CONTACT USVibrant, energetic and eclectic, Manchester is the perfect city for a cultured-yet-lively trip. Whether you want to explore the textile heritage of this industrial town, discover more about the city’s musical roots or experience world-class dining, Manchester has everything you could wish for on a city break.
While you could spend longer exploring this northern city, a weekend is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what Manchester has to offer. To help get you started with planning your trip, we’ve put together some of the best things to do in Manchester in 48 hours.
Travel tips:
Manchester is easily reachable from across the country, with trains arriving from London Euston into Manchester Piccadilly in just over 2 hours. For those travelling from the north, the city can be reached from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in under 3 hours and Leeds in just 1 hour.
Most of the city centre is walkable and one of the best ways to explore is on foot. With this in mind, choose a central hotel that gives easy access to the best things to do in Manchester. The Midland, for example, is a stone’s throw from a variety of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars. With stylish and luxurious rooms, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day (or night) on the town.
Day One:
Morning:
The best way to start your two-day trip to Manchester is to explore the city on foot to get your bearings. For window shopping, head to the ultra-cool Northern Quarter. With plenty of independent shops, vintage stores and quirky establishments, you’ll find plenty to see here. If designer shopping is more your thing, walk towards the Arndale Centre or Spinningfields.
Lunch:
Manchester is a foodie’s dream, and there are plenty of lunch spots to choose from. In the Northern Quarter, you’ll find everything from pizza to elegant Asian food. If you’re in the Spinningfields area, there are plenty of luxury dining options too.
Afternoon:
After lunch, consider exploring one of Manchester’s exciting and innovative museums. The People’s History Museum is worth a visit and is ideally located next to Spinningfields. Alternatively, pay a visit to the neo-gothic John Rylands Library, which is an exquisite example of late Victorian architecture.
Dinner:
Once you’ve had your fill of Manchester’s cultural offerings, head back to The Midland for dinner. With incredible fine dining in The French, enjoy intricate dishes of the highest quality created by chef Adam Reid. For after-dinner cocktails, stop by the beautifully designed Midland Bar.
Day Two:
Morning:
For your second morning in Manchester, enjoy a leisurely brunch in one of the city’s best breakfast establishments. The café in Manchester Town Hall is a good choice, as it offers the opportunity to visit one of the city’s finest landmarks too. Alternatively, keep it simple by enjoying an exquisitely crafted brunch at The Midland.
Afternoon:
For an afternoon tipple, head to Deansgate. Offering some of the trendiest bars in the city, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two. Deansgate is also conveniently located near to the Manchester Arena and the Royal Exchange Theatre, making it a great place to enjoy a drink and dinner before seeing a concert or show.
Dinner:
Whether you’re looking for a post-show supper or a full dining experience after spending the day exploring the city, head back to The Midland for dinner. Our Mr Cooper’s Restaurant and Bar offers the perfect relaxed ambience for your last night in the city, with exceptional dishes that are sure to delight.
From the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields, Manchester is the perfect location for a vibrant city break. For more ideas to inspire your trip to this exciting city, discover our selection of things to do in Manchester.