VISITING MANCHESTER
Fancy visiting Manchester but have never been before and need a leg-up with the planning? We recently took a trip to check out this friendly northern city and had a great time. It was a different league from the grungy half-cooked town we met in the early Noughties, and I’m sad to say it took us so long to return. But with all it had to offer, and the cool vibe it radiated, I think a weekend in Manchester might become a regular treat for us.
Where To Stay In Manchester
If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Manchester, look no further than the swanky King Street Townhouse Hotel & Spa. Since our previous experience visiting Manchester showcased the gritty, industrial side of the city and a tad too many broken down buildings, we picked this hotel so that it’d be nice to retire in a more refined setting come evening. However, now that we’ve discovered the more trendy and style-conscious side of the city, the King Street Townhouse is purely a reflection of the in-vogue personality of this very fashionable city. Plus, in terms of location, this Manchester hotel is perfectly situated.
The elevated infinity pool and spa on the top floor, with birdseye views, was the icing on the cake for us – and all included in the room price. And, a top notch restaurant that would rival Manchester’s renowned restaurants takes away any dilemmas on where to eat at. Originally an old bank, built in the Italian Renaissance style, the hotel is packed with little details that you just keep spotting the longer you look. And the rooms are contemporary with all of the emphasis being on comfort and luxury – you’re really not going to be disappointed in any way.
For the best deals at the King Street Townhouse Hotel & Spa, click here.
Things To Do In Manchester City Centre
We’ve put together a little itinerary based on attractions Manchester has to offer. There are plenty of things to see in Manchester city centre and loads of great places to visit, so we’ve tried to squeeze them all in to your two days.
Have Brunch At The Smithfield Market Hall
At some point during your Manchester weekend you need to visit the old Smithfield Market Hall, Mackie Mayor, even if it’s just for a coffee. But we can recommend breakfast taken at the communal tables, with a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it’s steak and eggs, French toast, or coffee and a brioche doughnut from DGHNT. This old meat-market turned casual banquet hall has all the aesthetics, atmosphere and current food trends you can shake a butchers knife at.
Wander Around The Independents In The Northern Quarter
Perhaps due to being one of the countries top fashion design universities, Manchester seems synonymous with art and design. And the bohemian Northern Quarter is where it’s all at.
Start at the Craft and Design Centre on Oak Street, a really cool place to visit in Manchester. It’s hosted inside the cutest old fish market, complete with wooden purchasing booths and glass-fronted studios. Watch artists at work and peruse the eclectic collection of jewellery, ceramics and artwork. Finishing off with a cup of tea in their cosy little cafe.
Some other places worth a mention in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter are Affleck’s for streetwear and vintage finds, Groen inside Foundation Coffee for pots and plants (and a free coffee with every plant purchase), and fill up on all of your Italian pantry essentials at Sicilian NQ.
Take A Moment In A Manchester Library
It’s 2 for the price of 1 when it comes to epic reading rooms in Manchester. First off, the Manchester Central Library with its curved construction and domed reading room that defy geometry. And then the Neo-Gothic wonder that is the John Rylands Research Library, complete with cathedral-like proportions and masterpiece mouldings.
Both of the libraries are free to visit and are definitely worthy things to do in Manchester city centre.
Check Out Some Of Manchester’s Museums
Manchester isn’t exactly known for its dry weather, so whether you’re taking a moment to hide from the rain, or maybe you just love museums, there are plenty of great ones to visit. And seeing that Manchester has a pretty interesting heritage, culture and personality, there’s loads of great stuff to see and learn about this fascinating city.
- The Manchester Museum for history buffs who love dinosaurs, natural history and archaeology.
- The Science & Industry Museum to see how Manchester kinda changed the world with its innovative ideas and birthed the Industrial Revolution. But it’s also a fascinating journey through human progress too.
- The Manchester Art Gallery for a fancy-pants staircase and hallway, loads of local-boy Lowry, and an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite painters.
- The National Football Museum. Well, this is the home of two Premier League teams!
- If you don’t mind catching a bus out of the city there are also two great museums, The Lowry and The Imperial War Museum, plus the Coronation Street Experience, all just 15 minutes away on the Red Line.
Go Shopping
From high-end fashion to quirky independent boutiques, Manchester is a shoppers paradise. The famous Trafford Centre is only a 30 minute tram ride from the centre if you like your shops, restaurants and entertainment all under one roof. But it seems a shame to miss out on the dynamic vibe and authentic shopping experience of Manchester city centre where you have the big names interspersed with local stores and a plethora of amazing cafe’s for pit-stops.
You’ll find everything you need between Market Street, King Street and St Ann’s Square but it’s worth searching out some of the old fashioned Arcades too, even if it is just for a glance through time to an age where shopping was decadent. Check out the Royal Exchange Arcade and Barton Arcade.
Visit Manchester Cathedral
This Gothic marvel has stood since 1421 and needs to go on your Manchester itinerary. It has so many impressive features, from its beautiful stained glass windows and embellished wood and stone carvings to its dramatic vaulted ceilings and ancient fossils in the floors.
We always love a good nosy around an old church but this one has you questioning gravity, architectural skills and human ambition. Definitely worth some of your time when visiting Manchester.
Wander Around The Medieval Quarter
So you’ve seen the cathedral and pondered over yesteryear, step outside and transport yourself back to medieval life in Manchester. It’s probably the oldest part of existing Manchester and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Officially the Medieval Quarter stretches as far as the National Football Museum, but stick close to the cathedral and you’re surrounded by cobbled pavements, wonky buildings and Tudor glamour.
Opposite the Football Museum is Chetham’s Library – the oldest surviving public library in the whole of the UK, dating back to 1421. You can still visit it today and check out some extremely rare books and manuscripts.
Then, on Shambles Square there’s the beautifully preserved Sinclair Building (now an Oyster Bar) and also the Old Wellington Inn. This is a particularly interesting sight to see since it started life around the corner where the Arndale Centre now stands. Piece by piece and bit by bit the whole building was relocated to this Medieval Square and somehow manages to appear like it has always been there!
On a sunny day this is a great place to hang out, where the pubs spill out onto pavements and the terraces are filled with happy punters. Sipping on an Aperol outdoors here, with the buzz of Summer, is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Manchester when the sun shines!
Tour Old Trafford
Synonymous with football, many people visit Manchester for a trip to the world famous football stadium, Old Trafford. And I have it on good authority that even long-suffering football wives enjoy this Manchester attraction!
Tour the club, the locker rooms and even the hallowed turf itself. Learn about Manchester’s contribution to the beautiful game and gain an appreciation for this legendary club regardless of whether you’re a die-hard fan or not.
Have A Wander Through Manchester’s China Town
China Town in Manchester is the 2nd largest china town in the UK and offers some of the best cuisine in the city. Start at the eye-catching red and gold Paifang Arch, symbolising fortune and prosperity, and continue around the block of streets that are full of authentic restaurants, traditional Chinese herbal shops and tea-houses.
China Town is a really cool place to visit in Manchester for sure.
Experience Manchester’s Nightlife
A lot of people come for the nightlife on a weekend away in Manchester, it’s perfect for a hen or stag do as there are so many bars and clubs to visit. And seeing as the emphasis is on style and design wherever you go in Manchester, you can imagine there are loads of funky places to drink. Here are a few of our favourites, plus a few extra’s recommended to us by a local influencer and friend…
- Port Street Beer House – concrete floors and rough interiors but deemed Manchester’s best bar over and over by proper locals and especially those who love craft. Unpretentious and friendly where Northern banter comes as standard.
- Washhouse – what can I say, I’m a sucker for a hidden bar. Especially one with a bathroom disco! And when a place has a ‘No booking, no entry’ policy I’m even more game. And despite the cocktails being on the pricier side, it’s all about the experience in my opinion. Their cocktail maestro’s are invested and chatty and you feel like you’ve somehow gained access to an exclusive private party.
- 7Sins – Another Northern Quarter gem. Burgers, wings and cocktails with a side of shuffleboard, darts and pool if you’re up for a bit of competition with your beverage.
- Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four – the bar that went viral for its immersive cocktail experience where actors of a story-line conjure up an evening you won’t forget. A fab way to spend a couple of hours in an orange boiler suit sipping cocktails!
- Corbieres Bar – a secluded, low lit haunt with bags of atmosphere and a free pizza with every drink Tuesday – Friday 4 – 7pm. Apparently a cornerstone of the Manchester gig scene for decades and the bars legendary jukebox reflects some of its past players. It’s the kind of place that attracts all ages, has somehow found the perfect ingredient to have survived so long, and makes you feel like you could stay all night.
- Albert’s Schloss – a Bavarian beer hall in a cellar with traditional German hospitality and live music.
Eat You Way Around Manchester City Centre
As well as China Town already mentioned (a plethora of restaurants my Mancunian brother in law regularly pines for) and the Mackie Mayor market hall, Manchester is a foodie’s dream. There are a million brunch spots to choose from, and many with queue’s out of the door, validating their distinction. And loads of eateries where young chefs cut their teeth on discerning customers. We didn’t even have chance to make a dent in my dining directory during our two days in Manchester, but here’s some of the guys who made it on to my list…
(Recommended by family who are from Manchester, & social media shout-outs)
- KITTEN – aesthetic Japanese spot to try the tuna tacos and Wagyu beef.
- Thief Street – for the short beef bonbons.
- Albert’s Schloss – not just a beer hall, the German fare is top notch!
- 20 Stories – you know how we love a view! And the food is quality too.
- Stow – An open kitchen because why wouldn’t you want to show off quality produce and seasonal dishes. High quality and perfect for a special occasion.
- POT KETTLE BLACK – in the beautiful Barton Arcade. One of Manchester’s top brunch spots.
- Salt & Pepper – freshly crisped salt & pepper chicken – proper good fast-food.
- Cane & Grain – A hip New York burger joint over three themed floors with a reputation for its ribs and wings.
- Hello Oriental – A relaxed market-hub with plenty of tables, loads of choice and easy to order from the table. A great place if you’re visiting Manchester with kids, plus there’s table games too.
- El Gato Nero – Or the black cat. A special tapas restaurant split over 3 levels that’s made it onto the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, and for good reason. Surprisingly good value for the quality on offer.
Get Your Entertainment Fix At Printworks
A world of entertainment, Printworks in the centre of Manchester is the in-place for cinema, tenpin, karaoke, treetop golf, 20+ restaurants and much much more. All under one roof, it’s the perfect place to head when the weather’s a bit rubbish, or even if you just want to hang out with friends.
It’s even worth just a walk through to see Europe’s biggest digital ceiling.
Relive The Crystal Maze
Popular 90’s TV show is back! But this time you’re the contestant. If you’re looking for places to visit in Manchester with mates then a few hours at The Crystal Maze has to be explored. 75 minutes of frantic fun, set in 4 adventure zones, is the place where hilarious memories are made and nicknames are formed.
And whilst the entry ticket is a bit pricey at £59, it’s worth every penny and definitely one of the best things to do in Manchester with friends.
So, as you can see, there’s loads of things to see in Manchester and a whole list of places to visit and food joints to try. We think it makes for a great UK weekend break destination and there’s something for everyone.
And, don’t forget our hotel recommendation, The King Street Townhouse Hotel & Spa, for the perfect retreat from a day on your feet!
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If you’re checking out a few UK towns and cities for your next short break, take a look at some of our other posts…
The Prettiest Towns In England That Will Steal Your Heart
20 Awesome Weekend Break Ideas In The UK