We’ve had the london one so…what do non-Mancunians think of Manchester?

[RishisPA]

Interested to see how it compares? Any insights into Manchester? I hate how so many visitors end up getting off at Piccadilly and going straight to Piccadilly gardens when (imo) that’s the worst bit of the city centre!!

It's OK. Like a PP says, the city centre isn't relaxing to be in (is it even possible to sit outside a café or bar with food or a drink without being approached for money? I don't think so). There's an aggressive atmosphere that isn't there in some other major UK city centres. The nice bits (Prestwich, Didsbury, Chorlton....yep that's it) are overpriced for what you get. Much of north and east Manchester I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around alone in the daytime.

I agree with others that there are much more preferable places to visit in the country - Leeds, York, Edinburgh.

@savedbyanalien that’s a really sad post. Do you not leave London often?

Cold, filthy, ugly, rough.

But I am yer archetypal soft southern bumpkin.

It reminds me of Croydon: trams, high rise blocks, graffiti, concrete, homeless people.

I've only been to Manchester to catch a flight, but I spent half a day there in advance & stayed overnight. Sorry, hated it, so dirty everywhere

Manchester is shite, much prefer Leeds or Newcastle

I go there (or did pre-pandemic) on business, and it seems to me that there is a contrast between the many good bits and those that have had little investment. (I'm including Salford in this).

The time I avoid going there is when the tourists/glory seekers come to visit the place just outside Manchester with 76,000 narrow seats.

I have lived in Manchester, Leeds, London and Liverpool & would rank them in that order as places to live.

Manchester has scruffy bits, but I love the sense of people not being hung up on if they are from. People from Wythenshawe have the same pride of place as people from Chorlton. They just are who they are.

The number of homeless people in town is heartbreaking. A lot of them are from other parts of the country that have got stuck in Manchester. My office overlooks Piccadilly and you can see the new street homeless turn up and in a matter of weeks become so rundown. Me & my early arrival colleagues do an early morning brew round for people & check if they need phones charging, pens, paper, contact details for housing & benefits. It is a small gesture - but if it gets one person off the streets it is worth doing.

I've been to Manchester twice - for concerts. One was at Maine Road (which didn't have a great reputation iirc) and once at Old Trafford cricket ground. I remember spending the weekend there and getting a tram (which was a novelty). Both were about 20 years ago so can't remember much about it. It's a big city, other than that I dint have any preconceptions of what the city itself, or the people, will be like.

Big, multicultural, rough, good nightlife, gay friendly, would like to go for a fun weekend but wouldn't like to live there, lots of housing estates on the outskirts, Mancunians have quite a distinct sense of what it means to be Mancunian- sense of humour, values, etc. I've never been!

I live near London and have never been to Manchester. I think of it as a smaller, shittier London with worse weather. It could be very nice for all I know but there's nothing tempting me to go there and find out.

Southerner, London-born, very regular London visitor. Love a proper city.

I really liked Manchester, excellent art gallery, fun to go on the tram to see the Lowry and the IWM. I liked a sculpture walk we did for taking photos. Had a great time, have visited since.

That Beetham Tower though? Terrifying! Kept thinking it was about to fall over.

I love Manchester - I used to work there and have friends and an ex who lives nearby so spent a lot of time there. I wish I’d gone there for uni but it was shortly after the IRA had bombed it and it wasn’t a great place to be. I just like the vibe - northern, quirky, and a little bit hedonistic.

That said, I’ve lived in Birmingham for 16 years now and Birmingham is waaaaaaay better than Manchester. Friendly, independent, and full of soul.

I was ok no g to go for. Few nights in the summer with teens but this thread has put me off. We loved Liverpool. Maybe we should try Leeds instead?

I live about 8 miles from the city centre. Not classed as “Mancunian” but as good as. I love the city centre on a summer’s day. The people watching is brilliant, for good and bad reasons.

The shopping has took a hit since Covid but the cafe culture and quirky bars have managed to keep their character. It seems bigger than it used to be and I can get lost in some of the redeveloped areas such as the Northern Quarter.

Shithole
Rains a lot. One summer it rained every day for six weeks. Every day.
Not friendly, but definitely an air about the place that mancs are the best people in the world with no supporting evidence.
Not a lot to do in the city centre but shop and drink. Which is fine to visit but not to live.
So grey. So many tiny new apartments.

Much prefer Yorkshire.

I've never been to Manchester, but it's where my GPs were from. It always seems like a fun, vibrant city to me, lots going on, great nightlife, etc. I've been meaning to go and spend a weekend there for ages and just not got around to it. The weather though, seems a bit shit. I'm from the SE and while the weather here isn't always good, it is drier and warmer than the NW. My granny always said how grey and wet it was up there and that she was glad to move!

I've never been there so my stereotypes come from other people, social media etc. It rains a lot, very grey and not a pretty place but great music scene.

"If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater"

Softy southerner here and I love Manchester. One of my favourite places. Went to uni just outside. Worked at Old Trafford to fund my uni days. Worked up there a few years later for 18 months living in posh flats next to The Lowry Hotel. Have bought the kids twice for city breaks. There is so much to see and do.

I have never gelled with Manchester. I much prefer Liverpool.

I really like Manchester. The galleries and other things to do are varied and there's something for everyone.

I do agree about the levels of homelessness being quite shocking the first time you're there though but I don't think it's any dirtier than London.

I was there until I was 15 DF moved us to rural Cheshire I was so depressed those first few years missed the metrolink but it was so rough . I commute to Manchester now and it was the best decision they made to move I never moved back.

I injured myself in Manchester. It was not Manchesters fault. I am still irrationally angry at Manchester. It was 14 years ago.

Dislike Manchester- if the best thing about it is the Christmas Market-cheap Chinese tat and vomit everywhere then that says it all.

I think it's gone down hill. I remember when going there in the early noughties and it all felt so exciting and sophisticated. I don't get that feeling anymore!