By Andy Hayes

Visitors to England often spend most or all of their time in London and its surrounding villages and countryside, overlooking some of the more intriguing cities of the North, such as Manchester, which is experiencing a cultural boom. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do during a stay in Manchester, whether your trip is a quick weekend break or a longer stay.

WALK AND SEE MANCHESTER

Manchester's city centre has been transformed in recent years to entice locals to live and work in the area, so now you'll find art galleries, museums, shopping, and restaurants all within easy reach. Manchester's centre also provides access to the canal network, formerly the backbone of the city's industrial heritage but now a walker's haven with many workers using the route as a stress-free commute.

Don't miss stops such as the Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall - one of the most important Victorian buildings in England - and The Manchester Wheel. If you get tired of walking you can be anywhere in Manchester quickly with the easy-to-use tram and bus system.

EAT MANCHESTER

Like London, Manchester has a truly diverse population and the city's cuisine follows suit – so much so there is even an annual food and drink festival (1 - 12 Oct 2009). One of the most popular places to dine is an area of Rusholme called "Curry Mile". Resembling a subdued version of the Las Vegas strip, the street is lined on both sides with neon signs beckoning you for a beer and a curry.

You can't go wrong with a meal in this part of town – try the Royal Naz (18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 1060) or Shere Khan (50-52 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 2624), a couple of Manchester's more famous curry houses. Manchester seems to have a penchant for Asian food, as you can always find good Chinese, Japanese, or Korean restaurants around the city.

PARTY MANCHESTER

For the city which spawned its own rock genre, "Madchester," it is no surprise to see partying at the top of the list. Mancunians of all orientations flock to the "Gay Village" for drinks, music, and fun. Eden Bar (3 Brazil Street & Canal Street, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 237 9852) is a top choice that caters to all lifestyles and it even has its own canal barge for the summer months. Many of the venues in the Gay Village are refurbished cotton warehouses, another reminder of how the city's industrial past turning into a cosmopolitan future.

Piccadilly Gardens is also a lovely place for a drink, as well as the Northern Quarter, where you can find Mancunian music and an off-beat crowd. The Roadhouse (8 Newton St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 1789) is one of the more famous live music venues, or you can try Australian-themed Billie Rox (106 Portland St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 2036) bar for fun down-under anthems.

SLEEP MANCHESTER

If you go to Manchester, your best bet is to stay fairly centrally, such as near Piccadilly Station – the Malmaison on Piccadilly is an excellent choice if your budget suits. To catch a glimpse of the local television stars, stay at the Victoria and Albert Hotel on Water Street, as often actors will pop in for an after-work drink in the bar. Budget seekers should head for the Hotel Ibis on Portland Street, which has fantastic rates given its central location.

Photo Credits: Canal Street, Manchester by Coradia1000; On Wilmslow Road by iwouldstay; Madchester by mikecolvin82 via Flickr (Creative Commons).