Boasting a truly eclectic blend of food, drink, culture, music and sport – including two of the world’s most famous football teams – Manchester can rival anything that London has to offer. It’s a true 24-hour city with everything you could ask for. This is what makes it such an attractive destination to live and study in.
A veritable world tour of culinary delights awaits your palette. In terms of fine dining, the Michelin starred Mana leads the way. Adam Reid at The French, Tom Kerridge’s Bull & Bear at Stock Exchange and 20 Stories are hot on its heels though.
Good food isn’t about the size of the bill though, as venues such as Happy Seasons, Bundobust, Little Aladdin, Shoryu Ramen and Habesha ably demonstrate. Whatever you fancy and whatever your budget, you’ll find yourself perfectly catered to.
From sleek and sophisticated cocktail bars to bustling, beat-filled venues, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
Cloud 23 combines the finest mixology with stunning views across the city. At the other end of the spectrum, there are an array of speakeasy style bars such as The Pen and Pencil, Arcane, and Science & Industry.
There are plenty of traditional pubs dotted about the city too. For all Manchester’s modernity, it has definitely not forgotten its past.
Today, the Northern Quarter arguably leads the way for the city’s fashion scene due to its host of trendy independent stores, including Afflecks, Junk Shop and Oi Polloi.
The Royal Exchange, King Street, Spinningfields, New Cathedral Street, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols cater to the designer end of the market. While the Manchester Arndale, has all the high street favourites you could ask for.
Slightly further afield, but readily accessible by tram are Quayside MediaCityUK (25 mins) and The Trafford Centre (36 mins). Rest assured, your wardrobe will be every bit as impressive as your home.
The birthplace of Oasis, New Order, The Smiths and the Hacienda, music is part of the fabric of Manchester. An array of venues offering everything from chart-topping artists to classical symphonies and the next big things are dotted throughout the city. In fact the AO Arena is right on your doorstep.
There are plenty of museums, galleries and theatres to explore too. The true passion of Manchester is of course football however. The city is split in terms of its allegiances, but whether you’re United or City for life, rest assured Old Trafford and The Etihad Stadium are both readily accessible. You’re also moments from the National Football Museum.
There are times when the pace of city life can become a bit draining and it’s good to unwind. There are countless gyms, yoga studios and even a rock climbing centre in the local area. Or if you prefer exercising in the great outdoors, Manchester’s waterways are the perfect running track.
Cathedral Gardens or Angel Meadow Park are great spots to unwind with friends or a book. While the much anticipated City River Park, will add another 35,000 sqm of new and improved park and woodland to the city by 2024, as part of redevelopment plans for Red Bank.