Manchester is a broad mix of styles, some of them pretty contradictory. From the working-class, brawling city of soccer to the dance music revolution that created the modern version of the Summer of Love in 1989's warehouses to today's eclectic mix of arts, culture, dirty alleyways and soccer, Manchester is a place you simply have to visit once in a lifetime.

Mancunian Culture

It is not so much the tourist attractions that are part of this city's appeal (although there are plenty), it is more in the blunt attitude of its people, who seem equally ready to break your nose or share a laugh, and not think too much of it either way. Stop by the People's History Museum for an insight into the evolution of Mancunian culture. This museum chronicles a century of ordinary folk in Manchester, the ones who often died young and broke, but seemed to have plenty of fun along the way. Like many areas that have a long history of poverty, Manchester is steeped simultaneously in melancholy and live-for-the-moment fun, and this museum gives plenty of insight as to why.

Entertainment

A wander down Oldham Street brings visitors back into modern-day Manchester. This is a great place to shop (and browse) by day, and people-watch and bar-hop by night. Be warned though, unlike the rest of Europe, the UK has pretty early closing times, so all the bars will be closing around 1am.

One pub in particular that is worth your while is Mr Thomas' Chop House, where authentic British stodge is served in authentic British servings. Steak, mash, and variations on steak and mash are about all you will get here – and it's about all you'll need on yet another cold Manchester day. Best eaten with a pint of ale at your elbow.

Things to See and Do

If something a little more cultured is called for, the Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the grounds of (pretty and prestigious) Manchester University. The Gallery is home to a collection of modern and fine art as well as extensive collection of rare wallpaper. It's exactly as interesting as it sounds (make of that what you will).

If you are pretty fit and don't mind the cold (even colder than the average Mancunian day), the North Face – the global dominator in outdoors-wear have a sheer ice wall that is ready to climb. Rent a set of crampons and ropes at the desk, as well as an ice pick (the kind for mountain-climbing, not drink mixing) and set to.

If you remember the Summer of Love, take your kids on an edited nostalgia tour at Affleck's Palace. This bazaar sells all kinds of curios, as well as rave gear, street wear and other Manchester weekend essentials.

Hotels

Accommodation in Manchester is roughly the same as any other metropolitan center in England, with comfortable three star hotel rooms selling for around £70 per night.