Cotton mills, Morrissey, Man Utd, the Manto, Moss Side ... ah, Manchester. These days the industrial city from the beautiful north rubs off more charm than grime, and is giving London a well-earned run for its money.

Manchester made cotton its own, giving its collective name to bed linen and bath towels, but the city has had a rough and tumble track record. The key to its survival has been its willingness to embrace change and encourage the spirit of enterprise and innovation. Bouncing back from the 1996 bombing which destroyed its inner heart, the city seized the opportunity to revamp the town centre with new public spaces and some imaginative modern architecture that actually works. The city's industrial heritage has translated into prime real estate - just add varnished floorboards and a visit to Ikea, and you've got warehouse apartment heaven. As always the city flexes its famed night-time muscle to the max.