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A New Las Vegas to Manchester Direct Route: What Visitors Should Know

Most Americans who visit the UK tend to stick to London. But there’s much more to the UK than the capital; in fact, you could argue that London is the world’s city and that the real England is found elsewhere.

In any case, you can forgive Americans for not visiting less obvious parts of the UK in recent years, since the vast majority of direct flights to the UK were to London airports.

But a new Virgin Atlantic route between Las Vegas and Manchester aims to change that. The direct route, which opened in early June, will run three times a week. If you’re a Las Vegas resident thinking of making the trip to Manchester, then this page is for you. We’ll outline some essential information it’ll pay to be aware of.

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The Weather Will Be Different

Las Vegas receives some 320 days of sunshine each year. Manchester has decidedly fewer than that. In fact, if we were to guess, we’d say that the city has 320 days of rain a year. The weather has given Manchester its charm — where else could The Smiths have come from — and is not worth railing against. Instead, simply pack an umbrella and some waterproof clothing, and get on with things just as the locals do. Manchester, along with the other cities in the north, proves that you don’t need great weather to have a great time.

The Games Will Be Too

People who live in Las Vegas will certainly feel confident that they know their way around a casino. However, visitors planning to sample Manchester’s casinos should be aware that some of the games will be slightly different. There are differences between American and European roulette, for instance, that it’s recommended to be aware of before you visit. Some websites have both versions of the game available, allowing Las Vegas travellers the chance to get to grips with how they do things in ol’ Blighty and the rest of Europe. Also, be aware that dress codes for UK casinos tend to be more strict than in Las Vegas, so it’s best to pack some ‘smart casual’ clothing for your outing.

The Shows Are Just As Good

Music shows in Manchester are not as grand as they are in Las Vegas, but they can be just as good, if not better. Manchester has a storied musical history, home to some of the biggest bands of the past forty years.

If you’re a music lover, then it’s recommended to attend a show while you’re in town. The city has a selection of world-class venues, including the Albert Hall, the Ritz, and Band on the Wall. If you’re curious about Manchester’s underground music scene, then swing by the Eagle Inn, a pub dating back to 1903 that has a tiny — and we mean tiny — but amazing performance space.

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You Should Attend a Football Match

And by football, we mean ‘soccer.’ Manchester does have an American Football team, but, with all due respect to them, they are not the city’s sporting titans. Depending on who you ask, that title belongs to Manchester United or Manchester City, two extremely popular and well-decorated Premier League teams. If you can, try to get tickets for a game — we promise that it’ll be a totally different experience to attending a sports event in the US. For the absolute best experience, try to attend a game between the two Manchester clubs.

English Food Has Developed

Americans — in fact, all people everywhere — have long poked fun at English cuisine. And they did have a point, or at least they did forty years ago. The quality of English food has risen considerably, or perhaps even astronomically, in recent years. In Manchester, you’ll find a host of world-class restaurants which, while perhaps not on the level of Las Vegas’s finest eateries, are generally more affordable and easier to get a reservation at. If you’re a foodie, we’d recommend booking a table at Skof, Where The Light Gets In, and Erst.