Instead of breezing through Manchester’s charms in one day, why not spend a long weekend learning more about the city and the surrounding area?
Jemima Forbes maps out an extended four-day itinerary through the city’s creative, culinary, and archeological gems.
I’m a full-time travel writer and part-time explorer. While I’ve lived and worked all over the world, the UK is where I was born and where I’ll always call home. Manchester holds special significance for me: it’s the place I’ve lived the longest – and it has never failed to satisfy my food-loving heart.
Why You Should Visit Manchester
Delectable food, world-class sports, exquisite art, cool industrial-era architecture: Manchester really is a city that has something to appeal to everyone. It’s grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical, and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK.
Tick Off Some of the City’s Creative and Architectural Gems
Most of Manchester’s attractions are concentrated in the center, making it the best place to base yourself. There are many options serving both sweet and savory delights in Manchester City Center, including Pot Kettle Black, Ezra & Gil, and Moose Coffee.
After breakfast, stroll past a few central landmarks. In Albert Square, you can take in the Gothic facade of Manchester Town Hall as well as seasonal decorations. Finish your mini tour at St Peter’s Square, the location of the incredibly photogenic Central Library and the statue of famed suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
You can then venture south down Oxford Street to the Whitworth Art Gallery (about 25 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by bus). Dating back to the late 1800s, this majestic building houses a treasure trove of extraordinary artworks from renowned artists like JMW Turner.
Visit Victoria Baths
Afterward, cross Oxford Road and head down Hathersage Road to Victoria Baths. The partially restored, Grade II–listed bathhouse is one of the city’s most beautiful early Edwardian structures. While you can’t swim, you can get access to the exquisitely tiled Turkish Baths and three separate pools during free tours of the building.
If you can’t go inside, spend a brief moment admiring the Baths’ red-brick exterior before heading to the nearby Pankhurst Centre on Nelson Street. The unassuming terraced house is the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, widely regarded as the birthplace of the international women’s suffrage movement.
Escape to Freight Island in the Evening
If your first day in Manchester falls between Wednesday and Sunday, you might want to make Escape to Freight Island your nighttime destination. This innovative food hall lodged in a former freight depot near Manchester Piccadilly station opened in late 2020 and is already a beloved haunt of both locals and visitors.
There’s a huge range of tempting dining venues, with pizza, pho, burgers, and tacos all on the menu. Want to follow up your food with a well-made drink? The Jane Eyre Cocktail Bar is a must-visit, offering an extraordinary menu featuring unique ingredients like basil gin and chai brandy.
Food and drink aren’t the only things on the agenda at Escape to Freight Island. You can enjoy a vast program of ticketed entertainment, ranging from comedy shows and DJ sets to live music gigs.
History is the Theme for Today
Today, you’ll kick off the day’s activities at 8am with breakfast in the northwest corner of the city center. Fuel up at Federal (great for avo toast fans) or Blacksheep Coffee.
Next up, it’s time for a museum. Depending on where your interests lie, you’ll have three major options in this area of the city: The National Football Museum, People’s History Museum, and Science and Industry Museum. These venues provide enriching insights into Manchester’s rich history.
Head to Spinningfields for Lunch
Posh Spinningfields, within walking distance of all three museums, has numerous excellent local restaurants perfect for a quick lunch. Top picks include Thaikhun for spicy green curries, Nudo Sushi Box for sumptuous salmon rolls, and Dishoom for delicious Indian comfort food.
After lunch, walk down Deansgate, stopping to admire the neo-Gothic facade of the John Rylands Library.
Enjoy a Slower Day in the City’s Trendiest Neighborhoods
With a good chunk of Manchester’s museums and monuments ticked off, it’s time for a more leisurely day. Begin in the Northern Quarter (NQ), filled with cool coffee shops, independent stores, and lots of photo-worthy street art.
Once you’ve filled up, you can explore the Northern Quarter, which resembles the streets of Manhattan. Major shopping venues include Afflecks, Fred Aldous, and Piccadilly Records.
Check Out the Greater Manchester Police Museum
The Northern Quarter hosts a real gem: the Greater Manchester Police Museum, which is only open on Tuesdays. True-crime fans will enjoy the Crime Room and a replica courthouse. If it’s not Tuesday, make a beeline for Piccadilly Gardens and then head down Mosley Street to the Manchester Art Gallery, a premium creative venue brimming with beautiful works.
Indulge Your Creative Side in Hebden Bridge
Less than 40 minutes by train from Manchester, this delightful West Yorkshire market town has been a haven for both artists and members of the LGBTIQ+ community for decades. Explore art galleries, quirky cafes, and quaint canal-side drinking holes.
Sample Suburban Life in Didsbury
Didsbury is one of Manchester’s most desirable neighborhoods, a lovely place to spend an afternoon. You can reach West Didsbury by bus or tram from the city center.
Alongside numerous dining spots and local shops, you’ll find Fletcher Moss Park, featuring attractive botanical gardens and a tea room.
