Life in Chester

Wander down Chester's cobbled streets and explore cuisines from all over the world. Alongside well-known favourites, the city has a thriving independent food scene - packed full of flavour and suitable for anyone on a budget. Why not try breakfast at The Flower Cup, or enjoy happy hour and tapas at Fiesta Havana. At Chester Market, feast your eyes on a vibrant selection of global and local street food, from Thai, Bangladeshi or Mexican, to cheese themed stalls, artisan breads and an ice-cream pudding parlour. Discover even more foodie gems at Chester Vegan Festival and the monthly Taste of Cheshire Market. If cafe culture is your thing, take in the coffee aromas at Jaunty Goat or Bean and Cole - perfect for a study break.

• Must do: Grab an award-winning pizza at Stile Napoletano – thank us later.

Hit the town and experience Chester's vibrant nightlife. Whether you want quirky bars, lively nightclubs or side-splitting comedy evenings, there's a night out to suit everyone. Find a plethora of music venues showcasing live performances every weeknight, such as Telford's Warehouse, The Live Rooms and Alexander's. For chilled vibes and drinks with friends, the city is abuzz with bars - try Palm or Lono Cove for cocktails with that wow factor, or step into an atmospheric, art-deco style jazz bar at Prohibition - if you can find their secret entrance! If nightclubs are your thing, head to Rosie's or Cruise - and don't miss their weekly student nights. What's more, Chester has been awarded the coveted "Purple Flag" status, which means you can be sure of a safe and thriving nightlife in the city.

• Must do: Cocktails and an unbeatable playlist at Kuckoo.

Set in a 1930s art deco building in the heart of the city, Storyhouse is a cultural centre containing two state-of-the-art theatres, a cinema, library, restaurant and two bars. In this award-winning space, immerse yourself in home-produced and international cultural works, including drama, comedy, music, and dance. On top of that, their cosy workspace is ideal for a study session, especially with the coffee-filled aromas swirling through from the cafe.

• Must do: Become a Young Storyhouse member for discounts on events, food and films for a fiver.

Steeped in history, Chester is an impressive mix of Roman foundations and medieval charm. You'll find historical treasures spread around the city - the nearly 2000-year-old city walls, the iconic Eastgate Clock, the black and white Rows and the Roman Gardens. It's well worth a trip to Grosvenor Museum to learn more about local history and see Roman artefacts up close. Chester Cathedral stands impressively in the city centre with its striking architecture and colourful stained-glass windows. Explore its historical grounds, attend its exhibitions and events, or take a tour up 216 steps to the Tower for stunning views across the city. The Cathedral provides a stunning location for our yearly graduate ceremonies - what better backdrop for our graduates to collect their well-deserved degrees?

• Must do: Walk the Roman walls for incredible views over the city.

There's no better place to relax than in Grosvenor Park - a beautiful 20-acre green space just across from the River Dee. Meet with friends, relax with a good book, or head to the Belvedere viewing platform for stunning river views. During the summer, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre puts on incredible productions for an unrivalled outdoor theatre experience. Close to the park are the scenic Roman Gardens where you can stroll around the Roman ruins, and The Meadows for idyllic nature walks by the river and the Duke of Westminster's estate.

• Must do: Open air cinema nights at Moonlight Flicks in the Roman Gardens.