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Marketing Manchester

 Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own. Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events. The city's vitality is expressed through its fascinating history, interactive attractions, magnificent architecture and most of all, the spirit of its people, ensuring that there’s always something to do in the Greater Manchester region.

Media City Marketing Manchester

The City

Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, known for its warm welcome and rich traditions in culture, music, sport, and world-class events. Across Greater Manchester, there’s something to suit every taste and interest.

For sports enthusiasts, the city is a dream destination. Whether it’s football, cricket, cycling, or a packed calendar of year-round events, Manchester offers plenty to keep fans entertained — both on and off the pitch. Beyond sport, the city’s cultural scene thrives, with music, art, theatre, and architecture celebrated for their creativity and high standards.

Manchester’s heritage is as diverse as it is fascinating. It’s the birthplace of the computer, the football league, and Top of the Pops. History buffs can explore the Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s first passenger railway station, or visit Chetham’s Library — the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.

When it comes to shopping, Manchester stands out as the North’s retail hub. From luxury boutiques and high-street favourites to independent stores and local markets, there’s something for every shopper. The city’s food scene is equally impressive, with a mix of high-end dining, globally inspired cuisine, and locally sourced dishes. Renowned chefs and a thriving independent scene have cemented Manchester’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.

A night out in Manchester is a must, with each neighbourhood offering its own distinct vibe. From cosy pubs and trendy bars to lively clubs, the city’s nightlife caters to all tastes. Music is woven into the fabric of Manchester, with iconic acts like The Smiths, Take That, and Oasis having shaped the sound of rock and pop. Today, the city’s venues host everything from classical and jazz to indie and electronic music.

For those looking to escape the urban energy, Greater Manchester’s countryside provides a refreshing contrast. Miles of scenic landscapes, historic waterways, and charming towns make for perfect day trips.

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Do & See

Manchester is perhaps best known internationally for two things: music and football. Huge musical acts, including The Hollies, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis, Take That, Simply Red, and many more, have hailed from Manchester. The yearly "In The City" music festival has launched many to international stardom.

Football fans will want to visit the legendary Old Trafford stadium, museum and megastore. But Manchester has a lot more to offer than just music and sports. It is a young and creative city, with outstanding museums, food and nightlife, crisscrossed by canals, which give it a unique atmosphere. And one of the greatest pleasures about visiting Manchester is exploring the various districts on foot.

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Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre

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Manchester City Football Club

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Coronation Street Experience

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Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing

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National Football Museum

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Play Factore

The Crystal Maze Live Experience/Marketing Manchester

Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

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City Centre Cruises

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Ordsall Hall

John Rylands Library/Marketing Manchester

John Rylands Library

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Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement

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East Lancashire Railway

Chill Factore/Marketing Manchester

Chill Factore

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Imperial War Museum North

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Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre

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Great Northern

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Stockport Air Raid Shelters

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Victoria Baths

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FC United of Manchester— Broadhurst Park

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Manchester Opera House

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Lake District National Park

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Dining

The dining scene in Manchester is more interesting and varied by the day. All manner of new restaurants, gastropubs and bars keep popping up around the city, which now ranks among the country's best and most diverse culinary destinations. A local speciality is the Manchester Egg, the city's take on the Scotch egg, which is wrapped in black pudding and sausage, then breaded and deep-fried, and should not be missed.

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The Little Yang Sing

Hard Rock/Marketing Manchester

Hard Rock Cafe

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Sapporo Teppanyaki

Corn Exchange/Marketing Manchester

Corn Exchange

TNQ/Marketing Manchester

TNQ — The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar

Australasia/Marketing Manchester

Australasia

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Shoryu Ramen

Banyan/Marketing Manchester

Banyan Bar & Kitchen

Tattu/Marketing Manchester

Tattu

The Anthologist/Marketing Manchester

The Anthologist

Vermilion Restaurant/Marketing Manchester

Vermilion & Cinnabar

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill/Marketing Manchester

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Don Giovanni/Marketing Manchester

Don Giovanni

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Hawksmoor

Evelyn's Cafe Bar Marketing Manchester

Cafés

Manchester has historically been overrun with big chain coffee shops, but a new wave of independent, high-quality, and often quirky cafés and tea houses has been taking over the city, offering more diverse alternatives and more original products. Give these cafes a try, support local entrepreneurs, and while you're at it, enjoy a truly delicious cup of coffee.

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Annies

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Tariff & Dale

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Hey Little Cupcake!

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Moose Coffee

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Bars & Nightlife

Manchester boasts one of the UK's strongest and most diverse nightlife scenes, offering plenty of alternatives for drinking, partying, and catching world-class concerts and performances. Hacienda was once perhaps Europe's most famous club (back in the 'Madchester' days), and though it is no longer in operation, the adventurous spirit of the city's nightlife remains intact in the numerous venues in the Northern Quarter, Castlefield, and Gay Village.

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BrewDog Manchester

Hard Rock/Marketing Manchester

Hard Rock Cafe

Band on the Wall/Marketing Manchester

Band on the Wall

The Deaf Institute/Marketing Manchester

The Deaf Institute

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Flight Club

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Gorilla

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Junkyard Golf

pickpik

Peveril of The Peak

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The Comedy Store

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Activities

Manchester is bursting with activities for families and adults. From walking trails to urban crazy golf and escape rooms to adventure courses, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Manchester.

Manchester River Cruises/Marketing Manchester

Manchester River Cruises

Scranchester Food Tour/Marketing Manchester

Scranchester Food Tours

Si Manchester/Marketing Manchester

Free Walking Tour Manchester — Si Manchester

Skyliner Tour/Marketing Manchester

Skyliner Street Art Tour

Breakout Manchester/Marketing Manchester

Breakout Escape Rooms

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Zip World Manchester

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Vegetarian Society Cookery School

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Craft Beer Tour Manchester

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Free Manchester Walking Tours

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Art & Culture

From music and art to theatre and architecture, Manchester's culture is known for its energy and excellence. The UNESCO City of Literature is awash with new and refurbished cultural venues, and Manchester is preparing for the opening of The Factory, the new permanent home for the Manchester International Festival.

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Whitworth Art Gallery

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Science & Industry Museum

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Stoller Hall

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HOME Manchester

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Royal Exchange Theatre

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Castlefield Gallery

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Manchester Central Library

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Portland Basin Museum

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esea contemporary

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Working Class Movement Library

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Contact Theatre

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Gallery Oldham

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Elizabeth Gaskell's House

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People’s History Museum

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Manchester Art Gallery

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Manchester Museum

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Shopping

Manchester has become northern England's shopping capital, offering variety, quality, and bargains. From large shopping centres like Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre to the pedestrian boutique districts and markets dotting the city to the unique items found at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with everything from designer fashion to local handicrafts on offer.

Manchester Arndale/Marketing Manchester

Manchester Arndale

Trafford Centre/Marketing Manchester

Trafford Centre

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Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Cheshire Oaks/Marketing Manchester

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

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Spinningfields

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Harvey Nichols

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Royal Exchange Manchester

Stockport Market/Marketing Manchester

Stockport Market

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Events & Festivals

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, there’s always something on in Manchester. With a rolling calendar of events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatre you’ll never be stuck for world-class entertainment.

Manchester Beer Week/Marketing Manchester

Manchester Craft Beer Festival (May)

Manchester International Festival/Marketing Manchester

Manchester International Festival (July)

Manchester Film Festival/Marketing Manchester

Manchester Film Festival (March)

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Manchester Jazz Festival (May)

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Manchester Pride (August)

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Parklife Festival (June)

Wild Rumpus/Marketing Manchester

Just So Festival (August)

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Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo (November & December)

Tourist Information

Manchester Airport (MAN)

With three terminals handling over 23 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the UK’s Global Gateway for the North. Sixty-five airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 200 destinations, and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world.

The airport has a combined railway and bus station, with departures to Manchester and the rest of the country. The train to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 20 minutes. Airport buses to Manchester depart every half hour. Taxis and car hire companies are also available at the airport.

Direct trams link the airport to the city centre and Victoria station — your gateway to national rail services — every 12-15 minutes. Remember to purchase tickets from the machines on all platforms prior to boarding or tap in using your contactless card or device, making sure to tap out when you finish your journey. For weekend trips, multiple destinations, or family travel, consider a Travelcard for great value.

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Website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk

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Passport & Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel.

However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey.

Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

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Website: www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

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Public Transport

Thanks to an integrated transport network Manchester is one of the most accessible cities in the UK for both national and international visitors. As England's Gateway to the North, travel around Northern England is easy too, and Manchester Airport is easily accessible from Manchester city centre.

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. If you're driving into the city, there are a number of car parks available, or if you're wanting to explore the wider region, car hire is a popular choice for travellers. And for those on a flying visit, there are a number of secure places to leave your luggage.

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Website: www.visitmanchester.com/visitor-information/travel-information

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CitySpareSpace Luggage Storage

Need luggage storage in Manchester? Whether you need a few hours or a few days, City Spare Space makes it easy to book affordable luggage storage in local businesses in Manchester.

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Website: www.citysparespace.com/luggage-storage/manchester

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Stasher

Stasher have locations across Manchester where you can store your bag. Enjoy the most of your day without having to lug your bags around with you! Their locations are trusted hotels and shops who safely store your bags.

You must book online — hosts cannot accept payment in store.

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Website: www.stasher.com/luggage-storage/manchester

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Taxi

Manchester’s largest fleet of iconic black cabs with 300 professional, uniformed drivers and over 50 years’ experience. You can be confident that Mantax will get you from A to B as quickly as possible. Mantax pride themselves on customer service, high standards and safety; all of their journeys are GPS tracked and can even be booked and tracked live on their iPhone or Android App and Web Booker. All of their taxis accept credit and debit card payments (including Amex), are wheelchair accessible and seat 5 or 6 with plenty of room for luggage.

Their rates are set and regulated by Manchester City Council. Mantax offer black cab quality at private hire rates so call for your personal quote today.

You can book by phone, order a cab in their free iPhone or Android application, or via their website. Mantax specialise in corporate & personal accounts and can offer a bespoke service for all your travel needs.

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Phone: +44 161 230 3333

Website: www.visitmanchester.www.visitmanchester.com/listing/mantax/27081101/visitor-information/travel-information/mantax-p270811

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Post

Postage stamps are available across Manchester at post offices, newsagents and supermarkets. To post a package or small souvenirs, drop into a post office — you can find your nearest branch on their official website. Post offices are generally open Monday–Friday from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm.

Address: Arndale Centre Post Office, Arndale Shopping Centre, Corporation Street, Manchester

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Phone: +44 345 722 3344

Website: www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/4744225/arndale-centre

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Pharmacy

Whether you need to buy over-the-counter medication or collect a prescription, there are plenty of pharmacies all over the capital. Boots and Superdrug are two big chemist chains. You will also find pharmaceutical products at some of the larger supermarket branches.

Address: Cameolord Pharmacy, 16 Oxford Street, Manchester

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Phone: +44 161 236 1445

Website: www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

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Telephone

Country code: +44
Area code: (0)161

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Electricity

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries.

The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230v or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.

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