I'm going to manchester for the weekend . . .

[shivvy]

what are the 'not-to-be-missed' places to visit or things to do?
I am also interested in info on anywhere special to eat out.
Thanks

[spudqueen]

There's a great tapas bar on Deansgate, right next to the Wetherspoons pub The Moon Under Water.

[Eve]

Tapas bar is called La Tasca (http://www.latasca.co.uk/) but if you want a more authentic experience there's a fantastic place called El Rincon (http://www.sugarvine.com/Manchester/reviews/review_detail.asp?restaurantid=5510&name=El%20Rincon), not the easiest place to find but gorgeous food. There's also more italian based tapas at the lovely Pesto on the corner of Bridge Street and Deansgate.

I you let me know what kind of thing you want to eat then I can guide you better as Iive here.

There's currently an ice rink up at Picadilly Gardens (http://www.onicepiccadilly.com/ice/) there has been a Big Wheel in Exchange Square but think it's just come down.

The Printworks have a good selection of pubs and clubs and places to eat (some love American places such as Old Orleans!). http://www.theprintworks.com/

Also in the Printworks is a cinema witha fantastic IMAX screen which is well worth a visit. http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s11/ Manchester/

Indian - try Shimla Pinks off Bridge Street. http://www.shimlapinks.com/

Chinese - there are some great buffets including Yum Yums (http://www.yumyumbuffet.com/) in the Printworks for a budget option or head to Chinatown. There's New Samsi (Whiworth St) if you like japanese esp Sushi. http://www.samsi.co.uk.

Steak - bit pricey but so worth it - Gaucho Grill off Deansgate. http://www.gaucho-grill.com/

Italian - San Carlo (http://www.sancarlo.co.uk/) or Piccolino (http://www.individualrestaurants.co.uk/piccolinos.asp).

[Eve]

Gastro pubs - The Ox on Liverpool Street. http://www.theox.co.uk/home.html

Dukes 92 does a lovely sunday carvery down by the canal. http://www.dukes92.com/

Selfridges could be fun for lunch, they do al kinds of delicious things but gets quite busy (http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1211). There are 2 Cafe Rouge's on Deansgate and in the Printworks which are also lovely. http://www.caferouge.co.uk/

Shopping wise there is the Arndale, more designer areas round King Street and St Annes Square and the Triange, the funky Northern Quarter inc Afflecks Palace and, of course the Trafford Centre. There's also the Lowry outlet at Salford Quays.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/
http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/
http://www.trianglemanchester.co.uk/
http://www.lowryoutletmall.com/default.asp

There are also loads of sport related places and museums (http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/museums/museums1.html) and galleries (http://www.manchester.gov.uk/visitorcentre/see/galleries.htm) and of course the theatres (http://www.manchestertheatres.com/).

Probably easier to let me know what kinds of things you want to do and I can give you more ideas :)

[shivvy]

Thanks so much jenna and spudqueen.
My question was a bit on the vague side now that I read it again!! I know what I like but it was a bit of a stretch for me to expect you both to know what I like too!!
I have posted another question being a bit more clear about the info that I want but all the links you gave above have been really interesting too.
Thanks again,

shivvy