Manchester's influence has long loomed large over British political and cultural life. Its modernity is as unabashed as its people, famous for their gritty, no-nonsense attitude to life.

The city is also known for a rich industrial past, many of the relics of which still stand today. It's this combination of historical places of interest and uber-modern design highlights that mark Manchester out as an ever-evolving entity that stubbornly refuses to see a contradiction between revelling in the future and maintaining strong roots.

There is something for everyone here. The Curry Mile boasts some of the UK's very best Indian cuisine. Canal Street and the surrounding area comprise a globally-recognized gay community. Neo-gothic buildings like the Town Hall sit side by side with piercing modern structures. High street stores compete with designer boutiques for the attentions and monies of shoppers. There's even a Chinatown. Add to that a whole range of hip bars, traditional pubs, music venues, green spaces and museums housing some of Britain's most important collections and you have a recipe for a truly vibrant city with its fingers on multiple contemporary pulses.

Must See Attractions


The People's Museum

Manchester's sole national museum recently reopened following a £12.5 million development. The People's Museum is dedicated to the story of British democracy, and it has a perfect host in Manchester, the birthplace of socialism, universal suffrage and the global co-operative movement. Interactive exhibits breathe life into our fascinating political history and the city's central role in leftwing politics (it was in Manchester that Karl Marx drafted the Communist Manifesto).

Nearby hotels: Lowry Hotel - Rocco Forte Lowry Hotel

The Lowry Arts Centre

Of all Manchester's many famous sons and daughters, one of the most revered is LS Lowry. The Salford Quays building to which he lends his name is more than just a place to exhibit the great man's art. In true Mancunian democratic style, the place serves as a breeding ground for upcoming artists of all stripes. In any given month you can catch the work of musicians, performing artists, sculptors, photographers and multi-award winning theatre groups. This is one regional arts centre that truly lives up to its name.

Nearby hotels: Quay Apartments - Rotana Apartments

Where to eat


Abode

Serving first rate cuisine since 2007, Abode's basement restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, and has received the highest industry accolades on almost a yearly basis. It won Restaurant of the Year in the 2008 Manchester Food & Drink Festival awards. The following year, Ian Matfin was nominated for 'Chef of the Year'.

Nearby hotels: Abode Manchester - The Place Apartment Hotel

Isinglass

Undoubtedly one of Manchester's finest restaurants, Isinglass takes its unusual name from the gelatinous fish bladder-derived substance used to clarify beer and wine. The name is the only icky thing about the place, which makes good on its promise to use only local ingredients – and then delivers stunning British dishes to boot. The salad leaves are culled from Chat Moss, the meat from Knutsford and the ice cream from Dunham Massey. Classic homegrown fare is revitalized, with venison toad-in-the-hole and Cumberland gravy and mash among the trademark menu items.

Nearby hotels: The Midland – Jurys Inn

The French

Foodies will be familiar with Simon Rogan's L'Enclume in Cartmel. The French is his Mancunian answer to the question 'what does a chef with 2 Michelin stars do next?' Housed within the revamped historic dining room of the Midland Hotel, this is dining at its finest. Tasting Menus are available in six or ten course iterations, and most ingredients are grown on Rogan's farm at L'Enclume.

Other culinary highlights include An Outlet, which serves up simple deli food from the relaxed environs of a crisply converted warehouse, and Aumbry, the latest venture from award-winning chef Mary-Ellen McTague.

Nearby hotel: Macdonald Townhouse

Nightlife


The Liars Club

It's hard to remember a time when British city centres were unadorned by patchworks of late bars and nightclubs, but before Manchester led the way with the Twisted Wheel and the Hacienda, nightlife in the UK was practically non-existent. It's only right, then, that this city should carry on the tradition it began. Getting 'mad for it' is easy at The Liars Club, located just off Bridge Street. A basement Tiki dive-bar-cum-rum-shop, it is packed to the rafters seven nights a week. If you're wondering where so many patrons are coming from in the wee hours, they might have just stopped serving drinks themselves – the Liars is hugely popular with Mancunian bartenders who flock here after work to get stuck into the city's widest rum collection.

Nearby hotel: The Mitre Hotel

Cuba Café

This friendly, Cuban style club is tucked away in the Northern Quarter. Aside from the usual reverie, it runs salsa classes and classic soul club nights on the weekend, and it's usually rammed with locals and tourists alike.

Nearby Hotel: Gardens Hotel

Black Dog Ballroom

Inspired by the speakeasys of prohibition-era NYC, the Black Dog Ballroom is a diner, nightclub and pool room all in one. Open every night until 4am, it serves up unbeatable cocktails, glitzy special events and – for the lucky few – a hidden VIP room.

Nearby hotels: Britannia Sachas Hotel - Light Aparthotel