The city is widely recognised as one of the coolest in Britain. Manchester has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmarks, excellent art and culture, great bars and world-class hospitality. This once industrial city has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmark buildings such as the Lowry Centre, a thriving art and culture scene, and world-class sport - its home to the world famous Manchester United Football Club. It’s often cited as the world’s first industrialised city, and elements of Manchester’s industrial past can be found as you travel throughout the city. It’s this dramatic mix of old and new that gives Manchester its unique character. Manchester is now a thriving metropolis, but it’s not hard to spot Manchester’s past. Central Library, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, is the largest municipal library in the world; and the magnificent Royal Exchange Theatre , formerly the Cotton Exchange, now houses the world’s largest theatre-in-the-round. The city’s attractions – from the museums and galleries, to sports stadiums and music venues – offer something for everyone. Most of Manchester’s 90 or so museums are free, including the galleries at the world-famous The Lowry Centre. If you don’t know where to start exploring Manchester, try an open bus tour from St Peter’s Square. Manchester is a shopping destination in its own right, even rivalling the reputation of London. Manchester Fashion Market is the first dedicated fashion market in the North West; King Street is destination designer labels; the Arndale Centre is full of high street bargains; and Affleck’s Palace is a labyrinth of independent boutiques. The Manchester music scene is one of the world’s most innovative, original and exciting places for both making music and going out to listen to it. The city is full of intimate music venues for live music fans, and if you want to experience Manchester’s clubs and bars, head to the Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Castlefield. If only one part of Manchester could broadly document the city’s history, it would have to be Castlefield. It is the site of the 79AD Roman fort of Mamucium and the 1761 Bridgewater Canal – the world’s first true canal system. Castlefield is also the area chosen for the Manchester end of the world’s first passenger railway (which ran between Manchester to Liverpool) in 1830. The Museum of Science and Industry also offers a fabulous day out for all ages and is devoted to the development of science, technology, and industry with emphasis on the city's achievements in these fields.