Manchester: Tourism, shopping and much more!
Manchester is a city as well as a metropolitan borough located in England’s Greater Manchester approximately 260 km northwest of London. Thanks to its temperate oceanic climate, Manchester enjoys weather pretty similar to that of the British Isles: warm summers and cool winters.
Sports fans will undoubtedly know about the city’s link to sports, especially football. That’s because no fewer than two decorated Premier League football clubs are named after the city: Manchester United and Manchester City. And yes, the sports scene certainly flows into Manchester’s tourist attractions, as its National Football Museum is one of the city’s most eye-catching presentations. Located inside a dramatic glass structure (used to be known as Urbis), the museum is a one-stop location for any sports fan.
Tourists seeking a more artsy vibe can try the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. This hub of creativity (built inside a former Victorian fish market) offers art, jewellery, ceramics, prints, plus a cute little café complete with the occasional musical performance and art exhibition. There’s also some fabulous hotels nearby for those who want to stay and shop for more than one day.
And speaking of shopping…
Manchester: Map for shopping
The Trafford Centre in Stretford patiently awaits you! Featuring a magnificent selection of international high-end brands, this indoor shopping centre enjoys a deluxe design thanks to its fountains, sculptures, and faux marble columns. Drop by at well-known shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hotel Chocolat and Sunglass Hut, and feel what it feels like being transported back in time.
Manchester Arndale in Market Street is conveniently close to bus-, train- and tram networks, just in case you have heaps of shopping bags you need to get home. This shopping centre has the unique distinction of being the biggest of the Arndale Centre chains built across the UK during the 1960s – 70s. Expect to find the likes of Deichmann, Lipsy, and Baytree Interiors here.
For a trendy neighbourhood with a bohemian vibe, you can’t do better than The Northern Quarter. After all, here is where unique brands like Afflecks, Blue Rinse, and Fig + Sparrow await you. With its vibrant street art, independent record shops, buzzy restaurants, fashion studios and art galleries, The Northern Quarter can be seen as the ideal counter to the more high-end fashion streets of the city.
Even rainy weather can’t stop a proper shopping spree from happening at the covered Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park. Drop by at popular names like Bensons for Beds, Footasylum, and Pagazzi Lighting & Mirrors, and boost your happiness levels via the centre’s cinema, bowling alley, and collection of restaurants.
For a mishmash of shopping potential, head over to New Cathedral Street Market. Located directly opposite Manchester Arndale, New Cathedral Street is regarded as the premium shopping spot when it comes to Manchester’s high-end areas. It even offers a Christmas market in addition to its fancy retail chains and independent shops. Some of the stores awaiting you here include Harvey Nichols, Burberry, and Michael Kors.
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