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Things to do in Manchester

Catch a gig in a famous Manchester venue

The 'Madchester' scene may have passed, but the city is still thriving musically. From classical concerts in a state-of-the-art setting at Bridgewater Hall (tel: +44161 907 9000; www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk) to the local showcases at the Night & Day Café (tel: +44 161 236 1822; www.nightnday.org), the city has still got it.

Explore the reinvigorated quayside

Deprived of purpose, Salford Quays spent decades as wasteland but now culture and hyper-futuristic architecture has the area flourishing. The Lowry Theatre (tel: +44 843 208 6000; www.thelowry.com) is its landmark arts venue and the IWM (tel: +44 161 836 4000; www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north) is an exceptional history museum.

Hike high over the Pennine Hills

Located in the stunning Peak District National Park (tel: +44 1629 816 200; www.peakdistrict.gov.uk), the Pennine Hills flank Manchester on three sides and are an easy train ride away. The national park is wonderful for hiking and with abseiling, caving, climbing, windsurfing and canoeing, will tempt adventurers too.

Join the revolution at the People's History Museum

A museum dedicated to Britain's 200-year struggle for democracy feels like a hard sell but the People's History Museum (tel: +44 161 838 9190; www.phm.org.uk) makes it anything but. Interactive exhibitions are entertaining, the setting contemporary and bright, and the subject as pertinent as the struggle is still ongoing.

Pick a team and support the beautiful game

Home to two of England's most dominant teams, United and City, Manchester is a great place to catch a football match. For those who don't want to choose sides, explore the history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum (tel: +44 161 605 8200; www.nationalfootballmuseum.com) instead.

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Premier Inn

This budget hotel chain has several locations in and around the city, but the stay with the best setting is at Deansgate Locks, situated close to Old Trafford. It's conveniently located close to a seven-day free city centre shuttle bus service and also offers free onsite car parking.

Radisson Blu Edwardian

Retaining the vintage features of the Free Trade Hall, where the suffragettes rallied, Bob Dylan went electric in 1965, and the Sex Pistols played in 1976, the Radisson Edwardian is a contemporary hotel with every kind of creature comfort. Within easy walking distance of some of the city's best attractions, the hotel has an indoor infinity pool, a fitness centre and high-speed Internet access.

Lowry Hotel

Located in the Chapel Wharf area on the Salford-Manchester boundary, this is one of the finest hotels in Manchester, a stunning haven of glittering glass and steel, with 164 elegant rooms that include intense flashes of colour amid quietly expensive neutral colour schemes. Bathrooms are marble-lined and there's also a gym and spa, and a spectacular riverside restaurant. There is live entertainment in the River Bar and Terrace most evenings.

The Midland

The Midland is a Grade II-listed Edwardian building that exudes elegance and charm, but is reasonably priced. There are 312 en-suite bedrooms decorated in a contemporary style that's in keeping with the building. Rooms are dotted with polished wood furniture and each comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and Internet access.

Great John Street

Housed in a former Victorian schoolhouse, the Great John Street Hotel is one of Manchester's slickest new boutique hotels. Duplex suites come with flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi and rainforest showers. Some even have views of the set of Coronation Street. Be sure to try out the swanky bar too.

The Light Aparthotel

If you want a place to hunker down for a longer stay, this apartment hotel is the perfect fit. It's slap bang in the middle of town and rooms are surprisingly good value considering the space offered. There's even a penthouse if you're feeling flush.