Manchester city breaks
Once an industrial powerhouse, now a thriving city of innovation, Manchester is a destination that knows how to let its hair down in a place with a strong music heritage. Forward-thinking museums brush shoulders with independent shops and a lively nightlife scene, while the city’s many charming, redbrick former factory buildings give Manchester a distinctive look and feel. From Factory Records to Old Trafford and Corrie, the city looms large in public consciousness.
Come on feel the buzz
Rivalling London for liveliness, Manchester has bars and clubs, music and museums; but it’s striking distance from the Peak District’s craggy climbs and charming spa towns.
Soak up the vibes of the none-hipper Northern Quarter before enjoying a nightcap at Schofield’s Bar with a cocktail from a menu written by proteges from Claridge’s. Poke around the lively food market Mackie Mayor, one the city’s best. The former meat market has been reimagined and is now bursting with cool street food vendors, craft breweries and wine bars.
While Manchester is a perfectly walkable city, you can always hop on a free bus that shuttles you around its major landmarks. Book your flights to Manchester today and start exploring.
Carefully selected Manchester hotels
Best hotels in Manchester for all types of traveller
INNSiDE by Melia Manchester is an upscale hotel a five-minute walk from Deansgate. Book a treatment in the full-service spa and enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine at Gino D’Acampo Manchester.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester - Piccadilly sits at the heart of Manchester’s buzzing commercial district. Enjoy tasty food and craft beers at the Store Street Exchange Restaurant and Craft Bar and lounge around on the seasonal terrace.
Native Manchester occupies Grade 2-listed building the Ducie Street Warehouse just a five-minute walk from tram stops. Attracting a younger breed of visitor, this funky aparthotel offers modern serviced apartments with a social hub offering all-day dining, a mini-cinema and outdoor terrace.
The Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel resides in a Grade 2-listed building close to the central shopping district with bedrooms showcasing rustic brickwork and beamed ceilings.
Wilde Aparthotels St Peter’s Square Manchester is a modern aparthotel building inspired by the writer Oscar Wilde right next to St Peter's Square tram stop, close to Manchester Art Gallery and Arndale Shopping Centre. It features rainfall showers, high-end appliances and luxuriant mattresses.
Manchester city break FAQs
- The fast-developing area of Ancoats is packed with tempting, prized eateries such as Erst, mana and Rads amid the modern, repurposed architecture of office blocks and apartments. By contrast, stroll along the canal-side quarter of Castlefield with its redbrick buildings, little bridges and weeping willows draping the colourful barges.
- The sooty-red Neo-Gothic extravagances of the cavernous cathedral of books that is the John Rylands Library is well worth a peek. Afterwards you can pause for a moment of reflection at the statue of pioneering mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing in Sackville Gardens – he worked at Manchester University for six years, during which time he was prosecuted for homosexuality.
- Catch a show at the Lowry surrounded by over 300 artworks by the celebrated Mancunian painter and then stop for a drink in the city’s exuberant Gay Village along Canal Street. Call in at MediaCityUK, the main northern outpost of the BBC and where Britian’s longest-running soap opera Coronation Street is made.
- Spinningfields is a neighbourhood just off Deansgate where the city’s slick finance hub brushes up against notable institutions such as John Ryland’s Library and the People’s History Museum. It’s also something of a foodie mecca being home to the likes of 20 Stories, where posh grub and dazzling cocktails are served.
- Arguably Manchester’s most desirable suburb, Didsbury is a leafy neighbourhood with a strong community vibe. It’s home to many great charity shops and the family-friendly Fletcher Moss Park. There’s no shortage of enticing dining options here, with many of its bars and restaurants found on Burton Road, which is served by a convenient tram stop. A monthly Makers’ Market offers everything from home-baked delicacies to art prints and scented candles.
- Altrincham is worth the 20-minute tram ride from the city centre. Its greatest asset is probably its market with an indoor food hall and stalls heaving with arts and crafts. Its home to numerous artisan brunch spots and craft cocktail bars, while other notable attractions include an ice-skating rink and the Everyman cinema where you can watch the latest movies on luxurious sofas.
- A short tram ride from Manchester proper lie the Salford Quays, a feast for lovers of modern architecture, and a mecca for eating, drinking and shopping. Main attractions here include the Lowry for cutting-edge theatre and art and just across the water MediaCityUK, the northern home of the BBC, where you may spot celebrities and presenters having a chinwag in the building’s many bars and cafes. Across the footbridge there’s also the Imperial War Museum North, which throws some light on conflicts from World War I to the present day and their impact.
- Are you looking for a stay that’s close to the Manchester Christmas markets? Check out the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. This four-star hotel offers chic rooms in a very convenient setting for everything, including the airport and main train station. The hotel sits next to Piccadilly Gardens with a tram stop outside, while you can savour panoramic city views from the Brasserie restaurant.
- For cheap hotels in Manchester, consider the Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre. This stylish hotel in Manchester’s buzzing Northern Quarter comes with breakfast included, while you can enjoy dinner at the Glasshouse Restaurant in the neighbouring Crowne Plaza Hotel before retiring with a refreshing drink in the hotel’s cool bar. It ranks highly in any round up of budget hotels in Manchester.
- Planning to visit during Manchester Pride? Maybe the Moxy Manchester City could be for you. Modern and stylish, the dog-friendly Moxy eases you in with a complimentary welcome drink. You can also stock up on snacks and drinks at the 24-hour grab 'n' go station.
- Perhaps you’re looking for a luxury stay in Manchester. The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel could be up your alley. With its clocktower and Victorian facade this hotel makes a bold impression. Luxury touches include premium toiletries, a range of travel amenities and some welcome treats.
- Voco Manchester - City Centre could be the ideal place for a Manchester city break. This hotel radiates charm and charisma, with Canal Street, Sackville Park and the Northern Quarter all on your doorstep. Settle in for an indulgent meal at Runyan’s Restaurant and enjoy a drink on the terrace.
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