A few years ago, I spent three amazing autumn days in Manchester during Halloween, and honestly, it still feels like one of those trips that stays in your heart forever. Manchester is such a cool mix — super dynamic and full of young vibes, but also really calm and safe. You feel the energy everywhere, but somehow you also feel relaxed at the same time. It’s a student city, so you constantly see groups of young people hanging out, laughing, going to cafes, bars, gigs. It feels alive without being stressful, and that’s something I really loved.
I stayed in this classic Airbnb apartment in a red-brick building — totally Manchester style. Big windows, industrial atmosphere, cozy inside, rainy street outside. Manchester has that special industrial charm — a little rough, but warm and real. It’s one of the rare cities where the old soul is still breathing in the bricks and streets.
First Night: Pub Crawl Madness
The first evening I arrived, I immediately joined a pub crawl. Best decision ever. Manchester pub culture is wild and friendly. I literally met amazing guys within minutes, like we already knew each other. This is so Manchester — people are super open-minded, funny, and ready to party. We jumped from pub to pub, and somehow ended up crashing someone’s birthday in a random café. And the craziest part? People were happy we joined! We danced, ate cake, and just lived the moment like old friends. That night showed me exactly what Manchester is — spontaneous, warm, and full of life.
Joy Division Pilgrimage & Music Soul of the City
Next day, I went on my personal mission: finding the Joy Division bridge from their album photos. As a huge Joy Division fan, it felt like a pilgrimage. Standing on that Hulme Bridge where they once were… honestly, goosebumps.
I love that whole slightly depressive British indie vibe — the grey skies, emotional lyrics, dreamy sadness. Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Manchester was not the shiny hipster city it is now. It was industrial, foggy, heavy — factories, smog, rough streets, and a bit of hopeless feeling in the air. Joy Division’s music came straight from that environment. That cold, industrial melancholy… I adore it. It’s beautiful in its own tragic way.
But today Manchester is totally different. It’s almost fancy-hipster-cool. Trendy cafes, creative spaces, stylish students, huge digital scene. Honestly, it feels like the second city of England after London — modern, energetic, and super confident. Still musical and raw inside, but definitely not the grey depressive Manchester of Joy Division days.
WATCH MOVIE ‘CONTROL’ TO FEEL THIS ATMOSPHERE
Of course, I also checked legendary music spots like The Ritz and the site of The Haçienda, the birthplace of rave culture. Even though it’s not a club anymore, you feel the history — Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, all that Manchester magic. The city breathes music.
Places You Must Visit in Manchester
Here are five spots you shouldn’t miss:
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Hulme Bridge — Joy Division landmark
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The Ritz — iconic live venue
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The Haçienda site — legendary rave culture birthplace
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Manchester University — beautiful campus, full of life
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Northern Quarter — indie shops, vinyl stores, street art, cafes
Also check Albert Square and John Rylands Library — rainy Gothic books + British autumn vibes = perfection.
A Short Manchester History Mood
Manchester was one of the first industrial cities in the world — textile factories, warehouses, workers’ districts — all those red bricks came from that time. It created this tough but creative spirit. From industry and smoke came invention, rebellion, and later, insanely good music. That mix of history and creativity is what makes Manchester unique.
Autumn, Halloween & Why I Loved It So Much
Halloween in Manchester? Perfect. Rainy weather, cozy pubs, costumes, lights, warm drinks, friendly people — I couldn’t think of a better place to spend autumn. Actually, England is my favorite destination for autumn in general — that soft grey weather, orange leaves, dark pubs with warm lights. Manchester captured everything I love about it, just with extra energy and more music.
When I left after three days, I felt like I lived a whole little life there. Manchester gets under your skin fast — dynamic, cozy, industrial, emotional, open, and endlessly fun. I miss it, and I know I’ll go back.
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