If your idea of Manchester is still that of a dark industrial city, you're in for a surprise! World class hotels, shopping, designer living plus major sporting and arts events are the order of the day. Manchester has roots in Roman history but more modernly, it has an energetic yet cool vibe, its vitality is expressed through its magnificent architecture, fascinating things to see and do and most of all, the spirit of its people.

Manchester is home to Britain's largest multi-sports development. Eastlands, as the site is known, includes the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football club, national centres for squash and tennis, an indoor athletics facility and Manchester Velodrome, one of only two full-size indoor tracks in the UK. A national indoor BMX centre is the most recent addition to Eastlands, opened in Spring 2011 and in the city centre, Autumn 2011 saw the opening of the National Football Museum.

Manchester is also playing a key role in the Northwest’s ‘Be Inspired’ Olympic offer in the build up to London 2012.  Prior to the Games themselves, USA Basketball, the Australian Olympic Swim Team and the Thailand Olympic Team will train in Manchester.  In 'Games Time' Old Trafford will be hosting nine Olympic football matches.
Find out more: http://www.visitmanchester.com/discover/sport.aspx

Visitors to the city will struggle to resist the temptations of its shopping appeal. Luxury stores Harvey Nichols and Selfridges sit alongside Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Hermes, Vivienne Westwood, Armani and DKNY. Just a short walk away you will find unique, independent and vintage boutiques Retro Rehab, Pop Boutique and the world famous Affleck’s, providing affordable outlets for independent designers and traders across four floors. Manchester Arndale completes the offer with high street favorites including a flagship Topshop and the world’s biggest Next, while children will love Build a Bear workshop and the Disney Store. If that’s not enough, a twenty minute trip outside the city takes visitors to The Trafford Centre, with 230 stores, bars, cafes and its own cinema and restaurant complex.

Find out more: http://www.visitmanchester.com/discover/shopping.aspx

Arts and culture

Manchester has attracted international arts and culture ever since the famous Art Treasures of Great Britain exhibition back in 1857. The city’s main galleries Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery and The Lowry host fantastic permanent and changing exhibitions so there are always new collections to see.  Manchester’s museums provide a place to be educated and inspired, try Manchester Museum for natural history, Imperial War Museum North for history and Museum of Science and Industry for science and transport.

Manchester’s festival offer is staggering with well over 20 to choose from throughout the year covering all genres of music, food and drink, arts and culture, film, science, history, literature and more. Best of all, many of Manchester's museums, galleries and festivals are free of charge, meaning you won’t be limited in deciding what to do.

What’s on: http://www.visitmanchester.com/discover/what%27s-on.aspx

Getting around

Metroshuttle: http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/transport/bus.aspx
Metrolink map: http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/transport/metrolink.aspx
Transport info: http://www.visitmanchester.com/transport.aspx

Visit Manchester provides more information on local bars, restaurants, events and attractions in and around Greater Manchester, for more information please click here.

Photos kindly supplied by © Marketing Manchester