Manchester travel guide

About halfway between London and Edinburgh lies Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and a modern city of inclusivity, invention and sheer inspiration. There is so much to see and do in this city, spanning the arts, sport, nightlife, canal cruises, walking tours and wine bars. Line your trip up with a festival or football game, book tickets to the theatre, or perhaps reserve a table for two at one of Manchester’s best restaurants. Whatever you do, you’ll be in good company. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Manchester travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this exciting English city. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Manchester, getting around and more.

Where to stay

The beautiful thing about choosing where to stay in Manchester is that wherever you pick you’ll remain close to the top attractions. The city is nicely compact. The real question is budget and style when deciding on places to stay in Manchester. The closer you are to the city centre, the pricier the hotels. However, you won’t need to worry about the cost of transport. If socialising is top of your holiday to-do list then look no further than Deansgate or Castlefield. Check along the Metrolink lines too, and you’ll find quaint areas like Salford Quays just a short trip away.

Things to do

With so many things to do in Manchester, some pre-holiday prep is essential. In the heart of the city you’ll find weekly Manchester markets and historical sites like Manchester Town Hall. Make the most of the Metrolink tram and train lines and even more attractions will open up to you: excellent parks, gardens and shopping destinations around Greater Manchester are only a short trip away.

Travel tips

Although there are many similarities between Australia and the UK, there are a few Manchester travel tips worth remembering. For example, did you know that Manchester has an efficient tram system? The Metrolink is a speedy way to get around and there’s a great train network as well. Use these and Greater Manchester will open up to you. ...

Getting Around

The Manchester transport network is efficient, modern, and expansive. Trams, buses and trains will get you from A to B in the city centre, or take you further afield to markets and parks in Greater Manchester. ...

Where to eat

Explore the eclectic Manchester food and drink scene and you’ll experience tastes and flavours from around the world. Traditional Manchester pubs in Castlefield and the city centre serve locally brewed beer alongside British favourites and a ‘proper roast’ on Sundays. ...

Shopping

If no holiday is complete without some retail therapy, then the Manchester shopping scene won’t disappoint. Large Manchester shopping centres, like the Old Trafford, puts the UK’s most popular high-street stores, designer wares and restaurants all under one roof. You really could spend a whole day in this modern complex....

Best time to travel

When picking the best time to travel to Manchester consider what you’d like to do during your holiday. If getting outdoors to parks like Wythenshawe or Platt Fields is important, visit during the summer months. Should your holiday itinerary largely consist of exploring the city’s historic side, then autumn and winter are the ideal time to explore indoor attractions like the National Football Museum and the John Rylands Library. ...

Parks

Although considered a very urban, industrial city, it’s pleasing to know that there’s a plethora of Manchester parks to escape to. When in the city, take a 10-minute sightseeing break in the centrally located Piccadilly Gardens. For a greener day, explore the many British woodlands in Wythenshawe Park. Many green spaces have marked-out paths and walkways too. As well as keeping you active on your holiday, they’re a great way to see the historical sites and buildings within the grounds. From tramway museums to community lakes and heritage buildings, each location has its own story to tell.