14 Best things to do in Manchester; to have an amazing time in England!
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Are you visiting one of the top cities in the UK and looking for the best things to do in Manchester on your visit? Look no further – this blog post has a list of the best Manchester attractions such as the famous comedy store, Cloud 23 for afternoon tea and of course the Manchester nightlife.
Manchester should be experienced at least once in your lifetime – like York in England. It’s a dynamic vibrant city full of creativity, interesting architecture, award-winning restaurants and home to possibly the most famous football clubs in the world. Just don’t ask your new Mancunian friends if they support United or City!
Let’s look what’s included in this post for you;
- Best things to do in Manchester
- manchester accommodation
- Best restaurants in Manchester
- Final thoughts
Best time to visit Manchester
There’s never a dull moment to visit Manchester. No matter what month you visit it’ll probably rain anyway, yep you guessed it is located in the Northern territory means you’re likely to come across the wet stuff!
It has long been a standing joke that it always rains in Manchester, however if you visit during the summer months you’re more likely to come across some sunshine, so make the most of it, hit up the beer gardens, have a picnic in the park or venture to one of the nearby National Parks.
If you’re a Christmas junkie why not come in November or December and get a taste of the famous Christmas Markets, yes it’ll be cold, but you’ll soon warm up with the help of some hot cider and a Yorkshire pudding wrap!
Best things to do in Manchester
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Enjoy the world-renowned Manchester nightlife
Manchester is often described as an ‘Oasis for party people’ due to its legendary bar scene, lavish restaurants and all together vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking to splash the cash at one of Manchester most luxurious rooftop bars 21 Stories or want to hydrate on 2 for 1 cocktails at Slug and Lettuce, there really is something to suit any occasion and any budget.
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Belly laughs at The Comedy Store
Visit Manchester number one Comedy Store and have an unforgettable evening full of pizza, cocktails and plenty of comedians. Shows run from Thursday to Sunday and fill up quickly, so make sure you get there early to grab the best seat in the house. There are different comedians every week from all over the world.
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Tingle your taste buds at some of Manchester best restaurants
Check out some of the best restaurants in Manchester on your visit!
Mancunians seem to love their food with no end of choices when it comes to eating out in the city centre. With new restaurants, bars, gastropubs, micro breweries and cafes opening weekly, the city is establishing itself as one of the UK’s most exciting foodie destinations. Make sure you pop over to Altrincham market to experience one of the best food markets in the entire country, just be ready to ruin your waist line as you’ll be overwhelmed with choice.
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Breathe some Northern fresh air
Practically every inch of available land in the Manchester city centre has been flogged off to the highest bidder for multi-storey car parks, high rise hotels or swanky flats. When nature calls, you’ve got to get right out of town. Fortunately, the glorious Peak District, Pennine Moors and Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire countryside are within easy reach by car, where you can enjoy some picturesque scenery – just remember to take a brolly! You can even visit the beach, it might not be white sand palm tree paradise, but Blackpool is an experience in its self, plus where else can you buy handfuls of rock candy…
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Hit up a music or comedy gig
Manchester is the place to be if you’re into music, there’s pretty much a gig every night of the week somewhere in the city. Whether it’s small-time artists trying to get their well-earned break, retro bands trying to regain their fame or international pop stars hitting up the big stages such as Etihad Stadium or The MEN, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
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Shop till you drop
Manchester’s is the go to shopping destination for millions of people every year and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for vintage chic, designer boutiques, budget brands or well know high street brands you’ll find it in one of Manchester’s shopping complexes. The most famous being Manchester Arndale – located near Manchester Victoria station, this huge retail complex boasts over 240 shops meaning you could get lost for hours browsing your favourite brands.
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Mini golf and cocktails – what could go wrong?
There are not many places where you can play mini-golf and stop off for a crazy cocktail on route with classic tunes playing all night. Well here in Manchester you can – welcome Junkyard Golf. The Manchester course has three insane 9 hole golf courses, each with a different bizarre theme. It’s a perfect day out with friends or date night for couples or even brill for team building with work colleagues – you’ll be sure to have a crazy time.
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Afternoon tea at Cloud 23
Enjoy panoramic views of the classic Manchester skyline whilst you indulge in a scrumptious afternoon tea and glass of bubbly at Manchester’s tallest building. It’s the perfect place to grab that perfect insta selfie!
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Treat yourself with Spa Day
Are you tired after all that shopping? Why not take a break and relax with an indulgent spa day. Manchester is home to some of the best Spa’s in the country and all within convenient walking distance from the city centre it’s easy to see why it’s on our list of best things to do in Manchester.
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Museum of science and industry
The museum of science and industry is one of the best things to do in Manchester for families – the kids will love it here. You and the kids will get to learn about the industrial revolution and how Manchester was a key player during this time. There’s plenty of cool Manchester history to learn about – which is why you can easily spend hours and hours here. There’s plenty of exhibitions and things to marvel at.
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The Fletcher Moss Botanical gardens
Enjoy cracking scenery and leisurely walks? Then you should visit the Fletcher Moss Botanical gardens in Didsbury. This is another Manchester activity for all the family! However, it won’t be much fun in the height of winter or when it’s raining Manchester. But in summer this is one of the top places to visit. Also, you will get to see the locals playing football etc.
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Check out Castlefield
Want to learn more about Manchester’s glorious history? Then you should take the time to visit what is one of the first human settlements in the area. Manchester’s Castlefield is a great place to stroll around and grab so new Instagram photos of the outdoors. Also, after having a nice walk – you should grab some food at one of the restaurants in Castlefield.
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Visit Heaton Park
The largest municipal (urban) park in Europe, Heaton Park covers over 600 acres and is probably one of the best things to do in Manchester in a sunny day – also a great place to visit with the kids! Let’s look at some of the top things to do at Heaton Park;
- Animal Farm
- Pitch and Putt
- Golf Course
- Tennis Courts
- Observatory
- Playground
- Bowing Green
- And More!
Like I said – this is a great place in summer! Also, it holds big events such as the Parklife music festival every year.
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Eat treats at the Manchester Christmas markets 2019
The Christmas markets in Manchester are one of my favourite time of the year. The stalls there are amazing – and you can certainly eat your own body weight in sweets. Also, there’s delicious hot food such as Germain sausages and hog-roast. It’s worth mentioning the drinks you can there as well. They sell hot mulled wine, lager, liquor coffee and more!
- Dates: November 9 – December 22 (December 23 for Albert Square).
- Opening hours: the Albert Square Market usually runs from 10 am until 9 pm – however, I would leave a little earlier to avoid the crowds.
- Locations: Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square, King Street, Corn Exchange, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St. Ann’s Square, Brazennose Street.
Best places to stay Manchester
There is plenty of hotels in Manchester to choose from for your stay. So, I have picked for you some of the best accommodation in Manchester – or you can check out the Manchester Airbnb list for some more guest room ideas!
So, let’s have a look at some of the best places to stay in Manchester;
- Hotel Indigo Manchester – Situated next to Manchester Victoria station, Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station Station offers accommodation in Manchester. Located 0.9 miles from Manchester Arena, the property is also 1.5 miles from Manchester Central and 1.6 miles from Canal Street. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle and a desk. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with bathrobes, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The top rooms here.
- Crowne Plaza – Crowne Plaza – Manchester – Oxford Road is located in Manchester in the Greater Manchester region, 350 yards from the University of Manchester. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The property is close to popular attractions like The Palace Theatre, Manchester Apollo and Bridgewater Hall. At the hotel, each room has a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, all units at Crowne Plaza Manchester Oxford have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms come with a seating area. Guest rooms have a wardrobe. Check out the amazing rooms here!
- Hotel Gotham – Located in the centre of , Hotel Gotham is a 3-minute walk from Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre. It offers a and free WiFi.Serviced by a lift, all rooms and suites are air-conditioned and feature a telephone, a flat-screen TV and facilities for making coffee and tea. The bathroom is complete with free toiletries, slippers and a bath or . A hairdryer and bathrobes are also provided. See the stunning rooms here.
Best places to eat Manchester
- MyLahore
Described as pioneers in the British Asian food scene, MyLahore never seems to disappoint! The food is always extremely tasty and is served super fresh and superfast! The customer service is amazing and the atmosphere is perfect for any sort of event. I’d definitely recommend the chicken parmesan with sweet chilli chips!
- Red’s True BBQ
This is the perfect hangover place. Meaty steaks, mouth-watering ribs, loaded chips and much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. They also serve several craft beers and quirky cocktails and mixed with a great ambience and attentive staff, this American lovers restaurant is not to be missed on a trip to Manchester.
- Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill
If you’re a meat-lover then this is the perfect place for you. Fazenda is a Brazilian meat restaurant that serves juicy unlimited meats for a one-off price. A team of friendly serves walk around the restaurant cutting an array of cooked meats to your plate. There’s also free salads and side dishes table to accompany your meal, making it the perfect combo – just make sure you leave enough room for your meat! First-timers to this restaurant get a little over-excited about the tasty salad bar and stock up before the main delicacy arrives.
Final Thoughts
Well – I hope you’ve enjoyed the best things to do in Manchester blog post!
Manchester is my home city and I would never turn a trip into one of the best cities in England – for a few cocktails, a little shopping and a laugh at the comedy store in Deansgate!