Manchester
Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England with a rich industrial heritage. The Castlefield conservation area’s 18th-century canal system recalls the city’s days as a textile powerhouse, and visitors can trace this history at the interactive Museum of Science & Industry.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 999
- Language: English
- Currency: British Pound
- Country Code: GB
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 545,500
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 999 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 101.
Hospitals in Manchester
Tourist Office
Travelling Around
Getting around the city and surrounding areas is easy once you’re here thanks to the fleet of buses, trams and trains available. The compact nature of the city centre also makes walking a popular choice. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the official public transport body for the city.
Airports
Train Stations
Most services run to or through one of Manchester city centre’s major stations, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Picadilly
Manchester Victoria
Oxford Road
Deansgate
Manchester Safety
What are the common scams in Manchester?
Each place has common crimes and scams. If you are aware before you visit you wont find yourself caught by surprise. Always ask the locals as they will know better than anyone.
Please beware of people selling tickets outside the theatres for shows (especially ones that are sold out!). If it is to good to be true it normally is!
The three card monte is a world wide con, anytime you see a man with shells or cards on a paper box, feel free to watch from a safe distance but never ever put your money down, it’s a sucker bet and you are sure to lose.
Where do I need to take extra care in Manchester?
There are areas of every city where you can feel less safe. If you are aware before you visit you wont find yourself caught by surprise. Always ask the locals as they will know better than anyone.
There are a high percentage of sexual assaults reported across the city centre – averaging more than one a day.
The data obtained by Manchester Evening News shows a large proportion of all sex crimes reported in the city centre were in the Gay Village.
Overall, there have been 484 violent incidents in Piccadilly Gardens in the twelve month period covered by the data.
Avoid walking alone through Manchester City Centre at night whenever possible. Have fun, but always be aware of your surroundings.
What are the top travel tips for Manchester?
Manchester is a busy city, make sure you know where you are going and plan your route before you set off.
Avoid carrying valuables. Use pockets and keep keys, your mobile, purse/wallet in separate pockets. Keep a separate record of all important numbers on you in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Stick to well-lit areas at night, avoid alleyways and tunnels when possible.
How do I keep up with the news?
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Manchester Events
Chinese New Year
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Manchester with a weekend full of fun and fortune. The #YearoftheRat will be welcomed in January 2020 and will feature beautiful lanterns, fireworks and the famous Dragon Parade.
Parklife Festival
Parklife is an independent music festival held annually in Manchester, England, co-founded by Sacha Lord.
St George’s Day Parade
Get your flags out and watch as the patriotic procession passes by, including brass bands, pipe bands, vintage vehicles and other entertainment.
Manchester Day
Visit manchesterday.co.uk to stay up to speed as more details are announced.
Manchester’s Pride
Manchester Pride is an annual LGBT pride festival and parade. It takes place in the Canal street area and Mayfield, while the parade occurs through Manchester city centre.
Manchester Christmas Markets
And when planning a visit, don’t miss the amazing array of food and drink! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst, but visitors can also treat themselves to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.
Plenty of vegetarian options will be on offer, and for those with a sweet tooth the choices are even more mouth-watering.
The Great Manchester Run
The Great Manchester Run is a 10km race and a half marathon organised every year in mid-May. It’s one of the most popular mass participation events in the city, with more than 40,000 runners taking part and tens of thousands of supporters turning out to watch.
Manchester Highlights
Where can I have a good night out?
You’ll be completely spoilt for choice when it comes to Manchester’s nightlife. It has one of the strongest scenes in the country, boasting major club establishments and live music hot spots both big and small.
The Northern Quarter
The main concentration of bars in the Northern Quarter are focused around the High Street/Thomas Street crossroads, but wander over to Tib Street and Oldham Street where you’ll be rewarded with some great bars and clubs and a slightly more laid back vibe.
The Gay Village
Canal Street is the heart of Manchester’s famous ‘Village’; a pretty, canalside cobbled street full of bars, restaurants and colourful characters. The summer months see the street itself take on a carnival atmosphere as revellers spill out into the bars’ outdoor seating areas.
Deansgate Locks
Opposite Deansgate Train Station you’ll find ‘The Locks’ – a row of swanky chain bars housed in converted railway arches. You’ll love it or hate it.
Oxford Road
Oxford Road corridor is awash with great bars and venues, and tends to carry the same laid back spirit as the Northern Quarter. The Deaf Institute is a firm favourites for big nights out plus venues like Gorilla and Black Dog Ballroom offer great food, interesting drinks and good music.
What else can I do in Manchester?
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Manchester
Indoor skydiving at its best
Situated in the heart of Trafford City, you can soar like a bird in the first 14ft (4.3m) diameter iFLY wind tunnel to be built in the UK Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery, formerly Manchester City Art Gallery, is a publicly owned art museum on Mosley Street in Manchester city centre.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park is a municipal park in Manchester, England, covering an area of over 600 acres. The park includes the grounds of a Grade I listed, neoclassical 18th century country house, Heaton Hall.
What are the highlight attractions?
Castlefield
A walk able area filled with canals, casual waterfront bars and green spaces, Castlefield is one of Manchester’s more relaxed neighbourhoods. It’s home to the Castlefield Bowl, a canal-side outdoor venue that hosts rock and classical concerts.
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, England, is a large museum devoted to the development of science, technology and industry with emphasis on the city’s achievements in these fields.
National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is England’s national museum of football. It is based in the Urbis building in Manchester city centre, and preserves, conserves and displays important collections of football memorabilia.
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, in Manchester, England, is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city’s parish church. It is on Victoria Street in Manchester city centre.