Capital of the north!
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Manchester is the city that many people consider to be the capital of the north of England. It’s a city with lots to offer, as it’s very diverse in its range of things to do. From clubbing in the city centre, to chilling in a cosy coffee shop, or taking a tour of a famous TV set, there really is something for absolutely everyone.
As a lot of cities in the UK are completely overrun with big-name brands (Manchester does have plenty if that’s your thing, don’t worry), one thing we loved was being able to find lots and lots of independent cafes, shops, bars and restaurants that absolutely thrive in this city! Some were so unique and the quality is absolutely amazing.
An absolute must-visit in Manchester is the secret cocktail bar in the city centre, near the central shopping centre called the Arndale. We make a point to make a reservation every time we visit! It’s hidden in a laundrette, and you need a reservation to enter. The drinks aren’t cheap, however you don’t have to pay to enter unlike most other experiences like this. We won’t tell you any more to keep the experience fun… it’s called The Washhouse.
Whilst we’re on the topic of drinks, check out Albert’s shed and Rain bar’s beer garden. Both have amazing indoor and outdoor spaces which is tricky to find in such a big city. And if you fancy a dance, check out Canal Street, also known as Manchester’s “Gay Village” with a whole street of LGBTQ+ bars. You’ll find drag queens, cheesy pop and even a musical themed bar here. Just make sure you only visit if your behaviour will keep this street a safe space for LGBTQ+ people who come from near and far to be unapologetically themselves in this area!
Now for something other than pubs and bars (sorry, we get excited about this topic), there are also some brilliant independent shops and cafes in Manchester. Spend some time wandering around the Northern Quarter of Manchester to find some of the best independent shops across the city. It’s also a great place to head for coffee or brunch. One of our favourite spots is the “Feel Good Club”.
If shopping is something you love, you’re in for a treat when visiting Manchester. The city has two huge shopping centres. The Arndale, in the city centre, is full of well known, high street brands, restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for something, you will surely find it in this shopping centre. For a shopping centre within the actual city, it’s very very impressive.
Right next to The Arndale centre is Printworks Manchester, a centre where you'll find bars, entertainment and restaurants. It's a great place just to have a walk through but you'll definitely find somewhere to stop off for a quick drink, food, or even an activity such as mini golf or going to the cinema.
Then, a short bus or tram ride away is the even bigger Trafford Centre. It has absolutely EVERYTHING from budget brands to huge designer names, a dining quarter shaped like a cruise ship (unbelievable, right?!) and the world’s largest chandelier. No joke, the staircase in the dining area is designed after the one on the Titanic.
Also only a short tram ride from the city centre is Salford Quays and Media City. This is a lovely area to explore where a lot of UK Television is filmed. You can even take a tour of the Coronation street set! It’s a lovely area to wander around and spend a day.
We've written a guide to a day in Salford Quays including how to get there from Manchester and the best things to do, so make sure to check it out!
When you’re back in the city centre, consider visiting the Manchester Museum, run by the University of Manchester. Then, when you’re ready for some food, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants from independent, family owned businesses to huge chain restaurants. Our favourite place to eat in Manchester is a Chinese restaurant called The Rice Bowl - the food is incredible. It’s worth booking if there’s more than two of you as it does get quite busy. There are also some great street food stalls near Piccadilly Gardens for something quicker.
Overall, Manchester is a thriving city that is a brilliant destination for a weekend away full of eating, drinking and shopping! And if you have a bit longer, you’re incredibly well connected to the rest of the North in Manchester, and close to the lovely Peak District countryside area for a bit of nature. Manchester also has a great Christmas Market if you’re looking for a festive city break, it runs from the 8th November to the 22nd December this year!
Manchester has something for everyone, whether it’s family experiences or nights out that last until the early hours of the morning!! Get booking a staycation and go and enjoy yourself.
Additional information:
How do I get to Manchester?
Manchester is easy to get to from most parts of the UK if you're driving. It also has a great train station with direct trains from London Euston and many other major cities across the country. Manchester has it's own airport which you can get the train to, from Manchester, in around 15 minutes. You can also travel to Manchester by coach.
Where shall I stay in Manchester?
In Manchester, you can either stay in the city centre or stay in Salford Quays (which is often cheaper).
You can search for accommodation in Manchester below to find the best option for your budget and the size of the group you’re travelling with.
How expensive is it in Manchester?
As Manchester is a large city, things aren't particularly cheap. Alcoholic drinks are pretty pricey, especially in bars and clubs. It's not as expensive as London, but it's getting pretty close! You can still find a good bargain if you're willing to look for it.
What's the weather like in Manchester?
Manchester, like the rest of the UK, has some sunny and warm weather through the Summer but is often cloudy and rainy. Here's the current weather in Manchester:
What are the best things to do in Manchester?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Manchester on GetYourGuide below.
