Manchester Essentials

Manchester Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	UK Pound Sterling
Time Zone	GMT
Language	English
Voltage	240 V AC (UK three-pin plugs)

Manchester Tourist Attractions
Most of the city's museums offer free entry and one of its newest is the spectacular Imperial War Museum North situated in Salford Quays. Boasting a gleaming modernist facade, it houses a fabulous collection of military hardware and artefacts from conflicts around the world. There are many hands on exhibits catering to youngsters' inquisitive minds and regular special events. Just minutes away from Manchester is the Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United. With match tickets like gold dust, content yourself with a Manchester United tour which will explore the dressing room, dug out and trophy room and includes access to the informative club museum. Entrance to all areas costs £12.00.        

Manchester Opening Hours
City centre shops operate regular opening hours of between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday with most opening late on Thursdays until 9pm. Saturday is the busiest day for shopping when the pedestianised Market Street can become very crowded. Many larger stores are open on Sundays usually from 10am - 4pm. Banks open from 10am until 4.30pm with a very limited number operating Saturday mornings.   

Tipping & Etiquette in Manchester
Mancunians are considered among the most generous in the UK and tipping is customary when a professional service has been performed. City restaurants generally include an added service charge on the bill which should be displayed clearly when paying and also stated on the menu. Where this is not the case a 10% gratuity would be sufficient. Tour guides, hotel porters, taxi drivers and bar staff can be rewarded with a few coins although this is not obligatory.   

Manchester Food & Drink
Manchester cuisine has less of an identity than many other cities in the UK due to a cosmopolitan influence where every type of food can be enjoyed in the city. It is perhaps best known for its cakes and pastries with traditional Eccles cakes and Manchester tart enjoyed throughout the country.  The northern suburb of Wigan is considered the epicentre of pie making and Manchester eateries offer up a dizzying array of fillings from simple meat and potato to venison and premium beef. Lancashire hotpot is still a favourite in traditional pubs and is perfect with a pint of creamy Boddingtons beer. The city boasts a fantastic range of global cooking with oriental cuisine - particularly around its bustling Chinatown, high class Italian restaurants, Thai and Indian especially abundant.     

Manchester Useful Numbers
• Police – 999
• Ambulance – 999
• Fire – 999

Disabled Access in Manchester
All public transport is generally accessible for special needs passengers and wheelchair users especially the excellent Metrolink tram system which has ramps and lifts to all non street level platforms and wheelchair spaces onboard. The city centre is flat with wide pavements that should present few problems and the Arndale and Trafford shopping centres have mobility schemes for the infirm and elderly. Hotels are virtually all equipped to meet the needs of the disabled however several popular wine bars and restaurants are housed in basements making access very difficult.

Manchester City Breaks  Getting Around Manchester

Things To Do In Manchester  Manchester Weather