Manchester travel guide: luxury hotel concierges' recommendations Which of the "must-visit" attractions should I avoid? Rebecca: Discount shopping at the Lowry Outlet - if you're coming to Manchester to shop you want to stay in the city centre with all the trendy bars and restaurants. Russell: On a game day, Manchester United attracts over 75,000 fans and fills the city; however it's not the best time to visit the stadium. Come on a non-match day and take a stadium tour. This not to be missed experience allows you tour the grounds, stop off to visit the changing rooms and sit in The Manager seat in the dugout. I'd like to watch either Manchester United or Manchester City play here. Which would be a more enjoyable experience? Rebecca: Well the obvious answer has to be the Premier League Winners! Not only do they put on a great match, the atmosphere is nail-bitingly tense. The players are always seen hitting the town afterwards too. Russell: Why limit yourself to only watching one of these great teams. Plan your trip around the famous Manchester Derby and experience the true passion of football. How can I experience football in Manchester if I can't make a game? Rebecca: The Lawns at Spinningfields have a large screen with deck chairs and two pop-up outdoor bars. Russell: As well as participating in the stadium tour you can visit the National Football Museum. It provides a world-class home for the greatest collection of football memorabilia ever assembled. More than 140,000 objects, works of art and photographs make up this unique collection. Is there a particular exhibition I should see while I'm here? Rebecca: It's not really an exhibition, but the Manchester Christmas markets are a must. Russell: As Tate Britain is showing its first major exhibition of LS Lowry's works, why not check out The Lowry arts centre where you can see the largest public collection of his work. Where can I take the best picture of Manchester? Rebecca: For shots of the city at night, I'd recommend Cloud23 on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower. Russell: For me it would be Castlefield, where you can get a great view of modern buildings and old industrial abandoned railways and, of course, the canals. I'd like to try something new here - what do you recommend? Rebecca: Go to Route 66 drive-in cinema - you can sit and relax on your bonnet just like in the movies. It's edgy, cool and romantic, just don't forget your umbrella. Russell: For something unusual arrange a private tour with Jonathon Schofield. By trade Jonathon is a journalist but he also leads unconventional tours of Manchester and can often be seen showing delighted visitors some of Manchester's hidden gems. Is there an unusual Manchester souvenir I should buy? Rebecca: A bottle of Vimto. Russell: You must visit The Manchester Tourist Information Centre for gifts. It's like an Apple Shop! They have a great range of gifts - you can even buy a Manchester Monopoly . Tell me a phrase or piece of slang I can use to fit in around here. Rebecca: "Y'allllllryt?" Use it when you want to ask someone how they are. Russell: At the end of your sentence you just need to add "do you know what I mean." What's the best restaurant in the city right now? Rebecca: Neighbourhood in Spinningfields. It is a New York-style restaurant with excellent service and in great location. You can "age" your own cocktails. Make your cocktail at the bar and it gets placed onto the shelf for months; you get a phone call to let you know when it is ready. Russell: One of the best restaurants in the city at the moment is Australasia. Serving Pan-Asian food in a ultra-modern setting. Or why not try out Yuzu, opened a couple of years ago as they couldn't find a real Japanese restaurant in the city. Their website states "we do not sell sushi, as sushi have to be made by a properly trained sushi master, which we are not." I love that! Is the Curry Mile worth a visit? Rebecca: The Curry Mile is great for its family-run businesses and the food is so delicious. It's definitely worth a trip if you are new to Manchester. Russell: The Curry Mile is located outside of the city centre and is right in the heart of the student district of Manchester, and tends to be very busy till the early hours of the morning with people enjoying a curry after a night out. We would recommend several other restaurants in the city centre or, if you are lucky, your visit may coincide with an event at The Spice Club, Manchester's first secret supper club, serving authentic Indian food. Events are held on a monthly basis in a secret location and numbers are limited so book well in advance. And where's best for drinks? I don't want somewhere touristy. Rebecca: Briton's Protection is a city-centre cultural pub. It attracts everyone from real ale aficionados to concert-goers and musicians from the Bridgewater Hall next door. It serves hundreds of different whiskys, all displayed at the back of the bar. If you want something a little trendier, head to Dukes 92 in Castlefield. Russell: The Terrace at The Lowry Hotel offers a relaxed environment to sip cocktails and dine "al fresco" all year round, where you can bathe in the sunshine and get five-star service. Manchester also has more pubs in Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs guide than any other region. One of our favourites is Marble Arch on Rochdale Road, which has an amazing barrel vaulted ceiling and a decorative frieze which caught the attention of Pevsner. It also has its own the micro brewery and you can find their beers throughout the city. Where's good for live music in Manchester? Rebecca: The Northern Quarter is a totem of indie commerce. It has lots of quirky bars with open mic nights and ticketed gigs. Not only will you experience live music but you'll also see lots of familiar faces from famous bands hanging out in bars.Russell: The Manchester Arena is one of the busiest and largest arenas in the world and attracts all the major artists. If you are looking for something more intimate we always recommend Matt & Phred's jazz bar in the Northern Quarter. Live jazz is played most evenings and they have a comprehensive menu and good drinks. I'm going to propose to my partner while I'm here - where should I do it? Rebecca: Our hotel! Choose from your unique and eclectic bedroom or our rooftop playground lit up with fair lights and the flicker of candles. Russell: We have so many romantic occasions here at The Lowry Hotel, so I would say our presidential suite - The Charles Forte Suite is a good option to convince your loved one to take the plunge. How can I best experience the Manchester International Festival? Rebecca: Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. It always provides a great opportunity to watch live music, eat excellent food and absorb Manchester's artistic atmosphere. Russell: The great thing about the Manchester International Festival is that in addition to the programme of new and exciting work you can also visit The Pavilion Theatre at Festival Squar; it's a great place to relax, socialise and enjoy informal food and drink. The children's events are always a great way to get the whole family involved. See our complete Manchester city break guide. For more on Manchester's recent enhancements read Manchester: the rebirth of a city