Manchester in Top 10 of cities to visit says Lonely Planet guide
City ranked alongside Rome as 'dynamo of culture and the arts'
Manchester has been named as one of the top cities in the world for travellers according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016.
The highly influential guide places Manchester in the Top 10 Cities alongside Rome, Nashville and Mumbai.
The city's arts scene – boasting projects such as the Whitworth art gallery, HOME, and the Manchester International Festival – are given as one of the key reasons for its inclusion in the list.
The guide states: "The one-time engine room of the Industrial Revolution has found a new groove for the 21st century as a dynamo of culture and the arts."
The guides list a number of must-sees for visitors to Manchester: the newly-renovated Central Library; real life escape room game Breakout; Old Trafford and Etihad stadium tours; Levenshulme Market; Islington Mill; Manchester House restaurant; and Manchester Craft and Design Centre.
South King Street, Spinningfields, the Arndale and the Northern Quarter get a mention for shopping, while Great John Street Hotel is suggested as the place to stay.
Unmissable events include Manchester's upcoming European City of Science celebrations, Manchester Pride, and the Food and Drink Festival.
Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at Marketing Manchester, said: “We are delighted that Lonely Planet has recognised Manchester as one of the top cities in the world to visit in 2016.
“This year has been filled with milestone moments for Manchester – from world-class cultural openings at the Whitworth and HOME to outstanding events in the form of Manchester International Festival and Manchester Pride's 25th year – and this is a fantastic way to end the year and celebrate tourism going into 2016."
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added: “This is great news and further underlines Manchester's growing global status. We're proud that Lonely Planet have recognised the investment in culture and innovation and the city's creative spirit which make it such a compelling destination and look forward to giving even more visitors a warm Mancunian welcome."
Lonely Planet editor James Smart said: "We included Manchester in this year's top 10 cities list because it deserves to be recognised as one of the UK's most important destinations for travellers.
“Manchester has been transformed in recent years, with inspirational new openings, the reinvention of existing spaces and vast investment. Whatever experience travellers are after – culture, sport, shopping, and nightlife – they won't come away from Manchester disappointed. The city has something to offer everyone."