manchester

Hallo, manchester

Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is a city of music, football, and cutting-edge culture. Its rich history meets modern creativity in iconic architecture, bustling markets, world-class museums, and a nightlife that keeps the city humming. From red-brick mills to world-famous football grounds, Manchester buzzes with history, culture, and creativity.

Stadsinformatie

Essentiële informatie over de stad

Manchester airport

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Manchester Airport lies around 14–15 km south of central Manchester, about a 20‑ to 25‑minute drive in normal traffic. Travellers can reach the city by train, with frequent services from Manchester Airport station to central hubs like Piccadilly in roughly 20 minutes. The Metrolink tram also connects the airport with parts of Manchester, while buses and coaches provide additional options. Taxis and ride‑sharing services are available 24/7.

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Italian passport pages with a lot of visa stamps

Passport/Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, those travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It's essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and to ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK; border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

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tram in Manchester

Public Transport

Manchester’s public transport network is modern, extensive, and well-suited to visitors. The city is served by buses, the Metrolink light‑rail trams, and national rail services, all coordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Trams and buses cover the city centre and suburbs, while trains provide easy access to surrounding towns. For travellers, the Bee Network system offers simple contactless payment across buses and trams, with daily and weekly fare caps to keep journeys affordable. Tickets include single fares, day passes, and multi-modal passes combining bus and tram travel, along with weekly or 28-day options for longer stays. Having said that, many of Manchester’s main attractions, shopping areas, and cultural spots are within easy walking distance, so exploring on foot is often just as convenient, and a great way to take in the city’s architecture, street art, and lively atmosphere. For information on routes, fares, and timetables, visit TfGM's official website.

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Illuminated yellow taxi sign on a typical old style black taxi in Manchester, Great Britain

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Manchester, with both licensed black-cab 'hackney carriages' and private‑hire vehicles available. Hackney cabs can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks, while private‑hire cars must be pre-booked. Ride‑sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt also operate throughout the city, providing a convenient alternative for on-demand travel.

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red post box in London

Post

Postage stamps are available across Manchester at post offices, newsagents and supermarkets. To post a package or small souvenirs, drop into a post office — you can find your nearest branch on their official website. Post offices are generally open Monday–Friday from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm.

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pharmacy cross

Pharmacy

Whether you need to buy over-the-counter medication or collect a prescription, there are plenty of pharmacies all over the capital. Boots and Superdrug are two big chemist chains. You will also find pharmaceutical products at some of the larger supermarket branches.

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red phone booths in Manchester

Telephone

Country code: +44 Area code: (0)161

power socket and plug

Electricity

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries. The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230v or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.

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