A cultural hub in Northern England
Manchester is a vibrant city that attracts numerous visitors from all over the world. Between a rich cultural heritage, sports, shopping, and entertainment, there are many things to see and do in the northern city.
When to visit: local events and festivals
A wide range of festivals and celebrations are organized in Manchester all year round, which is a great way to discover the local culture. Starting in January-February, the Chinese New Year celebrations are quite impressive. In terms of festivals, the most famous are the Jazz Festival, held at the end of July, the Manchester Literature Festival in September and October and the Manchester Food and Drink Festival in September.
Things to know before your trip
Overall, the cost of living in Manchester is lower than that of London, but it remains close to the average for the United Kingdom. Visitors can head to the Manchester Visitor Information Center located on the Piccadilly Plaza for help, suggestions and tips about the city.
Local public transport and accommodation
On arrival at Manchester Airport, several options are available to reach the city. Travelers can go to the railway station and catch a train to Manchester Piccadilly. A ticket costs around £4.50 and the journey is about 15 minutes long. The Metrolink also travels to central Manchester taking 35 minutes or so and the fare is approximately £4.50. Alternatively, number 43 bus is available for the same journey. Taxi ranks can be found at Terminal 1 and the price is around £18, for a journey lasting about 25 minutes. In terms of lodging in Manchester, budget accommodation is on offer starting at approximately £15 per person per night in a shared room. As for rooms in 3-star hotels, they cost around £60 per person per night. When it comes to public transport, the free Metroshuttle consists of 3 routes that serve all major areas in central Manchester. Tickets for Stagecoach buses cost about £1.50, while a day ticket for the tram is approximately £5. TfGM offers "any bus day tickets" and "system one", which can be used on all buses regardless of the operator. While public transport is useful, the sights in the city can be accessed on foot.
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