Are you planning a visit to Manchester? We’ve got you covered with all the best things to eat, drink, see and do during your stay for that “minimum effort, but maximum fun” sort of trip. We’ve even got recommendations of which hotels you should stay in while you’re there. So, just follow our lead, tick off this bucket list and enjoy your visit.
1. We couldn’t not talk about the football
Tell anyone, anywhere in the world, that you’re from Manchester and they will undoubtedly mention the football. If you’re all about the beautiful game, why not stop by the National Football Museum in the city centre? There, you can geek out on football history, see the 1966 world cup ball and other legendary football relics. Or go behind the scenes with a tour of either City’s or United’s grounds.
Want to stay close to the action? Book a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford and you’ll find yourself sleeping just a hop skip and a jump away from the home of United. It’s also on the doorstep of Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, if cricket’s your sport of choice – you could even get cricket pitch-facing rooms!
2. Try the best pizza outside of Italy
Any Mancunian will tell you that if you want great Neapolitan pizza, you’ve got to pay a visit to Rudy’s in Ancoats. This relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria brings the traditions and artistry of pizza-making from Naples to Manchester and the result is just *chef’s kiss*. And know that while Rudy’s might be taking over the UK, the Ancoats restaurant is the original icon.
3. Honour Manchester’s music heritage with a visit to a record store
Manchester is also known for the impressive array of musical talent it’s churned out over the years. Why not celebrate your Mancunian favourites with a vinyl record you bought in their hometown? Browse the many independent record stores to find your vinyl treasures – the likes of Vinyl Exchange, Eastern Bloc, Piccadilly Records, and Kingbee Records in Chorlton have been bringing the goods for years!
4. Make it a beer-tiful day out
Big on craft beer? You’ll find plenty of good spots for a cold one in Manchester, like Alphabet, Runaway, Track, Seven Brothers and Cloudwater Unit 9 to name a few. You could even book a brewery tour to really see where the magic happens, and sample great beer fresh from the tank!
5. Eat your heart out in Chinatown
Pass through the pagoda into Manchester’s Chinatown and you’ll find an impressive selection of restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets all bringing you a taste of the Far East. Tuck into great dim sum, slurp down some bubble tea or stock up on your favourite snacks from the Chinese supermarket.
6. Sip cocktails in the clouds
Want drinks with a side of panoramic views? Cloud 23 is the high-rise bar that delivers. Choose from their innovative cocktail menu while you take in the stunning Manchester skyline from the floor to ceiling windows. Located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, you can also book a room at the hotel if you’d like to keep this beautiful bar close to home!
7. Soak up some culture at The Lowry
This wonderful waterside theatre in Salford Quays hosts plays, musicals, comedy shows and more to bring you your daily dose of culture. Plus, you can peruse the shopping centre once the show’s over, or book into one of the many restaurants in the area. It’s also worth noting that the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford Stadium are both within walking distance of The Lowry as well, so if your group all have different interests – you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy here!
8. Lose yourself in a breathtaking library
Bookworms will love wandering around Manchester’s Central Library, where you can admire both the stunning architecture and the huge collection of books! Pay a visit to Chetham’s, the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world. Or take in the dramatic, Victorian Gothic ambiance of the John Rylands Library on Deansgate. Seriously, step into this library and it feels like you’re about to walk up the stairs to Dumbledore’s office.
If you’re flying in for your visit (or even just making Manchester a pitstop on your journey abroad) we recommend you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Airport. The hotel is mere minutes from the airport terminals, with convenient transport links into the city and beyond making it the perfect place to set up base for your stay.