Manchester is a melting pot of eclectic and trendy places and spaces, with a walkable downtown and architecture that will have you pulling out your phone every few blocks to snap photos. Our favorite part of visiting this up-and-coming city was hitting spots that the locals love (and trying some amazing food!). If you’re looking for a vibrant bar scene, you’ll definitely find it here. Manchester is a short 2-hour train ride from London, which makes it the perfect weekend getaway if you’re craving some variety in your visit to the UK. You’ll get the best taste of this city by staying in the downtown area, so you’re just a short walk away from some of the must-see spots in our 24-hour guide to Manchester…
9:00am — Soak it all in
Some of the best architecture and interior design can be found inside Manchester’s hotels. We stayed at King Street Townhouse hotel and started our morning with a dip in their rooftop pool, followed by breakfast in the lobby. There’s no better way to wake up than with views like this!
Floating above the rooftops at King Street Townhouse hotel.
Arguably the best view of Manchester’s town hall.
10:00am — Coffee and a pastry
Enjoy a casual wake-up call at one of Manchester’s many photogenic coffee shops. Favorites include Evelyn’s Cafe Bar, The Refuge (located inside the beautiful Principal Manchester hotel), Fig & Sparrow, and Federal Cafe Bar. Get ready to swoon – the interiors of these cafes belong on your Pinterest board.
The interior of Evelyn’s Cafe Bar.
11:00am – Check out the street art scene
Street art is a big part of Manchester’s culture. I recommend taking your own walking tour around the city, starting from the intersection of Oldham and Ring Road. We created this map featuring some of Manchester’s best street art spots, so you can explore at your own pace.
One of the many murals in Manchester’s downtown area.
Street art in downtown Manchester.
12:00pm – Walk down King Street
Make your way towards King Street. This beloved walking street is home to unique and historic buildings. Don’t miss Boodles (a renowned jewelry store worth stopping by for the façade alone), the Barton Arcade (a Victorian-inspired shopping and dining arcade), and The Old Wellington (Manchester’s oldest building, a pub with outside tables that are jam-packed on a sunny day).
An old-school barber shop inside Barton Arcade.
Boodles jewelry store in downtown Manchester.
The façade of The Old Wellington, Manchester’s oldest building.
12:30pm – Lunch
The people of Manchester know how to eat. Depending on your mood, opt for a sit-down lunch in the city center (I recommend The Patron). Or, create your own food tour by hitting up some of Manchester’s most-loved food spots: grilled cheese sandwiches at Northern Soul MCR, Spanish tapas at El Gato Negro, and a slice of pizza at Crazy Pedro’s. Finish it off with some homemade ice cream at Ginger’s Comfort, located inside a one-of-a-kind indoor market with thrift shops.
Grilled cheese sandwiches at Northern Soul MCR.
2:30pm – Visit John Ryland’s Library
After lunch, meander through John Ryland’s Library. It’s a stunning space with Victorian Gothic architecture, with rooms that look like they belong in Harry Potter.
4:00pm – Art galleries and museums
Visit one of Manchester’s many art galleries and museums. We loved the Museum of Science and Industry, which happened to have a display of robots from around the world when we visited! Other top museums include The Whitworth, Manchester Museum, and People’s History Museum.
Checking out the local bookstore in Manchester.
7:00pm – Mackie Mayor Food Hall
For a casual dinner, Mackie Mayor is the perfect spot. The building was previously home to a meat market and dates back to 1857. It was recently restored and now contains food stalls serving everything from fish tacos to homemade pasta, bbq, and more. Grab a drink, peruse your options, and snag a table early because it fills up quick! If you’re looking for more of a sit-down dinner, don’t miss Wood Manchester.
Mackie Mayor in Manchester, one of the best food halls we’ve been to.
8:30pm – Drinks at Albert’s Schloss
We loved the retro, ski-lodge bar vibes at Albert’s Schloss. Whether you’re with a date or a group, you’re bound to enjoy yourself at this open-space bar with nightly entertainment. Don’t miss hitting up the downstairs photo booth at some point in the evening!
Other Activities
- Bongo’s Bingo – we missed this off-the-wall Bingo Night that is half rave, half “bingo on steroids”. You’ve never seen a party like this! Check the event calendar and buy tickets early if you plan on going. We heard someone walked away with a Mercedes at the last bingo night…
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Dog Bowl – bowl your heart out at Black Dog Ballroom’s Dog Bowl. The space has drinks and food too, so you can take all the time you need to improve that bowling arm.
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Shows at the Royal Exchange – catch the latest performance at the Royal Exchange. Visit the schedule to see what’s showing during your visit.
Manchester is very walkable. Or for an affordable alternative, use Uber in downtown Manchester. On average, our rides within the city center were 2-3 pounds.
Exploring more of England? Don’t miss our 24 Hour Guide to London!
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Kim Says
Thank you for these amazing tips! We are planning a multi-country trip in 2021 and Manchester is one of our stops! I’m hoping that we will be able to catch a Manchester United match while we are there!
Selena Says
Post authorSounds like an adventure 😉 you definitely should, Jacob has taken me over the years and there’s nothing like watching the fans there too!
Mohd Afsar Says
Very nice and beautiful all picks I like it your country all picks
Selena Says
Post authorThank you Mohd! xx
Aliya Says
Hey,
I am in love with your photography!! I am about to leave to work in London, and I want to make sure my photographs live up to how beautiful it really is. I was wondering what you use to edit your photos, what filters you use?
Amazing Blog!!
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Aliya! They’re all edited with our presets (photo filters). You can purchase them for desktop or mobile here: https://finduslost.com/shop
Matt Says
If you ever go back, whether you’re soccer fans or not, it’s definitely worth seeing a Manchester United game. The atmosphere is incredible and gives a great insight to England sports culture
Selena Says
Post authorJacob is an Arsenal fan…but I agree we should see a Manchester game (HA!). 😉
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Joanne | Travel Visa UK Says
I am sure Manchester is of the best place in England you don’t want to miss. Great post, I really enjoy reading it. Thank you for sharing.
Selena Says
Post authorSo glad you enjoyed it! xx
Ava Says
I liked the Manchester art gallery, we went to see an exhibition of the work of Annie Swynnerton, a woman who is remarkable for the quality of her work and her political ideas. Well worth a visit. Also a great exhibition of Pre-Raphaelites with acute feminist perspectives on their work as a whole.
Selena Says
Post authorThat’s a great rec! We loved the art scene in Manchester. On our list for next time now 😉
Rost @ Migration Expert United Kingdom Says
What an amazing place to take a break. I definitely add this to my itinerary when I travel to England.
Selena Says
Post authorEnjoy the culture + foodie spots! It’s such a fun city.
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Katie // awaywithkatie Says
I love reading posts on Manchester because I always discover something new. I live half an hour away and haven’t been to most of these places! That hotel pool looks amazing.
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Katie! So glad I could introduce some new places to you — I’d go back to Manchester in a heartbeat, such a fun trip! xx
Dani Says
That’s it. You’ve inspired me to visit Manchester. I moved to England about six months ago, and it’s crazy how easy it is not to take up opportunities to travel within the country as soon as you’re established there.
What is your favourite city to explore in England?
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Selena Says
Post authorAgreed! I think I’ve seen more of the Netherlands before living here than I do now. Manchester is a great city to spend a weekend in.
Hmm…it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I’m dying to go to the Cotswolds next time we visit!
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Sarah Engelland Says
We just went to Manchester on our UK trip and had such a lovely time! We only made it to Albert’s Schloss that correlates to your list, and now reading this, I feel like we have to go back!
Selena Says
Post authorI feel the same way after missing Bongo’s Bingo.. 😉 Glad you had a great time there!
Michael @ Mile in My Glasses Says
This was such a great guide! I live about 50 minutes outside of Manchester, and haven’t heard of most of these places! I’ll definitely have to check them out!
Happy Wednesday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Michael! You definitely need to check them out now. 😉