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Planning to spend a weekend in Manchester soon? Check out my two day Manchester itinerary – all my favourite spots as a local!
Manchester is one of my favourite cities in the world. The beautiful industrial buildings, the creative scene, the friendly people, and the real feeling of community are unmatched by any other place. Manchester was voted one of the best cities to live in the UK, and I (having been living here since 2014) couldn’t agree more.
Manchester stole my heart when I first visited it back in 2014 for a six-week language course. A few months later, I officially moved there to study English and Creative Writing. Even though I graduated in 2018, Manchester had become my home, and I couldn’t imagine leaving.
In the seven years I’ve made Manchester my home, I think I’ve got a pretty good idea of what the best spots are – including the best places to eat, drink, shop, and visit on a day trip. I’ve been showing friends and family around for years, so it’s about time I share my experience on here ;).
NOTE: While Manchester is big on football, please note that this itinerary doesn’t focus on any football activities. But you can always add a trip to the Football museum and Old Trafford into the mix.
Let’s take a look at my ideal Manchester itinerary!
Day 1 = Red Day 2 = Yellow Hotel Recommendations = Blue
How To Spend A Weekend In Manchester
Day 1 In Manchester
On the first of two days in Manchester, we’re going to walk through the city centre and explore my favourite area: The Northern Quarter. We start our day at the Town Hall.
Manchester Town Hall & Central Library
One of my favourite things about Manchester is its architecture. There are tons of stunning industrial-style buildings all across the city, and they give the city so much character. The Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Manchester, and it should definitely be on your itinerary.
Next to the Town Hall, you can find the Central Library. Another gorgeous piece of architecture. It’s used as one of the libraries for the University of Manchester and as the main public library of the city. You can enter for free and have a walk around – it’s quite impressive!
Manchester Art Gallery
Afterwards, head over to the Manchester Art Gallery. It is, like most galleries and museums in Manchester, completely free to visit. There are over 25,000 pieces inside, along with changing exhibitions. You can easily spend hours here!
Chinatown
Manchester’s Chinatown is the third-largest in Europe. And since it’s close to the Art Gallery, I recommend walking through it on your way to the Northern Quarter. The beautiful arch is one of my favourite parts of Chinatown, but there are also a ton of great restaurants and shops.
Coffee Break In The Northern Quarter
In the afternoon, it’s time to visit my favourite part of Manchester: the Northern Quarter (NQ). This trendy part of Manchester is filled with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and music venues. The Northern Quarter overflows with creativity, and I think it captures Manchester’s spirit perfectly.
Before diving into the NQ, stop for a quick caffeine fix at one of the best coffee shops in Manchester. Mancunians like their coffee, and there is no shortage of independent cafes. Ezra&Gil, Foundation Coffee, and Idle Hands are one of my favourites.
Shopping In NQ
One of the best thing about the Northern Quarter is its independent shops. While I love visiting cities, it’s always a shame to see the same shops everywhere (H&M, Zara, Urban Outfitters…). And while Manchester does have the regular high-street names, the Northern Quarter is filled with local businesses selling the most remarkable things!
If you’re not the shopping type, I do urge you to stop by Afflecks Palace. This building is filled with independent vendors, and every room has a different shop. From vinyl and vintage clothes to handmade soaps and art – it has everything!
Dinner At Mackie Mayor
There are some great restaurants in the Northern Quarter, but I recommend checking out Mackie Mayor. This renovated market building from the 1800’s houses a variety of food vendors – it has something for everybody. The cool interior adds to the atmosphere, and the food is excellent! Afterwards, hop back over to the NQ for a drink – there’s a ton of great bars there.
Day 2 In Manchester
On our second and last day, we’re visiting a few more highlights, including the Science and Industry Museum, John Rylands Library, and the Manchester Cathedral. We end our weekend in Manchester with some drinks while overlooking the city from above.
Science & Industry Museum
Manchester has many great museums that you can visit, but the best one has to be the Science and Industry Museum. Manchester is an industrial city, and you see that from its buildings. And you can learn more about it in this free museum. It greatly focuses on Manchester’s heritage and the cotton industry – a perfect place to start your second day in Manchester.
John Rylands Library
Walking up Deansgate, make sure to stop by John Rylands Library. This late-Victorian neo-Gothic building is one of Manchester’s primes. It’s free to visit, and the reading room is stunning. It almost feels like Hogwarts when walking through the halls.
Barton Arcade
Deansgate is filled with shops and restaurants, but one spot to check out before heading to Manchester’s Cathedral is the Barton Arcade. This Victorian shopping arcade is made out of iron and glass, creating a fantastic photo opportunity. Inside, you can find some independent shops and offices. If you’re ready for a quick cup of coffee, make sure to go inside and visit Pot Kettle Back – a great lunchroom and coffee shop.
Manchester’s Cathedral is over 600 years old and still in a great state. There are many events hosted in the Cathedral, and the surrounding area is lovely. You can visit it for free, but donations are welcome.
If you’re ready for a pint, stop by Sinclair’s Oyster Bar. It’s located near the Cathedral in a beautiful Tudor building and has some great outdoor seating.
Castlefield
Walking back down Deansgate, you’ll arrive in an area called Castlefield. Here, you can find the canals, old mills, and the ancient Roman fort. I love going for a walk down the canals in Castlefield, but I also highly recommend checking out the Roman ruins. It’s a lovely area with some great bars and restaurants, too.
Drinks At Cloud 23 or 20 Stories
What better way to end your weekend in Manchester with a drink and a view? Two fantastic bars give you an amazing panoramic view in one of Manchester’s sky bars: Cloud23 or 20 Stories. Cloud23 is located in one of Manchester’s famous landmarks, the Beetham Tower. It’s also home to the Hilton Hotel, and the sky bar sits on the 23rd floor. It’s pretty close to Castlefield, too.
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Where To Stay In Manchester
When visiting Manchester for the first time, there are a few areas I recommend staying in. Near Oxford Road Station or Piccadilly Station are the overall best locations. If you’re looking for a more quirky area, check out the Northern Quarter or Ancoats. If you don’t want to browse through hotels yourself, here are my favourites:
King Street Townhouse (4*): By far the best hotel in Manchester. Located on King Street, with views on the Town Hall from its infinity pool (yes, there is an infinity pool in the middle of Manchester!), it’s hard to beat. The rooms are stunning and comfortable. The hotel comes with a restaurant and bar, with a gorgeous view from the rooftop terrace.
Holiday Inn Express Manchester (3*): This is one of the hotels my parents have stayed in while visiting me, and it’s one I highly recommend. The hotel sits in the middle of the city, near Oxford Road train station and the universities, it has big and comfortable beds, and gives you great value for your cash.
EasyHotel Northern Quarter: If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Manchester, the EasyHotel is your best choice. Located in the Northern Quarter, close to Piccadilly Station, this hotel gives you all the necessities at an affordable price. Perfect for a weekend in Manchester.
Having proudly lived in Manchester for seven years, I definitely know my way around the city. So to make your trip a little bit easier, here is some additional information to make your stay even better.
Best Times To Visit Manchester
To be honest, there’s no bad time to visit Manchester. The city has something to offer in any season. But unless you’re visiting for a football match, I’d avoid days when there is a United or City game on. The city centre gets very crowded, and hotel prices skyrocket!
Obviously, Manchester (aka rain city) is known for its not-so-wonderful weather. Therefore, it’s best to visit between May and September. August should be your pick if you want to join the Gay Pride. But November and December are great picks if you want to visit Manchester’s Christmas Market, one of the best in the UK.
How To Get To Manchester
By plane: Manchester is home to one of the largest airports in the UK, only eight miles from the city centre. From the airport, you can choose between taking the bus, tram, train, or taxi. I’d recommend taking the train because the trains run often and take you right to Piccadilly Station.
By train: Since Manchester is the transport hub of the north of England, getting there by train is very easy. There are three train stations in the city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria. You can take the train from any city in the UK and get to Manchester within a few hours. From London, it takes around two and a half hours.
By bus: If you’re looking for a budget option to reach Manchester, you can opt for the coach. There are tons of busses that come from almost any city in the UK that can bring you to Manchester for a very affordable price. Do keep in mind that these bus trips take much longer than the train.
By car: Alternatively, you can drive to Manchester. It’s important to note that there isn’t much space to park inside the city centre, however. If you decide to drive, check if your hotel has parking spaces available (some do!). If they don’t, I recommend the car park on Sheffield Street. It’s a cheap parking spot behind Picadilly Station that I always use when I drive into the city centre – but don’t leave any valuables inside because it’s not guarded.
How To Get Around Manchester
Manchester’s city centre is reasonably small and it’s very easy to get around on foot. Especially if you’re only spending a weekend in Manchester, walking is your best bet.
Alternatively, you can use the busses. While most will charge you, there are a few free busses that will take you around the city. If you want to visit more than just the city centre, like Salford or Altrincham, you can take the trams.
Day Trips From Manchester
While Manchester’s a fantastic city to visit, the north of England has a lot more to offer. Since Manchester is the transport hub in the north, it’s super easy to catch a train to nearby cities. If you have enough time to fit in a few day trips, I recommend the following:
Liverpool – Liverpool is only a short train ride away from Manchester. Known for being the hometown of the Beatles, its football team, and the lively docks, Liverpool makes for a great day trip. You can find some of the best things to do in my Liverpool itinerary.
Knutsford – Knutsford is a beautiful historic town that makes for a lovely little day trip from Manchester. It takes around 45 minutes to get there. Apart from the town centre, you can also walk through Tatton Park – one of England’s most complete historic estates, covering over 50 acres.
Sheffield – You can get to Sheffield in under an hour by train from Manchester. The route is very scenic, as it takes you through the Peak District. There are a ton of things to do in Sheffield, including the Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallery, the Botanical Gardens, and much more.
Hebden Bridge – Only a short drive north of Manchester, you can find Hebden Bridge. With a myriad of hiking paths, independent shops and gorgeous architecture, this village is a great day trip from Manchester.
Sheffield
Liverpool
Conclusion – Spending A Weekend In Manchester
That concludes my guide on how to spend a weekend in Manchester, my lovely home. I really hope it helps you plan your own trip, so you can enjoy Manchester as much as I do. If you have any questions or spots that I missed to include, please let me know in the comments!
FAQ
What can you do for free in Manchester?
Visiting Manchester doesn’t have to be expensive, cause there are a ton of free things to do in the city. One of the best free sights is John Rylands Library. But there are also tons of free museums and art galleries in the city, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the People’s History Museum, and the Manchester Art Gallery. Alternatively, you can stroll around Castlefield for free, or visit the Cathedral.
Is Manchester England worth visiting?
Manchester is 100% worth visiting. It’s one of the best cities in the UK for a quick UK city break. Manchester has something for everybody – with great restaurants, bars, a fantastic creative scene, tons of independent shops, free museums, and beautiful architecture. You’ll most definitely want to return after your first visit!
How many days do you need in Manchester UK?
Two or three days is enough to see the main highlights of Manchester’s city centre. If you want to include other areas of Manchester like Salford, Trafford, and Altrincham, you may want to add a couple of extra days to your trip. If you’re wondering how best to spend a weekend in Manchester, check out the itinerary above.
4 thoughts on “Weekend In Manchester: Itinerary For First Time Visitors”
I’ve never been to Manchester! Looks like a great destination for a relaxed city trip. Will save your tips for whenever I’ll get the chance to travel Europe again!
Thanks for the info. Planning a visit early Jun’23. Grandma grew up in Manchester late 1800’s so curious to see the city. Does the city have a Hop On/Off Bus? Besides the train for day trips are there day tours to provide insight into the countryside you would recommend.
Hi Anne! What an awesome reason to visit the city! Manchester doesn’t have a Hop On/Off bus but the city centre is not too big so it’s easy to get around by foot or by using the trams. Going to the countryside can be done by train or by renting a car, I personally haven’t used any tour companies so I wouldn’t know which ones to recommend.
I’ve never been to Manchester! Looks like a great destination for a relaxed city trip. Will save your tips for whenever I’ll get the chance to travel Europe again!
It’s definitely worth a visit! So many lovely places, and much cheaper than London 😉
Thanks for the info. Planning a visit early Jun’23. Grandma grew up in Manchester late 1800’s so curious to see the city. Does the city have a Hop On/Off Bus? Besides the train for day trips are there day tours to provide insight into the countryside you would recommend.
Hi Anne! What an awesome reason to visit the city! Manchester doesn’t have a Hop On/Off bus but the city centre is not too big so it’s easy to get around by foot or by using the trams. Going to the countryside can be done by train or by renting a car, I personally haven’t used any tour companies so I wouldn’t know which ones to recommend.