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Lonely Planet selects Manchester as top travel destination for 2023

Publishers praised UK city’s arts scene and gastronomic diversity as it makes the list of 30 best places to go

Lonely Planet has chosen Manchester as one of its must-visit destinations for 2023, the only UK city to make the guidebook’s annual Best in Travel list.

The city is described as “one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK, with something for everyone” in a roll of honour that includes Sydney, Lima, Montevideo, Marseille and Dresden.

Manchester’s citation highlights the February reopening of Manchester Museum , the recently expanded Manchester Jewish Museum , and Factory International, a cultural hub set to open next June, after delays and £100m over budget.

Factory’s opening production will be an immersive Matrix films-themed dance, music and visual effects experience directed by Danny Boyle .

Lonely Planet also singles out the National Trust’s project to turn a disused railway bridge into a High Line-style park called Castlefield Viaduct .

The accolade has sparked delight in Manchester – a swaggering, if damp, city where self-confidence is rarely in short supply. Richard Leese, who stepped down as leader of the council after 25 years in 2021, used to often answer the question of what is the UK’s second city by saying: “I’m happy for London and Birmingham to fight it out.”

Bev Craig, Leese’s successor, said: “When Lonely Planet says there is something for everyone here, it’s the result of long-term planning and partnership. We’re proud to be the only UK city on this list.”

For its 2023 picks, Lonely Planet has divided the globe into five categories: eat, journey, unwind, connect and learn. Manchester features under “learn”, praised for its dynamic arts scene, and described as a place that has “grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK, with something for everyone.”

An accompanying one-day itinerary suggests visitors check out Manchester Art Gallery, Central and John Rylands libraries, Northern Quarter street art, Manchester Craft and Design Centre, and Mackie Mayor food hall.

Nightlife tips include cocktails at Three Little Words or the Refuge, described by the Guardian as a “glamourpuss” after it opened in 2016; jazz at Matt and Phred’s ; live music at Band on the Wall ; and clubbing in the Gay Village .

Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from its community of staff, writers, bloggers and publishing partners. The nominations are whittled down by its panel of travel experts to just 30 destinations. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, “wow” factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

Tom Hall, vice-president at Lonely Planet, said: “Everyone at Lonely Planet is thrilled to have Manchester included in Best in Travel 2023. Manchester’s urban dynamism combined with a fascinating history and cultural scene makes it an exciting pick. Next year is going to be a great one in Manchester for cultural happenings like the reopening of Manchester Museum, the launch of the new Factory International and the chance to tour Castlefield Viaduct. It’s a city to experience, not just visit, so our suggested itineraries have also flagged up live music, great places to eat and drink, and street art tours, and much more.”

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The Guardian’s top five things to do in Manchester

The faintly terrifying slides at Mayfield Park , a new public space near Piccadilly station.

Spätzle at the Spärrows , a modern restaurant hidden away in a railway arch, specialising in handmade dumplings and pasta of European origin.

Pints at the Briton s Protection , an old-school boozer where you are always guaranteed good conversation.

A gig at New Century Hall , once the groovy 1970s boardroom for the Co-op, transformed into a modern music venue with sprung dancefloor.

Dancing at the Warehouse Project megaclub in the old Mayfield railway depot.

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The one-time engine room of the Industrial Revolution is now driven by invention, discovery and progress; Manchester is a brilliant place to visit.

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Whether walking, cycling or hopping on a bus is your preferred transport mode, there are plenty of ways to get around Manchester.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Manchester, England (Things to Do)

I couldn’t wait to write this first-timer’s guide to Manchester, England after my return.

Spending five days in this city was one of those trips that put a smile on my face — mostly because the city took me by surprise, showing me just how many incredible things there are to do in Manchester.

My knowledge is limited when it comes to England. In fact, the last time I spent a proper amount of time was in 2014 in London, so when the opportunity to visit a city that is widely known for its diversity and history, as well as its immersive opportunities for travelers, I was smitten.

Upon arrival, I hit the ground running. Manchester’s towering buildings offer homes to incredible spaces like cafes, historic libraries dating back to medieval times, and plenty of street art blended into the brick walls.

The energy of the city was buzzing — it was the semifinal of the World Cup and England was playing Croatia during the trip. Watching the city come alive, come together, and cheer on their team was one of those moments I’ll never forget.

The days in Manchester were spent wandering through the Northern Quarter, with walks along the river whilst discovering the deep roots in history that have forever shaped the city.

Did you know that this is where the first atom was split? Or that the modern computer was invented here? Neither did I. That is how surprising Manchester was.

Combining this with an art scene unlike anywhere else I’ve been, world-class food , and incredible design, it is no wonder that Manchester is a top destination in the UK.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Manchester:

• The Lowry Hotel , for the best overall hotel
• The Principal Manchester , for the best luxury hotel stay in the city center
• The King Street Townhouse , for the best boutique design hotel

The First-Timer’s Guide to Manchester, England

Getting to manchester, england.

As a hub for direct flights from across the world, getting to Manchester has never been easier. Virgin Atlantic offers flights with one stop from major hubs like San Francisco and Boston. I’d recommend upgrading yourself and getting access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at SFO as it’s an incredible lounge to kick-start your journey.

Craft cocktails with a full restaurant menu mean you’ll be set for your journey across the pond. For arrival, I’d recommend pre-purchasing FastTrack  to pass the lines at Passport Control and purchasing it for departure to be in an expedited security line — the £5 (a little over $6) is worth it. *It is good to note that you will need extra time upon departure for security to get through.

Getting to and from Manchester Airport, there are direct trains to Manchester Piccadilly Station in the heart of the city, which takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could pre-book a transfer but public transport is really handy and quite efficient.

On the ground, the city is easy to explore by foot. There are trams available to get around, and, for a quick ride, an Uber is available as well. For any day trips to nearby cities, the extensive train system is a great option.

Where to Stay in Manchester, England

The lowry hotel.

I spent my nights in Manchester at The Lowry Hotel . Well located along River Irwell, the hotel is clean and modern, offering a contemporary, luxurious space for guests. The rooms are well-appointed and the beds are ever so comfortable. In the morning, I would go down for breakfast, enjoying the scenic views and good food to start the day. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels to Consider Booking in Manchester:

• Dakota Manchester , for the best-understated luxury hotel
• Whitworth Locke , for the best hotel to stay with friends
• Kimpton Clocktower Hotel , for the best new hotel

Best Restaurants in Manchester, England

Manchester has a bustling food scene. I’ve outlined some of my favorites below. For a deeper dive into where to eat in Manchester, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Manchester !

Albert’s Schloss

This was one of my favorite meals in Manchester as the food was incredible and the space was stunning. It has traditional German-style food and serves beer on tap. This place is great for brunch, midweek lunch, or dinner!

If you’re looking to work your way through one spot in Manchester, this is definitely it. With multiple spaces — from a bar to a winter garden to a restaurant — you could easily spend an entire evening here. I’d recommend dinner and sharing multiple plates, like the cured salmon, burrata, and chorizo, with friends.

Foundation Coffee House

I would head here for a great coffee and a light breakfast. They also serve a wonderful espresso soft serve, which is so refreshing on a summer afternoon.

The Washhouse

One of the nights we stopped into this hidden bar behind a laundromat. You’ll need to reserve in advance to get a password to get in, but, once inside, expect incredible cocktails served in the most wonderful way. Think of a drink served in its own terrarium.

Mackie Mayor

For food hall lovers, this beautiful space hosts a multitude of restaurants to choose from. It’s a good spot to go with friends as everyone can grab something here.

Cottonopolis Food & Liquor

I didn’t make it to this spot, but it came highly recommended by a local for good Asian-inspired dishes in a modern space.

Hawksmoor Manchester

We stopped in to see the space and, unfortunately, didn’t have the chance to eat here but another one of those highly recommended restaurants for dinner or lunch.

Evelyn’s Cafe Bar

Though the line can be long, this famous brunch spot is a classic for Manchester.

Fig & Sparrow

Another spot to check out for breakfast and coffee.

Things to Do in Manchester, England

Explore the northern quarter.

One of my favorite neighborhoods was certainly the Northern Quarter because of the amount of eateries and fun shops. I loved the Fred Aldous store for art/photography, and a stop into the Deadstock General Store .

Visit a Harry Potter-like Library

If you’re a history lover or want to be amazed by stunning architecture, I couldn’t recommend the John Rylands Library more. It’s like a scene out of a movie and this library from 1900, is worth a visit!

Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Always a classic, afternoon tea at The Midland is a great way to spend the afternoon. I’d recommend booking in advance for this.

Go on a street art tour

You’ll start to notice as you walk around the city that there is an extensive street art collection. One of the most enlightening experiences during the trip was a morning street art tour with Hayley Flynn of Skyliner to understand more of the history of each piece and how they each came about.

Take an Overnight Trip to York

One of my favorite excursions was an overnight trip to York. A short 1.5-hour train ride to this cobblestone town was beautiful. Here is how to spend 24 hours in York.

Tour Through the Many Museums

There are plenty of museums to work your way through in Manchester. The most recommended are The Whitworth , HOME , and the Manchester Museum . Nearly all of the museums in Manchester have free entry, including these three.

Visit the Manchester Cathedral

I spent an early morning at the Manchester Cathedral and loved walking through this stunning space.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Your Trip to Manchester: The Complete Guide

Although London is the obvious destination for many travelers coming to the U.K., its northern cousin of Manchester offers a similar dose of culture, good food, and excitement. Known for its soccer team, Manchester United, the city has been the U.K.'s third-most-popular destination   for the past several years. It's easy to navigate thanks to a robust public transportation system (and a primary language of English). It's a great gateway destination to popular tourist spots like the Lake District and Liverpool.

Whether you're coming to experience Manchester or want to include the city as part of a longer itinerary, there are few things to keep in mind as you plan.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: The weather is moderate most of the year in Manchester, but the summer and early fall are the best times to enjoy the outdoors. Visit in the late fall to avoid the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines at the popular attractions. Bring an umbrella and a jacket, although it rains far less than you'd assume.

Language: English, although numerous other languages, including Spanish, French, and Arabic, are spoken around the U.K.

Currency: England's official currency is the pound sterling (GBP), which is more commonly called "the pound."

Getting Around: Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the city's expansive public transportation system, connecting the city center with various suburbs via bus, tram, and local train. There are also taxis and Uber, as well as places to rent a car or bicycle.

Travel Tip:  Give yourself at least three days to see all of Manchester. The city has various neighborhoods and suburbs that are well worth exploring, and you'll want enough time to try all of the different cuisines and restaurants available in the city. Those interested in museums will have a lot of ground to cover, so do some research in advance and prioritize your itinerary. It's also a good idea to bring along an extra bag or suitcase as Manchester is known for its shopping, both at large department stores and smaller, local boutiques and vintage shops.

Things to Do

Like London, Manchester is a diverse and vibrant city, with lots to see and do, all depending on your preferences and interests. The city is known for its museums, including the National Football Museum and the Imperial War Museum North, and its lively soccer culture. It's also close to many nature destinations, including the Peak District and the Lake District, so many travelers will include Manchester in a longer itinerary. There are also numerous day trips possible from Manchester, many of which can be taken via train or bus.

• Tour the National Football Museum before heading to a Manchester United match at Old Trafford stadium.
• Dine at The Old Wellington , a historic pub that dates back to 1552. It has a traditional and rustic menu, with classic options like fish and chips and burgers, and lots of beer.
• Visit the Pankhurst Centre , which celebrates the Suffragettes' first meeting and is the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst. Entry is free.

For more, explore the top 10 things to do in Manchester.

What to Eat and Drink

London often gets credit as England's best city for food, but Manchester comes in a close second, with many different types of eateries and bars to pick from. The city has an expansive food scene that continues to grow every year, and most global cuisines are represented in its many neighborhoods. Whether you're interested in Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Italian, or some classic British dishes, there's something for every taste.

Manchester also has a thriving pub and bar scene, with many historic pubs and sports bars and smaller, independent cocktail bars. Don't miss grabbing a pint at the corner pub, a quintessential experience while in England, but don't forget to explore areas outside the city center like Stockport, which is known for its innovative restaurants and bars.

The local delicacies   are a bit off-center (don't try black pudding unless you learn what it is first), but there are a few treats to seek out, including the Manchester Tart. The traditional English baked tart, which features raspberry jam, can be hard to find, but check the dessert menus at the local British restaurants. Otherwise, be sure to try a Sunday roast, a traditional lunch that features roast meat, vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding.

Where to Stay

Most travelers will opt to book a hotel or an Airbnb in the city center of Manchester, which itself is fairly vast. Look for places to stay in the Northern Quarter, a hip area with plenty of dining and shopping options, as well as the Central Retail District and NOMA. Staying in the center makes it easy to walk to many museums, but look closer to Manchester Piccadilly station if you're on a budget. Some favorite downtown hotels include The Cow Hollow Hotel, The Midland, and the Stock Exchange Hotel.

Those who want to be closer to Old Trafford stadium should look for accommodations near the Quays, which is a bit farther out (although usually cheaper) than what's available downtown. Salford, located west of the city center, is another good option for cheaper hotels or Airbnbs, although it's a drive or bus ride away from many attractions.

Getting There

Travelers can arrive in Manchester via Manchester Airport, an international hub that mainly serves Europe and the Middle East, or via London . Those flying into London can take a two-hour train journey north from Euston Station to Manchester Piccadilly. Trains run frequently, and it's easy to access Euston from Heathrow Airport via taxi or Uber. There are also National Express buses that connect London and Manchester, although those may be slower and less frequent than the train. More adventurous travelers may want to rent a car and drive to Manchester from one of the U.K.'s airports. Be sure to opt for a GPS in your rental car to help navigate the roads and highways around England.

Culture and Customs

Manchester has a similar culture to London, although the North of England can feel slightly different than the South. There are also a few differences between U.K. and U.S. culture, particularly when it comes to tipping. Restaurants and bars will include a service charge (usually 12.5 percent) on the bill, so there's no need to leave extra cash, although you can drop a few extra pounds if the service was particularly great. When grabbing a drink at a pub, leave a pound or two tip for each round you buy.

Be mindful that British culture is fairly reserved, especially compared with how we behave in public in America. When using public transportation or visiting museums, keep your voice low and be polite. Brits also appreciate a good queue, so never skip the line or push your way to the front, even if you're at a rowdy soccer match.

Money Saving Tips

• Manchester has a free bus system that operates around the city center  . There are three routes, 1, 2, and 3, which run throughout the main areas, including the Northern Quarter, NOMA, and Chinatown. Two of the buses run daily, including holidays, while one is not available on Sundays. Check the timetables and routes online to plan a journey.
• Several of Manchester's museums are free to enter  , including Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park.
• Take advantage of nearby walks and parks, including Heaton Park and Arley Hall and Gardens. Bring along a picnic during the warmer months to save some money on lunch.
• Grab a bite to eat at one of Manchester's hip food halls, which have casual, inexpensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. Mackie Mayor is one of the city's most popular.
• Save money on public transportation by walking as much as possible. Central Manchester is very walkable, especially when visiting attractions like museums and theaters, and it's a good way to keep your budget low. For those who need to take public transportation, consider one of the tram and bus passes that are good for multiple journeys.

Visit Britain. "Inbound Town Data." 2019.

Visit Manchester. "Greater Manchester Local Delicacies."

TfGM. "Free Bus - Free Travel Around Manchester City Centre." July 20, 2020.

Visit Manchester. "Free Things To Do in Manchester."

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Restaurants, buy the visit manchester pass.

Discover Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass - Entry into 13 of Manchester's top attractions plus over 30 discounts and offers.

Metrolink tram in St Peter's Square

How to get around manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the official public transport body for the city. Its Bee Network website has a wealth of information and a number of journey planning tools to take the stress out of travelling. It includes:

• Bus services across Greater Manchester helping you get out and about.
• The Metrolink network, which is one of the most successful light railway systems in the UK. With frequent services there’s no need to worry about a timetable, just head to your nearest stop and the next tram won’t be far away. Metrolink can transport you to popular venues and attractions across the region and, if you’re planning on sightseeing, Travelcards offer unlimited travel across the network. Please be sure to purchase a ticket from the on-stop ticket machines before boarding or tap in and out at the contactless terminals.
• In addition to the inter-city links, the rail network connects you to the neighbouring towns and districts of Greater Manchester including Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan.

Within the city centre,  free bus  (formerly Metroshuttle) provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service linking all of the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas. There are  services which operate on circular routes.

Manchester is a bike-friendly city with many marked cycle lanes and dedicated routes throughout the city centre and beyond.

Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester  cycling website  for everything you need to know about cycling in Greater Manchester, from maps and route planning to local events and news. 

You can also hire bikes from various locations across the city.

Manchester is easily explored on foot, with a city centre that you can navigate within 30 minutes.  City Hosts  are dotted around the centre to guide you with directions, public transport information and details on events taking place.

Download  one of our maps  to help guide you around the region.

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How Manchester Became A Global Hotspot For Fashion

With brands from Chanel to Soho House making a beeline for the city, Mancunian Becky Burgum explains why her hometown is this year’s fashion and creative capital.

The show shone a global spotlight on the city’s relevance as a cultural capital. But our (male-focused) past glories aren’t what makes Manchester so special – it’s all about what’s happening right now. There is often a blinkered, London-centric outlook that maintains creativity can’t possibly exist outside the M25. But how wrong that is. I launched a magazine, Galchester , to disprove the notion and give space to the sidelined women leading the charge. Often ignored, always underestimated, the country’s second-largest city is manifesting an explosion of talent.

Just look at the constantly opening creative spaces, such as Co-op Live, the new, £365-million music arena launching next month, which will host Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts tour in May, or cultural hub Aviva Studios, a 13-acre regeneration project in the heart of St John’s. This huge, spiky building is where Factory International hosts high-tech theatre by performers including Danny Boyle; exhibitions such as Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dot inflatables; and the renowned Manchester International Festival, a world-class arts biennial with none of the snobbery.

Both venues were namechecked by Soho House as reasons for choosing the city for its latest opening – the members’ club’s first location up north. ‘These new venues continue to make Manchester an important destination for culture and the arts,’ says UK membership and communications director Velma Simmons. Around the corner from Aviva, in the old Granada TV studios, the new outpost (opening soon) will have the requisite seductive mood lighting, vintage furniture and picante cocktails, plus pieces by artists with ties to the city, including the Turner Prize-winning painter Lubaina Himid. ‘There’s clearly a thriving creative community here,’ adds Simmons, who predicts an ‘exciting future ahead with a growing food and drink scene’. In reality, though, that future has already arrived.

Moments from the new House is Fenix, the buzziest restaurant opening of 2023, from the team behind cult Chinese-fusion hit Tattu. Don’t let its themed decor put you off: from the stone arches to its full-sized olive tree, this Mykonos maze is more playful glamour than Trafford Centre-tacky. Its elevated Greek menu earns its hype, too, with a plethora of tastebud-tingling tartares and showstopping sharing dishes; I still think about the robata-grilled sea-bass, stuffed with shiitake mushrooms and spinach and artistically arranged to resemble a mythical sea creature.

As creative as Fenix’s presentation (my dessert was served on a smashed plate) is the city’s art scene. There are the well-known museums I was first introduced to on school trips: Manchester Art Gallery, currently showing ‘Unpicking Couture’, an exhibition featuring restored garments by Dior and Schiaparelli, and The Whitworth gallery, my favourite of the two – not least because it stocks my magazine and other indie publications. But the most inspiring home-grown art is found in the less polished Salford outskirts, on the other side of town. In former mills, Paradise Works and Islington Mill Arts Club are home to numerous local artists, and host exhibitions from collectives including Short Supply, which I follow to keep tabs on talented art graduates.

Also in these industrial fringes are the city’s most hardcore nights out. Kristen Stewart was spotted partying at nearby Salford Lads’ Club before the Chanel show, but Hidden and The White Hotel – in the manufacturing no-man’s land close to Paradise Works – are for the ultimate hedonistic all-nighters. Seeing the sunrise is a Manchester must, given our rave heritage and the fact we literally invented the weekend (in 1843; look it up). For those needing to be eased into a BNO, newly revived club-pub the Derby Brewery Arms offers the best of both worlds. Just a 10-minute walk back into civilisation, this traditional boozer turns into a smoky, red rave room, with DJ nights hosted by the most exciting collectives, from Bent ( @benthedonism ) to Bloom ( @bloommcr ).

.css-1aear8u:before{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:34px;height:25px;content:'';display:block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1aear8u:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/elle/static/images/quote.fddce92.svg);} .css-1bvxk2j{font-family:SaolDisplay,SaolDisplay-fallback,SaolDisplay-roboto,SaolDisplay-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-size:1.625rem;font-weight:normal;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1bvxk2j b,.css-1bvxk2j strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1bvxk2j em,.css-1bvxk2j i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1bvxk2j i,.css-1bvxk2j em{font-style:italic;} Kristen Stewart was spotted partying at nearby Salford Lads’ Club before the Chanel show

This takes us to the Green Quarter, one of seven northern neighbourhoods undergoing a slick regeneration as part of the £4 billion Victoria North project. It’s here you’ll find another of the city’s culinary gems: chef’s choice and 2023 Michelin Guide-starring The Spärrows, tucked under a railway arch. Though it’s almost four years old, it remains tricky to book a table at which to eat its Austrian-inspired, game-changing spätzle thick threads of pasta bathing in your choice of rich sauce. Look out for its newly opened sister bar Suzume around the corner, along with the highlight of 2024’s culinary calendar: Skof, by three-Michelin-starred former L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes, which opens soon. Based in the contemporary Noma district, it will be fine dining without any pretentiousness – strictly no tablecloths or dress code – and a £50 lunch menu.

Many of the city’s best bars are close by, in the Chanel-approved Northern Quarter. My latest love is Stray, serving uncomplicated yet finely executed cocktails, such as the tomato vine margarita a twist I never knew I needed. A drink there primes you nicely for the live-music institutions next door, Band on the Wall and Night & Day – the ‘I was there’ joint that has hosted indie legends such as the Arctic Monkeys. By day, this area is also a quirky shopping hub.

As a teen, it’s where I rebelled with vintage clothes – in Pop Boutique’s original store – and with my thrilling-at-the-time belly-button piercing from Afflecks market, the famously maze-like emo haven. Now, however, it’s more than just a place to annoy my mum, offering everything from small-batch artisanal ceramics at Form Lifestyle Store to designer emporium Hervia, for JW Anderson and Rick Owens. I also always pop into the café at the expertly curated Chapter One Books for a brew.

Nearby Ancoats, the former textile district known for its sprawling red-brick warehouses, canal-side streets and epic dining scene, is where the city’s cooler, creative spirit can be found. Erst steals the show from Michelin-starred Mana with its understated magic: swooned over by critics including Jay Rayner, it’s all punchy small plates, natural wines and signature flatbreads with a glorious twist. Soaked in beef fat and chilli, they’ll have you filling up on ‘just one more for the table’.

The best Guinness in town is at the Edinburgh Castle, and next door is The Norah Store, a slow-fashion spot for discovering new independent favourites like Kitri and Arthur Apparel. The gothic Cow Hollow, a boutique hotel with just 16 rooms, is the place to stay: think exposed brick, metal staircases and weather-beaten doors from the original textile factory. Conveniently, it’s a short walk from the perfect end of a night at Peste bar, by the team behind The White Hotel club, which is also great for records, books and art by day.

Not every must-visit is outside the city centre, though. Close to Piccadilly Station, where you’ll grab that first gulp of glorious Mancunian air (honestly, it really is fresher up here – as is the tap water), is Higher Ground, deemed one of the best restaurants in the UK just a few months after opening. A favourite of legendary chef Rick Stein, it serves British produce with Scandi flair from the team behind Ancoats success story Flawd, a wine-shop with-refined-nibbles on the marina. The Pitchfork Cheddar tart genuinely sent me loopy, and the Colchester-sourced oysters are some of the best you’ll ever have.

Also central, the Stock Exchange Hotel might have hosted stars for the Chanel show, but the upcoming Treehouse (opening this spring) will be much less stuffy. Next door to Soho House and not far from the city’s mainstream shopping district, its 224 bedrooms feel like cosy tree-top cabins, with wooden interiors, patchwork quilts and plenty of greenery. Rooted in sustainability, it even has a bee farm producing the hotel’s own honey. Expect a lively rooftop bar and restaurant run by famed Manc DJs and hospitality duo The Unabombers.

The upcoming Treehouse (opening this spring) will be much less stuffy

My last unmissable inner-city visit is Home Gallery, in the Castlefield area: the arts complex showcases top fringe shows, boundary-smashing performance art and the best independent films. Currently, ‘Open Exhibition’ (on until April 28) shines a light on Greater Manchester’s creative talent with 480 artworks by locals, chosen by neighbour Castlefield Gallery – another gem for its focus on playful, emerging artists.

There are countless up-and-coming districts cropping up further afield, too, just a short metro or train ride from the centre. Once-grimy Stockport is now home to slow-food, ‘no menu’ hit Where The Light Gets In, and its sister bakery Yellowhammer. Urmston, somewhere I once only ventured to see the dentist, now has Michelin Guide-approved, affordable fine dining at Örme. Then there’s Chorlton, the hipster heartland full of young professionals and vegan supermarkets, where you can buy multistorey houses with gardens for the price of a one-bed flat in London.

It really is as good as it sounds. In fact, just one visit to Manchester inspired Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard to stage the brand’s fashion spectacle in the city. Just don’t forget your umbrella – that’s the only stereotype that rings true.

ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE .

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Events taking place to mark 200 years of The Guardian newspaper

The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Research Institute and Library holds the entire archive of the Manchester Guardian. In a series of livestreamed talks to mark the paper’s bicentenary, panels of special guests and experts have been invited to discuss an item from the archive, its relevance to today’s news and media, and how it may influence our future. The first event will discuss how media reporting on humanitarian issues has changed over the past 20 years, how it could become more progressive, and how the Western media can utilise its power to better the lives of the vulnerable people it reports on. Annie Kelly, an award-winning human rights journalist for the Guardian and Observer, will chair a panel including Lindsey Hilsum, international editor for Channel 4 News and Waad Al-Kateab, Syrian journalist, and creator of the BAFTA-winning documentary For Sama and Professor of Cultural History and executive director of The University of Manchester’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, Bertrand Taithe. For the second event , the attendees will take a closer look at how we navigate misinformation in today’s complex, internationally-connected media landscape. In 1977 the Guardian created an elaborate April Fool’s Day hoax - a seven-page travel supplement about a fictional island called San Serriffe - which fooled the nation. Forty years later, in a very different world, the Collins Dictionary 2017 word of the year was “fake news”. Today, a host of conspiracy theories and fabricated stories about coronavirus can spread rapidly across social media platforms. False claims about the US election led to the 6th January storming of the US Capitol and a social media ban for the former president. How can we as readers recognise misinformation and protect ourselves against fake news? How can the media defend traditional news values and what roles should big tech companies play in this? The discussion will involve Alex Hern, technology editor for The Guardian; Rachel Gibson, professor of political science at the University of Manchester; Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate and Tom Phillips, former editor of Full Fact. The third event will take a closer, more critical, look at the issues surrounding representation in newsrooms. According to the Sutton Trust, 80% of news editors attended private school, with only 11% of journalists being from working class backgrounds, and 0.2% being Black. Combined with Women in Journalism’s 2020 research into news organisations’ lack of diversity, this paints a startling portrait of who decides what is newsworthy and how it is reported. Guardian deputy Opinion editor Joseph Harker will chair a panel including Manchester professor of sociology and former Guardian editor-at-large Gary Younge, and writer and Guardian contributor Lynsey Hanley. Together they will peel back the statistics and ask: with decision-makers in the media being predominantly white, male and privately educated, how can we be certain that the news we’re consuming is the whole story, rather than a carefully constructed narrative that perpetuates long-standing myths? A digital exhibition exploring The Manchester Guardian archives is available at The John Rylands Research Institute and Library’s website at https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/manchesters-guardian/ . You can also visit the exhibition in person when The Rylands re-opens its doors on 24 th June.

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