Manchester Spells Big City Excitement

Bustling and active, Manchester has metropolitan written all over it. It is located in northwest England and set in one of the largest urban areas in the UK. A visitor here will find a town that began as a Roman fort in 79 AD and that, after the reign of Queen Victoria, could declare itself the world's first industrialised city. Not to be left behind in modern times Manchester is where the first atom was split.

After checking out Manchester hotels you might opt to stay in the tallest skyscraper in the country outside of London by booking at the Hilton Hotel in Beetham Tower. Patrons find the food fantastic, the staff unbeatable and views from the Cloud 23 bar breath-taking. Another choice would be the Beaucliffe Hotel in Salford. Just a short drive from the middle of downtown, this is a small family run hotel in a Victorian building. Manchester hotels include the 5-star Lowry Hotel and, after experiencing the luxurious accommodations and amenities there, you will understand the rating.

Sights to see in Manchester include the location of that Roman fort at Castlefield. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is a large museum that shows what Manchester has contributed to the worlds of science and industry. Perhaps one of the more unusual places to explore would be the Stockport Air Raid Shelters where you can experience what it was like for the families of this area during World War II.

How could you resist eating in a Michael Caine restaurant at the ABode Hotel, particularly when the food is rated excellent? To get a good sampling of British Food, go to Sam's Chop House. The Curry Mile, bright with neon lights and the largest number of Asian restaurants in the UK, will challenge any diner's ability to make a decision of where to eat.

At The Opera House or the Palace Theatre you can find full schedules of live performances. Like it up close and personal when it comes to music? The Ruby Lounge is flashy, loud, and hosts live shows devoted to rock 'n' roll almost every night.

Manchester's size and well-planned pedestrian sidewalks make it a shopper's paradise. Manchester Arndale, the largest city-centre shopping mall in the UK has 240 shops, and BHS, and WHSmith. If you want to browse in the more funky boutiques go to Northern Quarter and Deansgate. Royal Exchange Shopping Centre and Trafford Shopping Centre are other good locations and, as most retail areas in the city, are open daily.

Tour guides can be found at the Manchester Visitor Information Centre, located at Piccadilly Plaza, if you would like to take a walking tour of the major sites of the city.