So it’s no wonder its people prefer to make hefty dents in their monthly pay cheques under cover.
Wisely the city’s planners have made ample accommodation for this with the Arndale Centre and the Trafford Centre .
Once a boil on the city’s architectural backside and christened the ‘world’s biggest toilet’ by travel writer Bill Bryson due to its putrid coloured tiles, the Arndale has had something of a renaissance in recent years.
After being embarrassingly showed-up by the Harvey Nichols and Selfridges developments, which shot up in the wake of the 1996 bombing, the old bus station was knocked down to make for airy new concourses and square foot after square foot of shopping space.
Boasting most of the major high street names including the biggest Next in Europe plus a host of boutique shoe shops, jewellers and confectioners – the improvement is quite startling.
Situated just inside the M60, the Trafford Centre is the Arndale to the power of 10.
So if you want to avoid parking costs while you shop and perhaps catch a movie and a bite to eat – it’s definitely worth the trip.
Of course both are stiflingly busy at the weekends, but Manchester’s relaxed late night shopping hours means there no rush the cash registers come 5pm – with many shops, particularly in the Trafford Centre, open until 10pm.
For those of you were prefer the independent approach to shopping – the Northern Quarter once again should be you first port of call.
Oldham Street and the side streets off it are packed full of outlets stocking everything from the latest goth garb to skater wear and vintage fashions.
A particular favourite is Oldham Street's Pop Boutique .
A stockist of both second hand and new vintage clothing and household accessories, it contains loads of cut price polo shirts, denims and printed T-shirts – plus with its very own café, you can stop for a brew while you mull over your purchases.
On the music front as well as the usual Virgin Megastore (Arndale Centre) and HMV (Market Street) outlets, despite its recent troubles, Manchester’s Fopp store (pictured) is still up and running.
Situated on Brown Street, it’s a great place to fill in the gaps of your collection.
Whether it be CDs, DVDS, books or records – you can stretch a £20 note to within an inch of its life.
Fopp also boasts its own café too if you want to escape the hullabaloo of Market Street.
HMV, Virgin and Fopp all have regular in-store appearances by acts too.
Eating out can be an expensive business in Manchester and despite not possessing a restaurant with that coveted Michelin star, it still hosts such celeb haunts as Obsidian , Restaurant Bar & Grill and Panacea .
Thankfully, there is still plenty on offer in the city centre for those aiming to get maximum bang for their buck.
Wagamama’s noodles bar (just off Deansgate) is a great place to hang out and eat and often run 2-4-1 deals, while Thai restaurant Chaophraya is surprisingly good value despite its plush, authentic décor.
Good pub grub can also be found in both Sam’s and Mr Thomas’ Chop House situated either side of St Ann’s Square.
Last but certainly not least, the city is also famous of course for its ethnic cooking district’s China Town and the Curry Mile.
Situated just off Portland Street, China Town may not be huge but it is jam-packed with a variety of eateries – many open long into the night.
For convenience and arguably pleasure, Rusholme’s Curry Mile is the better option though.
Filled with neon illuminated establishments offering curries and cuisine from all over Asia – the area contains many award-winning restaurants, which are great place to kickstart or round off a night out in.
And with - Abdul’s - its own chain of kebab houses, there is also a reliable place to stop by if you want to eat on the run.
Click here to see our restaurant and bar reviews.
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