Day Out in Manchester, UK: The Ultimate Guide to the City
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With its glittering museums and galleries, booming nightlife and top-notch restaurants, Manchester is fast becoming a must-see city.
Thanks to its history as the world’s first industrial city, it’s also home to some of the country’s most interesting sites.
From the cobbled streets of the Northern Quarter to the impressive Manchester Cathedral, there are plenty of ways to get acquainted with this friendly northern town.
If you’re looking for the top things to do in Manchester when you visit, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
From guided walking tours and outdoor activities to fine dining and underground bars – these are our top recommendations for an insider’s take on Manchester.
Mentioned in the Ultimate Guide To The UK, Manchester is one of my favourite places in the UK, and one of the most fascinating places you can visit in the entire country.
What better way to spend a day than exploring one of the UK’s most vibrant and exciting cities? But with so many places to visit in such a small area, where do you start?
Read on for our ultimate guide to a day out in Manchester. It’s time to pack your bags and plan your trip!
Morning: Art Galleries and Museums
There are tons of cool museums in Manchester city centre for you to explore. I’m going to break down the best museums in Manchester so that you can have a great time exploring Manchester museums and galleries during your trip.
Start at the The Whitworth on Oxford Road, where you’ll find an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and more, with a focus particularly on modern art.
From there, walk up the architecturally stunning Oxford Street. If you turn left down Nelson Street, you will find the Pankhurst Centre, where you can learn about women’s suffrage in Manchester.
If you continue up the street, you will arrive at the Manchester Museum, where you can view historic artefacts from the prehistoric period onwards.
From there, you can continue up Oxford Street until you arrive at the area around Deansgate. Here, you will find the Manchester Art Gallery, holding some iconic paintings, particularly by the Pre-Raphaelites.
You will also find the Science and Industry Museum, which will give an insight into the industrial background of the city. In this area you will also find China Town and St Peters Square, which are certainly worth a look around too.
Afternoon: Food, Shops and Markets
If you love food, Manchester is the place for you. From the ethnic diversity of the city’s restaurants to the traditional northern English fare, the city has something for every palette.
Plus you’re guaranteed to find something unique to try. From the famous “black pudding” to the “cornish pasty”, and the “Scottish baked potato”, you will find food in Manchester from all over the world. You will even find the food of their rivals in the famous “yorkshire pudding”!
If you follow the journey in the last section of this post, you will be in the area of Manchester’s Chinatown. Here, you will have plenty of Chinese eateries to choose from.
Otherwise, it’s a great plan to start off with a visit to the famous Northern Quarter.
This has been the heart of the city centre’s shopping district since the Victorian era and is packed with independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Another great option is to head to the trendy shopping area around the Triangle, where you’ll find everything from quirky boutiques to high-end fashion.
And don’t forget to explore the city’s markets. Start with the world-famous Manchester Arndale Market, which holds over 65 different stalls selling a variety of different products.
Explore Manchester’s Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is definitely one of the trendiest parts of Manchester. Check out all of the cool things to do there in the great video by the vagabrothers.
Evening: Entertainment and Nightlife
If you’re looking for a place to party, you can’t go wrong with Manchester. These are the best Manchester attractions for young adults, especially uni students looking for something fun to do.
Start with a trip to the world-famous Cornerhouse. It’s a contemporary arts venue and one of the city’s most vibrant cultural destinations.
Next, head to the famous Gay Village. This area is home to some of the city’s best bars, clubs and cafes and is a great place to spend the evening.
Being one of the biggest LGBT friendly areas in the UK, it is one of the best places to go in Manchester for those who are members of the community.
If you’re not put off by a bit of a walk, the Northern Quarter is another great area to head to. There are a number of bars, clubs and cafes to choose from.
Manchester is famous for it’s music history, the home of bands such as Oasis and The Smiths. The O2 Ritz and The Albert Hall are big venues that hold concerts for some of the most famous bands in the world.
Alternatively, head to YES or The Deaf Insitute to see some of the best up-and-coming British bands. Manchester is also great for theatre.
The Palace Theatre, Hope Mill Theatre, and the Royal Exchange provide a wide variety of shows to choose from. These theatres can help make for perfect days out in Manchester.
With the city offering a number of evening entertainment options, you will absolutely be able to find something that suits you.
Discover Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral is a Grade I listed Gothic Revival church in the city of Manchester, England and one of the top options when it comes to what to see in Manchester.
It is the seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the diocesan cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manchester. This is a big hub of the Christian events Manchester.
The building is located on Victoria Street. The first church on this site was a 13th-century structure dedicated to St Mary.
Although, there is evidence that there was a religious worship site here as far back as the Anglo-Saxon Period.
It was partially damaged by a bomb during the Second World War, but was repaired and still stands as sturdy as ever.
The interior was designed in the Perpendicular Gothic architecture style, and is a very impressive sight to behold. If you have chance, definitely take some time to explore inside Manchester Cathedral.
Exploring the Cathedral holds treasures, such as a number of tiny angel statues and amazing stained glass windows depicting various stories. The spire contains a peal of ten bells, cast in 1925.
There are several things to see at the cathedral. First, you’ll want to check out the world’s largest stained glass window. It measures 20 metres high and 12 metres wide.
Next, you can climb the tower for sweeping views of Manchester.
Finally, check out the church’s impressive organ, which is one of only three in the world with a full-size pedalboard.
You can also take a self-guided tour of the cathedral grounds to learn more about the Manchester Cathedral history.
There are also public restrooms available on site, and make sure to visit the Manchester Cathedral visitor centre to pick up some moments.
Read more on the Manchester Cathedral website.
Have A Sneak Peak Inside Manchester Cathedral
If you want a sneak peak inside before you go, check out this short video tour of Manchester Cathedral.
Manchester Attractions For Families
For those wanting something appropriate for young children, there are loads of Manchester family attractions for everyone to enjoy. If late night entertainment and sightseeing don’t cut it, here are some more exciting activities to enjoy.
For football fans, a trip to see Manchester United play can make for a super exciting day out, especially for youngsters. Booking a Matchday VIP Experience can make for a perfect experience.
For those who are super serious about football, the National Football Museum is another great place to visit.
The SEA LIFE Manchester is one of the best places to take kids in Manchester. This can be an exciting opportunity to see and interact with the weird and wonderful creatures of the deep sea.
If you’d like to take the kids for some sightseeing without risking tired feet, why not book a Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour when you plan your visit? These bus tours will take you around all the sights of Greater Manchester without you having to lift a finger.
Extra Day: More Things to See and Do
If you have an extra day to explore Manchester, there are so many places to visit and things to do near Manchester.
Why not start with a visit to the Imperial War Museum North? This offers a unique insight into the world of war and is one of the city’s most visited museums.
Another popular museum is the People’s History Museum, which explores and celebrates the people of the past and is one of the most special Manchester tourist attractions.
If you’re interested in art, you won’t want to miss a visit to the stunning Holden Gallery.
It is attached to Manchester’s art school and is free to visit. It showcases the work of the artists of tomorrow and is definitely one to visit if you want to see more art.
This is also one of the best Manchester attractions for couples, as it makes for an amazing date location!
Another fascinating place to visit is Chetham’s library. This is a very old diary which is supposedly the place where Marx and Engels used to meet to work.
I have mentioned this fantastic spot previously in my Dark Academia Visitors Guide, which also contains advice on many other cities you can visit in the UK.
Where To Stay
If you’re planning to turn your visit to Manchester into an extended trip, you’re going to want to book somewhere reliable to stay. That way you can make the most of the things to do around Manchester without having to rush.
Where you choose to stay can make or break a trip and, seeing as I want you to have the best time possible, I thought I’d give you my recommendations.
Here are my top 5 spots to stay in Manchester city centre.
- The Edwardian Manchester – A centrally located hotel, complete with an amazing luxury restaurant.
- Native Manchester – Penthouses in a historic Manchester building linked to the city’s cotton trade.
- Stock Exchange Hotel – A stunning and elegant hotel with a character interior design.
- Leven Manchester – Quirky, unique and modern – and smack bang in the city centre.
- The Cow Hollow Hotel – An up-to-date and trendy boutique hotel. One for all the modern luxuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester a good day out?
Manchester is a great day out! From nightlife to Manchester museums and art galleries, to sightseeing, to family activities, there is tons for anyone to do in this wonderful city.
Where should I go out in Manchester?
The Northern Quarter is definitely one of the top spots to go out in Manchester, with tons of entertainment, clubs, and venues in which to spend time. For the LGBTQ+ readers among us, the Manchester Gay Village is one of the best places in the UK to go out.
What to do in Manchester for adults?
The nightlife is a great option for adults in Manchester. There are also great areas for shopping, as well as wonderful art galleries and museums. For the soap fans among us, the Coronation Street Tour is a fabulous fun day out.
What is the trendy part of Manchester?
The Northern Quarter is definitely the trendiest part of Manchester, with cool clubs, cafes and restaurants galore.
Conclusion
Manchester is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and one of the best places to explore the UK.
It has something for everyone, from culture vultures to food lovers, to fashionistas and more.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your trip and explore this great city!
There are so many places to visit in such a small area, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whether you’d like to explore the city’s fascinating history and industrial past or see the world-famous architecture of its Victorian streets, there’s something for everyone.
Before you go, make sure to check out my Great British Bucket List for more ideas for things to do in the UK.
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Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
