This is the top travel destination of 2023 according to Lonely Planet

November 24, 2022, 01:51 PM
by Shahriar Rabab

UNB News
Publish- November 24, 2022, 01:51 PM
Shahriar Rabab
Update- November 24, 2022, 02:32 PM

This is the top travel destination of 2023 according to Lonely Planet

Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, England (Photo: Unsplash)

The authoritative travel guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet was founded in 1973. Besides travel guidebooks, they produce monthly magazines and travel shows. One of the highlights each year from Lonely Planet is their list of top travel destinations across the globe. None other than Manchester has just made it to the first position of the top destinations of 2023. Are you wondering whether Manchester is the best place to travel in 2023? Let’s have a look at this northwestern end of England and what should excite potential tourists.

7 Best Places to Visit in Manchester

The history of Manchester is fairly new, unlike other territories of the British union. Up until the 19th century, Manchester was a simple Lancastrian township. With the industrial boom of the early 19th century, Manchester started to grow rapidly due to unplanned urbanization and ever-expanding textile industries.

Today Manchester stands as a postindustrial urban city rich with its township heritage, and Victorian aura and home to several sporting and media institutes.

Canals of Castlefield

The first thing you can do embarking on Manchester is to visit the canals of Castlefield. The canals and their surrounding Victorian buildings have been restored and are now part of the Urban Heritage Park.

A walk down the canal will take you to the Roman fort and Bridgewater. Here you will find several tour boat options for a Venice-esque experience of Manchester.

And if you have a passion for art and opera, be sure to stop by the Castlefield Art Gallery and Bridgewater hall.

Imperial War Museum North

Those who have interest in war history should never miss a trip to the Imperial War Museum North. It is the extension of the main museum situated in London.

The Manchester branch was established in 2002 and has an impressive collection of war weapons and fighter jets used in several British engagements. But perhaps the best thing about the museum is the documentaries on war history.

The impressive audiovisuals take back the visitors to prehistoric times to as recent as the last world war.

Manchester Cathedral

Much of the UK’s history revolves around the church of England and its associated cathedrals. These palatial structures have been a key tourist destination in almost every corner of the UK. And Manchester is no exception.

Here tourists can visit the historic Manchester cathedral, founded in the mid-15th century. While it's relatively new compared to its peers, the centuries of history are still a testament to the city’s rise as a prominent English metropolis.

Be it the choir stalls, tapestries, or the misericords; the Manchester cathedral will surely leave you awestruck with a sense of divinity.

Manchester Museum

One of the most notable structures on Oxford Road is the Manchester Museum. It is currently part of Manchester University and prides itself on being the largest university museum in the world.

About 4.5 million artifacts and historical documents are stored in the Manchester museum. The museum especially prides itself on its Chinese cultural collection. The museum is undergoing major renovations and is expected to open by early 2023, perfect for the new year.

Manchester Football Museum

Anyone with remote knowledge of football has heard of Manchester City and Manchester United. The two top English premier league clubs share their home in Manchester. So it's only fitting that the city would have its own football museum.

The museum will definitely take you on a trip down memory lane. The impressive documentaries present here would surely give goosebumps to any diehard football fans. The museum also houses important memorabilia of the two clubs from their long and illustrious history.

China Town

China Town is home to the Chinese community of Manchester. The way they have developed the community here is a marvel in itself. Stepping through the gates, it would feel like you’ve been transported to an actual Chinese city.

The place has some exquisite Chinese architecture which is sure to enthrall you. Besides, there are Chinese cultural souvenir shops available throughout the main street. But the place is actually famous for its Chinese cuisine. If you’re craving some authentic Chinese cuisine in Manchester, then China Town is the place to be.

How to Reach Manchester

Most people take a direct flight to the Manchester International Airport. However, if you’re coming via London, a host of options are available for you.

You can either take a flight, bus or train from London to Manchester. Airfare costs about $70 or 7070 BDT, while bus and train cost $20 and $100 or 2020 BDT and 10100 BDT, respectively (1 USD = 101 BDT).

The best way to get around inside Manchester is either by bus or tram. Tourists can get the daily tram or bus pass which ranges from 6.6 GBP to 10 GBP or 806 BDT to 1221 BDT per day (1 GBP = 122 BDT).

Food and Accommodation in Manchester

If you’re traveling with family or your partner, there are a host of hotels and inns available in the greater Manchester area. However, the cost-saving route would be to book an Air BnB. Air BnB in urban Manchester would cost you around $35 to $50 or 3535 BDT or 5050 BDT per night.

However, if you’re traveling solo, then we suggest you book one of many available hostels in the city. The all-inclusive cost of hostels tends to be between $15 to $20 or 1515 BDT to 2020 BDT per night.

If you want something fancy to eat, head over to the Laundrette, Delhi House, Slug and Lettuce, or Double Zero Neapolitan. Fine dining in Manchester can cost you up to $50 per person. But a simple takeaway or walk-in diners would cost between $10 to $15.

Final Words

While Manchester is globally known for its football heritage and a seat for higher education, the city has many more charming aspects and tourist attractions. The city has been featured in the 2023 list of top travel destinations by Lonely Planet. So when are you planning a trip to Manchester?