Never knew Manchester had a Chinatown but apparently it's the second biggest one outside of London…read more That being said, it encompasses only a few blocks (that we could see) but still it's fun to wander around and window shop - and have some dim sum or other more authentic dishes other than kung pao or general Tso chicken.

Manchester is a beautiful city itself. Having Chinatown adds an extra oomph. I didn't hit any…read morevendors when I was there for my UK trip but I just walked through it since I wasn't staying in Manchester and was waiting to go to Sheffield. 153/2017

Albert Square is a lively area in Central Manchester and the Square and surroundings are full of…read morenightlife, clubs, pubs eateries and more. During the day it is central to interesting shopping, theaters and restaurants. It was only our second visit to Manchester so we were a bit lost at times, but will be back in a week or so to have fun with one of our daughters and son in law. We went for the Christmas Market which was hyped as being as good as the better European Markets - in that regard disappointing - give me Vienna anytime! We enjoyed ourselves regardless thanks to our hotel (the Lowery) and a couple of eating experiences! Review #114 2019

Albert Square is a really nice part of town, it is generally a key point for the Christmas markets…read morearound the Town Hall but with the ongoing refurbishment it seems to have been moved to just a couple of minutes away in Piccadilly Gardens, Albert Square is in central Manchester, it has many bars and Starbucks stores in and around it with the added convenience of being right near a tram stop serving St Peter's Square, where there is the equally impressive Central Library building. While it is mainly based around the Town Hall which was built in the mid-1800s (it is a pretty old-fashioned street with cobbles etc so be warned), it was named after Prince Albert who at the time was married to monarch Queen Victoria, and one of the largest statues is the memorial after him. It is quite a nice part of town and I just feel it's better without the Christmas Markets, which I think are overrated, overpriced and destroy the city for the weeks before Christmas. 4*

Manchester Christmas markets are (If you're a Mancunian) a fairly recent phenomenon. As a teenager…read moreI remember coming to the very first one and revelling in the atmosphere that's become its trademark over the years. Even the scroogiest of Christmas scrooges would be hard pressed to deny the 'tis the season to be jolly' factor associated with the ever expanding markets. Granted there's a large range of stalls selling weird and wonderful things that you would never buy but that's precisely its charm. Stall owners come from all over Europe and there's some sensational authentic German/French/Spanish et al foodie treats to be had. The price range at the market reflects this fact and over the years they've got fairly steep. So don't be deluded into thinking they'll be street food prices on offer. Keep an eye out for updates and pictures to this review of arguably the best Christmas markets in the UK.

Went to the Manchester Christmas market is on the first day of them opening. The weather wasn't…read moreall that good but it's in Manchester! The market is spread out over the city. There are 10 different areas. In St Annes Square, there are some local people selling their products as well as French and German stall holders all selling their products. If you are in Manchester, this is the place to go. You can go to the Bailey where there is a ice skating rink. I will be going to the Christmas markets a few more times and you will see my cheek-ins. Love this time of the year

Call me Scrooge but when Manchester's Christmas Markets come to town, it really does make the city,…read morewhich I've always thought is one of the world's greatest, much worse as they are really poorly thought out across all locations on and off Deansgate, Kings Street, Exchange Square Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann's Square, Market Street and Albert Square, which tends to be the main and focal hub until the Town Hall's renovation. Firstly the layout is terrible - they are located on many narrow streets in and around the city which not only increases traffic (causing buses to divert), but it makes many areas of the city which previously are accessible, inaccessible to disabled people by making streets to narrow to get down with mobility equipment, to putting the stands over dropped curbs (ramps) designed to help disabled people get down without a step. It seems to be the same stalls every year, in a way it gets a little boring seeing the same brands selling the same overpriced products, even the stalls are exactly the same - prices here can cost 2-3x as much considering what you could get elsewhere in the city and the stalls I have visited I've had multiple quality issues where vendors even appeared rude and aggressive (hot food, german beer and cheese stalls especially) I really struggle to understand the popularity of the Christmas Markets and feel it is just one of those places one could look at and say "I'm going because it's in my city", rather than going because it actually offers something new and cool. I just can't help but join in with the indulgement of the floccinaucinihilipilification of the continuation of Manchester Christmas Markets in its current format which just brings strong feelings of frustration and ennui as it's just a mediocre attempt of the markets you'd see across Europe - poorly managed, poorly planned out... just poor. 1*

I was in Manchester for the weekend and lucky me, the Christmas market was open so I checked it…read moreout... I looovvveee Christmas markets! The Manchester Christmas market is everywhere and is sprinkled throughout the city centre. The main market is located in St. Albert square, town hall area. The market is pretty standard. It has many stalls that sell ornaments, winter plants, toys, and of course food! There's loads of stalls selling German sausages, carmelised nuts, sweets like chocolates, cakes, caramelised nuts, strudel, Italian biscuits, and many more. Of course a Christmas market would not be complete without the mulled wine and beer. The market was pretty crowded on Saturday, but that's no surprise cause it's the weekend. If you want to go when there's less people, come during the weekdays. The experience was dampened a bit cause it was raining and windy, but honestly, you can't not enjoy yourself in a Christmas market. The only negative thing Id say about this market is its all over the city centre and you have to walk everywhere if you want to see every stall, but truthfully you'll see the same thing no matter which part of the market you go to. If you want to have a "Chrismassy" time I'd say come here if you're in city centre. Be prepared to bring some cash cause you'll spend some money. For example, a a bratwurst cost £4.50, pretzel cost £2.50, mixed carmelised nuts cost £3.00-£3.50, mulled wine £3-5.

Smaller than I expected but it does the job! 2 bars and 7 or so food stalls. You'll find hot dogs,…read moresweet and savoury pancakes, Indian food, bagels, jerk chicken/pork and bagels to name some. I went on a Thursday at around 6.30pm and it was a little quiet but on the plus side we found somewhere to sit no problemo. This place serves up street food, drinks and beats (boom boom) Great for a balmy summer evening :) I love that they have covered seating areas in case it rains/for those that can't take the sun. I went for the jerk chicken with rice and peas from 'Jerk', £7 for a very decent sized portion. It wasn't the best chicken ever but the gravy that came with definitely upped the flavour and made the meal delicious. Rice and peas were nicely done, I just wish they did dumplings. My friend got a bagel plus fries and was very happy with her meal, the portion of fries were enough for two to share. Fun summer addition to Manchester's food scene.

I love it just as much as I thought I would…read more I'm so so happy something like this has opened up in Manchester, in my eyes it another 'take that London' and it's about time! You've got plenty of food options, though I was too full from my swine fries (cheers Bangers and Bacon) to really enjoy some more grub, and you've also got some cool drink options. I had a couple of pints of the Pilsner at Kozel LoKal and it went down a treat! Get yourself a spot on the deck chairs on a sunny evening and you'll find yourself not wanting to leave! Great option of quality street food and an overall top place to chill out!

There's nothing quite like the first few days of spring, especially after a very long northern…read morewinter. Manchester makes great use of this special time of year to bring us a well-deserved treat, the Spring Market. Held every year on St Ann's square (and winding down Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street) during the month of May, the market is bursting with stalls selling a plethora of goods including artisan gifts, art, textiles, home wares, British and international produce (game pie, chorizo sausage, paella, fresh curries, Dutch waffles, pancakes, local and Dutch cheese, olives and herbs) and of course flowers. If you're done browsing then you can stop off at the beer garden or enjoy the live entertainment which usually includes Spring favourites like Morris dancers and steel drum bands!

Manchester is one of the best market towns in the country. If it isn't the weekly farmer's markets…read moreor the Sunday carboot and flea markets, it's the specialist markets that take place around the calendar. Apart from the now very famous Christmas market, my next favourite annual event has to be the Fine Food Market, usually held between September and October every year in St Ann's Square. This is one event that no epicurean in their right mind would miss. Bringing together some of the biggest talents and producers in the North, expect to be fed by the best restaurants in town and offered some of the best home grown produce in the country. According to the government website, 'speciality meats, smoked foods (fish, cheese, meats and poultry) cheeses, chutneys, pickles, black puddings, ice cream, specialist ales and sloe gin' are just a very few items on sale here.

If you're a fan of hog roasts, paella, wood-fired pizza and vintage-style tea shops, head to the…read moreManchester Markets on St Anne's Square before it disappears again. A mooch around the market is the perfect way to liven up an otherwise dull day at the office (or living room, if you work from home, like me), so as soon as the clock strikes 1pm, get yourself there. You're going to spend, on average, about a fiver for takeaway food from one of the stalls but portions are good - especially at the Hog Roast stall, where they'll ram your baguette so full of pork and apple sauce you won't know where to start. As well as food, you'll find a number of stalls selling art and hand-crafted decor for the home, plus vintage furniture and clothing in the market's main indoor area; The Orangery, where you can also see/hear live music at certain times throughout the day (check the signage outside for more details). I'm really impressed with this little market. It's brought a much-needed injection of 'quaint' to the city centre. I wish it was here all the time!

This year i find the markets really quiet. I have walked past a few time since they have been open…read moreand there normally packed out but you could easily see what the stalls had to offer. On this occasion we stopped for a hot chocolate. I love the little log cabin in st annes square near French connection. They do a variety of flavoured hot chocolate. I love the way you pick you chocolate stick stirrer then they fill the cup with hot milk then add whipped cream. I chose the mint one and my friends daughter chose cinnamon. I have to say hers was the best. We easily found a seat inside. It felt very cosy and very christmasy

As people grow up, they find themselves becoming less enthusiastic about Christmas. I'm in my…read moretwenties, and I do have to try hard now each year to get that 'festive feeling' which used to come to me so naturally. The 'festive feeling' I describe is something that used to hit me, a tingly and comforting little rush, round about November/December time during my childhood and teens, where the ground frost would speckle the pavements like icing sugar and the grass would grow crunchy. I did live in the countryside though, and we got proper Christmas weather. I find Manchester doesn't get half as much of a 'Christmassy' climate. So, if you're jaded like me, the best way to capture that little festive rush is to head on down to the Christmas Markets in St Ann's Square as well as various other locations. Now that Manchester has its illuminated twinklies and sparklies all in place, everything feels very seasonal. And the markets are something to behold. I was lucky enough to go on an evening when the air was cold and crisp (I can't think of anything more depressing than gluhwein in the rain... then again, it might make one feel better about said rain), it was a Friday too which meant it was packed to the rafters. I've never seen such an eclectic array of people. Scenester teens, suited and booted office workers, those dressed up for a night out, cosy middle-aged folk in cagoules and of course social media so-and-sos like me in Converse/Uggs and denim alongside countless students and young city dwellers. I decided to immerse ourselves in the experience. A bag of roast chestnuts at St Ann's Square set me back £2.50 as I looked at hand-carved Nutcrackers and cute teddies, and on we trundled to eat the delicious morsels on a bench outside Mr Thomas' Chop House. But food-wise there's plenty on offer of a more substantial nature, such as cookies, waffles, even steak rolls, hog roasts and sausages. St Ann's Square focuses a lot more on crafts and gifts, and there's much to be had in terms of handmade handbags and scarves as well as jewellery, even homeware such as cushions and condiment holders. Doubtless you'll find that unique gift here for the ever irritating person-who-has-everything. With Christmassy music from a nearby busking brass band floating through the air, I have to say, even this cynical twenty-something felt that age-old festive rush.

This Christmas will be my first proper one in the UK for over eight years, so you can imagine how…read moregiddy I was when the Christmas markets opened last Friday! You just don't get this sort of thing in Spain / Gibraltar. In fact, you're lucky if you see a Christmas tree over there - muy deprimente (very depressing). As soon as I'd wrapped up work for the week, I practically ran to St Anne's Square to see what festive European wonders awaited me. I was greeted by drool-inducing scents of German bratwurst and schnitzel cooked over hot coals and a hog roast, followed by sugary-sweet wafts of donuts and foreign confectionery passing gently through the air. Mmmmm... The bar areas were packed full of shoppers and the just-finished-work crowd, enjoying German wheat beers, egg-nog and mulled wine and although I longed to join them, I decided to save myself for the day after, when hopefully it wouldn't be quite as busy. It was even busier the next day. But the great thing about living in town is I have all this wonderful food, drink and gift shopping on my doorstep and can take advantage of it whenever I want. Schön!

Canal Street-Manchester, Its the Gay Mecca of the North with Bars Shops Restaurants, Saunas,Parks…read moreand everything else in-between Its attracts a friendly diverse crowd of Gay Lesbian and Transgender, and there friends, its a great friendly place for everyone and you can be whoever you want to be, The main strip though is Canal Street which are mainly Bars ranging in all different types from Lounge Bars like Taurus and Velvet to Gothic Bars like Via Fossa, then theres Drag shows in Bars like View ,Churchills, New Union, and the Rem Bar, Then theres the POP bar G-A-Y which have drinks as low as £1.50, then theres CRUZ 101 which is a gay nightclub, Look at my list of Gay Bars in Manchester if you would like to know more of the Gay Bars on Canal Street and the surrounding area of the Gay Village, Its set on about 3 streets altogether. Most places are inexpensive at around £3 a pint at full price. Behind Canal Street is the Molly House which is a fantastic bar and maybe one of the best in the Gay Village, its set on two floors and has a nice chilled atmosphere to it. A bit like a Northern Quarter bar. There is also Richmond Tea Rooms and many other establishments. Manchester also host a great event every year called Manchester Pride which has a parade which runs through the city and then a huge party over four days in the gay village which include a main stage which attracts big names in the past including, Kelis,Human League, Heather Small, Gossip amongst many others, its around £15-20 for the whole weekend. The Gay village is great in the summer as well where you can just sit outside or chill and chat with friends in the lovely summer heat overlooking the Canal and the Barge boats passing by. The best days and nights are usually Friday Saturday and Sundays. Its a friendly place and I've never seen any trouble down there and I'm sure whatever youre there for,you will have a awesome time. But with most guys now seeking the newest trends of places to go, The Gay village seems to be lacking a bit behind with great bars in the Northern Quarter to go to.

If you've not set your foot here when in Manchester, you've damn right missed out on an amazing…read morenight out! Canal Street is never boring! Literally. Its always buzzing with energy, lights and noise. The variety of bars and clubs there keeps you hopping from one place to another and you cannot go wrong with any of the places that rule this place. It is of course the hub of all gay bars and they're probably the most fun bars ever! Some people turn away from this place thinking it's only for the gay, but how wrong they can be! It's the most inetersting place for the gay and straight people alike. Somewhere where you can let go of all your inhibitions and feel right at home! Like a massive house party! The people here are always a delight to meet and are so sweet! It's the perfect dancing place with lots of different music from trance to the retro to a little bit of r&b! Perfect for having a thumping night out! The clubs aren't like the usual Printworks kind, they're better and original! So if you're thinking of having a fun dancing/partying night out with your mates or maybe flirt around, Canal Street is the liveliest place to be!