Manchester begun its development as a textile manufacturing city in United Kingdom during the roaring ages of the Industrial Revolution. Today, the city is the second most populated city in the United Kingdom, and its economy and the development of the city itself, has undergone extreme regeneration. As of the past year, the city is still growing, and its population is on average the youngest in the country. Manchester was voted as one of the top 50 most livable cities in the world, ahead of London, New York, and Rome.

Manchester has the mix of an urban cool city center and the natural beauty in the nearby countryside of the United Kingdom. Its lifestyle, is both vibrant and modern with a large population of young students, bringing the city even more energy. Here is a list of ‘to dos’ to experience the local lifestyle of the city.

Visit the numerous exhibitions and galleries in the city.

Locals love the city’s art exhibitions and galleries. Manchester has attracted international art curators and artists alike to the city since the 1800s. The city still retains much of its art culture, hosting more than a dozen exhibitions each month. Some are permanent, like the famous LS Lowry’s ‘The Art and The Artist’.  Others are more than just an exhibition, like the Artzu Gallery, which exhibit stunning architecture designs along with paintings and sculptures by local artists.

Go cafe or teahouse hopping.

The central area of Manchester has an uncountable number of charming cafes and mellow teahouses. The variety of cafes ranges from those in Bohemian style, to contemporary urban designs. Snuggle up in one of them and try their English treats, including homemade pies, scones, English muffin anytime from breakfast till dawn.

Visit the city’s parks and gardens.

Besides the urban attractions in the city, Manchester hosts some beautiful parks and gardens both within the city and in the nearby country side. Heaton Park, not far from the city center, contains a golf course, golf driving range, a boating lake and a large grassy sitting area. The world-renowned Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is also a popular recreational destination for locals to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings and wildlife habitat. The garden is filled with lush forests and antiquated blossoming plants. When summer festival season hits, locals from the city gather in parks and gardens to catch some summer breeze.

Try skiing indoors.

Manchester is the home of the longest indoor skiing range in the United Kingdom. Chill Factore mimics a real skiing range with a beginners’ slope, a main slope, and a luge. It remains a favorite activity among locals since its opening ten years ago. The building also includes a number of restaurants and shops named the ‘Alpine Village’.

Lunch and dine in a diverse setting of restaurants.

According to the Guardian, the city has half a million inhabitants and there are over 150 languages spoken throughout the city. It is no wonder that the city has the most diverse setting of restaurants ranging from its local English pubs for Fish n’ Chips to restaurants serving hearty Vietnamese Pho to steamy Chinese Dim Sum.

Visit some of the local Englishmen’s favorites… the bars!

We all know that Englishmen love going to bars for a drink or two in the city. Locals’ favorites includes the Temple of Convenience, a bar underground in the middle of the road, in a former public toilet. The bar is cozy at night with live music played by local indie bands. If a bar is not for you, and you want some drinks galore, head to the city’s favorite wine bar, Salut or the city’s creative cocktail hot-spot, Wood & Co. For a more traditional bar experience, head to The City’s Arms for local English draft beers.

Source: Culture Trip, Visit Manchester, Timeout, Chill Factore, Spotted by Locals