Your visit

Delegates will enjoy receptions, parties, and a Congress Dinner. If that is not enough, Manchester has a vibrant and fashionable night life, and the venue is close to the City Centre. All this should ensure that your evenings are as busy and enjoyable as your days.

This section will contain all the information you will need to plan your travel and accommodation. Manchester has its own airport and is well-served by public transport. It also has an excellent range of hotels from budget to high-end.

Widely recognised as the coolest city in Britain, Manchester has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmark buildings, a brilliant art and culture scene, great bars and world-class hospitality. A city with every experience imaginable, from fine dining and top class theatre, to major sporting events and year-round festivals.

History

With a history as rich and diverse as Manchester’s, you’ll find world-class museums, galleries and attractions, that all serve as home to Manchester’s past, present and future.

The Museum of Science and Industry, for example, is built on the site of the world’s oldest passenger railway station and now occupies a 5-acre site. To contrast this, visit Urbis, the shimmering example of modern architecture that will be home to the National Football Museum in 2011.

Shopping

Whilst it doesn’t cost a penny to wander through the streets of Manchester, you may struggle to resist the temptations of the vibrant shopping culture in the city. You’ll find exclusive up to the minute labels, designer boutiques and high street fashion nestled neatly together.

Shopping areas at top of your list should be the Manchester Arndale, officially the busiest shopping centre outside of London and Market Street, considered by many a ‘high street haven’ with big name brands and department stores on every corner.

Manchester is also home to The Trafford Centre, located approximately 4 miles from the city centre. Here you will find all your favourite high street names alongside a great leisure and dining offering. The Trafford Centre has over 10,000 free car parking space so no matter what size your vehicle, you are sure to find a spot to squeeze into.

Entertainment

If the theatre is your passion, you’re in luck. Manchester can rightly claim the title of the ‘West End of the North’ with its thirteen theatres covering a wide range of genres.

For a sensational night out with foot tapping musicals, head for the Palace Theatre on Oxford Street or The Opera House, just a short walk away on Quay Street.

Eating Out

Manchester not only offers first-rate entertainment, but also boasts over seven hundred eateries in over thirty cuisines throughout the city. First class chefs, fresh local produce and great service combine to make eating out in Manchester an experience in itself.

Whatever your budget, you are guaranteed a super stylish restaurant, café or bar to suit your tastes no matter which part of town you find yourself. Ultra-chic restaurants include Stock, The Restaurant Bar and Grill and The River Restaurant, within the fabulous 5* Lowry Hotel.

Manchester is everything you've heard about and so much more. To find out more go to http://www.visitmanchester.com/

Manchester looks forward to welcoming you to our city for the European Microscopy Congress.