Manchester's rich history literally leaps out at you from every corner, so it is possible to pick up a free map from the Visitor Information Centre and discover the city for yourself on foot. But a lack of official guided trails and the amount of regeneration work underway throughout the city really make the services of a guide worth the money. Visitors can join a timetabled official Blue Badge guide on an organised tour with different walks set around particular themes; more information is available from the Visitor Information Centre (tel: 0871 222 8223; website: www.visitmanchester.com) and places need to be booked in advance. Or visitors can also hire a personal tour with a Blue Badge guide (tel: (0161) 439 2860 or (0793) 929 0669) and take advantage of their expert local knowledge. When the walking gets too much, hop on the free Metroshuttle services that operate along three circular routes in the city, linking the main attractions as well as the city's four railway stations.