Why Manchester Should Be On Your List Of Places To Visit In 2023
Manchester has recently been announced by National Geographic as one of the top cities to visit in 2023, claiming it as a “mecca for soccer fans and a growing arts and culture hub”.
Often left in the shadows of London, the northern English city is a cool, edgy and progressive city. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the spirit of many a cultural movement, most notably acid house in the late 1980s, early 1990s.
And it’s the city’s spirit that is one of its most appealing draws, and the reason why it should be on your must-visit list in 2023. Amongst other reasons, of course.
So, why exactly should you visit Manchester in the next 12 months?
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It’s become a culinary capital
After a long wait, Manchester finally got its Michelin Star back in 2019 with restaurant Mana, located in the Ancoats area of the city. The trendy neighbourhood is home to a wide range of restaurants, covering all types of cuisine, while you’ll find plenty of fantastic street food and food halls too, whether you’re craving a burrito, pizza or something that little bit different.
For those looking for something local, a trip to Bury for a bit of Bury black pudding is a must, while the Manchester egg is also a delicacy in the town, a take on a Scotch egg, but with black pudding inside it.
Its music is still mad fer it
Manchester has long been known for its music scene and it’s played its part in a number of music scenes, most notably in the 1970s and 1980s into 90s. The likes of Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses and Oasis all hail from the city, and while you may associate it with opulence, dancing and many of its stars ending up in drug rehab, times have changed somewhat, without losing its musical identity.
Today, bands such as Blossoms, Everything Everything, The 1975 and many more are all representing the city, with dozens of great music venues hosting the next big things each and every night.
It’s becoming a greener place
Manchester has a real reputation for being grey and rainy. However, while the weather isn’t going to change in the city anytime soon, it is becoming a much greener city. It was once a place with very little greenery running through the city centre, but two new parks have been opened in the space of the last 12 months and more and more developments are integrating sociable, outdoor spaces within the confines of the centre.
The Castlefield Viaduct National Trust site is akin to New York’s High Line, while Mayfield Park, by Piccadilly train station is also now offering a green, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Outside of the centre, you’ve also got RHS Bridgewater, Fletcher Moss and many more beautiful spaces, ideal for exploring on a relaxing afternoon out.
