Manchester
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Logistics
Getting There
Manchester is the third largest city in England, behind London and Birmingham. The city has its own airport with flights from mainland Europe and also flights from the United States. If already in England, trains can easily be taken to Manchester. From London, one can catch a train from Euston station direct to Manchester that takes about 2 hours. The train station in Manchester Piccadilly. These trains run about every 30 minutes and are very convenient. You can buy tickets right before the journey or in advance. The costs will be much cheaper if purchased in advance.
Getting Around
If you do not mind walking, Manchester can largely be covered on foot. However, some areas are further apart as it is a medium sized city. For those that do not enjoy walking as much, there is an easy tram system that can take you to different areas throughout the city.
Accommodations
Manchester AC Hotel by Marriott Manchester City Centre is a nice and modern hotel. There are a variety of restaurants and bars nearby, making it an easy home base location. The rooms are decent sized and the hotel has a small gym for guests to use.
Things to do and see
Football Game
Manchester AC Hotel by Marriott Manchester City Centre is a nice and modern hotel. There are a variety of restaurants and bars nearby, making it an easy home base location. The rooms are decent sized and the hotel has a small gym for guests to use.
Manchester Central
Church located on Victoria Street in the city center
Day trip to Todmorden and Hebden Bridge
Catch the train from from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, getting off at Todmorden. From the train station in Todmorden, find the walking path towards Hebden Bridge and take a nice ~2 hour stroll along the canal to Hebden Bridge. It is a nice and peaceful walk, and leaves you in a cute town to grab a coffee or bite to eat.
Makers Market
Check out the Makers Market for crafts, snacks and treats, and other local goods for sale. It can be found in the Northern Quarter on the second Sunday each month.
Albert Square
Large central square where the city hall is located
John Ryland’s Library
Known for the collection of books and the beautiful architecture. This library is said to one of the most beautiful in the world.
Food and Drinks
Mackie Mayor
Food hall
This food hall has a variety of options, from tacos to barbecue to Thai to steak. You pick a table or bar area to sit at on one of two floors and grab the seat number associated with the table. Then take your pick of what food and drinks you want, and the food will be brought to your seat. The ambiance is nice and serves a variety of tastes if with a group in the mood for different food.
Escape Freight Island
Marke
Big, open-aire food hall with lots of different areas to sit and food and drink vendors. It can be a great spot for a group to have dinner or just grab a drink.
Salvi’s
Dinner
Great Italian restaurant with quality food and friendly staff
Bundobust
Dinner
Restaurant for good Indian street food and craft beer. It is a great spot to share a lot of different dishes.
Evelyns
Brunch
Awesome brunch pick with a variety of food options. They have some unique breakfast drinks, one of my favorites being a peanut butter cappuccino. The menu has some great healthy and wholesome options and also some cheat day / splurge options. The atmosphere inside is nice with plants around the front and decor throughout the seating area.
Foodwell
Brunch
Another great brunch spot, located closer to the the canals. This restaurant is a healthy food spot by day, and turns into a bar / club at night. The decor throughout the restaurant creates a nice environment and the food is tasty.
Moose Coffee
Cafe
Coffee shop that serves coffee to go or sit down meal service
Foundry Project
Drinks
Bar which offers a good spot for an after dinner drink
Atlas Bar
Drinks
Venue with excessive Gin choices
The Wharf
Drinks
Typical English pub located along the canals
Gooey
Dessert
DELICIOUS, large and moist cookies
Makers Market
Snacks
Stop by the Makers Market on the second Sunday of the month in the Norther quarter for tasty snacks ranging from baked goods to empanadas and other quick bites.
Other Notes
Duration
A weekend in Manchester is perfect to get a chance to see a football game, wander around the city, explore some of the markets and try some restaurants.
Time of Year
As Manchester is up north in England, visiting in the winter will mean darker days and it’s more likely to be rainy. With this in mind, it’s better to visit in the nicer months or at least spring or autumn to have longer hours of daylight.