Featured in Lonely Planet’s list of best places to visit in 2016, there hasn’t been a better time to visit Manchester.

Called a “dynamo of culture and the arts” by the travel guide, Manchester is a diverse and buzzing city that’s one of the UK’s best destinations, whether you are into sport, shopping or history.

Here are Irish Country Living’s top places to visit in Manchester.

Museums

As a northern city, Manchester is known as one of the homes of the industrial revolution and both the People’s History Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry document this past. We also loved the Manchester Museum, which is located near the university. It is home to an impressive collective of natural history, Egyptian artefacts, archaeology and anthropology, and entry is free. If you visit the university area, which is only a 10-minute bus journey from Piccadilly in the city centre, the John Rylands Library is also worth a visit. The neo-Gothic library is a sight to behold, plus it runs exhibitions throughout the year.

Shopping

This writer thinks cities like Manchester and Liverpool are far superior to London when it comes to shopping, simply because you can find the exact same retailers but without the horrendous crowds. The two main shopping centres in Manchester are Arndale – near Piccadilly – and the Trafford Centre, which is a half hour bus journey from the city. The latter is the second largest shopping centre in the UK and is interesting due to the use of unorthodox architecture and design, with fake palm trees, faux Egyptian artefacts and The Orient food court themed on a 1930s liner. You’ll either love it or hate it.

If shopping centres aren’t your thing, visit the street food market in Piccadilly Gardens or check out the quirky Vinyl Exchange on Oldham Street for its wide collection of music records.

Sports

Last year, Manchester was named the UK’s sporting capital – not surprising given the city’s footballing legacy. Tours are available in both Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, and the Football Museum is another must-see. Manchester hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002, which resulted in the construction of many new stadiums throughout the city which are open to the public, including the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the National Cycling Centre.

Manchester is also home to the UK’s longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope, the Chill Factor. It’s located right next to the Trafford Centre and promises a fun day out for the family. A family pass for four costs £90 (€115).

Where to eat

The Alchemist offers good value for food and one of the most creative cocktail menus you will ever see. The chain has two locations in Manchester – New York Street and Hardman Street. Make sure to book in advance though.

Fumo is popular for affordable Italian food – you will find this restaurant in St Peters Square on Oxford Road.

Fans of oriental cuisine should visit Chinatown. It’s the third largest Chinatown in Europe and there is a massive selection of places to eat.

Finally, the Curry Mile is a nickname for the part of Wilmslow Road, which runs through south Manchester. It’s famous due to the large number of South Asian restaurants, and very popular with students/kebab enthusiasts.

How to get there

Ryanair flies to Manchester from Dublin and Shannon, while Aer Lingus operates flights from Dublin and Cork. You can also travel with Flybe from Knock Airport. CL