City of Manchester is all of the above and much much more. It is not a city to fall in love with from the first sight, but whatever your feeling might be, you will most certainly not stay indifferent to its emerging urban identity.
There are no striking postcard-beautiful sights, yet something drives one to explore its cosmopolitan streets with an intense curiosity of an inexperienced tourist, a feeling you most likely have not had for ages...
Easy train ride from London will take you to Manchester Piccadilly station in the heart of the city in just over two hours. Difference between two cities cannot be more striking. Be prepared to see ultramodern Hilton bordering shabby hotel with no name or even windows. Stroll down Piccadilly street, lined with various shops and turn to one of the smaller streets where all world brands seem to nest or even check out dodgy alleys with side entries to night clubs and restaurants; stop for lunch in one of the numerous basement restaurants. That said there are not so many culinary treats awaiting you in Manchester. In fact, dining in the basement might not be all that enticing and yet it seems to be preferred place for restaurant owners. I am to find out why...
Manchester has a vibrant night life. Numerous clubs are located within walking distance from each other- a real luxury for a Londoner. Slightly provincial air to the night venues is largely compensated by people you are likely to meet. If your life was touched by British series Queer as Folk, check out Canal street just few blocks off Piccadilly.
There are several interesting museums in the city. I was very eager to discover very promising police museum only to find out that it was open on Tuesdays only... Come on, really? Be prepared to that sort of controversy in Manchester, as tourism is not what drives its economy. There is also rather interesting museum of science and technology featuring first computer called "Baby" , unfortunately pavilion where "baby" was displayed was closed until December.It was just my luck. There was also an interesting underground passage depicting stories of water shortage and public facilities from previous centuries. Go figure... Art Gallery is certainly worth a visit, you will find most unusual combination of art work displayed in an unusual way in the same exhibition.
In any case, if you stop playing tourist, you will have much better time and will probably come back to visit the City of Manchester.
