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Manchester Home

5th Avenue Extremely popular with students

121 Princess Street Manchester M1 7AG United Kingdom +44 161 236 2754

Another of Manchester's main student and indie music clubs, 5th Avenue is in a prime location close to UMIST and near several popular student pubs such as the Overdraught and Lass O' Gowrie. Although the atmosphere can be a little intense and the general decor and toilets are decidedly in need of refurbishment, it can still be great fun. Open until late six nights a week, there are always plenty of cheap drinks promotions and it can become very busy at weekends when the queues to get in often stretch around the block. Review © 2007, Wcities

 

Belle Vue Showcase State-of-the-art facilities

Hyde Road Belle Vue Manchester M12 5AL United Kingdom +44 871 220 1000

This large, purpose-built cinema (located a couple of miles south of the city centre) has 14 Dolby Digital equipped screens showing pretty much all the latest films on general release. Equipped with excellent disabled facilities, special VIP seating, a sweet store (providing hot and cold snacks) and plenty of free car parking, this cinema is ideal for both families and large groups. Review © 2007, Wcities

 

 

Bridgewater Hall Home of the Halle orchestra

Lower Mosley Street Manchester M2 3WS United Kingdom +44 161 950 0000

This fabulous £42 million building is one of the major landmarks of Manchester's economic and cultural regeneration. It boasts a state-of-the-art 2340 seat auditorium; home to the world-famous Halle Orchestra and the Manchester Philharmonic. The interior is starkly modern, with an enormous glass facade, high ceilings, brushed metal and chrome details. There is also a superb restaurant and some of the best corporate entertainment facilities in the city. Stop by the stylish gift shop if you're looking to buy greetings cards, music, jewelery or gifts. Review © 2007, Wcities

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City Centre

Manchester United Kingdom

The IRA bombing in 1996 has had a fundamental effect on the city centre. The subsequent re-development has created a major shopping area to rival anywhere in the country. Showcase stores such as the largest Marks & Spencer in Europe and the wide-open spaces of Exchange Square help to create a perfect environment for the avid shopper. To the west, the administrative hub of the city is located in the area around Albert Square where you can find the imposing Victorian gothic architecture of the Town Hall. Culturally the G-Mex Centre and Bridgewater Hall are the places to enjoy all kinds of events from rock concerts to classical recitals. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Club Phoenix Home of city's longest running club nights

Oxford Road University Precinct Manchester M13 9RN United Kingdom +44 (0)161 272 5921

Situated in part of the University Precinct shopping complex, just off Oxford Road, the Phoenix has been a hugely popular 2-floor venue for several years, hosting many of Manchester's longest running and most successful club nights.Tangled on Saturday nights offers trance and hard house to a dedicated crowd while on Fridays, it's Havok with its acid-techno vibe. There is also a student-orientated pub directly downstairs that can conveniently act as both a meeting place and a pre-club warm-up venue. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Cornerhouse Gallery Modern art in a cinematic context

70 Oxford Street Manchester M1 5NH United Kingdom +44 161 228 2463

As well as being a major attraction for international cinema and photography buffs, the Cornerhouse also offers some of the best in contemporary art and sculpture. The interior decor of cream and lime green walls with polished wooden floors is nicely counterpointed by electric blue pillars and spot lighting. It is a popular place, and there's always plenty going on—the three galleries host regular exhibitions of all kinds including photographic, multimedia and interactive video works. As well as the galleries, there is a foyer bookshop, a bar and an excellent cafe. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Didsbury, Chorlton and Withington

Manchester United Kingdom

Just a few miles south of the city centre are some of the most fashionable and highly sought after residential areas in Manchester, the verdant environment and superb eating, drinking and shopping creating this demand. Didsbury is home to some of the city's best restaurants such as the Lime Tree and pubs like the Metropolitan. Chorlton has an equally cosmopolitan if slightly more bohemian character and you can enjoy urban café bar society on Wilbraham Road, with the Polar Bar, The Bar and Saints all in close proximity. Withington is a slightly more student-orientated area with a vibrant main street that includes some excellent shops and bars including the popular Solomon Grundy. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Gallery of English Costume A fine collection of historic clothes

Platt Hall Platt Fields, Rusholme Manchester M14 5LL United Kingdom +44 161 224 5217

Costumes, fashion accessories and textiles dating from the 1660's to the present day are all housed in Platt Hall, a beautiful Georgian textile merchant's house located within the grounds of Platt Fields Park. You can see everything from mill workers' clogs and shawls to extravagant Vivienne Westwood outfits in one the country's largest clothing collections - containing over 20,000 items. There are also regular workshops, exhibitions and events relating to subjects such as the history of fashion and needlecraft throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities

 

 

Gay Village

Manchester United Kingdom

Located west of Piccadilly and centred on the pedestrianised Canal Street. Although obviously orientated towards - and originally created for - the gay community, the Gay Village has an excellent range of mixed bars, restaurants and clubs - try the exclusive Sarasota eatery for superb food or Manchester's first multi-million pound super-club Essential. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Jilly's Rockworld A Manchester clubbing institution

65 Oxford Street Manchester M1 6FQ United Kingdom +44 161 236 9971

Jilly's Rock World—also affectionately known as just Jilly's—has been an institution on the Manchester club scene for over 20 years, offering a hugely popular rock and heavy metal alternative to the usual dance-orientated venues. Inside, it is appropriately dark, sweaty and slightly scruffy, but always full and great fun.Although fashions change, the club has resolutely stuck to its original ideals, and even if you can now also hear gothic, hard-edged indie, industrial and nu-metal in the 3 main rooms, the emphasis is still on guitar music of the heavy variety. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Library Theatre Top contemporary productions

Central Library St Peter's Square Manchester M2 5PD United Kingdom +44 161 236 7110

Established in November 1952, the ethos of this award winning theatre within Manchester's Central Library is to provide the public with access to modern plays at reasonable prices to the highest possible standard. Along with the plays themselves, you can enjoy free guided tours and they even have exclusive deals with local restaurants and bars (including Citrus and Nico Central) to provide special, discounted pre-show dinners. There are also excellent disabled facilities for both the hearing and visually impaired. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Manchester Academy Purpose-built university music venue

Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PR United Kingdom +44 161 275 2930

The Academy is a modern, purpose-built, mid-sized music venue linked to Manchester University. Located close to both the student union and the Contact Theatre, it is a central hub of the entertainment scene in the area.Somewhat resembling a dark aircraft hangar inside, it has a capacity of approximately 1,800 people plus a large bar and chill-out area where you can relax or just enjoy a drink. Popular as a tour venue with many established contemporary rock and indie bands, on occasion it is also home to some of the larger national club nights. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Manchester Museum Everything from archaeology to zoology

University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom +44 161 275 2000

The recently refurbished Manchester Museum is situated on the campus of Manchester University. Covering everything from archaeology to zoology, it is a fascinating place to spend a day. On the first floor, the Explorers and Encounters Gallery gives visitors the opportunity to examine intricate beadwork from North America and Africa and meditate next to a Burmese Buddha. You can also wander through the famous Egyptology galleries where a pyramid workmen's village and a royal residence town, are all on display. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Manchester Roadhouse All the best live indie bands

8 Newton Street Piccadilly Manchester M1 2AN United Kingdom +44 161 237 9789

The Manchester Roadhouse has achieved legendary status thanks to the amazing selection of bands from The Chemical Brothers to Texas that have played here on the route to fame and fortune. Add the many excellent club nights that call it home and it is easy to see why it is busy every night of the week. The low ceiling, dark, sweaty basement feel and cramped dancefloor only add to the electric atmosphere. Unusually for a city centre venue, they offer decent draught beer at reasonable prices. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester Hands-on approach museum

Liverpool Road Castlefield Manchester M3 4FP United Kingdom +44 161 832 2244 / +44 161 606 0156 / +44 161 833 0027

The Museum of Science & Industry has won many awards for its interactive, hands-on approach. This makes it great for children, who love to grapple with - rather than just look at - exhibits. Stand and look in awe at a Beyer Garratt locomotive (one of the largest ever built) or walk through a perfect reconstruction - down to the sounds and smells - of a 19th-century sewer! Review © 2007, Wcities

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Odeon Film Centre Good old-fashioned picture house

Oxford Street Manchester M1 4PD United Kingdom

This large, traditional-style cinema - complete with typical, plush red carpeting - has 7 screens showing all the major general release films, along with an occasional selection of more obscure, art house movies. The cinema is very popular with both the local student population and families due to its prime location and close proximity to many of the best City Centre restaurants and bars, making it a convenient option if you want a drink or meal afterwards. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Old Trafford and Salford

Manchester United Kingdom

Home of the region's most famous sporting institutions like Lancashire County Cricket Club and of course Manchester United. This whole area has been the subject of huge investment and re-development over the last few years with the most obvious example being the imposing Trafford Centre, a £600 million shopping complex, including the only Selfridges & Co store outside London. Across the Manchester Ship Canal in Salford, Lowry (The) and Quays have brought a whole new sense of purpose to an area previously in decline. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Opera House Home of traditional opera and drama

Quay Street Manchester M3 3HP United Kingdom +44 870 401 9000

This grand old 2000-capacity theatre was first opened on Boxing Day 1912 and through the intervening decades has played host to many of the biggest stars of British theatre including Noel Coward, Ivor Novello and Ralph Richardson. The lavish, opulent decor in rich reds and golds still evokes the atmosphere of that classic, bygone age. Although the Opera House was closed due to financial constraints in 1979, it was resurrected and re-opened in 1986, and has become the successful home of modern West End musicals, operas, plays and other large-scale shows. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Palace Theatre Magnificent theatrical landmark

Oxford Street Manchester M1 6FT United Kingdom +44 870 401 3000

Affectionately known as the Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street, the Palace Theatre is an imposing 1,998 capacity Victorian theatre that originally opened its doors to the public in July 1891. It lends itself to larger productions of touring plays, opera, ballet and popular musicals such as Phantom of the Operaand Les Miserables. Inside, the auditorium is decorated in the classical style, with lots of gilded features and plush deep red velvet upholstery. There are 2 steep-sided upper tiers, stalls and several ornate boxes, giving the whole place a feeling of good old-fashioned grand opulence. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Pump House: People's History Museum A celebration of working people

Left Bank Bridge Street Manchester M3 3ER United Kingdom +44 161 839 6061

The displays and exhibitions at Pump House reconstruct the lives of ordinary people over the past 200 years. The journey takes you - with the help of vivid reconstructions - from Victorian cotton workers to modern-day footballers. There are also interactive exhibits which enable you to be an apprentice at a 1930s Co-op shop or step into the shoes of a 19th-century newspaper reporter. The exhibition includes a unique collection of union banners, posters, badges and other related ephemera. There is also a cafe and gift shop, and special guided tours are available for groups on request. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Ritz Ballroom From ballroom dance to indie bands

Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5WD United Kingdom +44 161 236 4355

Although the Ritz was built as a traditional ballroom (with a properly sprung floor for ballroom dancing), it has moved with the times to add club, dance and live music to its ample repertoire. The interior is deceptively spacious, with 2 floors linked by sweeping stairways and decorated with unusual tapestry designs in rich reds and browns. Monday night has been Student Night for nearly 20 years and offers a cheap and cheerful alternative to some of the newer clubs in the city. A mix of indie, dance, and hip hop nights along with occasional live bands are held on weekdays, while weekends tend to attract an older crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Royal Exchange Great for modern plays

St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7DH United Kingdom +44 161 833 9833

This landmark theatre was severely damaged after the IRA bombing in 1996 and was initially relocated in Upper Campfield Market and Exhibition Centre. Fortunately it has now returned with its original, unique octagonal structure intact, within a spacious and elegant late-Georgian building (dating back to 1809) on St Ann's Square. As part of the redevelopment, there is now also a studio theatre that holds workshops and features works by new playwrights, while the main theatre continues to show thought-provoking modern and classic plays. There is also a bar, craft shop and a great café , a popular breakfast and lunch stop for shoppers. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Royal Northern College of Music A famous musical institution

124 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9RD United Kingdom +44 161 907 5555

Although this nationally famous Manchester institution has only been in existence since 1973, its roots lie in the late 19th century. It is a place where top young musicians and opera singers from across the country train and refine their talents - many go on to become great stars of the stage.Regular concerts and recitals (by both students and trained musicians) are also held here at the state-of-the-art 450-capacity Brown Shipley concert hall, and there is also a regular programme of jazz, left-field and avant-garde performances on offer. Recent visitors have included such contemporary luminaries as Courtney Pine, Ivor Cutler and Yo La Tengo. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Whitworth Art Gallery Watercolours, sculptures and textiles

Oxford Road Manchester M15 6ER United Kingdom +44 161 275 7450

The Whitworth was originally founded in 1898 and the University of Manchester took over responsibility for it in 1958. Within its pleasant, open-plan Scandinavian-style interior you will find collections of watercolours, textiles and wallpapers by internationally renowned British artists as well as contemporary and historic prints, drawings and paintings. In addition to these, there are sculptures to be found in a mezzanine court, and temporary exhibitions - often of a social or cultural flavour—are held throughout the year. If you fancy a coffee or a light meal, there is also an excellent cafe-bistro on site offering home-cooked food during the day. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Manchester - Art & Entertainment"
Manchester
Manchester - Historical Background
Manchester - Neighborhood Guide
Manchester - Where to Stay
Manchester - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
Liverpool (49 miles)
Sheffield (54 miles)
Leeds (61 miles)
York (95 miles)
Birmingham (111 miles)
Newcastle upon Tyne (174 miles)
Oxford (202 miles)
Cambridge (206 miles)
Cardiff (221 miles)
Bristol (223 miles)

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