The Capital of the North – Manchester

Generally recognised as the north of Englands capital, Manchester stands strong as an industrial northern cultural epicenter for the surrounding smaller indutsrial cities, and for good reasoning. No where else can you find such stark yet comfortable contrast between a victiorian industrial past and modern affluent future. Manchester has become a thriving cultural and business hub with an impressive musical history and present. The city is well know for its Mad-chester days and hacienda scene and still hosts some of the best clubs in the UK with people travelling from all over to experience clubs such as The Warehouse Project and Sankeys Soap. If you are wanting to experience this notorious party scene but need a place to crash for a night whilst you sample the cities night life youself, why dont you look into couchsurfing for the night? The city is renowned for its laidback and creative atmosphere and is the home to many internationally renowned bands and artists, from Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Oasis, Spiral Carpets, and Mr scruff. Once you have visited this wonderful city it will be easy to see how such talent begins in such an open minded and friendly city.


Old cotton mills, canals and red brick buildings are contrasted against modern multinational businesses with chic modern designs. The city should be applauded in its success in merging old and new and it is a pleasure to view. A short walk through the city will show the rapid growth and development during the nineteenth century through out Queen Victoria's reign. This was a time when Manchester truly came into its own and incredible palatial mill and warehouse buildings, libraries and civic buildings sprang up as the industrial revolution began. The ornate and visually powerful banking halls along King Street demonstrate the economic wealth and political power by the end of the 19th century whilst The Central Referernce Library and Town Hall extensions around St Peters Square stand as landmarks to be proud of for the 20th century. The combination of old and new speaks volumes and portrays the cultural notion that this is a city that is alive, organic and growing, and able to change with the times.

There are hundreds of Restaurants, bars and shops in the city center and something to do for everyone. Shopping in this city is great fun and without a doubt the best the North West can offer. With many independent small businesses and chains each offering high standards of products and generally fashion forward trends and every designer shop imaginable, all budgets can shop here happily. The Northern Quarter is known as the 'creative' quarter and is the home of many vintage shops, creative agencies, art galleries and quirky retailers aswell as the hip bars and clubs. It is fast morphing into an aspirational area to live and a new vibrant and diverse playground for many different age groups and walks of life. It would be a great place to look for apartments when in manchester as it is right in the city center with everything on your doorstep.

Manchester is famous for its rain and it probably wouldn't be a true Mancunian experience without experiencing a shower or two. Summers tend to be around 20 °C between the months of June and early September. Winters are mild with the occasional bit of snow between December and February. Don't let the weather put you off this marvellous city. Visit Wimdu for help on finding a place to stay in Manchester, the local way.