Reasons to Visit Manchester
Are you wondering why you should visit Manchester? By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have plenty of reasons to add it to your travel list. Care to bet?
Manchester is often underrated internationally. If you tell someone you’re going there, the typical reactions are “Why?” and “What is there to see?”
Although it may not have the splendour of London, it has numerous charms and has pioneered many noteworthy accomplishments deserving of recognition.
Memorable Facts
To provide some context, I will begin by detailing some of the memorable events that have occurred in this city:
The First in…
- The first English-speaking library in the world that was free to the public opened in Manchester in 1653. Its name is Chetham’s Library, and it is still open.
- The town was the first industrialised city in the world, and it played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. In the 18th century, the first factories (mills) were established here. The city takes pride in its history and has preserved many red brick buildings from that era, converting them into apartments, entertainment venues, or tourist attractions.
- William Cowherd started the vegetarian movement here in 1809, specifically in Salford. The first Vegetarian Society was established in 1847.
- In 1830, the world’s first passenger railway was opened, which connected Manchester to Liverpool.
- It was the birthplace of the first World Professional Football League in 1888.
Innovative People
- The first Rolls-Royce was created in Manchester in 1904.
- In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union, which led the suffragette movement and helped grant British women the right to vote. In 1918, women over 30 were allowed to vote, and in 1928, that right was extended to all women over 21 years old, equal to men.
- The first computer program stored electronically in the world was called ‘Baby’ or ‘Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine’. It was developed by Alan Turing, the precursor of modern computing, at the University of Manchester in 1948. The computer weighed around 500 kg, and a replica is now on display at the city’s Museum of Science and Industry.
- In 2010, two scientists from the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering graphene. This groundbreaking material is incredibly strong, flexible, light, and durable. It has been estimated to be 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminium. Graphene has a wide range of applications in various fields, including energy, construction, health, and electronics.
Cultural Facts
- The University of Manchester is a world-renowned institution with 25 Nobel Prize winners. It ranks third among UK universities, following Oxford and Cambridge.
- This city is renowned for its rich musical culture and has given birth to several iconic bands, such as Joy Division, The Smiths, Take That, The Stone Roses, Oasis, and Happy Mondays.
- Until 2024, the Manchester Arena was the largest indoor venue in the United Kingdom by capacity, surpassing even Madison Square Garden in New York in ticket sales for various years. Since 2024, it’s the Co-op Live, also in Manchester, with a capacity for 23,500 people.
- Located in Rusholme, Manchester, the “Curry Mile” is home to the largest concentration of Indian restaurants outside Asia.
Manchester has been a pioneer in many areas but doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Many places around the world have become famous for lesser reasons.
But it’s not only about the past events that have occurred here throughout the years. Manchester’s true essence lies in its people — individuals who are innovative, curious, and driven to make a positive impact in the world. It’s a cosmopolitan city that welcomes diversity and embraces change.
Reasons to Visit the City
Football
Let us begin by remembering that England was the birthplace of football. If you’re a fan of this sport, Manchester is a must-visit city as it is home to two of the most important teams in the Premier League:
- Manchester United, also known as the ‘Red Devils’, plays at the legendary Old Trafford, famously called ‘The Theatre of Dreams’. They have a rich history of success in English football, although currently, they are not at their best. Manchester United is one of the six teams in the Premier League that has never been relegated to a lower division. Internationally, they are the second highest-earning football team in the world.
- Manchester City, also known as the ‘Citizens’ or ‘Skyblues’, plays in the Etihad Stadium. The team enjoyed some success in the ’60s and ’70s but experienced a decline and even descended to the third division in 1998. However, they made a comeback and returned to the Premier League in 2002. In 2008, Manchester City was taken over by a group of investors from the United Arab Emirates, and with their unlimited financial resources, the club started winning titles once again.
Both teams offer guided visits, but are convenient to book in advance. Here are the links to their websites:
Music
Music is another of the Manchester banners. You’ll find numerous places to enjoy live music while you have a beer or dinner, any day of the week.
In addition to the annual festivals, ongoing music events take place around the city, and if you still have time, you can take a day trip to Liverpool to see the city where the Beatles were born.
Education
Manchester is an excellent choice if you are a student or considering pursuing higher education. It’s a significant hub that attracts over 75,000 students from all over the world each year, and it’s ranked as the third-best academic institution in the United Kingdom, just after Oxford and Cambridge.
Multiculturalism
Manchester not only has a very active arts and cultural scene but is also a very cosmopolitan city. No matter how you are or what your tastes or preferences are, it offers something for everyone, and you will feel at home here.
Accessibility
Manchester has an international airport, the third busiest in the United Kingdom in 2023 and the 19th in Europe. It has direct flights from 190 destinations.
It’s important to note that this city has one of the best public transportation systems in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, it also has 3 free bus lines covering the city’s main points. What more could you ask for?
Festivals and Events
Manchester is a city that never stops and where it is impossible to get bored. No matter the day of the week or the time of year, there is always something to do or see, with countless events and activities for all tastes.
Here are some of the relevant events or celebrations that will take place:
Chinese New Year (January / February)
Manchester has one of the largest Chinese communities in the UK, so Chinese New Year is always a big event.
Manchester Irish Festival (March)
It has become one of the biggest Irish festivals in Europe, flooding the city with live music and dancing for around 10 days.
Flower Festival (May)
It takes place in the city centre over a weekend and consists of floral decorations, outdoor dining, live music and entertainment. Plus, it’s free and open to everyone.
Manchester Jazz Festival (May)
Ten days of festival full of fun and musical vibes throughout the city. It aims to raise funds for local charities in and around Greater Manchester.
Great Manchester Race (May)
The largest 10 km race in Europe, which, in true Mancunian style, is a party from start to finish. With an energetic soundtrack, live music and entertainment areas, it has some of the most enthusiastic local support in the UK.
Parklife (June)
It is the largest metropolitan music festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place in Heaton Park, Manchester’s largest urban park, with 243 hectares.
Sounds of the City (July)
Sounds Of The City has become a Manchester music scene favourite since its release in 2016. It is a series of concerts in the city centre, featuring some of the most acclaimed artists.
Manchester International Festival — MIF (summer)
A biennial cultural event that includes music, art, theatre, and dance.
Pride Festival (end of August)
It has become one of the UK’s most popular and longest-running celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival (September/October)
This annual food and drink festival has been running for over 20 years, showcasing the very best of more than 250 restaurants, bars, cafés, and other culinary hotspots.
Grimmfest (October)
In early October, the Grimmfest, a horror, fantasy and science fiction film festival, is held for three days.
Manchester Zombie Walk (October)
Every year in Manchester, thousands of people dressed up as zombies, ghosts, and ghouls participate in a “scare walk” around Halloween. They wander the streets growling and moaning with outstretched arms.
Christmas Markets (November/December)
It is one of the largest and most important in the country. As soon as Halloween is over, the city illuminates its streets with Christmas lights and commences its seasonal celebrations. The city centre is adorned with over 300 stalls of various kinds.
Do you want to know what events will be in the city when you visit it? Here, I leave you two links with the cultural agenda, where you only have to select the dates that interest you.
Don’t you feel like coming now? At least a little?
If you are considering visiting the city, don’t worry; I’m here to help. Have a look at my ‘Manchester in 2 days‘ itinerary, which includes a route and map to help you explore the most significant parts of the city within a couple of days.
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