Manchester is a dynamic and energetic city that's forever reinventing itself. The recent relocation of many BBC programmes to Salford Quays has injected new life and energy into the area, bringing with it employment and business opportunities and the creation of Media City.
With industrial parks and offices springing up to the north and east of the city, and the broadening of the city centre's leisure experience, Manchester is delivering in its bid to be considered the UK's Second City, and doing so with northern charm and cheek.
Millennium and Northern Quarters
Investment in Manchester's Millennium Quarter has created a cultural hub, bringing together Manchester Cathedral, Chetham's School of Music and the Corn Exchange while preserving space for a city park. Ongoing interest in the Northern Quarter has seen design studios and creative types make it their home, and it is where you can find a thriving independent cafe culture and buzzing restaurants.
When it comes to shopping, if you make your way to Harvey Nichols and Selfridges at Exchange Square Central you'll also find a string of high-end boutiques that have popped up in the immediate vicinity. The biggest high street brands are located along Market Street, in St Ann's Square and on the less well-known but equally charming King's Street. If you want an alternative shopping experience head for Affleck's Palace, a mecca of pre-loved and independent shops in the Northern Quarter. A rabbit warren of unique outlets, it shot to fame in the ‘Madchester' era but is still thriving today.
A tale of two teams
The city is the proud home of not one but two elite football clubs. The Red Devils of Manchester United are possibly the world's best-known team, while their rivals in sky blue, Manchester City, have fought their way to the top with a decade of shrewd acquisitions and the continent's leading managers. Manchester also hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and has built a number of leading sports facilities as a result, such as the Aquatic Centre on Oxford Road, and the City of Manchester Stadium, now occupied by City.
Northern culture
Culture vultures will not be disappointed if they delve into what this city has to offer, as it's home to dozens of outstanding galleries and museums. You'll find Manchester Art Gallery in the city centre and the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road, while The Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield offers younger visitors an eye-opening and engaging range of interactive exhibits. For local history buffs, part of this museum's building is also what remains of Manchester Liverpool Road railway station – the first of its kind to be opened in the world.
Past and present, Manchester continues to deliver the vision of a city that is sure of its identity and yet continues to innovate, offering a wide range of ways to spend your precious free time. Car hire in Manchester is the perfect way to explore all this and more.
