Last week, I went back to my favorite city in England – Manchester. It holds a special place in my heart as my university city and the place where I bought my first property. Of course, London is great, but it can be expensive. Although I highly recommend London to travelers, I think that there are so many cheaper cities where you can truly experience British culture. Manchester is definitely at the top of this list! Here are couple of fun this to do in Manchester!
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Fun things to do in Manchester
The Lonely Planet has highlighted Manchester as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2016. It’s a combination of culture, architecture, shopping and music scene make it a fantastic getaway. You can have an amazing time in Manchester on a weekend, but I highly recommend that you go for a week at least.
Just be prepared – the weather in Manchester can be very changeable and it rains a lot, because of the Pennines. Take an umbrella and a rain jacket, also a few layers, particularly if you are traveling in the autumn or winter months (October to February).
Fun things to do in Manchester on a Budget
Oh, and did I mention, many of the sights and museums are completely FREE, making Manchester a great student or budget travelers destination. π
Getting to Manchester
If you are coming from abroad, the best thing to do is fly into Manchester Airport. Public transport from the airport is excellent. You will probably get to Manchester Piccadilly by train from Manchester airport. There are several train stations in Manchester – most trains come into Manchester Piccadilly, the largest and the main train station in Manchester.
If you are staying near the University, you might be better getting a train to Manchester Oxford Road. The other smaller train station in the city center is Victoria, which you will only use if you are near the Pressworks or going to the MEN (Manchester Evening News Arena).
Trains in the UK are always cheaper if you book in advance. Read this article on Travel Hacking UK Trains. Avoid taxis if you want to save money, and if you do use a taxi, make sure that it is on the meter at Tariff 1 (unless it is after midnight or a public holiday). The best thing to do is use Uber, because the app will tell you exactly how much you are paying.
Within Manchester, you can also travel around the city and area by Metrolink (trams). Remember to book your ticket before you board (go to the ticket machines).
My Top 10 Things to do in Manchester on a Budget
#1 Manchester Cathedral
For one of my university modules, I used to meet my lecturer atΒ the Cathedral. It is a stunning example of a Grade 1 listed Anglican Cathedral.
#2 The Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum is located on Oxford Road next to the main University building. Manchester Museum is FREE entry and home to over 60 mummies and a collection of dinosaur bones! The Museum also has a live collection in the Vivarium, where you can meet frogs and other amphibians/reptiles, so it’s great if you are traveling with kids. You will need to get a bus for 10 minutes down Oxford walk, or if you are prepared to walk, it will take about half an hour.
#3 The Museum of Science and Industry
The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is another FREE museum in Manchester and offers many interactive collections. They also have free exhibitions and events – they recently had an ‘adult ball pool!’
#4 Manchester Art Gallery
Another FREE delight in Manchester is the Art Gallery. It is easy to find (Mosley Street) and houses fine art, craft, and design collections. Regular exhibitions come to the gallery, and until January 2016, you can see ‘House Proud’ House Proud, an exhibition of glass, metalwork, and furniture inspired by the Gallery’s Industrial Art Collection.
#5 Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library on St. Peter’s Square is an example of 1930’s rotunda design based loosely on the Pantheon in Rome. Another freebie so does go inside and in particular, explore the ground floor if you have time.
#6 Go to a Gig!
If you are a music lover, you have to appreciate the live music scene in Manchester. It is the home of the famous Hacienda and birthplace of the Smiths, Stone Roses and Joy Division. My favourite places to see live music are the Albert Hall and the Manchester Academy on Oxford Road. Our recent gig of choice was the fabulous Bloc Party π which is one of the fun things to do in Manchester.
#7 John Ryland’s Library
Yes, I am a bit of a library buff! I spent a great deal of time in the stunning John Rylands Library Deansgate. It is a stunning late Victorian neo-gothic building that you can visit for free. Go inside (for free) to appreciate the internal structure. Don’t get this one mixed up with the other John Rylands library – there is also a library called John Rylands on Oxford Road, but it is the Deansgate on you need to visit.
Alternative Destinations in Manchester
If you love just roaming around to see artsy or alternative destinations, while you are there, you should check out the Northern Quarter. For alternative fashion, trade in the Trafford Centre trip for Afflecks Palace π
Update: Sadly Afflecks palace is now closed.
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