Being a Mancunian, i might be slightly biased, but Manchester is definatley worth a visit. It has everything you would expect from a big city, but also has many a hidden gem.
The main shopping centre is the Arndale (and Market st) and has recently been renovated. It houses all the big name shops needed for a full session of retail therapy. The flagship Topshop is one of the biggest and well stocked in the country. As is the new Next and New Look. The Primark is an attraction in itself, always crammed with bargain hunters! Saturdays are best avoided, as is returning anything!! The centre itself is clean and easily accessible, and there are lots of community wardens around to help solve any problems.
King Street and St Anne's square is the chic shopping area and is the haunt of many a celebrity. Designer shops including Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger and Joseph stand proud among the stunning but often unnoticed architecture that provides the backdrop.
Manchester isn't noted for is blazing sunshine, and theres plenty of things to do indoors. The city centre is home to two art galleries, and various museums. The Manchester Museum on Oxford Rd is nice, and has a very wide selection of exhibitions and displays, including a Vivarium that holds different species of reptiles.
Food is plentiful, varied and made to suit every palate, budget and ocasion. Theres the Food Chain which is the main feeding ground for the Arndale, this comprises of mostly fast food outlets is made for people on the go. From the bright lights of The Curry Mile, to the bright lights of Chinatown, any taste is catered for. Theres also a large variety restuarants of other nationalitites. El Rincon de Rafa is an amazing Spanish restaurant and sells the best Tapas around. Well worth a visit whether a tapas ameuteur or seasoned veteran.
Where to start with the nightlife??? Theres literally something for everyone. Clubs like Tiger Tiger, Opus and Paparazzi are all in the Printworks, which is a converted printing house, and now is one of the main social cantres of Manchester. Theres restaurants, a gym, a cinema, and various themed bars. A good destination if you don't want to move far between venues. The Gay Village is truly a unique place. Its lined with colourful bars and clubs and is the place to go if you want a no fuss night out, full of laughs. Deansgate Locks and the surrounding Castlefield bars are the players' playground. The chic Sugar Lounge is the haunt of footballers and wannabes alike. With cocktails costing around £8, it costs to look cool.
Transport around Manchester is generally good, with the trains no worse than anywhere else. Theres a good metrolink and bus network to and from places in and around the city. Theres also a linking free bus service that drives between the train stations and car parks via most of the main streets.
An all round nice city to visit, and will be even better in the summer when m ost of the building work will be completed. Don't forget to go on the big wheel!!