Bradford grew up as an industrial town with its main industry being wool. As its main industry died it seems to be relying more on retail and tourism with plenty to offer in both departments. At the time of writing this the City Centre is undergoing a major rejuvenation so there are large parts of it that are building sites. If it turns out anything like the plans then it will be a very pleasant place to visit.
The city centre is a nice size and not too overwhelming but if you are in a wheelchair be warned its built on a hill so you need to be fit or have someone pushing that needs some exercise. After saying this, the vast majority of places around the centre are very wheelchair friendly. It has a wide variety of shops with two shopping centres, the Kirkgate Centre (built in 1976 and was one of the original Arndale Centres) which has parking for 550 cars and the winner of the prestigious AA Secure Car Park Award. The Oastler Market which was known as the John Street Centre, there is a campaign to restore this name. Both these centres have a long history dating back a lot further than the present buildings. All the big high street names can be found alongside small shops and market stalls making just about anything available. Down by the Foster Square railway station there are two big shopping outlets that host names such as Comet, Argos, Pet City, PC World, JJB and Boots to name a few. Venture a little out of the city centre up past the Oastler Market and there is a more diverse shopping experience due to Bradford multi-cultural society.
There is a wide range of places to eat around the city with just about every taste catered for. One thing Bradford seems to be famous for is its curry houses and there are plenty of them. In 2004 Bradford was named Curry Capital of Britain. If you are a curry lover then you have to try some of these out, it seems that the competition has driven standard up and kept the price reasonable. Fish and chip shops are also plentiful and nowhere can make fish and chips like Yorkshire folk.
Bradford Council works hard at promoting the city and to its credit hosts some very good events throughout the year. When there is no events on there is a wide range of place to visit such as the National Media Museum (formerly known as The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television), IMAX, Cartwright Hall, The Alhambra Theatre and Bradford's Colour Museum which is the only museum of colour in Britain.
The city centre has lots to offer its visitors but venture out of it and there is a whole lot more with some stunning scenery to admire. Its a city that deserve a lot more credit than it gets I enjoy it immensely and if you give it time I believe you will too.