A busy pedestrianised street in Manchester city centre. Lined with well known shops and home to the Manchester Arndale.

This red sandstone neo-Gothic building was created on a grand Mancunian scale and houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible.

Listed building and occasional event venue near Manchester Piccadilly station.

Harvey Nichols department store showcases a range of designer brands; be guided to the perfect outfit (or wardrobe) by a style concierge. The second floor brasserie is rather good.

A casino in Manchester city centre with several restaurants and bars. Open 24-hours.

Chaophraya is an upmarket but relaxed Thai restaurant based on Chapel Walks. It has won numerous awards, including Manchester’s best restaurant.

Authentic tapas served up at this high-end Spinningfields eatery.

Junkyard Golf Club Manchester features three funkily decorated nine-hole golf courses, along with a bar and food stand.

This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city.

Passionately adored by many Mancunian foodies (and the first Manchester restaurant in ages not to get a slating from notoriously picky Observer food critic Jay Rayner), this Szechuan restaurant rules the culinary roost from an unprepossessing basement on Portland Street.

In Royal Exchange Arcade, Aston’s of Manchester is a tobacconist that recently branched out into whisky sales. In their shop you’ll find an interesting selection of bottles to buy, including

Thanks to its infinity pool, the King Street Townhouse Hotel offers visitors panoramic views across the city.