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Manchester
Country: United Kingdom
Region: [[:category:|]]
More Information:
CS Group Wikipedia Wikitravel



Manchester is a city in the United Kingdom.

Contents

Trivia

wikitravel:Manchester


Right,

It's often been that people email about things to do and see while in Manchester, and an equal number of times we've responded with lengthy emails. I've collated here one of Menelao's previous posts and added a bit of information for visitors. So here's our rough guide for anyone visiting Manchester!

Clearly Manchester has evolved from a dirty, industrial dingy city to a modern metropolis of the Northwest. Here's a few pointers as to what one can do when you visit us!

HOW TO GET TO MANCHESTER:

Located in the middle of mainland UK, Manchester sits comfortably between the capital of the country (London) and the capital of Scotland (Edinburgh). Since time travelling is not yet available to us all you can get here by car, motorbike (though not advised during the winter months), bicycle, train, bus, airplane, canal boat or hitch hike. Walking is also an option for the even hardcore ecologists!

Manchester airport is a stone's throw from Manchester city centre with direct (and non-direct) bus and train links. For more information on which companies fly to Manchester and where from check With Liverpool, Leeeds & Doncaster at close proximity, John Lennon at Liverpool (http://www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com/), Leeds-Bradford at Leeds (http://www.leeds-airport-guide.co.uk/) and Robin Hood Airport at Doncaster(http://www.robinhoodairport.com/) are also an option to fly in to the country and via pubilc transport or car rental reach us at Manchester. Italian bus company Terravision run an hourly direct service between Manchester City centre and John Lennon Airport. (http://www.terravision.eu/liverpool_manchester.html)

  • by bus

Various bus and coach services will take you here from all parts of the UK mainland. The sooner you book a ticket the cheaper it is and some operators offer deals throughout the year for travel. National Express services the entire country is more likely to have a bus departing your from your location. For more info and bookings check http://www.nationalexpress.com/. Megabus also offers cheap tickets between Manchester and other UK cities but the selction and timetables are less varied. More info can be found at http://www.megabus.com/uk/

  • by train

Again, a variety of operators run trains to or via Manchester. Tickets are on average more expensive than bus/coach unless a booking is made in advance. For schedules and fare prices check http://www.nationalrail.co.uk or http://www.thetrainline.com Megabus also runs Megatrains so always worth having a look: http://www.megabus.com/uk/ as the tickets are in general cheaper, but as yet theres no service to/from Manchester.

  • by car (or motorbike)

If you've not got your own, a few car rental companies operate within Manchester city (mainly centre), like Avis or Hertz. There is however no free parking within the city centre, you can only park within designated parking places or multistorey car parking. Within the city centre it costs £2.20 to park for an hour with a maximum of £4.40 for the hours, anytime between 9 in the morning till 6 in the evening Monday through to Saturdays. After 6, Sundays and bank holidays parking in the designated areas is free. Sometimes the free parking times vary, so always check on the parking meter towers you will see near every lot of parking spots.

  • by bicycle

Some bike racks throughout town to chain you bike against, but no covered/weather protected/ lockable booths and make sure you make your bike look unworthy of stealing....otherwise the chances of getting it stolen are pretty high, unfortunately. Do not even consider leaving it unlocked anywhere in the city!! Also bare in mind that you are not allowed to take your bike on the metrolink or the buses. You are however allowed to take it on the train. If you're riding at night time, make sure you have front and rear lights on and wear a helmet as you may well be stopped by police patrol. Highly unlikely you'll get charged or anything of the sort, but they are known to follow you round making sure you don't ride without lights on, for your own safety, after they have given you a warning. There are designated cycling paths throughout most parts of town and you're generally not allowed to cycle on pavements.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Both Manchester city centre and the Greater Manchester area are serviced by a fairly comprehensive transport system that includes bus network (with night buses services operating various on busy routes), tram network and train network You have just arrived and not sure how you can get from A to B? There's bound to be a bus, tran or train where you are that takes you where you want to go. A selection of route maps is provided as follow:

  • bus route map

http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?subcategory_id=1248780

  • North West Journey Planner - Bus/Metrolink/Train

http://nw.aimwebsites.co.uk/

  • metrolink route map

http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?subcategory_id=1247348

  • train route map

http://www.gmpte.com/pdfmaps/GMPTERaildiagA4.pdf

  • taxis

You should be able to flag a black cab anywhere within the city centre. Taxi ranks are spread around central Manchester with one at the bottom of every train station and various other central spots. There are no fixed tarriffs, what you have to pay is always on the meter, with an extra £0.20 fee added on the final bill once you've reached your destination. So, if you are asked to pay a fixed tarriff (highly unlikely) steadily refuse. All taxi drivers will have their license and registration number displayed and viewable from the passenger's seat where you'll be sat at, so if you have any problems make sure to take a note of the driver's details and report him to the relevant authorities. Black cabs are wheelchair user friendly and up to 5 persons can board. Private car hire is also available throughout the city. Various private car hire companies operate, but they usually serve a rather limited area of the city. Those are regular cars with the company's phone number and details usually on display on the car's doors. Those taxis won't stop if you try and flag them, as they only go by appointment. Also a taxi in Manchester, and generally in UK, will never take on additional passengers if there's already passengers in the car. Once a customer, the taxi is not allowed to stop halfway through and pick up more passengers, which happens in other countries. Once you're in the taxi, the taxi driver has to take you where you request without taking anyone else on board.

The city centre is easily walkable, but if one feels lazy there is a free shuttle service that does a circular route of the city centre. You can hop on and off at any point.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The Manchester Visitor Information Centre is located at the Town Hall extension (off St Peter's Square), Lloyd Street, Manchester M60 2LA. Telephone:0871 222 8223. Email: touristinformation@marketing-manchester.co.uk. Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5:30pm Sunday 1.30am - 4.30pm

SIGHTSEEING & PLACES OF INTEREST

Manchester may not be the biggest centre of civilization but it has quite a bit to offer if around for a short break. Museums, galleries and small intimate exhibition spaces are sprinkled throughout the city adding a bit of culture and portraying the face of Manchester as it has evolved over the years.

One of the most contemporary buildings in the heart of Manchester, part-legacy of the 1996 IRA bombing, Urbis is an exhibition space focusing on urban life. With a rich events programme it explores the culture and dynamism of Manchester and other cities around the world, covering photography, design, architecture, music, contemporary art and much more. A wide variety of events, which include tours, talks, workshops and family activities offers plenty of 'food for thought' to any visitor. (Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG, Tel: +44 (0)161 605 8200)

Exchange square has a 60 foot big wheel for a different view of the city. Open until midnight on fridays and saturdays. £50 gets you a private cabin and champagne, or else its £6/4. On a windy day you can really feel the cabin swing when you are at the top... so be warned.


Formerly known as the City Art Gallery, the Manchester Art Gallery houses what is claimed to be one of Britain's best art collections. This is the largest of Manchester's Art Galleries, and houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, with paintings by world-established artists like Turner, Stubbs and Gainsborough. With over 25,000 objects spanning a six century timeline across the collection, Manchester Art Gallery is another cultural hub in the heart of the city. With a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year it's a rich source of inspiration, at the very least.(Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL, Mancehester, Tel: 0161 235 8888, Fax: 0161 235 8899)

  • The Athenaeum

Initially built as an extension for the City Art Gallery, the Athenaeum now forms a visiting or temporary art and craft exhibition space, with frequently changing and exciting shows on offer. Both the eminent art critic John Ruskin, and Charles Dickens gave lectures in this building and it's worth having a look at. (Princess Street, Manchester)

Manchester's pride, the Cornerhouse ranks as one of the city's prime visual arts centres with three exhibition galleries, three cinema rooms, bookshop, video library, café and bar. It is a regular social venue for Manchester glitterati, bohemian arty-farty socialites, alternatives and creatives. It houses regular exhibitions, exposing controversial and usually fairly avante garde material. At times it includes a good number of contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, media and other installations. Various events take place throughout the year and often the temporary exhibitions are accompanied by talks. Entry is free to all but the top floor gallery.(70 Oxford Street, Manchester, Tel: (Box Office) 0161-228 2463. (Admin) 0161-228 7621)

Open throughout the week, Manchester Museum offers a large selection of exhibits. It is well known for Egyptology, birds and mammals, dinosaurs and live amphibians but there's plenty more besides. With 15 galleries exhibiting objects from the four corners of the world and almost every period in history it is a great day out/in. Entry is free.

Located in the city centre of Manchester, within walking distance of the Beethem Tower, the Science and Industry Museum is yet another attraction for the individual or the entire family. Housed in an old 18th century warehouse, the exhibits span across two floors levels and a various galleries: the Textiles Gallery, Printing Demonstration Gallery, Special Exhibitions Gallery and the Manchester Science Gallery. Exhibits cover 200 years worth of scientific discovery and innovation. Various temporary exhibitions occur throughout the year. This is a must for anyone interested in the city's strong industrial character and history. Entry is free. (Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP, Tel: 0161 832 2244, Fax: 0161 833 1471)

A large and lively Art Gallery owned by the University of Manchester, and famous for its collection of textiles and wallpapers - the largest collection outside London - as well as a fine collection of British watercolours, prints, drawings, sculpture and modern art. Permanent and visiting exhibitions. Rated as one of the UK's best art galleries, many modern artists are represented in its collections, including Moore, Hepworth, Paolozzi, Bacon, Blake, Hockney, Lowry and many others. Admission is free. (University of Manchester. Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER, Tel: (General Information): 0161-275 7450)

  • Comme Ça Art Gallery Email: info@commecaart.com

Established in 1994, Comme Ca Art is the North West’s leading art and design agency. With over 800 artists and designers on the books, Comme Ca Art have an abundance of art and design disciplines to suit each individual or client’s requirements. (24 Worsley Street, Castlefield, Manchester M15 4LD)

  • Manchester Museum of Transport

The Manchester museum of Transport is one of the largest and most varied collections of over 80 historic vehicles representing more than 100 years of road transport history. Information and photographs of passenger transport, as well as uniforms, tickets, machines and models can be found in the museum's extensive archives. Transport Festivals are held in spring and autumn. Open only 10:00am-5:00pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays & bank holidays. (Boyle Street, Cheetham Hill, (Off Queens Road), Manchester M8 8UW. Tel: 0161-205 2122)

Housed in the Pump House: a former Edwardian hydraulic pumping station on Bridge Street, the People's History Museum is the national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation and study of material relating to the history of working people in Britain. The museum occupies two sites in Manchester city centre. All its public galleries, education services, shop and café are housed in the Pump House on Bridge Street, a unique museum dedicated to the 'extraordinary story of ordinary people', offering a new look at the lives of working people over the last 200 years. It offers a great insight to working life as we know it as it explores the world changing events led by the working people of Britain.

The Gallery boasts one the finest collections of clothing, textiles and fashion accessories in the country. An extensive library of fashion and design books, magazines, catalogues and prints is also available to students and researchers. Admission: free (Platt Hall & Park, Platt Fields, Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5LL, Tel: 0161- 224 5217. Fax : 0161-256 3278)

The ImiTate© Gallery is a unique public art venue that will showcase the work of Artists near and far, from Manchester and beyond. Call by regularly, and you will witness an ever changing display of artwork that will beguile and inspire even the most jaded of visitors. We are open for visitors from 1pm to 6pm every Tuesday to Sunday. (623 Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester M12 4QA. Tel: 0161-225 1200)

One of the most talked about Museums in Britain today, Imperial War Museum North is about people and their stories, about how lives have been and still are shaped by war and conflict. Housed at the award-winning building by international architect Daniel Libeskind is a symbol of our world torn apart by conflict and is situated at The Quays, a waterfront destination 2 miles from Manchester city centre. (Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1TZ, Tel: 0161-836 4000. Fax: 0161-836 4003)

Manchester's other team, currently playing in the premiership with United. This 48,000 capacity stadium was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games then given over to Manchester City FC.City are famous for being remarkably unsuccessful - their last trophy was in 1976 - but maintain very high levels of support, even when in lower leagues. If you are a neutral looking for a game, this is the cheaper and easier option than United. Tickets are as little as £5 for card carrying NUS students and £20 upwards for adults.

Also known as the 'Theatre of Dreams', Manchester United's very own football ground at Old Trafford is a state of the art stadiumand by far the largest club ground in Britain. Tours of the stadium and museum are available daily from 9.30am to 5pm, and its highly advisable to book in advance. A must-see for every football fan, even if you dont support United.Tickets for games can be hard to come by, especially for big league games as the seats are nearly all season-ticket. However some smaller european games and league cup games are much easier, but a seat will still cost at least £30 and thats with a very poor view.

An important British library, which serves the city and the region, and one of the largest outside London, it has an extensive collection of books for lending and for reference, as befits a major university city. It also houses audio-visual material and exhibitions. (St Peters Square, Manchester M2 5PD, Telephone : 0161-234 1900)

This is a superb Neo-Gothic building of the 1890s housing one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the north of England, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible of 1455, and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales printed by William Caxton in the early 16th Century. Being the thjird largets academic library in UK you can enroll as a reader for free or even take a guided gtour of the library for £1.50. (150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, Tel: 0161- 834 5343/6765)

Initially comissioned as a Liverpoolian Reading room 'copy' the Portico Library is home to the Manchester Literary & Philosophical Society. Sadly, the ground floor was lost in recent times, due largely to financial considerations, so the private library now occupies only the upper floor parts of which are still open to non members and various exhibition are held there. (57 Mosley Street, Manchester 2, Telephone : 0161-236 6785)

The Working Class Movement Library began in 1953 and now has a large archive collection of 50,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts and memorabilia related to the development and history of the labour movement since the late eighteenth century. (Jubilee House, 51 The Crescent, Salford M5 4WX, Tel: 0161-736 3601)

  • Town Hall

SPORTS

SHOPPING

A delight for all sorts of shoppers: low budget to high street, Manchester can cater for everyone's tastes and wallets.

Just 2-3 miles south of the city centre. It is one of UK's biggest shopping malls. Has pretty much everything, including bars and restaurants. It's a good giggle i think. You can get there by bus, will need to browse it's website for details and timetables.

  • The Arndale Centre

Bang in the heart of the city centre. You'll find it all across Market Street, which starts at Picadilly Gardens and ends on Deansgate. Very busy pedestrian street, specially during the weekends and bank holidays. Definitely worth at least a stroll and with a recently opened extansion at the rear side it matches other large city centre shopipng centres throughout the country. (No to specifically advertise but the Thorntons shop inside the Arndale do some mean liquid chocolate shots! Hmmmm...super yummy for all the choc addicts!).

  • The Triangle

Smaller, less corporate but a bit more selective shops and boutiques than the Arndale. It's next to Urbis, at the rear side of the Arndale and usually attracts high-street shoppers.

  • King Street

Is the more expensive shopping part of the city, with high street label shops like Armani, Tommy Hilfinger, etc. Not huge but with some very expensive shops!

  • St. Anne's Square

At close proximity to King's Street, one will find St. Anne's Square, with a few shops and various visiting travelling markets throughout the year. Great, lively space when you'll often find street performers or markets.

  • The Northern Quarter

Again starting from Picadilly gardens, one can also try out the more alternative and more bohemian shopping scene at the Northern Quarter. On Oldham Street one will find lots of vintage clothing shops, crazy fashion stores, odd hair-do places, cafes and ultimate record stores that give an eclectic mix not akin to the rest of the modernised city centre. Don't let the dingy sight put you off, it's a fantastic place full of Bohemian aura.

  • Affleck's Palace

At the corner of Tibb Street within the Northern Quarter, it's easily accessible form the city centre for all sorts of alternative items (fancy dress shops, vinatge clothing, piercing and tattooing studio, S&M gear, fancy dress hire shops, bead shops, etc). It's our very own Goth/Freakazoid shopping mall.

Located at the Salford Quays. This includes for various shops as well as cinema and exhibition area.

WHERE TO EAT

At some point, (more than once i'm sure) DO go and check out the Rusholme Curry Mile! It is a mile-stretch of the road that is FULL of curry houses, kebab shops and Indian cuisine restaurants and take-aways! It's like a Curry Vegas with a Mancunian twist! It's must-go and the food rocks!! The ModPop cafe on Oldham road do totally vegetarian food for not much dosh - sub sandwich and soup for £2.50. Bargain! Plenty of restaurants around in the city centre and surrounding suburbs! For more info check: http://www.whathappenedlastnight.net/manchester/restaurants/ http://www.manchester-eating.com/ http://www.sugarvine.com/manchester/


CINEMAS

There is a selection of franchise cinemas throughout the city, where one can catch anything from current blockbusters to independent or european films. For location details, film selection and showing times check:

General current releases

Arty-farty, independent & foreign films

Expensive, but theres 3D films, huge screens, and midnight showings at weekends.

Located at Salford Quays' Lowry Centre is another option for catching a film.

If you're here on a Wednesday and your host has an Orange mobile phone number then you can both go for a film and pay only for one ticket under the Orange Wednesdays scheme. All you'll need to do is text "film" to 241 and you will receive your 2 for 1 text ticket. Normally a cinema ticket will cost you about £5.50 or so, per person.

NIGHTLIFE

That's right! We reached the most important part of this babble of info! As you may or may not know, Manchester is one of the birth-parents of the whole UK music scene and partially even beyond! There are bars for all sorts of music tastes and lots of live venues too! The only bad thing about manchester is that it doesn't have many all-nighters! :-S So, i'll just list a few places here that i'd recommend and you can take it from there.

  • The Salisbury. Small, dingy pub right below Oxford train station. It used to be the biker's den. Still partially is, but it's a very chilled place, with good rock music, fun people and fairly cheap drinks! Some wednesdays you can find an unsigned rock band playing in there. Music: rock & metal in principle.
  • The Thirsty Scholar - Located right next to the Salisbury. Pretty much the same, but it has live rock bands in there more often than the Salisbury.
  • The Temple - Just off Oxford road(direction towards the library from Oxford train station) on your left. You'll recognise it by seeing a small staircase going down in the ground. It used to be public toilets but got converted to one of the coolest pubs in Manchester. In my opinion dingier that previous two, but it's a popular hang-out of a nice crowd and offers good belgian beers. Not open till late though and the prices are normal, rather than low. If you ask me though, A MUST!!!
  • Big Hands - Student pub, where you usually have to pay 2-3 pounds to get in. A bit out of the way (about a mile away from Oxford train station, on the opposite direction that if you'd go to the Temple) but very much fun! Again filled with tasty belgian beers and the place is a bag of laughs. One of my favourites.

In the same sort-of direction lies the Sun Bar. I can't remember the name of the street (i guess you'll have to ask around) but it does offer very very cheap drinks.

  • PoNaNa in the corner used to be an Moroccan decor basement bar, with various music themes throughout the week. It's been re-furbished (so i'm being told) but i haven't been in a while.
  • Joshua Brooks - Studenty bar with sometimes live music. It's on 106 Princess street (again another main street)
  • 5th Avenue - The cheapest 'happening' no thrillsnight out to be found in the city centre is at 5th Ave. Normally a few pounds in,the drinks rarely rise above one pound. Studenty nightclub, filled with 18-19 year olds and the odd hardcore indie fan, plays indie and punk rock, open till 2am with very cheap drinks and it's usually PACKED!! I LOVE IT!! :-D It is 2 minutes walk from Oxford train station. Ask someone and everyone knows it!
  • Jilly's a.k.a. Rock World - Our very own rock/hard rock/thrash metal/goth/punk nightclub. Fridays and saturdays open till 6 in the morning. The place is filled with Matrix look types, Ozzy wannabes and KISS fans. Enough hair-length in there to wrap the world. Not my first choice, but i thought i'd let you know of it's existence.
  • Odder Located on Oxford Road, it's on eof Mancehster's nicest bars. Interesting decor and most definitely interesting people hangin out. Colourful, with good selection of beers.
  • Deansgate Locks - Kinda classier side of town. It's a series of 5-6 bars, all of them roughly on similar style, built under the train arches. Bouncers on the doors for a bit of face control (so don't wear your knickers on your head if you want to get in), a bit more expensive drinks and the people are maybe (?)too pretentious in there. Good side is that it is really fun in there. Good party atmosphere and the music is really good (if soul & funky house with some cheese for a topping is your thing). Revolution Bar, Loaf or the Knot Bar highly recommended. Atlas at the very bottom corner to Deangate is also a really nice relaxed place with nice back garden/deck at the rear on a warm summer day.
  • Canal Street a.k.a. The Gay Village. And it does exactly what it said on the tin! Has the same effect. 2-3 blocks solely with bars and the occasional kebab shop, and it's situated right in front of a canal (You wouldn't have guessed, would you?). Only homophobes don't go there. It's a great fun night out, with various options when it comes to which bar you'll visit, although they all mainly play dancy house music or mainstream pop. Drink prices are average... I'd recommend it on a Friday or Saturday, even if it's just for a stroll and one drink. Lots banter on the pedestrian passage, outside the bars too. It's mental, and by fart one of my favorites areas.
  • TriBeCa - Stands for Triangle Below Canal. Can you guess where it is? That's right! Just below the canal of canal street! Fun bar with very nice people and the music is good with lots of uplifting funky house music. I'd say a must, even if it's just for an afternoon coffee. Nice lounge beds in the basement! Reasonable prices.
  • Mojo on Back Bridge Street plays all indie tunnes with regular prices for drinks.
  • 42nd Street, again very Indie studenty place, where a lot of people hang out after a concert.
  • The Walkabout Bar on Quay Street, nightclub with mainstreem hits and cheesy music.

Hard Rock Cafe at the Printworks, next opposite the Urbis. I think a description is unecessary on this one!

  • Tiger Tiger, same location as above. Nice nightclub with various rooms, decent music but pricy drinks and long queues!
  • More trendy nights are to be found at Lucid too (Printworks)
  • V club- a.k.a. Venus. Excellent house, funky house beats with nice trendy crowd, but it seems that air-con has been overlooked! The music is fantastic, even though it gets a bit packed and you need the well provided at entry paper fans.
  • Warning: If you are of a less 'trendy' persuasion, try to avoid Deansgate as it tends to attract the local wildlife. Castlefield is a top night out, with a more relaxed atmosphere than Deansgate but just ( if not more ) as pricey. Also, the northern quarter has a few good bars (the Dry Bar) and restaurants.
  • Areas-wise student nightlife kicks off in Fallowfield (Oxford Road Station > Universities ) area. Here good bars are Glass (over 100 shots) and the Orange Grove (the student favourite). Later on the Queen of Hearts is the main focal point, be wary of long ques after 11pm though.
  • Cocoa Rooms by Victoria Train Station, the Living Room on Deansgate and the Blue Room (on Deansgate) are good places for celebrity spotting. Otherwise the array of football and TV stars can be found dining in Hale's luxurious neighbourhoods. The Railway Inn is a great spot, one pound fifty beers and a roadside beer garden to watch the stars by day and night.
  • Most recent addition to the city has been the Hilton Hotel buiding, or better know as the Beetham Tower. By far the tallest building in the city, not to say UK, it proudly houses a trendy bar on its 24th (or is it 25th) floor. Regular prices on drinks with 180 degree view of the city. Worth a visit just for the view at least! Friendly staff behind the bar.

I'm sure the list could be endless here, so just ask around, depending on your tastes!

It's not however just all about indie and jazz so anyone into the more underground / nomadic club nights can also enjoy a good night out in Manchester. Only to name some of the most popular clubs:


Manchester's longest running club night - Trance/House/Breakbeat

Another long running club in Manchester

Chill out session on Sundays

Underground Breakbeats and Drum and bass

Putting on nights in Bolton and Manchester - Trance/House/Breaks

  • Amen Breaks'

http://www.myspace.com/amenbreaksmcr Breakbeat / Electro night

  • Micron'

http://www.myspace.com/wearemicron Techno / Acid House / Electro

  • Prostitutes and Policemen'

http://www.myspace.com/prostitutespolicemen Techno / Electro

  • Illuminaughty'

http://illuminaughty.co.uk/ Psytrance

LIVE ACT VENUES

Part of Manchester's rich heritage is it's contribution to the local, national and international music industry. With a plethora of small, medium size and large venues spread throughout town it offers a wide variety of live acts to match every taste and every budget.

One of Europe best sound-equiped indoor venues it's seen many famous artists come through and perform for large audiences. Don't miss out on a concert if you can. It's one of my personal favorites! (Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3. Tel: 0161-930 8000)

Smaller capacity, still popular with many bands Apollo Carling is located at the east edge of the city centre(Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester M12, Tel: 0161-242 2560) A major music venue where the very top names in popular and rock music have performed at some time or another. Two levels - the lower level is usually standing only.

Smaller venue, located on Oxford Road, it becomes home to lesser famous or up & coming and unisigned artists & bands. An intimate space where catching a good gig is the norm; a Student Union venue. (Oxford Road, Manchester M1. Tel: 0161-275 2930)

Small café-bar with permanently erected stage for live music and regular club nights. (Oldham Street, Manchester. Tel: 0161-236 4597)

Small popular venue in the Northern Quarter. Offers a variety of music formats, including Jazz, African, Folk, Latin. Usually open from Thursday to Saturday, but with other occasional dates. The infamous Northern Quarter venue shut down in 2005, but since then they've been working hard to get the cash required to renovate the aging building. Opened in the early part of this century the venue is one of Manchesters oldest.The Band On The Wall has played host to Joy Division, The Fall, Buzzcocks and many more. It is expected to re-open in 2008, assuming they get the funding that's required. (25 Swan Street, Manchester M4, Tel: 0161-834 1786)

  • Manchester Roadwalk

Manchestr's original and one of its oldest live music venues. Compact cellar that hosts the best rising bands around. (8-10 Newton Street, Manchester M1. Tel: 0161-237 9789)

Punk & metal gigs in Manchester.

One of the best comdey clubs in town, the Frog and Bucket prides itself as developing some of the best comic talents on the circuit. With the amateur night being the most important part of the Frog calendar it gives the stars of the future a chance to be nurtured. Past Beat the Frog night regulars have included Dave Gorman, Peter Kay, Caroline Aherne, Smug Roberts and Johnny Vegas. (102 Oldham Street, M4, Tel : 0161 236 9805)

(8-10 Newton Street, Piccadilly Manchester, M1, Tel : 0161 237 9789)

Situated in Manchester's fashionable Deansgate Locks development, The Comedy Store is the only venue of its type in the country, with a 500 seat theatre-style auditorium, spacious public bar, dining area, VIP Ward Room and the Store's offices occupying two converted railway arches. The Manchester venue stages The Best in Stand-Up every Friday and Saturday evening (with two shows on a Saturday). Happy Wednesdays on Wednesdays. Thursday sees the latest edition to the Comedy Week in Manchester with Stand up Thursday, a variety based show featuring three different comedians / performers every week. The week is rounded up the first Sunday of the month with "king Gong"; a chance to see the freshest talent on the circuit go up against the famous Comedy Store gong. Every 2nd and last Sunday of the Month is 'New Stuff' which is free! (bi-weekly events arranged - look for on the Manchester group or events pages). (Arches 3 and 4 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester,M1 5LH)

Open Monday through to Saturday Matt & Phred's is a world class live jazz music. Eclectic acts and great atmosphere, Matt & Phred's is a favorite option for a night out at the Northern Quarter. (Oldham Street, Norther Quarter, Manchester)

  • O'Sheas

Last but not least we couldn't miss out on the Irish Pub! Pretty much every day with live Irish music. Lots of people dancing and lots of Guiness flowing. Sometimes you may need to pay a £2 entry fee, but it's well worth it! (Near Oxford Road station. You'll find it on your right hand while walking on Whitworth street towards Picadilly station.)

Another live music venue in central Manchester. Offers a small 100 people capacity room for smaller acts. one of the city's most famous small venues. ( 2 Portsmouth Street, Manchester, M13 9GB, T: 0161 272 8612)

Under the same management as Jabez Clegg, yet another live act venue. (50 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP, T: 0161 236 6071)

After all, Manchester IS famous for it's live music scene!

DAY TRIPS

If you think you've had enough of Manchester, York, Chester or Liverpool are good for a day (or more) trip. For fans of the outdoors, the Peak District is a good place to go for hiking/ walk (between Manchester and Sheffield). If you are a mad cyclist you can always follow the TransPennine Trail. It will take you all the way to Liverpool and it's a fairly clear and easy path.

For a free day, check emails at the central library, stroll around the Roman quarter of Castlefields, browse the central shops, delight in the no cost grub in St Ann's square, watch open air acts in Piccadilly gardens, get the best public view of the city in Piccadilly tower.

Chorlton, Didsbury Village and West Didgsbury have a thriving local nightlife to offer as well.

The cheapest hostels are to be found in Northenden (15pounds), which is 25minutes bus journey on the 41 bus. http://www.whathappenedlastnight.net/manchester/hotels/ Hotels in Manchester generally cost around £45 (budget) or £100 (luxury).

Hope i've been of some help, rather than give you a headache! Of course, you'll meet some/most of us locally based Couch Surfers when you get here, so there is all the help you'll need. And you can always ask, it's free!

Enjoy Manchester!

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

  • POLICE STATIONS

If you are unlucky enough to land yourself in trouble or for whatever the reason you need to contact a local police station, there's a list of all Police stations serving the Greater Manchester Area. Details, addresses and contact numbers can be found at: http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/pages/divisionssearch.htm Of course if out of hours your personal safety is at risk do not hesitate to call 999. In the city centre there are police at piccadilly station 24 hours a day and the Bootle Street Station never closes.

  • HOSPITALS

Again, should you need to get yourself medical attention, a list of hospitals in the Greater Manchester area can be found at: http://www.gbet.com/Manchester/Hospitals/ with Manchester MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) located on Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL.

  • MEDICAL ADVICE HELPLINE

You can also contact an NHS nurse over the phone at the NHS Direct helpline (Tel:08454647) for medical advice and suggestions if you are having minor medical emergency or you can no reach a hospital. The will usually take your telephone number and have a nurse give you a call back within 5 minutes, so you can talk them through your situation and they can offer you their free advice.

  • WALK-IN CENTRES'

There are 6 NHS walk-in centres in Manchester. (NHS= National Health System). You can just walk in, without appointment. They deal with minor injuries & illnesses, wound care & family planning & contraception. Details of location and contact numbers are listed here: http://www.manchesterpct.nhs.uk/local/walk-in_centres.html

  • EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

All foreign embassies are located in London, the UK capital city. There are however several country consulates in the city of Manchester, should you need any help or information. The countries represented are currently: Bangladesh, Switzerland, China, Italy, Monaco, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Norway & Pakistan. Any other nationatilies will have to contact their embassies in London directly. Contact details for all Manchester-based consulates can be found here:

http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/busness/embassies.html

  • LAST MINUTE HOSTEL & TRANSPORT

Should you for whatever reason need to get out of your host's house, you need to make sure that you can. There is a good public ransport operating in the city. You can get around by a comprehensive bus or ram network.

>> bus route map (for bus and nightbus services) http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?subcategory_id=1248780

>> North West Journey Planner - Bus/Metrolink/Train http://nw.aimwebsites.co.uk/

>> metrolink route map (for tram services) http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?subcategory_id=1247348

>> train route map (for train services) http://www.gmpte.com/pdfmaps/GMPTERaildiagA4.pdf

There are several hostels in town that offer good accommodation in relatively low prices (for UK city standards anyway). The Hatter's Hostel or the Hilton Chambers are decent hostels in town. Check their website for more info here: http://www.hattersgroup.com/

  • MANCHESTER RAPE CRISIS UNIT

In case of rape, do get in touch with the nearest hospital. Visit them, get examined and of course report the incident to the nearest police station. Should you need to discuss the incident further and require support do not hesitate to contact the Manchester Rape Crisis Unit. Their confidential helpline is T: 0161 273 4514 (office: 0161 273 4591). Check their website for further details: http://www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk/

  • WALK-IN REFUGE

This is a women's aid unit/ refuge center for women who have experienced domestic violence. It provides safe temporary accommodation & support for women who need it. For more information please check their website: http://www.cmwomensaid.org.uk/useful-links.htm The national freephone helpline for the domestic violence is 0808 2000 247

  • CITIZEN'S ADVICE BUREAU

The Citizen's Advice Bureau is the main official place where one can get information and advice on pretty much anything! They help people resolve their debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality, disability or religion. If you can't find an answre to your problem anywhere else, they will be able to help and if not help you, then at least will point you to the right direction. They will offer advice in person if you walk in or over the phone, and their locations as well as further information can be found here: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm

  • THE IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE

If you have trouble with immigrations, they will be able to offer you initial free consultation and depending on your circusmatnces, take it from there. http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/ViewADocument.asp?ID=52&CatID=10

  • YOUR LOCAL CS AMBASSADOR

If you have any questions that are not asnwered through this list, nor this wiki page for Manchester, you may want to ask the nearest CS ambassador. Manchester's resident CS ambassadors is The Little Green Hobbit: http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=DQIOD0

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION IN MANCHESTER

Should you decide to stay in Manchester a little longer or are planning to come here for work experience/practice your english/ placement/ job move or...simply kill some time working and earning, while you decide what to do and where to go next, finding a plce to live always adds unecessary stress. Depending on how long you're planning on staying here for, there's a great variety of websites that offer short and long term rental accommodation, to match all tastes and budgets.

Online classifieds are usually the best option. It's free and you usually contact the person directly. You cut the middle man and there's no fees. Obviously it means that you do all the hard work and you have to dedicate some time in going through all the listings, depending how picky you are.

http://manchester.gumtree.com/

http://manchester.vivastreet.co.uk/

http://manchester.freeexchange.co.uk/

http://www.loot.co.uk/property

http://www.student-accommodation-in-manchester.co.uk/

Houseshares/ flatshares are the most common option. A handfull of websites offer online listings. Sometimes you can contact the person directly or you may have to register and set up a profile (like in Couch Surfing) to make your requirements known.

http://www.flatmateclick.co.uk/

http://uk.easyroommate.com/

http://www.roombuddies.com/

http://manchester.spareroom.co.uk/

http://uk.roomster.net/flatmates/manchester.html


Generic search-by-location websites are also handy. A selection can be found here:

http://www.houseshare.co.uk/

http://www.flattorentmanchester.co.uk/

http://www.roomsforlet.co.uk/index.html

http://www.shareshack.net/?gclid=CM2Cufzq948CFQ5OQgod5RXoMw

http://www.starflats.co.uk/flatshare-in-Manchester.38.0.0.2.html

And of course, online estate agents are always an option. Bear in mind that they wil usually offer a variety of places for you to look at. Should they manage to successuflly place you in a house, you will have to pay a finder's fee, which ranges between £30-£50 last time i checked. If however, you are in a hurry or don't have much time in your hands, an etstate agency will take all the hassle off your shoulders and do the job for you.

http://www.montroseproperties.co.uk/search-properties/professional-accommodation/

http://www.kings-residential.co.uk/

http://www.aubreylee.com/home.php


Of course, if you're already in town, taking a walk around the various areas of Manchester, extending out of the city centre, and having a look at local estate agents is always an option. So, go ahead, have a look and best of luck with your search!

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