Just over 500, 000 people live and work in this urban center, famous for its two football clubs and as the home of Canal Street, well known from the original ‘Queer as Folk’ TV series. Although that area is a bit passed it now, the city is a vibrant center for shopping and clubbing and attracts visitors from all over the north of England. Weekends finds it packed with visitors looking for a great night out and the GLBT community is well represented. Indeed, the name is derived from the Latin word for ‘camp’ (although the Romans were referring to a place to sleep!)

It is a major business center and the third most popular tourist destination in the UK. The original network of canals and industrial buildings that make up the center have been ‘blinged’ and upgraded into an area of upscale apartments, restaurants, shops and bars. The inflow of new money has made it very expensive but there are also good public amenities like art galleries, museums, good schools and an excellent university. It is also multi-cultural with a population of all races and creeds working and living together in commercial bliss. Great place for designer label shopping and hairdressers!

The people are friendly and open and Manchester is ideally located to use as the hub for visiting other beautiful areas of northern England – the Yorkshire Moors and the Lake District to mention just two. Rent a car and a good network of motorways can get you places and back in time to party all night long. There are many hotels and places to stay and the night life is excellent. Competition between club owners means there are many ‘Happy Hours’ with cheap alcohol to be had but watch out for the gangs of drunken party animals – it has become a major center for hen and stag night and can be wild at the weekends. Check local free gay newssheets for best places and special events. Certain areas are a bit rough so be aware that if something looks a bit dark and dangerous, it probably is.