Malmaison Oxford

Rightly famous for its fantastic sport, music and Nightclubbing is a vibrant, historic city still avant-garde - but for many of us, the image evoked when you think Manchester is still one the cotton covered with soot, as seen through the leaves of the rain.

However, in a recent BBC poll, 48% of respondents chose Manchester as the UK's Second City (before Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture) and is an ideal destination for an energetic, unique weekend or short break at the forefront of culture and cool.

One of the first things to strike you on arrival in Manchester is the amazing mix of castles, Victorian red brick and breathtaking futuristic modern architecture. The award-winning Imperial War Museum North, designed by Daniel Libeskind's deconstructionist superstar, is an excellent place to start - and the observation platform atop the tower Air Shard, you can view the channel, Salford Quays and the Lowry Gallery , opera and theater complex.

Take in the historical sites of the Victorian Gothic Town Hall and neo-classical, a circular of the Central Library in Albert Square. Hence, the pure, sparkling Beetham Tower is immediately attract attention because it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom outside London. Also do not miss nearby Exchange Square with its giant Ferris wheel and dizziness, triangular glass Urbis Exhibition Centre, which is home to the fascinating art and cultural exhibitions throughout the year. Among others, there is currently a free show on the 25th anniversary celebration of the late, great Hacienda - not to be missed for all parties 24 hours people.

After all that culture, you're ready to relax and, fortunately, there is the glittering nightlife where you turn. There is the elegant, extravagant Gay Village around Canal Street, Manchester has been called the gay capital of the United Kingdom and there is much here to back up this claim - bars, restaurants, shops, clubs and, of course, the team Gay football. Or go to Deansgate for comedy, drinking high-end haute cuisine and down Oxford Road in the student district spends with its many pubs and clubs. There is really all sites this beer imaginable nice here, including the Temple of Convenience, a tiny underground bar housed in public toilets off!

With the city located in the center of the country, there is simply no excuse to miss Manchester. There is a large international airport, while its also easily accessible by train or by road, if you prefer to reduce carbon emissions. Several bars, restaurants and hotels are located around Piccadilly Station in the center of the city. Try Malmaison Manchester , a magnificent building that was once a cotton warehouse and a doll hospital, but is now a gorgeously slinky, elegant place to relax in the funky red bar, pampering in the spa and basement, Finally, crushing one of the rooms or suites indulgent drama.

There are so many things to do and see that it would be crazy not to stay a night or two in the city that invented the term "Madchester" after all.