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One of the enduring images and impressions I have of that very warm February evening, was to see the sun set over the harbour looking towards the city far away in the background.

The sun was sinking fast behind the skyscrapers - it was an amazing sight, and at that moment I had the urge to call home. I took the mobile out of my pocket, and rang to speak to my mum and brother. It was early in the morning in the UK (11 hours behind Sydney at that time of year) and I said to them, "Has the sun come up over there yet?". They replied: "Yes, just about. Why?"

My response was: "I just realised this is about the only time of the day we can see the sun at the same time from opposite sides of the world."]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13309 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13302
All sorts of works from all periods of art history, including paintings and sculptures. The building itself is architecturally very interesting with its new all-glass section connecting two parts of the main buildings. Other galleries in the area worth noting are the Whitworth (on Wilmslow road across the road from the hospitals) and the Lowry centre (in Salford Quays).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12956 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12956 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12690
The upper restaurant is the main one with a huge menu and very friendly and efficient service to your table. The food quality is superb and the place is extremely popular with a wide range of customers. The downstairs restaurant is my personal favourite. Ever since they established the all you can eat oriental buffet there, I have been going on a regular basis.

The choice is huge, especially in the evenings (Monday to Saturday) and all day Sunday. The price level varies depending on what time you go. But if you want a good value buffet-style meal anytime before 4.45pm Monday to Saturday, then this place is very hard to beat. Currently the cheapest price is £4.95.

The more expensive times (after 5pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday) are also good value because the food variety expands with a lot more seafood options, for example. I tend to go there before concerts or theatre evenings, because you know you can just walk in and be seated straight away and start helping yourself as soon as you are shown to your table.

Its location near the Palace Theatre and also the Bridgewater Hall is extremely convenient for pre-event dining.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12690 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12429 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12429 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12388 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12388 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12387
Easily the most important of recent cultural heritage about the city, since it's one of Birmingham's very few claims to international fame. The city has a long way to go to catch up with the likes of London, Manchester and Glasgow in terms of self belief, culture and progress, but if it gets more of the likes of the CBSO as home grown talent, then it will go a long way.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12387 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12385
The shape of the building is circular so, when you are on one of the upper floors and you walk along, before you know it, you find yourself where you started without realising you're going round in a circle.

The building also houses the Library Theatre which regularly hosts high profile productions.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12385 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11761
You can pretty much circle the entire city centre by walking the wall and getting a different vantage point and contrasting views and points of interest on either side of the wall as you go round.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11761 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10611 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10611 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9266 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9266 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8938
The age range here is much lower than the national average, having said that there are plenty of more "mature" people coming here for the excellent restaurants.

Best place to start is with a laid back coffee or glass of wine (perhaps light lunch) at the Assembly. Sit outside on the veranda if you can. It's great for people watching. If you are there in the evening, perhaps try the Lime Tree next door(also has a veranda) which is one of the most sought after restaurants in the city and then I recommed trying the One Lounge bar on the corner of Lapwing lane and Burton road or M20 cocktail bar not far from there down Burton Road. Also the magnificent Metropolitan Pub/Restaurant (opposite). It's one of the most famous pubs in Manchester.

From West Didsbury you can either walk or drive about a mile to Didsbury village. Or take the 23 bus. Didsbury main high street which is also known as Didsbury village (though villagey it is not!) is the more traditional but still very fashionable part of the area. It's much larger than West Didsbury with even more restaurants and shops than West Didsbury, but perhaps more of a traditional family environment with slightly older crowds than West Didsbury. There is still a younger crowd in the evenings and weekends, especially on sunny days, with pretty much all the bars and restaurants having outside seating. I would recommend eating at Felicini Italian restaurant. It's one of the best known in the city. You probably need to book ahead though (as you do for the Lime Tree in West Didsbury).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8869
Be spontaneous if you can and pick a sunny day, start at about 11am. Manchester doesn't get much more rain than most of the Southern English cities (and certainly less than Wales, Scotland and South West England) so there should be plenty of opportunities!

Start at Sackville Street and explore that area first. There are some magnificent buildings and if you are new to the city you will find yourself confused - it often reminds me of continental European cities (particularly northern Europe) with its mix of rich Victorian and gothic styles. Walk through Canal Street (Gay Village) as well, not far from Sackville Street and make your way towards Oxford Road.

Take a look at the magnificent Palace Hotel and have a drink at the Cornerhouse bar (on the first floor) which also gives a good view of the surrounding hustle and bustle. Then head towards the Central Library (the round pantheon-like building next to the Town Hall) and have a good look at the surroundings. You will be stunned by the variety of styles and ages of the architecture. Explore the various side streets around there and the Town Hall.

Then head to Cross Street and walk down towards Victoria Station from the top of Cross Street (where it crosses Princess Street/John Dalton Street). You will go past the various shops and bars. But when you first get to Cross Street, have a coffee at Caffe Nero near the start: to me it feels like Milan in Manchester!

Once you get to the end of Cross Street you are at the heart of the city centre main shops: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, all that is in that area. Have a look at Urbis and Victoria Station, which you can spot from the area behind Selfridges (it has a big screen across a shopping centre called the Triangle). If you are hungry by then, try a late lunch at Wagamama (outside the Printworks, across the road from Urbis). From there walk past Harvey Nichols which is by the Manchester Cathedral and head towards St Anne's Square to take in the continuing varied architecture. You have a medieval looking church (St Anne's I think) in the middle of a Victorian architecture shopping centre.

Just before the church is the Royal Exchange Theatre in the middle of the square to the left. Go in and have a look. When you are inside the main building and look up at the very tall ceiling, you will be stunned! I won't spoil the surprise though. Anyway, go up to King Street past the Church, explore the boutiques and then take a right and head to Deansgate (a few yards’ walk) and then turn left and head towards the new Beetham Tower skyscraper.

Once you get there, there is a nice restaurant called Dimitri's that does Spanish and Greek Food. If it's summer sit outside at the back. It's lovely. And then finally finish your architectural walking tour by transporting yourself thousands of years back to Roman times at the Roman ruins and remains of the old wall just off Liverpool Road (which is where the Museum of Science and Industry is). From Deansgate, if you are tired of walking, you can get the number 2 free bus that takes you back to just outside the Cornerhouse - not far from where you started at 11 am!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8869