Never visited Manchester? Check out the inside guide

Never visited Manchester? Then you’ll find it a great place to both relax and party all night. Around Deansgate, treat yourself to some five-star dining. Get funky in the cool cafes of the Northern Quarter. And make the party really come alive in the buzzing nightlife venues along Canal Street.

Food and drinks

Fancy a cocktail to kick off the night? Then the highest point in the city features one of the city’s finest nightspots - Cloud 23 Bar. From its huge windows, the super-stylish enjoy some of the best mixed drinks in the city at this cloud-touching cocktail bar.

Then head out to eat. Manchester’s restaurant scene is strong and features everything from fine dining to funky burgers. Take your pick of world cuisine and tickle your tastebuds with some delicious Far East cooking.

Music Scene

Manchester has great musical roots with both Joy Division and Oasis heralding from here. So dig out the local listings and head to some of the local music hotspots. Looking for a free and cheap gig? Head to The Deaf Institute and be surprised. Get into hip hop, garage, house and dubstep at nightclubs and go all glam at one of the big guns of the Manchester gay clubbing scene.

Shopping

For fashion shopping, head to New Cathedral Street and the famous Manchester Arndale mall. Pretty St Ann’s Square and King Street are where you’ll find high-end labels for men and women. The big name department stores are all within easy walking distance. A short walk away, the Northern Quarter is lined with funky boutiques and cafes. Prefer something vintage? Then the sellers at Afflecks Palace are who you want to visit with four floors of indie stalls, quirky fashion finds and style-tribe essentials. Looking good, folks!

Museums

After all that eating, drinking and shopping perhaps it’s time for something more serious. Head to the Imperial War Museum in Daniel Libeskind’s iconic architectural masterpiece. The building alone is worth a visit. Take a trip out the country estate of Dunham Massey where the National Trust have restored the house to its state as a WW1 military hospital. Footie fans will love the National Football Museum or get hands-on with free science at MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry). For something a little more intimate, then visit The People’s History Museum for surprising insights into our past, present and future.

Danny Boyle struck gold with the Olympics Ceremony in 2012 and he’s a founding patron of Home - a new arts centre opening in 2015. For films, art exhibitions and theatre productions look no further - all with the maestro’s magical touch.

After a bit of West End magic?

Get a ticket for a show at the Palace Theatre and The Lowry presents theatre, dance, music and comedy - with the world’s largest public collection of Lowry art.

Soak up the atmosphere and the amazing acoustics of the Bridgewater Hall and check out the Royal Exchange - a stunning theatre and studio space. To discover more than 1400 spot-on ideas for short breaks, just go to www.visitengland.com/morecities and be inspired. See you soon.

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central is ideally situated in the heart of the city, giving you a great location to start exploring all that Manchester has to offer.