Manchester holidays are your gateway to an English city that was once the heart of the Industrial Revolution – and is now the centre of a cultural one.
Among the 19th-century architecture and neo-Gothic splendour of the towering Town Hall and renowned John Rylands Library, you’ll find a vibrant, exciting atmosphere.
This is a proud city of famous football clubs, chic shopping streets and effortlessly cool coffee shops. Take a tour of the magnificent Etihad Stadium and experience the independent galleries, hip restaurants and trendy music venues of the Northern Quarter.
Whether you want to fly down the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, find the perfect souvenir at the winter markets or explore the city’s science, sport and art museums, a holiday to Manchester with Etihad promises an adventure to remember.
Whether you’re looking for an active adventure, culinary odyssey or luxury experience, this is a city of endless possibilities.
Boasting every type of cuisine imaginable, you certainly won’t be left hungry during your holiday in Manchester.
The regular Street Food Market at Piccadilly Gardens boasts a variety of sweet and savoury treats – ranging from Vietnamese dishes to local pastries and cakes – while the hip Northern Quarter and Ancoats districts also have much to offer.
Head to TNQ for classic British produce served with forward-thinking flair under the talented eye of chef Anthony Fielden (the forest-sourced steaks are famously flavoursome).
The health-conscious, meanwhile, can hop into The Counter House for an abundance of wellness shots and acai bowls.
Manchester is a shopper’s dream come true – boasting large luxury department stores and artsy indoor markets.
Discerning shoppers can head straight to high-end British establishment Selfridges at Exchange Square for a huge range of designer goods. Personal shopping experiences can also be arranged.
Manchester Arndale specialises in fashion and offers a vast selection of high street brands across hundreds of shops, while the Northern Quarter is home to quirky independent boutiques and vintage stores.
You’ll find both cutting-edge clothes and retro styles as you explore these unique streets.
A little knowledge goes a long way at Manchester’s much-loved Museum of Science and Industry.
Venture into this extraordinary place and you’ll find inspiration around every corner.
Discover ideas that changed the world – from the earliest computers to classic steam trains. Fascinating objects will inspire your imagination, while interactive events dazzle with futuristic predictions and astronomical displays.
Permanent features include the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station and a space dedicated to Manchester innovation. Find out just how much this city shaped the world as you explore.
Manchester’s eclectic architectural spaces reflect the city’s changing role, from pioneer of the Industrial Revolution to trailblazer of modern creativity.
Looming textile mills have now been renovated into stylish hang-outs, music venues and events spaces. Admire the Hope Mill Theatre building from outside, before catching a stage show within.
Stunning examples of 19th-century architecture meanwhile are among some of the UK’s finest. Seek out Manchester Cathedral to view intricate woodwork that depicts a fascinating history.
Take time to admire the Victorian Gothic facade of the beautiful John Rylands Library – then head inside to be awed by its own breathtaking, cathedral-like interior.
Football fans can revel in the fact that Manchester boasts not just one, but two leading teams.
The Etihad Stadium is home to Manchester City and hosts immersive tours around the grounds. Meet virtual managers, experience the thrill of the dressing room and hear first-hand stories from a former Man City star on special, limited edition events.
You can also enjoy a VIP experience on match day at The Tunnel Club – getting you as close to the action as possible. Be sure to check availability and book in advance.
Old Trafford, meanwhile, is the home of Manchester United, and runs its own museum and stadium tour experiences.
Luxury holidays to Manchester mean glamour and sophistication, with a selection of beautiful 5-star hotels ready to meet even the highest expectations.
Hotel Gotham on the city's famous King Street is a treat for art deco fans, where true elegance awaits you.
Relax on a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city skyline, dine at the stylish Honey restaurant, and find yourself ideally placed for high-end shops, coffee houses and galleries.
Manchester’s Northern Quarter couldn't be more central, placed perfectly between the gateway of the city, Piccadilly Train Station, and the shopping sanctuary of Manchester Arndale.
You’ll find a great selection of shops nearby, from independent boutiques to vintage fashion.
Innovative businesses and unique restaurants are on every corner in this stylish neighbourhood.
Ancoats is arguably Manchester’s most up-and-coming district, known for its sensational food scene.
Once renowned for its place in the cotton spinning industry, it’s now forging a reputation as the place to be for delicious dining.
Find cool coffee shops, independent theatres and perfect pizzas in this hip district.
Gastronomic offerings range from Portuguese to Japanese – while the acclaimed Mana brought Manchester its first Michelin star in decades.
The local currency in Manchester is the British pound (GBP). ATMs are widely available, and most shops, restaurants and hotels will accept payment by card.
The most common language spoken in Manchester is English. The city is home to people of many cultures, however, so you may well hear other languages as you explore.
Public holidays in Manchester include New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March or April) and Christmas Day (December 25).
Major attractions are served by a free Metroshuttle bus service. Metrolink tram services and taxis are also widely available, while buses and trains offer routes to neighbouring towns and suburbs.
In many ways, Manchester has always been a city of ‘firsts’. It boasts the world’s first passenger railway (which you can still visit at the Science and Industry Museum), is home to the first man-made canal, and offered Britain's first ever bus service.
Examples of Manchester’s influential place in innovation and trend-setting can be found throughout the city today.
The neo-Gothic Manchester Town Hall set a high standard for Victorian architecture in every sense of the word with its astonishing 280-foot tall clock tower.
Meanwhile, the legacy of Emmeline Pankhurst – who led the Suffragette movement – is recognised through the Pankhurst Centre and via a powerful bronze statue in St Peter’s Square.
Manchester is famous for its strong sense of civic pride and identity – with ‘Mancunians’ also famously influential when it comes to entertainment and fashion.
The city became synonymous with electronic music and indie rock – especially ‘Britpop’ – in the 1980s and 1990s.
Bands like Oasis, New Order and the Stone Roses remain iconic figures in British music to this day and continue to inspire a host of modern homegrown acts.
Cultural festivals are a key annual feature of the events calendar, with Parklife and Push hosting live music and theatre respectively.
Manchester International Festival frequently boasts work by a line-up of world-famous artists, from David Lynch to Philip Glass.
Manchester eateries are enthusiastic for global tastes and international flavours - if you're craving it, you can probably find it here. But there are some local staples you must try during your holiday to Manchester.
Eccles cakes are synonymous with the north-west of England, having been invented on the outskirts of the city in the 18th century. You can enjoy this currant-filled sweet pastry in many tea shops throughout the area.
Traditional ‘hotpot’, meanwhile, consists of diced mutton or lamb baked with potatoes, vegetables and gravy – delicious and warming, especially in the autumn or winter.
Of course, if you’d like to indulge in authentic Chinese food, why not pay a visit to the second-largest Chinatown in the UK?
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