Manchester. United Kingdom

Raised on lofty ambition and not afraid to speak up, Manchester is – in terms of geography and history – England's second city, although if you were to ask a local what it's like to be second they could reply, 'Don't know, ask a Londoner'.

The uncrowned capital of the north deserves the title. It has a rich history and culture, easily learned about in its museums and galleries. While history makes the city interesting, its hedonistic distractions make Manchester fun: you can dine, drink and dance yourself into content oblivion.