If you’re looking for a city break that offers culture, history, and plenty of things to do, look no further than Manchester. Situated in the northwest of England, Manchester is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to get to no matter where you are in the UK. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about planning a trip to Manchester, from accommodation and transport to what to see and do while you’re there.
1) Choose your dates and book your accommodation
When it comes to planning a trip, one of the first things you need to decide when you want to go is that Manchester is a great city to visit at any time of year. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit in spring or autumn. Once you’ve decided on your dates, it’s time to start thinking about where you will stay. Manchester has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from CitySuites Manchester aparthotel to more affordable options.
If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are a great option, and there are plenty of these located in the city centre. For those looking for something a bit more comfortable, there are also several hotels and Airbnbs to choose from. Once you’ve found somewhere to stay, book in advance to avoid disappointment.
2) Decide how you’re going to get there
The next step is to start planning your journey to Manchester. If you’re coming from within the UK, the easiest way to get there is by train. Manchester has two main train stations — Piccadilly and Victoria — both located in the city centre and well connected to the rest of the country. If you’re coming from further afield, you can fly into Manchester Airport, situated just outside the city.
There are also a number of bus and coach services that operate to and from Manchester, so if you’re looking for a more affordable option, this could be the way to go. Whichever method of transport you choose, be sure to check timetables and book your tickets in advance to get the best deals.
3) Choose what you want to see and do
Once you’ve sorted your accommodation and transport, it’s time to start planning what you will do while you’re in Manchester. This will, of course, depend on your interests, but there are plenty of options to choose from regardless of what you’re into. Manchester is the perfect place to visit with its rich musical history and abundance of live music venues if you’re a fan of music. For those interested in art and culture, the city is home to a number of museums and art galleries and a lively theatre scene.
Of course, no trip to Manchester would be complete without spending some time exploring the famous Northern Quarter. This vibrant area is filled with independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants and is the perfect place to spend a day or two if you’re looking for something a bit different.
4) Determine your budget before you leave
Once you’ve decided what you want to see and do while you’re in Manchester, it’s time to start thinking about how much money you’ll need. This will, of course, depend on your accommodation, transport, and activity choices, but consider budgeting for around £50 per day if you’re planning on doing a lot while you’re there.
If you’re looking to save some money, several free activities are worth checking out. These include visiting one of Manchester’s many parks or spending some time walking around the city centre to take in the sights.
5) Start packing and get excited about your trip!
Now that you’ve planned everything out, it’s time to start packing for your trip. Pack clothes for all weather conditions, as Manchester can be unpredictable at times. It’s also recommended to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while you’re there. And don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture all your memories of this amazing city!
Now that everything is sorted, all that’s left to do is sit back and count down the days until your trip. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you a wonderful time in Manchester!
