Interesting facts and opinions about Greater Manchester

This is the place for some frequently asked questions about Greater Manchester

Keep reading, you might just learn something!

Author | Josh T

What are the boroughs of Greater Manchester?

Greater Manchester is a vibrant city region composed of ten metropolitan boroughs:  Manchester, Salford, Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

Where are the best places to live in Greater Manchester?

The region offers a wealth of appealing neighbourhoods. Levenshulme, Ancoats, Altrincham and Ramsbottom have all featured in The Sunday Times’ list of the best places to live in the UK, reflecting a mix of community spirit, accessibility and charm. Areas like Chorlton and Didsbury are also popular with young professionals and students. 

How many visitors does the region attract?

Research suggests Greater Manchester welcomes around 58 million day visitors each year, with 31 million visiting the City of Manchester alone, making it the UK’s second most visited city after London.

What is the best restaurant in Manchester?

Manchester’s dining scene is impressively diverse, catering to all tastes. The city is fast emerging as a rival to London as a foodie destination, drawing diners from across the country. GM Super News recently published guides to the best pizza and top Chinese restaurants, with more recommendations to follow. 

Readers are encouraged to share their own favourites. The Rice Bowl (food pictured below) is a popular choice for many!

What is the Greater Manchester area best known for?

Manchester is widely regarded as the UK’s second city. Once a centre of industry and innovation, it has evolved into a major cultural hub, renowned for its arts, music and rich sporting history. Bands such as Oasis, who recently reunited, continue to showcase the city’s enduring musical influence. These venues aren't just in the centre of Manchester either. 

What else is there to do?

Greater Manchester boasts a range of museums celebrating its history and culture. The Science and Industry Museum explores the city’s industrial heritage, while the National Football Museum showcases iconic memorabilia. The People’s History Museum highlights activism and democracy, and the Working Class Movement Library offers insight into the region’s political and cultural life. There's also the iconic Salford Lads Club.

The region is also home to numerous green spaces, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Heaton Park, Manchester’s largest, spans over 600 acres and features Heaton Hall, a boating lake, an animal centre, and walking trails, making it a favourite for families and visitors alike. It also hosted some of the previously mentioned Oasis reunion gigs.