Visiting Manchester - What to See and Do

(Manchester, England)

In more ways than one, Manchester is comparable to London and many of the world's other first cities, making it easy to see why it's been dubbed the capital of the north.

Not only does it have globally renowned nightlife, world-class museums and architecture that spans the centuries, it's also compact and friendly - qualities that give the world's other capitals a run for their money.

Having shed its former image as an industrial haven, built on the success of the textile industry, the city has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few decades and is now considered to be one of the UK's most important cultural and historical centres. This dynamic city makes a refreshing change from many of Britain's other cities and the atmosphere and people are warm and welcoming.

Ten things you must do in Manchester

• Take a cruise around the Castlefield area of Manchester, a wonderfully scenic way to explore the area and take in some of the top tourist attractions.
• Visit the People's History Museum and learn about life in Manchester over the last 200 years.
• Take the family to Chester Zoo, with over 5,000 animals including lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, it's especially popular with children.
• Picnic in the glorious Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens, where you'll find fine plant collections, landscaped gardens and tennis courts.
• Take a guided tour of the famous Boddington Brewery and enjoy a tipple in its popular public house.
• Don't miss an expedition to Manchester United Museum and Trophy Room at Old Trafford covering more than a century of 'Man U' football history.
• Take your pick from a huge selection of cafés, restaurants and bars or take in a film at the IMAX cinema at Printworks Leisure Complex.
• Do something different and head to Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the Manchester area.
• Hit the bars, restaurants and nightclubs of Manchester's famous Canal street for some of the most exciting nightlife in Europe.
• Explore the fascinating Museum of Science and Industry with its many interactive exhibits on the world of science.