Of all the cities in Europe, Manchester is the most progressive and, after London, the most important city in England. Socially, there is a motivating energy in Manchester that is a social and cultural driving force. Manchester has openly embraced the realities of 21st century social change. This is so for two reasons. There are five universities and five colleges in Manchester, and the resulting youthful dynamic that this provides has considerable influence. However, this influence is in complete harmony with, and magnifies, the long tradition of Mancunian propensity to challenge the status quo, to be at the forefront of social change, and to be proactive about civil liberties and rights. This has created an English city very different in tone, behavior and appearance from what Americans might expect.

reconstruction

Due to extensive bombing during World War II there was a considerable amount of rebuilding, and with the Mancunian penchant for innovation, instead of rebuilding the old, they built buildings of contemporary design. So the look of Manchester is that of a dynamic city that is definitely quirky, but also modern and impressive.

Manchester

This dynamism has been a magnet for creative young artists and musicians from across Britain, and this has created a very active cultural climate in the fine and performing arts. Manchester is home to the ‘musical revolution’ that spawned the Hallé Symphony Orchestra and progressive music groups like The Stone Roses, Oasis, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, James and hundreds more. Manchester’s musical revolution was even dramatized in the 2002 film, “24 Hour Party People,” a three-and-a-half-star digital video charting the punk era through the “Madchester” era of the late ’80s. Manchester’s musical is a source of local pride and represents the spirit of this great city.

youthful adventures

With such a large and vibrant university student population in Manchester, that means plenty of university student life and nightlife. If you want to go out at night any night of the week, no problem. There is always a cheap club to get into with no dress code, packed pubs with happy hours, lots of cheap food including ‘food to go’ (takeaway) and places to meet girls, places to meet guys, places to meet girls and guys . , what you want.

First, head to the section of the city called Studentville. It’s the Oxford Road area and it’s full of pubs, bars less demanding on style of dress, and it’s active most of the time.

The North Quarter it is in the center of the city of Manchester, between Shudehill and Victoria Station. This is an offbeat bohemian alternative lifestyle area with many cafes, pubs, bars, music stores, art galleries, clothing boutiques and emporiums. In Barrio Norte you can find all kinds of weird, charming and wonderful things. Pubs and bars are found mainly on the High Street and Oldham Street. There is also a bazaar in Affleck’s Palace, which used to be a department store. Some cafes transform into nightlife with various music venues.

the gay town it is a unique hub for the large and thriving gay community. Gay Village is in the area of ​​Canal Street and Chorlton Street and includes Sackville, Whitworth and Princess streets. Across the canal are Sackville Gardens and Manchester College. Canal Street is a pedestrian street lined with gay bars and restaurants.

Manchester Pride is an annual ten-day LGBT event that takes place in mid to late August. It includes a Pride Fringe festival, movie screenings, a colorful parade through the city and ending at the Gay Village, and a weekend celebration called ‘The Big Weekend’. This is a three-day ticketed outdoor entertainment program at the Gay Village over the August bank holiday weekend. It all ends with a candlelight vigil at Sackville Gardens.

free things to do

Here is a partial list of free things to do in Manchester.

  • The John Rylands Library at the University of Manchester at 150 Deansgate, south of Bridge Street, it is unusual and beautiful inside. It is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic (or Neo-Gothic) architecture. There is a collection in the library of magnificent medieval manuscripts.

  • Museum of Science and Industry o MOSI, on Liverpool Road aims to make science and industry inspiring and enjoyable. Well, that depends on where you are in this huge museum. However, there are trains you can ride, a planetarium and a 4D cinema (you pay for a fairly old short film, around £5.50, which is generally rated fair). The aircraft display is near the end of the entire display area and since the place is really big, don’t get tired of it too soon because the planes are pretty cool. Just walk quickly past the boring storyboard displays. Some people are raving about this place. I don’t know why, but the planes, the planetarium and the trains definitely are. There is a decent restaurant and cafe in the museum.

  • Heaton Parkfour miles north of the city center in Prestwich, it offers huge green areas with good views of Manchester, rowing boats on the lake, woodland walking paths, bike paths too, a beautiful and quirky 18th century mansion, Smithy Lodge, open to the public with period furniture, and a farm with farm animals and beekeeping to see.

  • Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road next to Whitworth Park at the University of Manchester is especially known for its collection of British watercolours, and modern and historical prints. Of course, there are also drawings, paintings and sculptures. There is a program of summer events to watch.

  • City airport and heliportThe Art Deco control tower is open to the public, free of charge, and you can watch planes and helicopters landing and taking off. The City Airport is on Liverpool Road in Eccles and should not be confused with Manchester International Airport on the other side of the city.

Other places to visit include the Manchester Art Gallery, The Lowry, the National Football Museum, the People’s History Museum, the Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral.

Like the rest of England, there is a list of local festivals and events in Manchester that take place during the warmer months. These include such things as the Manchester Picnic, various exhibits and “thought-provoking experiences” at Tatton Park, the Float-In movie, Harry Potter Day and the Canal Festival. Check the local tourist office for details on the festivals that occur during your visit.