manchester City and the hub for buses is at Picadilly Gardens.

The city also offers 3 free buses that start from the Picadilly train station and operates around the city center. The zero-fare buses were first introduced in Manchester city centre in 2002, with three routes linking the city's major thoroughfares and stations with its main commercial, financial and cultural districts. 

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK?

1. Tattu restaurant & bar - A contemporary restaurant, inspired by the Traditional Chinese Courtyard House.

2. San Carla Fumo -  An elegant Italian restaurant bar and grill, serving an serves an extensive choice of Italian dishes and meat dishes

3. Pieminister - If you are looking for some British dining, check out the pies at Pieminister. They have two locations around Manchester.

4. North tea power - Daytime venue serving handcrafted coffee and loose-leaf teas, cake, soup and grilled sandwiches.

5. Cloud 23 - Hilton hotel's smart cocktail and champagne bar on the 23rd floor of the landmark Beetham Tower. Perfect for skyline views of the city.

6. 20 stories - High-style destination in a shopping complex for modern British dining & cocktails & sweeping views.

7. Home sweet home - A brunch restaurant serving food all day long

8. I am Pho - Low-key and delicious Vietnamese spot offering a variety of pho, rice dishes & banh mi, plus wine & imported beer.

9. Revolucion de Cuba - Enjoy Latin-inspired food, tapas, cocktails and nightlife

10. Pot Kettle Black - An independent coffee shop and bakehouse dedicated to the art of brewing the best coffee

11. Pollen Bakery - Light-filled, a local bakery specialising in sourdough bread & viennoiserie baked goods, plus coffee.

12. Mackie Mayor - Brick-walled food hall vendors offering steaks, pizza & sandwiches, with communal dining tables.