Manchester may hardly be on anyone's bucket list when travelling to UK. You might ask:"What so interesting about this city which is on the decline from it's glory days?", "What can you do there?", or "Manchester where?" when you hear this unfamiliar name.
Used to be the world's industrial powerhouse, this city in the northwest of England has now often been overshadowed by its more appealing peer, the country's capital - London. As pioneer in many fields that help shaping the course of the future, Manchester doesn't have anything more to prove to the world. (Refer to this list of Manchester's significant achievements throughout the generations, until today)
There's a famous quote about this wonderful city, among many others - "You don't need a reason to visit Manchester, you just come!", but I've came up with my own 5 reasons after a 5-day visit last spring (not in any particular order)
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1) It's a FREE city
Entries to all the city's museums, art galleries, libraries, city walking tour almost don't cost you a penny (just give a donation on your own discretion at the end of the visit or tour). So if you're on a shoestring budgeted Europe tour, Manchester should qualify to be in your itinerary. You will be spoilt for choice, here are some of the recommended museums & tour which I have visited:
- Manchester Museum
- John Rylands Library
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Imperial War Museum
- People's History Museum
- Central Library
- Free Manchester Walking Tour
| ▲Get to know the city's history (& much more) at Manchester Museum |
▲History & architecture, John Rylands Library has it all!
definitely worth the trip
definitely worth the trip
▲Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
▲Free Manchester Walking Tour every weekend, rain or shine
▲Imperial War Museum
▲Central Library
2) A city full of HISTORY
Maybe incomparable with other famous historic cities in Europe, but Manchester is certainly rich of it's own piece of history dating back to the Roman times. Centuries-old buildings, Victorian & Gothic architectures are in every corner of the city & you won't miss them. Some of the notable landmarks are the Town Hall building; Cathedral; world's first passenger railway station - Liverpool Road & abundant of Insta-worthy old textile warehouses.
▲one of many centuries-old textile warehouse buildings in the city, some are turned into luxury hotels in the modern days
▲The old Free Trade Hall, now is a 5-star hotel
▲Manchester Cathedral
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▲Town Hall
▲Liverpool Road was the world's first passenger railway station
'Rainy & gloomy' is the typical impression of Manchester? Not really, the city actually records the lowest average millimeters of rainfall among other cities in UK each year. During my time here, it's sunny with blue sky almost everyday, with occasional scattered showers. A walkable city combined with pleasant weather are always ideal for travellers who wish to explore the city by foot.
▲Above & below: the clear skies of Manchester, anytime of the day
4) Welcome to the FOOTBALL capital
With the biggest club football stadium in UK - Old Trafford & the National Football Museum both established here, Manchester becomes the mecca for fans of the 'Beautiful Game' from all over the world, regardless of their shirt's colour. Whether to immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere at the stadium & its neighbourhood during matchday, or take a stroll in National Football Museum to learn about the sport's long history & culture in the country, you won't fail to catch the local football fever. (even if you're not a football fan)
▲Old Trafford - Home of Manchester United Football Club
▲with capacity of over 75,000, Old Trafford is the largest club football stadium in UK
▲National Football Museum, anything you want to know about the Beautiful Game in the country
What I'm deeply in love with are the ever friendly & helpful local residents. I was always greeted by the neighbours with a warm smile; whenever I seem lost on the street, anyone close by would notice & approach me to check whether they could help me out; an old lady offered me to cut her queue at the grocery store counter, just because she saw I had much lesser items to pay for than she had; and not to mention I was hosted by a lovely French lady, who has moved here for many years. This is a community where, if you are a foreigner, you don't really feel like one, you feel at home.
▲The neighbours come out to give moral support to the runners of Manchester Marathon. A true community spirit
So, next time if you're planning a trip or stopover in Europe, why not give Manchester a few days of your time & experience the Mancunian's way of life? Maybe you'll discover your own reasons to visit this fabulous city then!
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