The nightlife in Manchester attracts people from all over the country and abroad. It's not just the Manchester casinos that attract people here. The music scene made famous by countless bands, but including New Order, The Smiths, The Stones Roses and Oasis were promoted by the now defunct club the Haçienda, but many more are now competing for the ultimate live music venue ready to host the next big band. Some current established live music venues include the Dry Bar, Old Oldham Street, with a long history of hosting now famous bands and, for a heavier vibe try The Star and Garter on Farefield Street.

It's a big city and different neighbourhoods in Manchester have different atmospheres. But between all the different areas, you are sure to find what you're looking for whether it's rock or jazz, real ale or fine wines, nouvelle cuisine or kebabs, casinos or poker rooms.

If you're a clubber or a bar fly, the choice of venues in Manchester is almost daunting, the only problem you'll find is getting a good recommendation as the fickle public are forever choosing the next best club to visit. Particularly noteworthy is The Attic on New Wakefield just outside the centre of town. With the laid back Thirsty Scholar pub downstairs and The Attic upstairs, depending upon the night the music varies between funk and soul to Reggae and electronic music.

In July 2008 Manchester was the most hotly tipped area in which to locate the first super casino to be located near the Manchester City football stadium. The casino would be part of a huge hotel, shopping and leisure complex. Benefits to the community were thought to include the creation of more than 2700 jobs, direct investment of over £250m and the generation of £100m a year from tourism. However, in February 2008, Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary, changed the original decision to considering opening 40 super casinos in the UK to zero. As it currently stands there will be no super casino in Manchester.

There is still a good choice of casinos in Manchester, though. There are 6 in total: 2 Grosvenor, the Mint Casino, the Circus Casino, G Casino and Manchester 235. They are spread around the city, but all in popular areas so finding a place to meet before you start gambling won't be hard. See the links below for a detailed review of each casino.

One of the main areas to come alive at night is Deansgate, home to the 235 casino. Here you will find many pub chains as well as some great places to eat.

Other less hectic activities in Manchester include a great selection of theatres. The Contact, The Palace Theatre and The Lowry all put on a varied showcase from musicals to more highbrow shows such as opera and classical music concerts. The Bridgewater Hall on lower Mosely Street can seat 2,400 and hosts comedy, pop concerts and classical performances.

The city also supports a healthy comedy scene. Some large clubs can be visited hosting famous names. The larger venues include Jongleurs, The Zzub, The Frog and Bucket and The Comedy Store.

Manchester Art Gallery is a good place to visit for it's selection of both contemporary and classic pieces. Many other galleries can be found such as the Lowry, Ubis, Whitworth, and other exhibiting everything from photographs, sculptures, up and coming artists and classical masterpieces.