Morning
From the city centre, take the 15-minute tram ride to
Salford Quays, a once-bustling inland sea port that's now home to a collection of attractions. Closest to the tram stop is
the Lowry Centre which, while not the spiritual home of the famous landscape artist LS Lowry, does have the biggest collection of his work along with a number of galleries offering often quirky exhibitions (+44 870 787 5780, open seven days 10am-5pm, admission free).
Cross the bridge over the Ship Canal to the Imperial War Museum North for a quite intense journey through often very personal experiences of those of who have experienced war close up. While there, take a trip up the Observation Shard to reflect on the powerful content below whilst enjoying the fine views across the docks and city centre (+44 161 836 4000, open seven days 10am-5pm, admission free).
Afternoon
Close by,
Manchester United's home ground of
Old Trafford comes with a large gift shop, museum and stadium tour (not on home match days; +44 161 868 8000). For cricket lovers,
Old Trafford Cricket ground is a 10-minute walk away (though there is currently no ground tour or museum). Tickets for matches, including County, Tests and Twenty20 matches can be booked at +44 161 282 4040 or
online.
Evening
Chinatown, one of the largest in Europe, offers an array of Far East neon-lit eating choices, some good, some indifferent, but it's the
Yang Sing that continually receives the plaudits and a reservation is strongly recommended.
Nearby, the Village is the pulsating heart of gay Manchester. Awash with loud and brash bars and restaurants along cobbled pedestrian Canal Street, this is a lively, friendly place on most nights, particularly during the warm long evenings of summer when there is Mardi Gras atmosphere that attracts both gay and straight.
Alternatively, head across town to the Printworks, a large covered complex of 24-hour bars, restaurants and clubs.
The morning after
Take a
guided walk from the vast choice on offer that include focuses on: fashion, art, history, pop music, politics and architecture. For those who prefer to sit down, there are also guided bus tours (+44 871 222 8223).
Afternoon
Located on
St Peters Square and generally only admired from the outside, the free-to-enter circular neo-classical
Central Library offers public rooms, as does the Town Gothic splendour of Manchester Town Hall. Diagonally across
St Peter's Square is the
City Art Gallery, which houses a fine collection of work dating back 600 years (closed Mondays, admission free). For something a little more contemporary head for the
Cornerhouse to view constantly changing exhibitions as well as cinema showings by independent filmmakers.
Evening
There are more theatres here than in any other city outside London, of which the most impressive and unusual is the
Royal Exchange. Built inside the former Cotton Exchange, this seven-sided theatre is famous for its quality contemporary and classical productions and attracting world renowned acting talent to its boards. For discounts on seats try and go on Monday evenings or to the Wednesday and Saturday matinees.
Music is as much a part of Mancunian heritage as football, radical politics and technological innovations, and every night of the week vast venues and intimate clubs host the superstars and the potential next best thing. Check local listings and give a listen — you won't regret it.
Have you tried any of the places on this itinerary? Got any ideas we haven't thought of? Have your say using the comments form below.
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