Manchester’s reputation for being one of the best city breaks in the UK is well-earned.
This, after all, is a city that offers a little bit of everything, minus the sunshine (unless you’re lucky).
It’s easy to reach, and there are plenty of quality hotels to choose from, and with prices lower than in London, it’s not hard to see why it offers a welcome alternative to the capital.
In this article, we’ll run through some useful tips for having a great weekend in Manchester, including travelling by train, using an introductory poker deal to brush on your skills before a visit to Grosvenor Casino, and bringing some extra cash for Manchester’s excellent shops.
Stay central
Tip number one: stay central.
Yes, you might save a bit of extra cash if you stay away from the city centre, but if you’re only visiting for the weekend, then it’ll be worth the extra money. Plus, you’ll save cash on public transport and taxis anyway.
Manchester is highly walkable, and from the centre, you’ll be able to reach everywhere you want to be.
For things a little further afield, there’ll be quick and easy transport from the centre.
It pays to stay in the mix in most cities, but it’s especially true when visiting Manchester.
Take the train
Manchester is extremely well-served by trains from other parts of the country, so if you’re coming from within the UK, take the train.
This will be useful because it means you won’t need to worry about parking (which can be difficult in Manchester).
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the English countryside from your seat. The main train stations are located right in the centre of the city and are pretty iconic in their own right.
Enjoy the nightlife
There are many things Manchester gets right, and that’s especially true when it comes to nightlife.
It’s recommended to have a little sleep after your day of exploring, so you can hit the town in style.
Start in one of the city’s impressive restaurants (the food scene is arguably second best in the country, after London), before hitting one of the swanky bars.
From there, you can hit the stylish Grosvenor Casino for a night at the tables before rounding it off with some world-class music at one of the city’s excellent music venues or nightclubs.
Hit up a museum
Manchester is a cultural powerhouse, so it should come as no surprise that the city is filled with great museums.
Indeed, you could spend the whole weekend hopping from one museum to the next.
But let’s say that you want to do other things too, and you only have time for a couple of museum tours. Which should you choose?
The Science and Industry Museum is well worth a visit, as is The Manchester Museum.
Football fans will find there’s plenty to love about the National Football Museum, which features tons of information and memorabilia.
And the shops
We may be biased, but we think that Manchester offers the best shopping in the country. Yes, even better than London.
Why? There are just so many places to choose from, and there are not as many crowds as in the capital.
You’ll find all the big-name stores in the city centre, or you could take a trip out of the Trafford Centre.
Remember that you’ll need to carry all those shopping bags home, though.
Soak up the atmosphere
Finally, be sure to just explore the city and soak up the atmosphere.
There really is a special energy in Manchester, and it’s best to leave some time for just wandering around and exploring the historic pubs and buildings.
You’ll come across plenty of friendly faces, and you’ll hear some well-known songs from the Manchester region.
Who knows, you might just return home with an eye to planning another trip to the city — it’s certainly an easy place to love and visit again and again.
