Is Manchester worth visiting? Is Manchester safe? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to England and wondering is Manchester worth visiting? In this guide we go through absolutely everything you need to know before you go. And the best news is this is all written by someone who lives in Manchester. We also answer all the important questions like is Manchester safe, is Manchester expensive, and is there anything to do in Manchester.

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Some background

Before we answer the all important question is Manchester worth visiting, here is a little bit of background.

Located in the north west of England, Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England, behind London of course. It has a population of around 553,230 people, and is known as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Manchester has played an important part in science, politics, music, arts, and sport around the world.

Is Manchester expensive?

The city of Manchester can be expensive, particularly when you compare it to some of the smaller towns in Greater Manchester. That being said though Manchester is a lot cheaper than places like London.

On average expect to pay about £60 for a meal for 2 at a mid range restaurant in the city. Cocktails can cost anywhere between £8-£12 on average, depending on where you go.

In terms of accommodation a night in a hotel chain like the Ibis for example will cost around £80 per night. Costs however for a 4 star hotel in the city centre, will set you back about £120.

Keep in mind these prices are averages. Exact costs will of course depend on your own preferences and spending habits.

Do I need cash in Manchester?

You can use your credit or debit card to pay for majority of things in Manchester. There are also a lot of food places particularly in the Northern Quarter that will only accept card payment. I honestly do not remember the last time I used cash in Manchester.

That being said you may find some smaller stores have a minimum for card payments so keep this in mind when visiting Manchester.

What language do they speak in Manchester?

Like the rest of England, English is the official language spoken in Manchester. You will need to have a basic level of English to get around the city.

Is Manchester easy to get to?

If you are wondering how best to get to Manchester the good news is there are a few options. If you are travelling from abroad there is a large international airport in the city. There are a number of flights from all over Europe and the world that fly here.

From the airport you can get a taxi which is around £30 to get into the city centre. Or you can hop on a tram or train. The train is the quickest option for getting to Piccadilly Station, and you can easily get to other parts of the city from here.

If you are travelling from other parts of the UK, the train will be the quickest and easiest way to get to Manchester. Our advice though is to make sure that you book your train tickets well in advance as these can be pretty pricey.

How long should I spend in Manchester?

Manchester isn’t big by any means, and a lot of the main attractions are concentrated in the city centre. For that reason a weekend or 2 days in Manchester is a decent amount of time to explore the city centre, have some great food, and experience the nightlife.

Are you thinking of moving to Manchester and not just visiting here is a handy guide.

Is Manchester safe?

One question we hear a lot tends to be is Manchester safe? Statistically Manchester does have a high crime rate, maybe not as much as London, but keep in mind it is smaller. That being said in 12 years of living here we have never encountered any serious issues.

Yes you might get bouts of anti social behaviour, particularly in the city centre late at night, but that’s pretty standard in most big cities. Piccadilly Gardens tends to be one of the places that a lot of homeless people as well as some anti-social behaviour. Again we haven’t had many issues here, but we don’t spend a lot of time in the area anyway. There is also a police presence in the city, so you really should be fine.

Some neighbourhoods in Manchester can be a little sketchy, but most tourist spots are fine. Again we would recommend keeping to populated areas, and avoid walking home alone late at night. Basically take your usual precautions like you would in any big cities.

Is Manchester worth visiting compared to other UK cities?

Manchester is very much worth visiting compared to other UK cities. It’s a lot smaller and more personal than the likes of London, so you are sure to get a very different experience. It’s a great place to go for shopping, nightlife, and museums.

Can I use public transport in Manchester?

A lot of the key attractions in Manchester are within walking distance of the city. For that reason you probably won’t have to use public transport to get around. But if you do find yourself wanting to venture out further the best option when it comes to public transport is the tram.

You can tap on and off the tram with a credit or debit card. You will be charged according to the Zone’s you travel, and there is a daily price cap which is good news.

The tram is great if you are visiting places such as Old Trafford, The Etihad Stadium, and Media City.

What is there to do in Manchester?

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Manchester. For more detailed information you can checkout this article on spending 24 hours in Manchester.

THE NORTHERN QUARTER

The Northern Quarter is one of the trendy parts of Manchester. There are several quirky shops in the area. And it’s one of those places that if you need an inflatable flamingo or a pug lamp you will probably find it!

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

The Museum of Science and Industry  or the MOSI as it is commonly known, is a great place to visit for kids and adults alike. The museum provides a fascinating insight into Manchester’s contribution in science and technology, particularly during the industrial revolution.

JOHN RYLANDS LIBRARY

The John Rylands Library is like something out of Harry Potter. There are lots of old collections of books, and cosy alcoves where you can spend the day reading.

MANCHESTER TOWN HALL

The Manchester Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city with its neo-gothic architecture and clock tower. It’s currently undergoing a refurb, but soon you should be able to do tours.

MANCHESTER ART GALLERY

The gallery is free to enter, and it is a great place to learn all about Manchester’s art history as well as admiring paintings from international artists.

VISIT OLD TRAFFORD

If you are a football fan you certainly have to visit one of Manchester two Premier League Football Stadiums. Admittedly we’ve not done the Manchester City stadium tour, so will have to stick to the Manchester United (Old Trafford) stadium tour instead for the purposes of this guide. It’s a fantastic tour and you get to take a peak in the dressing rooms, as well as having the opportunity to walk from the tunnel to the pitch.

Tours don’t operate on match days (for obvious reasons) so do make sure you book and plan in advance.

And just in case you are a Manchester City fan, here is the link for the tour of the Etihad stadium instead.

HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR

A hop on hop off bus tour is always a good way to orient yourself with a city. Not only do you get the chance to learn all about the city’s industrial past, but it is also a great way to explore Manchester and Salford Quays by simply hopping on and off.

VISIT SALFORD QUAYS

Salford Quays is a very quick tram ride from the city centre (just hop on the Media City UK Line and get off at Media City). Salford Quays is home to a number of water sport activities,  a monthly makers market, restaurants, bars, and of course the BBC and ITV studios. Also worth a visit is the imperial war museum.

DO A CANAL CRUISE

The canal network was a large part of Manchester industrial past, so a canal cruise is a must do when visiting. You start in the centre, and cruise down past Old Trafford, to Salford Quays.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM

To say Manchester is football mad is an understatement. The game has certainly influenced the city as well as the whole of the UK, and you can learn all about this at the National Football Museum. It’s quite interactive and you can take your photo with some of the trophies – if that is your thing.

Is Manchester worth visiting for solo travellers?

Honestly I don’t think Manchester is the most exciting place in the UK for solo travellers. In our opinion a lot of the charm of Manchester is based on the nightlife and food options.

We wouldn’t discourage anyone from visiting Manchester alone, and you will find some great things to see and do either way.

Is Manchester worth visiting for couples?

Manchester is a fantastic place to visit if you are travelling as a couple. You can explore the quaint bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter or Ancoats. You can also explore Castlefield which is a wonderful area for picnics, or just hanging out by the canals.

Is Manchester worth visiting for families?

Manchester has some excellent options for family activities. There are lots of kid friendly museums like the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Manchester Museum. Both have some great interactive exhibits that kids will love.

The John Ryland’s library is another good option for kids, especially if they want to feel like they have walked onto the set of Harry Potter.

And if you are a family of football fanatics Manchester is definitely the place to be, with options to tour Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium.

Is Manchester worth visiting for foodies?

Manchester may not be as fancy as somewhere like London when it comes to eating. But it does have 1 Michelin Star restaurant, Mana, which is located in Ancoats. But even if you took away the Michelin Star, Manchester knows how to good food.

The city is incredibly multicultural, and this is reflected in the several food choices. You have high quality tapas restaurants like El Gato Negro, modern Chinese cuisine at Tattu, top quality brunch at Federal and some of the best comfort food ever at The Sparrows. And honestly these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food in Manchester.

Also don’t get me started on some of the incredible pizza choices you have in this city!

Is Manchester worth visiting for the nightlife?

I can definitely confirm in all my years of living in Manchester, that the city knows how to party. There are so many incredible places to go out in the city, that cover everything from cocktails to club nights.

The Warehouse Project do some incredible club nights throughout the year for those looking to dance the night away. There is also the Gay Village for a fun and carefree night out. Or the Northern Quarter for cool bars and cocktail lounges. Whatever you want for a night out, you will find it in Manchester.

Is Manchester worth visiting for shopping?

Manchester is actually a really good place to visit if you want to do some shopping. You can visit Spinningfields or King Street, for excellent designer brand choices.

You also have the Northern Quarter, including Affleck’s Palace for more quirky items, vintage clothes, and even art shops. Otherwise if you want to explore the high street stores, the Arndale Centre is a fantastic option.

Is Manchester worth visiting for nature lovers?

Manchester as a city, obviously doesn’t have a huge amount of green space. If you want to get out into nature you do need to go a bit further out. For instance it is only a short drive from Manchester to the Peak District, and the Lake District. Both areas offer a lot of natural beauty and are worth visiting as a day trip from Manchester.

Incidentally, if you are looking for inspiration for some easy walks in the Peak District here is a helpful guide.

Is Manchester worth visiting for history buffs?

Considering Manchester was a key player in the Industrial Revolution the city itself is a must for history buffs. You will be able to learn all about these days at places like the Museum of Science and Industry.

Castlefield is also a great place to history lovers. Here you will find the last remainder of Manchester’s Roman beginnings.

Is Manchester worth visiting for culture lovers?

Wondering is Manchester worth visiting for culture lovers? Our answer is yes. The city has it’s own culture which is very much embraced.

Music is a big deal in Manchester, from the famous Hacienda club nights, back in the day, to the live music venues some of Manchester’s biggest bands have played in. Bands like New Order, The Smiths, and Oasis all formed in the city, which is very much a source of pride for locals.

There are also several museums and galleries in the city, that embrace the industrial past that has shaped the culture of Manchester. And you only need to spend 5 minutes in Manchester to realise how important football is.

Is Manchester worth visiting in the summer

Summer is a great time to visit Manchester. It’s a busy time in the city, but in comparison to places like London or Liverpool it’s a lot less.

Summer temperatures in Manchester average at about 20°C (68F) during the day, although in recent years there have been a lot more 30°C (86F)days. It’s the perfect time the grab a cold drink, and sit in a beer garden and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

August tends to be the busiest summer month in Manchester. There are lots of festivals on in the city, and it also coincides with school holidays. For this reason accommodation can be substantially more expensive at this time of year.

For more information on the best and worst time to visit England here is a handy guide.

Is Manchester worth visiting in the winter

To put it bluntly Manchester in winter is pretty darn miserable. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit, it just means you need to be prepared. Rain is common at this time of year, so bring an umbrella at the very least.

Manchester in winter, is best for indoor activities like shopping, eating, and drinking. There are also plenty of museums you can visit.

The Manchester Christmas markets are one of the best attractions in the city over winter. They usually open mid November and finish just before Christmas. They essentially take up most of the city centre, with stalls selling all sorts of trinkets, as well as comfort food, and mulled wine. You also have ice skating rinks, and Christmas themed bars dotted around the city in December.

What to pack when visiting Manchester?

Apart from your standard packing list here are some must haves for any trip to Manchester.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Umbrella/ waterproof coat

What should I know before visiting Manchester?

Here are some final tips for visiting Manchester.

• If you want to save some money on accommodation we recommend visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday night.
• Book your accommodation well in advance for the best rates.
• And book any restaurant reservations in advance too.
• Some bars and restaurants are closed on Monday and Tuesday so keep that in mind if visiting earlier in the week.
• The weather in Manchester can be quite unpredictable, and you can get sunshine, rain, snow and wind all in a day.

So Is Manchester worth visiting?

Hopefully by now you have answered the question is Manchester worth visiting? But if not here is a final recap.

I know that we might be biased but we really do think Manchester is worth visiting. It’s a vibrant city that is really starting to make its mark on the English food and drink scene. On top of that the people are welcoming, and it’s very laid back. If you are looking for a fun option for a UK city break, or long weekend, we highly recommend Manchester.

Hopefully this guide has inspired you to visit Manchester, and if so you can pin it below for later.

Want more inspiration here is a guide to the best day trips from Manchester.

Happy Travels!