I live in the UK city named one of New York Times’ top places to visit – here’s what it’s really like as a local

I’M NOT surprised Manchester was recently crowned a top place for Americans to visit this year.

Joining the likes of Egypt‘s Hurghada, Maui in Hawaii and the Albanian Alps, Manchester was the only city in the UK to make it on the publication’s global List of 52 Places to Go in 2024.

Lee Bell

Lee Bell

That comes just weeks after Time Out named it one of the best cities in the world for 2024.

And that’s one reason why, following the pandemic, I became part of the wave escaping the big smoke to settle in this quieter, more affordable city also known as “the capital of the North”.

From mills to music

While Manchester, like any other city, as a number of modern high-rise buildings, it has also transformed it’s iconic red brick structures into exciting new cultural venues.

Take Mayfield Depot, for instance – once a railway yard, this arts, music and culture hub is home to the massively popular Warehouse Project and is one of the best places to see a band or DJ in Manchester, in my opinion.

And clearly I’m not the only one that thinks it, it was recently named the best club in the world by DJTechReviews.

Diecast is another impressive warehouse transformation, which has the biggest beer garden in the city – you’d never know this sprawling entertainment space was once a metalworks and factory floor (apart from the huge vintage machinery they’ve kept at the front door).

It has some impressive beers on its roster as well as some of the best pizza I’ve had in the city.

Other stand-outs for a night out are any of the ever-colourful bars on Canal Street or super cool clubs Hidden, Yes and Soup.

You can see why Manchester’s nightlife is known as one of the best in the country. The same can be said for live music, too.

Spawning indie rock legends such as Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis, Buzzcocks and Stone Roses, it’s hardly surprising the northern city is still one of best for places in the country for gigs and shows.

And that’s only about to get better with the UK’s biggest arena, Co-op Live, opening this month that can hold a whopping 23,500 capacity, dwarfing London’s flagship O2 arena.

If Manchester wasn’t on the map for music before, it certainly is now.

Palate pleasures

There’s, of course, much more to Manchester than its vibrant music scene.

The city’s dining culture over the last few years has boomed. Even food critics such as Jay Rayner are regularly celebrating what the city has to offer.

Lee Bell

Lee Bell

Lee Bell

One of my favourite places to dine has to be The Sparrows, a continental pasta and dumplings restaurant that’s tucked away under some railway arches in Green Quarter.

A standout dish is the Spätzle, a special kind of egg noodles that melt in your mouth.

Foodies can also try one of the 17 restaurants that have been given a nod in the Michelin Guide, including Higher Ground, a British Bistro focused on seasonal food and casual dining have impressed with unique dishes and attention to detail.

Another favourite is Climat, a wine-led rooftop restaurant that takes Manchester’s buzzy food scene to new heights with French vibes, playful yet tasty dishes and panoramic views across the city.

If there’s one thing Mancs love, it’s a good drink so it’s only natural that Manchester’s bars are thriving, too.

The city’s dining culture over the last few years has boomed

Lee Bell

Schofield’s Bar on Little Quay Street, which was awarded Best Bar in the UK for two years running by the prestigious Class Bar Mag, has classy vibes and five-star service from friendly bartenders that can put a twist on any cocktail you fancy.

I also love that Manchester is following in London’s footsteps when it comes to good wine, with trendy outposts like Flawd, a natural wine bar that sits on the marina in New Islington, popping up across the city.

I’ve spent many a summer evening here swishing orange wine down my neck while taking in the calming canal-side views.

Cultural corners

Most tourists in Manchester head to the Northern Quarter, home to individual shops and vintage stores, or it’s two famous football stadiums – the Old Trafford grounds and the Etihad Stadium.

Lee Bell

Lee Bell

However, those looking for a bit more culture should definitely check out Aviva Studios.

Also known as Factory international, this £186million arts venue, which I call the “Barbican of Manchester”, touts regular shows It’s also now the permanent home of the biennial Manchester International Festival.

If the rain holds off for long enough (I found it doesn’t actually rain in Manchester quite as much as everyone says!) have a saunter across Castlefield Viaduct.

Opening in the city last year and expected to be extended very soon, it’s a transformation from a 1862 viaduct into a public garden often compared to the New York High Line.

If you’re a visitor looking to visit for longer than a day, there are plenty of hotels to go at, from flashy luxury offerings like Hotel Gotham on King Street to cosy boutique wonders like Forty-Seven on Peter Street.

Slightly further afield, there’s the leafy neighbourhoods of Didsbury and Chorlton to explore, with quant streets lined with independent shops and cafés.

I always find these great spots when I want to escape the bustle of the city centre for a bit.

Due to its great connections in the centre of the country, getting to Manchester is easy.

Direct trains operate to Manchester from London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Liverpool and Leeds.

As part of The Sun’s new Best of British campaign, Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach revealed their favourite Manchester hidden gems.