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Lonely Planet Selects Manchester as Top Travel Destination in 2023

Catering to all kinds of travellers with its delectable food scene, rich culture and fascinating learning opportunities, Manchester has emerged as a top travel destination for 2023.

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Manchester has been selected as a top travel destination in 2023 by Lonely Planet in its Best in Travel List. This recognition follows an extensive review of cities from around the globe and is based on their potential to provide travellers with unique experiences and opportunities for exploration.

The guide’s vice president Tom Hall said its “urban dynamism combined with a fascinating history and cultural scene make it an exciting pick. It’s a city to experience, not just visit, so our suggested itineraries have also flagged up live music, great places to eat and drink, street art tours, and much more”.

The only UK city on this top 30 list, Manchester was chosen for its impressive mix of culture, history, cuisine, and entertainment. The city is home to iconic galleries, renowned music venues, and a wealth of cultural attractions and activities that are not found in other places around the world.

There are five categories in the guide—eat, journey, unwind, connect and learn. Manchester features in the “learn” section, together with New Mexico, Marseille, Dresden, and El Salvador.

The listing reads, “Delectable food, world-class sports, exquisite art, cool industrial-era architecture. It’s grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical, and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best—if not the best—cities in the UK with something for everyone.”

Forthcoming cultural attractions have piqued the interest of those compiling the guide. Namely, the renovation of the Manchester Museum, which will reopen in February 2023 with the creation of a two-storey extension, a new Exhibition Hall, a South Asia Gallery, a Chinese Culture Gallery and a Belonging Gallery. New spaces for learning and environmental action have been created alongside improved visitor facilities which make the building more inclusive and accessible.

Factory International, set to open in 2023, is a cultural and creative hotspot, reinvigorating the historic Manchester landmark housing world-class theatre, music, and visual arts.

The expansion of the Manchester Jewish Museum, which has seen the addition of a new gallery focusing on modern Jewish history, was also highlighted.

The transformation of the Castlefield Viaduct and its surroundings has been cited as an example of Manchester’s commitment to green spaces, street art and the provision of interactive public places.

In addition to the city being a top travel destination in 2023, Lonely Planet has also praised Manchester for its bold approach to tackling climate change with plans for the city to become carbon neutral by 2038.

Manchester is sure to cater to all types of travellers in 2023 with its mix of old and new attractions, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. You are sure to be inspired, entertained and educated by a visit to this amazing city.


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