To judge Bradford against neighboring Leeds or nearby Sheffield would be unfair because there is no comparison - not in the traditional sense as a tourist attraction anyway. For its part, Bradford 's unique selling point is its ability to bask in its glorious industrial past whilst confidently grabbing the opportunities that the city's cultural dynamic is creating to drive the local economy forward.
Located on the edge of Bronte country, Bradford is benefiting from millions of pounds worth of investment in regeneration projects that are already transforming the city centre, with new public spaces, water features, improved transport links and restored historic architecture, creating a cosmopolitan, stylish and desirable place to live and work.
Getting around Bradford The city itself is relatively small and compact compared to its Yorkshire neighbours, but it isn't without its fair share of traffic problems. However, there are a number of car parks so finding a space in the morning shouldn't prove too difficult.
Probably the best way of commuting into Bradford is by bus, with First Bradford and Keighley & District Travel being the main operators for all local routes to arrive at Bradford Interchange, which is also the main train station that - along with Bradford Forster Square - operates main line routes connecting the city with the suburban areas of Ilkley, Keighley, Shipley, Saltaire and Bingley as well as the major conurbations of Leeds and Manchester.
Eating, drinking and shopping in Bradford In terms of nightlife, Bradford takes some beating with many good quality pubs and clubs to choose from that you won't have to look far for a good time during the day or night. And with the fourth highest percentage of Muslims in Britain , Bradford 's reputation as the ‘Curry Capital of Europe' is assured.
The city has well over 100 ‘curry houses' and some of the best Asian restaurants in Yorkshire . But Bradford 's culinary offering is not exclusive to Asian cuisine and has a variety of international options to satisfy all tastes, particularly located around the new Centenary Square development.
And of course there's no better to wash down a fine curry than a few pints of beer. Aside from the usual chain pubs that pop up in every city, Bradford has an increasing number of bars that serve a wide range of guest ales that make for a perfect wind-down on a Friday lunchtime, such as the Sir Titus Salt and Fanny's Real Ale & Cider House. Look out for the beer festivals that take place throughout the year in the city.
Not to be outdone by its somewhat overwhelming food and drink options, Bradford 's real shopping experience lies in its outstanding markets which attract over 11 million visitors every year. Oastler Market doubles as the city's shopping centre, with Kirkgate, Keighley, St James's Wholesale making up the rest of the areas main markets
Bradford city centre is arguably one of the most relaxing places to escape from the stresses and strains of working in the office. The city boasts some of the most exclusive parks and gardens, among them is the Mughal Garden - an interpretation of the infamous Shalamar Gardens at Lahore . Also worth a visit are Bowling, Heathcote, Horton and Lund Parks .
But the main interest in the city centre is the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television with five floors of media history as well as the IMAX - Britain's largest cinema screen. Elsewhere, the Bolling Hall Museum - a beautiful hall, partly going back to medieval times, comes as quite a surprise on the ring road only about a mile from the centre and The Brontë Parsonage Museum which is a wonderful place to learn more about this famous family.
And just a few miles from the centre is the well-preserved mid 19th century industrial town of Saltaire . The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and holds a large David Hockney exhibition, two restaurants and numerous shops.
Main residential areas Throughout Bradford 's former industrial heartland, the old mills that once pumped life into the city are being converted into loft apartments, notably Lister Mills. And in the city centre itself, many old and dilapidated buildings are and have already been redeveloped as modern apartments and penthouses, including High Point , Market Urban Village and Goitside Urban Village .
Alternatively, the Bradford Canal area is currently undergoing a £470m redevelopment and will soon create 5,000 new homes in what is being billed as Yorkshire's Docklands.
But if you are looking for somewhere a little quieter, the suburbs of Eccleshill, with detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows; Allerton, with large detached houses; Giggleswick, Horton in Ribblesdale and Settle are popular locations.
If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Bradford.
Video: Electric Tram Rides from Forster Square, Bradford (1902)