Travel Guide To Manchester

Manchester is one of the best cities to stay, work, and explore the best of local history, culture, cuisine, nightlife, sports, and whatnot! Are you a first-time visitor to Manchester? Here are the deets on the best places to stay, get work done, and even go all touristy on your trip! 

Top Places to Stay in Manchester with their Exploration Opportunities 

Manchester is not shy of acknowledging its distinct vibe that makes it one of the best cities to stay in the UK. So, where do you stay and what do you explore in your neighbourhood? Here’s a guide that you’ll find handy. 

Manchester City Centre

Looking to make the most of your first visit to Manchester? Want to check out the biggest tourist landmarks and enjoy being at the heart of the action? The city centre is undoubtedly the best place to stay in this case. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of landmarks, while there’s the other benefit of numerous accommodation choices, great connectivity, and of course, easy access to the Piccadilly and Victoria train stations. Of course, there’s also a vibrant atmosphere that you’ll enjoy here. 

What to Explore: 

  • King Street with its architectural landmarks 
  • Arndale for food courts and shopping 
  • Manchester Cathedral, with its amazing stained-glass windows
  • Market Street, with its bustling vibe and buskers
  • Thomas’s Chop House with its fabulous classic English fare
  • Manchester Art Gallery, with its huge collection of contemporary and historical pieces 

Northern Quarter

If you are looking for a hip and cool place to stay in Manchester, then nothing beats the Northern Quarter. It is home to several clubs, restaurants, housing options, and stores, which have come up across the former warehouses dotting the place. You’ll be amazed by the fabulous street art in the area, along with the independent stores, eateries, and of course, a lovely craft beer and live music circuit. 

What to Explore: 

  • Affleck’s Palace, with its unique and quirky items for sale 
  • Banksy piece and other street art dotting the locality 
  • Oke Poke with its authentic Hawaiian cuisine
  • Manchester Craft and Design Centre with its handmade marvels 
  • The Castle for its pulsating musical performances 

Didsbury

Didsbury is a suburban zone that’s only six kilometres from the city centre. You’ll love the English village-like feel of the area and its rich history dating back to the 13th century. Another plus point is the child and family-friendly ambience along with the reputed schools, trendy stores, cafes, and wonderful restaurants. Hop over to Didsbury Village with its boutique hotels, premium restaurants, and more. 

What to Explore: 

  • Didsbury Park, with its charming picnic spots and café
  • Marie Louise Gardens, with its flowering trees and greenery 
  • Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, which offers bowling and movies
  • The Wacky Warehouse at The Bell House for its tunnels, bridges, and more
  • Escape Hunt Manchester with its escape room challenges 
  • Bisque & Beyond Family Art Café, where you can create art pieces, ranging from decopatch and pottery to foam clay

Salford

Salford was once an adjacent industrial town that is now within Manchester itself. Of course, MediaCityUK has been a game-changer for the neighbourhood. It’s brought in plenty of creative and media industries to the neighbourhood, along with several tech and media marketing companies as well. You’ll also find several cultural and leisure landmarks here that are worth checking out, while the area is veritable pub country too! 

What to Explore: 

  • Old Trafford, which is home to the iconic Manchester United FC
  • The Lowry for its arts and theatrical attractions 
  • Salford Museum and Art Gallery helps you understand the city’s history 
  • Manchester Ship Canal, with its pristine walking trail 
  • The Carlton Club for its pool and relaxing ambience 
  • MediaCity UK, with its ITV and BBC studio tours

Ancoats

Ancoats is a short distance away from the Northern Quarter, and you will fall in love with its charming and cool atmosphere. Youngsters setting up hip stores, small businesses, tiny spaces for public theatre, and new restaurants almost everywhere- this area has a lot to captivate its residents! Yet, it’s not all crowded and crazy, offering a more chilled-out experience in comparison to its buzzing neighbour. 

What to Explore: 

  • Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse for its tempting brew and the yoga and beer class known as Bro-Ja-Yoga
  • The Crown and Kettle with its Open Mic Night and performances 
  • Jungle Jazz for fabulous grub and tunes, or Cha-ology for its amazing matcha and treats
  • Hope Mill Theatre, which showcases delightful original productions in a traditional mill building 

Work Away to Glory in Manchester

Well, that takes care of the exploration and living part, but where do you get work done productively in Manchester? The Northern Quarter is an excellent place to work, with its numerous co-working spaces and trendy bars and cafes. It’s a creative and vibrant locality which will get you in the mood to work better. Colony at Piccadilly is one co-working space that offers good connectivity and a strategic location, while other work hotspots include ABode Manchester with its communal zones, Wi-Fi, and more. 

Foundation Coffee House and Takk are other popular spots for freelancers and remote workers with their lovely coffee, plug points, and relaxed seating. Searching for the best serviced apartments in Manchester from reputed providers is also worth considering. You’ll find them in almost all parts of the city and its surrounding areas, and that too at reasonable rates. 

They come with dedicated business amenities like work desks, conferencing, meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more. At the same time, they offer the space and comfort of home and the service of a hotel. This makes them great choices for your upcoming Manchester trip. 

So, what are you still waiting for? Plan your trip in advance and complete your bookings to avoid the last-minute rush. Manchester awaits!