Welcome to Manchester
As a massive metropolis in the heart of the county of Greater Manchester, this city is a U.K. hub for culture and industry. So, it's no surprise that Manchester attracts some 1 million visitors each year, including business travelers and vacationers (it welcomes more international travelers than any other city in England). Many call this locale the "Capital of the North" and the U.K.'s second city after London, but its residents will tell you that Manchester is second to none. In fact, Manchester United fans are among the most loyal in the sport of football (or soccer to Americans), and locals will defend its shopping, drinking and dining options as among the best in the nation.
Along with its excellent nightlife and commercial options, the rich history of the destination lures many visitors to Manchester. Its documented past reaches back to 79 A.D., when it served as the site of the Roman fort of Mamucium. It was developed into a town in the 13th century, and evidence of its Medieval past can be found all throughout, such as at Chetham's School and Library, which was once a priests' college, and an old cathedral built in the 1400s. Its Victorian and industrial roots are also the focus of many of its historical attractions, from intriguing landmarks to educational museums.