The New York Times included Manchester in its list of top 50 places to visit around the world. Benjamin Disraeli once said what Manchester does today, the world follows tomorrow. Indeed he has a good reason to say so. It was this place where Marx came up with Communist Manifesto. It is this very place that gave rise to socialism and the Suffragettes. It was also an original industrial city and once the largest manufacturer in the world. Go to its museums and you will see all the historical evidences for yourself. The collections at Manchester museums are among the best in the Britain. Scores of visitors flock to Manchester each year to witness Manchester International Festival which merges music, art and performance in way that leaves spectators speechless. Manchester presents a great culmination of old and new and of industry and creativity. Manchester has a glorious past and a golden future ahead. Tourists visiting today have a joy of experiencing a slice of both the world without too much of effort.
Best time to visit Manchester
One of my friends, a frequent flyer to Manchester, once remarked – You will always find something going on in Manchester – he was right when he said so. From high profile international festival to a premiership football match to many acclaimed musicians performing live on one of the city’s many venues, you will find the place quite vibrant throughout the year. You can visit the place over the August bank holiday weekend to be part of vibrant annual events such as Manchester Pride. Weather remains highly unreliable in Manchester, yet in theory the best weather and hotel rates you can find during late July/early August.
Arriving
Manchester Airport is located 10 miles south of the city center. You will find direct flights arriving here from more than 200 destinations. Airport is well connected with the city with range of transportation options. It roughly takes around 17 minutes to reach city center. Minibuses and train are quite popular choice among daily travelers. Train station is connected to the airport via walk way which is located between terminal 1 and 2.
Transportation
Manchester minibuses are popular choices besides train. They are frequently available outside all three of the airport’s terminals. There are many operators providing Minibus Hire service. These are economical choice of transportation and many of them offer online options to book tickets in advance. This comes as a great convenience for people travelling from outside the city and do not wish to wait in long queue after long tiring journey.
Hotels
Though the place remains much happening throughout the year, yet there are those special times like big football matches and concerts when prices of the hotels shoot up steeply. Hotels are in demand during this time and most of them are booked in advance months ahead. If you have any plans to visit the place during such time, my advice is to book your hotel online in advance as soon as you have finalized your plans.